2 Victory Over Death

yaà yaà väpi smaran bhävaà tyajaty ante kalevaram

taà tam evaiti kaunteya sadä tad-bhäva-bhävitaù

Chapter 1 “Whatever state of being one remembers when he quits his body,
O son of Kunti, that state he will attain without fail.” (BG 8.6)
Flowering Of Consciousness

What Separates A Human From Any Other Animal?

Nowadays, man imagines that we are the pinnacle of evolution
and the greatest creatures in the universe. We are sometimes even
more “animalistic” than other animals who, given a chance, would
probably view us with hatred. We would never find an army of
geese going about in bands to murder others of their own blood.
We human beings tend to display more irrational cruelty and a
more destructive nature than our fellow creatures. And if we think

Your Thoughts Create

ourselves different from, or better than animals, because of an
impressive manipulation of material energy in the form of atomic

Your Next Body

power, inventing innumerable electronic gadgets like mobile, TV,
etc. for enjoyment, or our ability to pen a few lines of decorative
poetry, Hitopadesha tells us: “If a person’s essential motivation
includes the four functions of eating, sleeping, mating and
defending, what separates him from any other animal?”
Eating
When we eat, our dog eats. We experience pleasure and the
dog too experiences the same pleasure. Your nose may recoil
when you see a dog eating a stinking fish. But remember, ‘one
man’s food is another man’s poison.’ In one sense, an animal
experiences more pleasure than a human. An animal’s mind is less
cluttered by distractions. Have you ever noticed how peacefully
and joyfully the mother cow chews her food all day long? To test
her absorption in eating, I once quietly crept behind a cow
chewing her food, with a blown-up paper bag in my hand. A few
Your Thoughts Create Your Next Body 3 4 Victory Over Death

men were also gulping down food without noticing me. ‘Bang!’ I
blew the paper bag. The humans jumped, “What was that?” Our
cow, with full attention on her cow feed, nodding her head with
closed eyes, happily continued eating without any distraction.
A sophisticated array of shopping centres, restaurants,
kitchenettes, kitchen machines and decorations, shipping methods,
agro-businesses, silverware and fashionable advertising…we are
involved in the same business as any other animal…eating.
Sleeping
Whether we sleep on a waterbed, on the floor, or in a tree, a
sleeper, man or animal, undergoes the same metabolic functions
and rejuvenation of tired limbs and organs. Once asleep, the
particular place ceases to have any relevance. Like healthy, happy
children, animals usually have no trouble sleeping. Sometimes,
unhappy insomniac humans wish they could sleep “like a polar
bear”, and if they do happen to get a good night’s sleep they feel
very pleased. Thus, the sleeping-pill-eating two-legged “pinnacles
of evolution” find themselves striving for the simple pleasure of
sleep, a pleasure fully available to every animal.
Mating
Desmond Morris bluntly puts ‘romance’ as nothing more than
an instinctive, animalistic desire for sex. When Brahmananda das
first met Srila Prabhupada they talked about this point, which he
relates in the ‘Srila Prabhupada lilamrta’:
“After I talked about my desire for religious life, I began
telling him about a conflict I had with one of my professors in
English literature. He was a Freudian, so he would explain the
characters in all the novels in a Freudian context and with a
Freudian terminology. Everything was sexual – the mother for the
son, this one for that one, and so on. But I would see it in terms of
a religious impulse, or some desire to understand God. I would
 Your Thoughts Create Your Next Body 5 6 Victory Over Death

write my papers in that context, and my professor would always Every living being in his or her own way tries to get rid of the
say, “The religious can also be interpreted as Freudian.” distress caused by old age, disease, loss or death.
So I didn’t do very well in the course. I mentioned this to the
Instinct vs. Rational Behaviour
Swami, and he said, “Your professor is correct.” I was surprised –
“I am going to an Indian swami and he is saying the professor was People sometimes think that animals function like machines,
correct, that everything was based on sex and not religion.” This without feeling or reason—solely according to “instinct”. The
kind of pulled the rug out from under me. Then he qualified what Oxford dictionary says that instinct is “an innate propensity to
he’d said. He explained that in the material world everyone is seemingly rational acts performed without conscious intention”. If
operating on the basis of sex; everything that everyone is doing is this is true for animal behaviour, what makes human behaviour
driven by the sex impulse. “So”, he said, “Freud is correct. any different? If animals are driven by “innate propensities”, what
Everything is on the basis of sex.” Then he clarified what material about our urges to eat, sleep, mate and defend? Do we rationally
life is and what spiritual life is. In spiritual life, there is a decide, “Now I will experience the urge to sleep, to evacuate, to
complete absence of sex desire. This had a profound effect on eat or to feel attracted to a member of the opposite sex?” No, like
me.” the animals, humans are also driven to action by the machine of
A boy once told me that the affection he felt for his girlfriend the material energy, of which our body is a part.
was “spiritual” irrespective of her age and beauty. She was in fact, When a couple has children, they feel an overpowering urge to
young and beautiful, so I replied: “Supposing I were to snap my protect, feed, clothe and house them. Conscientious parents
fingers and she immediately became eighty years old, would you happily neglect their own pleasures and interests for their
still feel the same way about her?” “Er…Y…e…s, of course, well, children’s sake. We call this ‘love’ and the animal’s concern for
to be honest, no.” her young, ‘instinct’. But is there any real difference?
As far as the natural result of sex is concerned, pregnancy, can In Vrindavana, I watched a monkey and her baby. The baby
we be better than the animals? A sow can easily produce thirteen repeatedly crawled away. Tirelessly, the mother retrieved her
or fourteen piglets many times throughout her life, whereas a errant son by the tail. Suddenly he made a dash for freedom, and,
woman with twins has to struggle to attend to a newsman at her to apprehend him, she had to exert herself more than she felt
door. A mosquito can produce a million offspring without much reasonable. She held the restless child with one hand and gave him
trouble. Could it be that human life is meant for more than a good telling off by angry chattering and gestures. For some time
attempting to perfect the art of romance and reproduction? after that, the baby remained quietly by her side.
If this is simply instinctive, mechanistic behaviour, then surely
Defending our human feelings are no different.
We have bombs, bank accounts, houses, locks, doctors, To help resolve this problem – whether or not anyone in this
insurance policies and peace treaties. Animals have teeth, claws, world can express original thought, feelings, actions, etc., the
nests, bad smells, natural camouflage and speed. But whether we Bhagavad-gita explains that every living being’s behaviour is a
are a Massachutes Institute of Technology graduate or a mouse, combination of both free will and determinism: “The spirit soul
we are all struggling to survive. No one meets death willingly. bewildered by the influence of false ego thinks himself the doer of
 Your Thoughts Create Your Next Body 7 8 Victory Over Death

activities that are in actuality carried out by the three modes of animals, birds, snakes and so on, the Lord was not satisfied within
material nature.” (BG 3.27) “The living entity is the cause of the His heart. Then He created human life, which offers the
various sufferings and enjoyments in this world.” (BG 13.21) conditioned soul sufficient intelligence to perceive the Absolute
Truth, and became pleased.” (SB 11.9.28)
Human Form Of Life – A Special Creation Of The Lord
Lower forms of life, such as the cow and horse, are not
As humans and beasts share similar bones, skin, hair, eyes, actually suitable to fulfil the purpose of creation. But human life
noses, hearts and minds, we also share the ability to act rationally. awards the opportunity to understand one’s eternal relationship
Animals can learn all kinds of “tricks” or ways to achieve their with God. As stated in the Vedas, “In the human form of life, the
goals. They can also calculate where, when, and how to find food. soul is fully endowed with the intelligence to understand spiritual
Think about the pictures of tigers and lions hunting for food. They knowledge. In human life, the soul may speak realised knowledge,
are still, head down and ears flat, in complete concentration, see the truth, know the future, and also understand the reality of
before they leap on their prey. If they did not concentrate, they both this world and the next. Taking advantage of the experience
would not be able to get their prey for many days! of mortal life, the soul in the human form may endeavour for
For their part, the deer put their heads up, their ears twitching immortality. The human body is fully equipped to achieve this
this way and that way, listening. If they sense their hunter nearby, end.” Therefore, one must conquer the pushing agents of the
they grow still, concentrating, ready to flee. This watchfulness, material senses like the urge to speak, the mind’s demands, actions
continuous and concentrated, saves their lives because many of of anger, tongue, belly and genitals, and focus all one’s energies in
them are able to turn away just in time. An all-pervading service of the Supreme Personality of Godhead to fulfil the actual
intelligence gives animals direction in their migratory and other purpose of human life.
habits, but such instinct or higher influence also guides human
behaviour. Five Types Of Consciousness
Animals can not only be ingenious and artful, but they also The Vedic scriptures divide consciousness into five types,
exhibit individuality. No two dogs or horses have exactly the same namely covered (avrta), shrunken (sankuchit), budding
natures or ways of doing things. From afar, we may think them all (mukullita), blooming (vikasita) and fully bloomed (poorna
to be the same, like a group of foreigners, babies or shaven-headed vikasita).
Hare Krishna monks. When we get to know animals individually, Trees and plants, for example, are almost inert. They fall into
however, we will understand that they are also distinct persons. the ‘covered consciousness’ category. They seem to show no sign
Animals may be able to think about and plan activities that of consciousness, but when we observe them carefully, we see
involve eating, sleeping, mating and defending, but there is no they have a limited consciousness. Other living entities, such as
evidence to indicate that animals try to understand the origin and worms, insects and other animals are in ‘shrunken consciousness’.
purpose of their existence. Srimad-Bhagavatam confirms this They are not as covered as the plants, but their consciousness is
point. “The Supreme Personality of Godhead, expanding His own not fully developed.
potency, maya-sakti, created innumerable species of life to house Human beings have ‘budding consciousness’. A bud appears
the conditioned souls. Yet by creating the forms of trees, reptiles, shrunken, but it has the potential to bloom into a flower. Human
 Your Thoughts Create Your Next Body 9 10 Victory Over Death

consciousness has similar and defending, he grossly misuses a wonderful gift. He misses a
potential: it appears rare opportunity.
shrunken like the animals’,
Why is a human being given better standard of life compared
but humans have the innate
to animals?
ability to develop their
consciousness to an almost There are pigs, dogs, camels, asses whose economic
unlimited extent, up to the necessities are just as important to them as ours are to us, but the
point of knowing the economic problems of these animals are solved only under nasty
Absolute Truth, the and unpleasant conditions. During one of my tours, I threw a
Supreme Personality of chapatti to a monkey under a tree; to my great surprise, two dozen
Godhead. monkeys rushed there in no time, and had a big fight for that
Other species do not have this special ability. That is why the chapatti. Similarly, a hen cannot eat grains from the ground
Vedic scriptures consider the human form of life the most elevated without the fear of being caught by the neck by some eagle or cat.
and sacred. When a human being begins to inquire sincerely about The problems of animals do not stop with eating. You can
the Absolute Truth, his bud-like spiritual consciousness begins to sometimes see a bunch of dogs assembled, poised to fight their
expand or evolve. That is the ‘blooming’ state of consciousness. opponents to get a bitch. Thus, animals have to fight to get their
When, as a result of his inquiry, he practices regulated spiritual basic requirements fulfilled.
discipline, he evolves further and further. Finally, he attains The human being, however, is given all facilities for a
complete God realisation, the ‘fully bloomed’ state of comfortable life by the laws of nature, because human form of life
consciousness. is more important and valuable than animal life. Why is a man
One gets a human body after transmigrating through eight given a better life than that of swine and other animals? Compare
million lower species. Gradually, each fallen soul evolves through the jobs of a high court magistrate who does very little work but
the various stages of consciousness—covered, shrunken, and gets a huge salary, and an ordinary clerk who does hard work
budding. At the budding stage, the embodied soul has the chance putting rubberstamps all day, sweating and getting a meagre
to develop fully his spiritual consciousness by awakening his salary, probably one tenth of what the high court magistrate gets.
relationship with God, the supremely conscious being. If he The difference is because the high court magistrate has to
neglects that opportunity, he may again undergo transmigration discharge duties of a higher nature. Similarly, the duties human
through the covered, shrunken and budding stages. beings have to perform are higher than those of animals, who are
The sub-human species are engrossed in bodily consciousness. always engaged in feeding their hungry stomachs.
Often, human beings are also, but human beings can raise Srila Prabhupada once saw a man wearing a sacred thread, but
themselves to higher levels. That is the main difference between pulling a cycle rickshaw. Prabhupada said, “Just see, he is
man and the animals. If a man, in spite of his higher faculties, supposed to do the work of a brahmana – reading and reciting
simply pursues the animal propensities of eating, sleeping, mating scriptures, performing sacrifice and teaching it to others, accepting
 Your Thoughts Create Your Next Body 11 12 Victory Over Death

and giving charity. But because he has given up his dharma, he is throughout history, the wise men were averse to material
working so hard like an ass.” enjoyments.
Thus we have a choice to either abide by the laws of God But mere aversion is not enough. One may be averse to
given in the scriptures and purify our lives as humans, or to material enjoyment and renounce the world, but the desire for
neglect the injunctions of scriptures and live like animals working enjoyment is natural. Because the soul is a minute part of the
hard for food, mate and shelter. Supreme Enjoyer, Krishna, the soul has all His qualities in minute
degree. Therefore, the innate tendency for seeking enjoyment is
What is the need of marriage or divorce? Why not a man and
inseparable from the soul. A truly intelligent person, therefore,
woman just live together?
tries to find the standard of real enjoyment. If such a person is
The scriptures prescribe the system of marriage between man serious and has good fortune, he comes in touch with a genuine
and woman coming together for the purpose of glorification of spiritual teacher, by whose mercy he comes to know what real
God. If man ignores this injunction of scripture and simply wants enjoyment is. With the spiritual master’s guidance, he gets the
to live together like animals, then he should also be ready to fight opportunity to re-establish his long-lost relationship with God.
like the dozen dogs in the street who bark at and bite the other This awakening of the soul’s dormant love of Krishna is an
dogs to enjoy with a bitch. This is the reason for increase in illicit absolute necessity, because the soul is never fully satisfied unless
connections and crime rate in many leading countries. Triangular united with Him. This is the central theme of the Vedas.
love (one man wanted by two women or one woman wanted by
two men) has caused heartburning, broken families and several The Different Degrees Of Covering
murders. Marriage is a sacred system based on Vedic civilisation Lord Sri Krishna says in the Bhagavad-gita, “As a fire is
where a married woman is seen as a mother by all men. A married covered by smoke, as a mirror is covered by dust, or as the
woman practices chastity towards her husband and will not leave embryo is covered by the womb, the living entity is similarly
her husband to run away with other men, nor will a sane man covered by different degrees of this lust.” (BG 3.38)
touch a married woman. A jiva, or soul, that has been condemned to the body of a
A human being, because of his elevated intelligence, has the plant, is indicated by the Gita’s example of an embryo covered by
freedom to choose, either to evolve spiritually and get out of a womb, because his self-consciousness is almost totally obscured.
material consciousness altogether, or to go down to lower Such non-moving forms of life, like trees or plants, are reserved
consciousness again. Less intelligent persons often consider for living entities that have lived very sinfully. Thus they are put
sensual enjoyment the goal of life and squander their lives, in a state in which they cannot harm others. Gradually, they will
struggling for objects pleasing to their senses. Their absorption in be granted the privilege of transmigrating to higher species of life
material ambitions makes lower consciousness their choice by until, after millions of births, they are awarded human birth again.
default. Intelligent persons realise the futility of such endeavours Upon reaching this human form of life, there is no guarantee that
for bodily pleasures. They realise that everything in the material they will not fall down again through sinful activity.
world is temporary. By finer intelligence they understand that all The second category, that of a mirror covered by dust,
attempts to enjoy end in bondage and misery. That is why, indicates the degree by which consciousness is covered in the
 Your Thoughts Create Your Next Body 13 14 Victory Over Death

animal kingdom. If a human being has made his consciousness Srila Prabhupada explains:
cat-like or dog-like, then at the time of death, he may be returned Here the living entity is described as ‘ishwara’, the controller
to a suitable animal body. Though dogs may eat from the gutter of his own body. If he likes, he can change his body to a higher
and mate in the street, they incur no karma. On the contrary, they grade, and if he likes he can move to a lower class. Minute
may be working off sins incurred during misused former human independence is there. The change his body undergoes depends
births. An animal is forced by material nature to act in certain upon him. At the time of death, the consciousness he has created
ways, but only human beings can choose between good karma, will carry him on to the next type of body. If he has made his
bad karma and akarma, or transcendental karma. consciousness like that of a cat or dog, he is sure to change to a
The human being’s consciousness is described as “fire covered cat’s or dog’s body. And if he has fixed his consciousness on
by smoke.” The actual purpose of this human form of life is to godly qualities, he will change into the form of a demigod. And if
clear away the smoke of illusion, letting the fire of Krishna he is in Krishna consciousness, he will be transferred to
consciousness shine forth. There is no measure to the value of Krishnaloka in the spiritual world and will associate with Krishna.
each second of human birth, more precious than all the world’s It is a false claim that after the annihilation of this body everything
gold. Thus, one should begin utilizing every moment towards our is finished. The individual soul is transmigrating from one body to
spiritual development. Otherwise, we have no guarantee that we another, and his present body and present activities are the
will have this golden opportunity of human birth again. background of his next body. One gets a different body according
to karma, and he has to quit this body in due course. It is stated
What You Weave Now, You Wear Later here that the subtle body, which carries the conception of the next
body, develops another body in the next life. This process of
As the saying goes, ‘as sure as death’, everyone has to face transmigrating from one body to another and struggling while in
inevitable death, before transmigrating into the next body. Our the body is called ‘karshati’ or struggle for existence.
previous book ‘Your Secret Journey’ explains in detail the * * *
mechanism of reincarnation, of how the soul leaves one body and çrotraà cakñuù sparçanaà ca rasanaà ghräëam eva ca
accepts another at death. adhiñöhäya manaç cäyaà viñayän upasevate
What is most important at death is the consciousness in which
we die. “The living entity, thus taking another gross body, obtains a
* * * certain type of ear, eye, tongue, nose and sense of touch, which are
Lord Krishna states in the Bhagavad-gita (15.8,9): grouped about the mind. He thus enjoys a particular set of sense
çaréraà yad aväpnoti yac cäpy utkrämatéçvaraù objects.” (BG 15.9)
A human being abhors even the smell of stool, whereas a hog
gåhétvaitäni saàyäti väyur gandhän iväçayät
rushes to consume it as soon as someone moves off after passing
“The living entity in the material world carries his different stool. How is it? In both the bodies – human and hog – the spirit
conceptions of life from one body to another as the air carries soul of the same quality is present. Still, depending on what type
aromas. Thus he takes one kind of body and again quits it to take of consciousness one cultivates, accordingly the material nature
another.” (BG 15.8)
 Your Thoughts Create Your Next Body 15 16 Victory Over Death

offers a certain type of ear, eye, nose and sense of touch to suit the into the mother’s womb in order to produce a particular type of
quality of desire. Why compare a human being and a hog? One body. This process is applicable to all embodied living entities, but
can make a comparison between two human beings. One man may it is especially mentioned for the man who was transferred to the
enjoy consuming hot dog meat or kidney meat of some animal andha-tamishara hell. After suffering there, when he who has had
along with onion, garlic and pickles, with tears gliding down the many types of hellish bodies, like those of dogs and hogs, is to
cheeks! On the other hand, another human being, in the mode of come again to the human form, he is given the chance to take his
goodness, cannot bear to see slaughtered animals hanging in a birth in the same type of body from which he degraded himself to
meat shop. Thus, these two humans are preparing for two different hell.
future bodies.
The Body Does Not Grow Automatically;
Consciousness is originally pure, like water. But if we mix
It Is Prepared And Offered By The Material Nature
water with a certain colour, it changes. It is changed according to
the association of the material qualities. Real consciousness is It may appear to some that when a pregnant woman eats, her
Krishna consciousness. When, therefore, one is situated in Krishna child’s body grows automatically. This is like concluding that a
consciousness, he is in his pure life. But if his consciousness is car is produced automatically by a factory, which consumes steel,
adulterated by some type of material mentality, in the next life he paint, rubber, etc., at one end and gives forth a shiny car at the
gets a corresponding body. He does not necessarily get a human other. This may seem a facile analogy, but we sometimes have a
body again; he can get the body of a cat, dog, hog, demigod, or very facile conception of procreation: “Oh look, he has got your
one of many other forms, for there are 8,400,000 species. nose”, or, “she is just like her dad”, etc., as if the parents have got
everything to do with the existence of the baby. Sometimes people
The Fall And The Rise say, “another miracle”, but are content to let it all remain a
çré-bhagavän uväca mystery and do not inquire further. Such attitudes are comparable
karmaëä daiva-netreëa jantur dehopapattaye to thinking that a Rolls Royce appears by chance, or at most, by
striyäù praviñöa udaraà puàso retaù-kaëäçrayaù the desire and choice of the purchaser.
Just as we know that every nut and bolt of the car has been
“The Personality of Godhead said: Under the supervision of conceived, designed, constructed and carefully placed within the
the Supreme Lord and according to the result of his work, the overall structure, similarly, every organ, bone and cell of our
living entity, the soul, is made to enter into the womb of a woman bodies has been precisely assembled. We may see a woman
through the particle of male semen to assume a particular type of putting on weight, or we may scan a developing foetus with the
body.” (SB 3.31.1) After suffering different kinds of hellish latest equipment, but we see nothing of the meticulous industry
conditions, a man comes again to the human form of body. In that is actually taking place. Just as it is possible to order a car
order to give a particular type of human form to a person who has with a certain colour, style, engine capacity, etc., according to
already suffered hellish life, the soul is transferred to the semen of choice and financial resources, similarly each and every body that
a man who is just suitable to become his father. During sexual is assembled has a certain kind of eye, ear, nose, colour, growth of
intercourse, the soul is transferred through the semen of the father
 Your Thoughts Create Your Next Body 17 18 Victory Over Death

hair, muscular strength, talent, ability, etc., according to what the women who accompanied them in that garden of fragrant flowers.
owner desires and deserves. In an intoxicated condition, they both entered the water of the
Ganges, which was full with lotus flowers, and there they began to
Our Future Is Determined By
enjoy the company of the young girls exactly as the male elephant
What We Desire And What We Deserve
enjoys the female elephants within the water.
What we desire and what we deserve – the While they were thus enjoying themselves in the water, all of a
two factors determine our future. In the sudden Narada, the great sage, happened to pass that way. He
material world we consider – “What do I want could understand that the demigods Nalakuvara and Manigriva
to do?” Next, “Can I afford the price of the were too intoxicated and could not even see that he was passing.
facility required to do it? And to what The young girls, however, were not so much intoxicated as the
standard?” I may decide to travel by car. I demigods, and they at once became ashamed at being naked
look for something suitable according to my before the great sage Narada. They began to cover themselves
taste and my ability to pay. My desire is with all haste. The two demigod sons of Kuvera were so
called ‘kama’ and my purchasing power and intoxicated that they could not appreciate the presence of the sage
fortune is called ‘karma’. Narada, and therefore, did not cover their bodies. On seeing the
two demigods so degraded by intoxication, Narada desired their
welfare, and therefore he exhibited his causeless mercy upon them
Story: The Deliverance of by cursing them.
Nalakuvara and Manigriva
Narada’s Compassionate Curse
The following abridged version of the story gives valuable
lessons to understand how kama (desire) and karma (activity) play Because the great sage was compassionate upon them, he
a role in offering our future body. Please read the story, write wanted to finish their false enjoyment of intoxication and
down the morals and discuss in groups: association with young girls, and wanted them to see Lord Krishna
face to face. He conceived of cursing them as follows. He said that
Excessive Wealth Makes One Intoxicated the attraction for material enjoyment is due to an increase of the
The two great demigods, Nalakuvara and Manigriva, were mode of passion. A person in the material world, when favoured
sons of the treasurer of the demigods, Kuvera, who was a great by the material opulence of riches, generally becomes addicted to
devotee of Lord Siva. By the grace of Lord Siva, Kuvera’s three things—intoxication, sex and gambling. Materially opulent
material opulences had no limit. As a rich man’s sons often men, being puffed up with the accumulation of wealth, also
become addicted to wine and women, so these two sons of Kuvera become so merciless that they indulge in killing animals by
were also addicted to wine and sex. Once, these two demigods, opening slaughterhouses. And they think that they themselves will
desiring to enjoy, entered the garden of Lord Siva in the province never die. Such foolish persons, forgetting the laws of nature,
of Kailasa on the bank of the Mandakini Ganges. There they drank become overly infatuated with the body. They forget that the
much and engaged in hearing the sweet singing of beautiful material body, even though very much advanced in civilization, up
 Your Thoughts Create Your Next Body 19 20 Victory Over Death

to the position of the demigods, will finally turn into ashes or Tree’s Body Suitable For One In Mode Of Ignorance
stool. And while one is living, whatever the external condition of
The great sage Narada thereafter thought that it was his duty to
the body may be, within there is only stool, urine and various
put those demigods into a condition where they could not be
kinds of worms. Thus being engaged in jealousy and violence to falsely proud of their material opulence and prestige. Narada was
other bodies, materialists cannot understand the ultimate goal of compassionate and wanted to save them from their fallen life.
life, and without knowing this goal of life, they generally glide They were in the mode of darkness, and therefore being unable to
down to a hellish condition in their next life. Such foolish persons
control their senses, they were addicted to sex life. It was the duty
commit all kinds of sinful activities on account of this temporary
of a saintly person like Narada to save them from their abominable
body, and they are even unable to consider whether this body condition. In animal life, the animal has no sense to understand
actually belongs to them. that he is naked. But Kuvera was the treasurer of the demigods, a
To Whom Does Our Body Belong? very responsible man, and Nalakuvara and Manigriva were two of
Generally it is said that the body belongs to the persons who his sons. And yet they became so animalistic and irresponsible
that they could not understand, due to intoxication, that they were
feed the body. One might therefore consider whether this body
naked. To cover the lower part of the body is a principle of human
belongs to one personally or to the master to whom one renders
service. The master of slaves claims full right to the bodies of the civilization, and when men or women forget this principle, they
become no better than animals. Narada therefore thought that the
slaves because the master feeds the slaves. It may also be
best punishment for them was to make them immovable living
questioned whether the body belongs to the father, who is the
seed-giving master of this body, or to the mother, who develops entities, or trees. Trees are, by nature’s laws, immovable.
Although trees are covered by the mode of ignorance, they cannot
the child’s body in her womb.
Sometimes a father gives his daughter in charity to a person do harm. The great sage Narada thought it fitting that, although
the brothers would be punished to become trees, by his mercy they
with a view of getting back the daughter’s child as a son. The
would continue to keep their memory and be able to know why
body may also belong to a stronger man who forces it to work for
they were being punished. After changing the body, a living entity
him. Sometimes a slave’s body is sold to a master, and from that
day on the body belongs to the master. And at the end of life, the generally forgets his previous life, but in special cases, by the
grace of the Lord, as with Nalakuvara and Manigriva, one can
body belongs to the fire, because the body is given to the fire and
remember.
burned to ashes. Or the body is thrown into the street to be eaten
Sage Narada therefore contemplated that the two demigods
by the dogs and vultures.
should remain for one hundred years, in the time of the demigods,
Before committing all kinds of sins to maintain the body, one
in the form of trees, and after that they would be fortunate enough
should understand to whom the body belongs. Ultimately it is
concluded that the body is a product of material nature, and at the to see the Supreme Personality of Godhead face to face, by His
causeless mercy. And thus they would be again promoted to the
end it merges into material nature. Therefore, the conclusion
life of the demigods and become great devotees of the Lord. The
should be that the body belongs to material nature which belongs
two demigods were favoured by the causeless mercy of Narada
to Krishna, and is controlled by Krishna.
 Your Thoughts Create Your Next Body 21 22 Victory Over Death

and given a chance to grow in Nanda’s courtyard and see Lord world, because all things are also Your different forms, and may
Krishna face to face. our eyes see the forms of Vaishnavas, who are non-different from
You.” (SB 10.10.38)
Nalakuvara And Manigriva Delivered
When the demigods Nalakuvara and Manigriva finished their
One day, although child prayers, the child, Lord Krishna, the master and proprietor of
Krishna was bound up to the Gokula, bound to the wooden grinding mortar by the ropes of
wooden mortar, He began to Yashoda, smiled and said, “It was already known to Me that My
crawl towards the twin trees in great devotee Narada Muni had shown his causeless mercy by
order to fulfil the prophecy of His saving you from the abominable condition of pride due to
great devotee Narada. Lord possessing extraordinary beauty and opulence in a family of
Krishna knew that Narada was demigods. He has saved you from gliding down into the lowest
His great devotee, and that the condition of hellish life. All these facts are already known to Me.
trees standing before Him as twin You are very fortunate because not only were you cursed by him,
arjuna trees were actually the sons but you had the great opportunity to see him. If someone is able,
of Kuvera. “I must now fulfil the by chance, to see face to face a great saintly person like Narada,
words of My great devotee who is always serene and merciful to everyone, then immediately
Narada,” He thought. Then He that conditioned soul becomes liberated. Therefore, O Nalakuvara
proceeded through the passage and Manigriva, your lives have now become successful because
between the two trees. Although you have developed ecstatic love for Me. This is your last birth
He was able to pass through the passage, the large wooden mortar within material existence. Now you can go back to your father’s
stuck horizontally between the trees. Taking advantage of this, residence in the heavenly planets, and by remaining in the attitude
with great strength, Lord Krishna began to pull the rope, which of devotional service, you will be liberated in this very life.”
was tied to the mortar. As soon as He pulled, the two trees, with After this, the demigods circumambulated the Lord many times
all their branches and limbs, fell down immediately with a great and bowed down before Him again and again, and thus they left.
sound. Out of the broken, fallen trees came two great
personalities, shining like blazing fire. All sides became Are Animals Subject To The Same Laws?
illuminated and beautiful by their presence. The two purified An animal certainly possesses desires and abilities and is busy
personalities immediately came before child Krishna and bowed exploiting all available opportunities for gratification. But he is
down to offer their respects and wonderful prayers similar to the like someone who has already purchased a car, which now must
one given below: “Henceforward, may all our words describe travel along a certain road. He is not in a position to change any of
Your pastimes, may our ears engage in aural reception of Your the conditions to which he is subjected. If he has a duck’s body, he
glories, may our hands, legs and other senses engage in actions must live by some water, and if he has a tiger’s body, he must kill
pleasing to You, and may our minds always think of Your lotus to live. He cannot be praised or blamed because his actions
feet. May our heads offer our obeisances to everything within this conform to mechanical law.
 Your Thoughts Create Your Next Body 23 24 Victory Over Death

How is it possible for an animal to determine the nature of his in the prime of his youth, he renounced everything - his queen,
future situation? Ultimately, his present position must have been family and his vast empire - and went to a place called
obtained as a result of desires and purchasing power developed in Pulahashrama on the foothills of the Himalayas. There he lived
a body with more freedom of expression and choice. According to alone in the forest along the bank of the Gandaki river. Each
both, logic and Vedic assertion, that body is the human form. In morning, Bharata worshiped the Supreme Lord by chanting the
the human form alone we have freedom to choose. “Man is the hymns given in the Rig Veda. Later in the day, he collected
architect of his own destiny”. Thus the brief span of human various fruits and roots and, as recommended in the Vedic
existence is like crossroads, where a traveller can choose one of scriptures, he offered these simple edibles to Lord Krishna, and
many paths. And when one falls down into lower species, one has then took them for his food. Even though he had been a great king,
to finish the term in those animal species, exactly like a prisoner surrounded by worldly opulence, now, by the strength of his
who is subjected to imprisonment for a fixed period of time, after austerities, all his desires for material enjoyment vanished. Thus,
which one again gets an opportunity of a human body. he became free of the root cause of bondage in the cycle of birth
The human body is awarded to give an opportunity to the and death. By his constant meditation upon the Personality of
suffering soul, to realise the Lord and return to His abode. If one Godhead, Bharata began to experience symptoms of spiritual
neglects this goal, one may repeatedly be cast in innumerable ecstasy.
lower bodies to suffer repeated birth and death. Thus, a sane
Q: What was great about Bharata Maharaja?
human being should wake up to the truth and plan for himself,
how to approach death successfully so that one will not have to Q: How should a devotee spend his morning time?
return again to this world of repeated birth and death.
Bharata Gives Shelter To The Deer
Group Task
One day, while Bharata was meditating near the bank of the
The historical story given below illustrates how the way we river, a doe came there to drink water. While she drank, a lion in
live our life and the thoughts we harbour in our minds, greatly the forest nearby roared loudly. The doe was pregnant, and as she
influence our future. If a spiritual aspirant is not careful to jumped across the river in great fear, a baby deer fell from her
safeguard himself from material attachments that come in the way womb into the swiftly flowing waters. The doe, trembling in fright
of spiritual life, one can become easily misled. Also the story and weakened and pained by the miscarriage, entered a cave,
illustrates the importance of the association of devotees of the where she soon died.
Lord who can warn us when we go wrong. Read the story As the sage Bharata observed the fawn floating helplessly
carefully and answer the questions that are inserted in between on down the river, he felt great compassion. Bharata lifted the animal
a separate sheet. from the water and, knowing it to be motherless, brought it to his
Story: A Victim Of Affection ashrama. Because Bharata was self-realised, he saw all living
beings with equal vision. He fed the deer with fresh green grass
Once the world was ruled by a very wise and experienced king daily and tried to make it comfortable.
named Maharaja Bharata. Being aware of the ultimate goal of life,
 Your Thoughts Create Your Next Body 25 26 Victory Over Death

Q: How did Bharata show his compassion to the deer? Q: Write down the common distractions, both positive and negative, that
come during your chanting.
Bharata Becomes Attached To The Deer This material world is sometimes compared to an ocean of
& Neglects Spiritual Life birth and death, and the human body is compared to a solid boat
Soon, however, he began to designed to cross this ocean. The Vedic scriptures and the saintly
develop great attachment for the teachers, or spiritual masters, are compared to expert boatmen, and
deer: he lay down with it, walked the facilities of the human body are compared to favourable
with it, bathed with it, and even ate breezes that help the boat ply smoothly to its desired destination.
with it. When he wanted to enter If, with all these facilities, a person does not fully utilize his life
the forest to collect fruits, flowers for self-realisation, then he commits spiritual suicide and risks
and roots, he would take the deer taking his next birth in an animal body.
with him, fearing that if he left it However, even though Bharata was aware of these
behind, it would be killed by dogs, considerations, he thought to himself, “Because this deer has taken
jackals or tigers. Bharata took great shelter of me, how can I neglect it? Even though it is disturbing
pleasure seeing the deer leap and my spiritual life, I cannot ignore it. To neglect a helpless person
frolic in the forest like a child. who has taken shelter of me would be a great fault.”
Sometimes he would carry the fawn
Q: Can you think of some material situation in your life where you
on his shoulders. His heart was so thought that sorting out a problem was more important than keeping
filled with love for the deer that he your spiritual life steady?
would keep it on his lap during the
Q: What would you do if somebody or some situation terribly disturbs
day, and when he slept, the deer your spiritual practices?
would rest upon his chest. He was forever petting the deer and
Q: Can you suggest a corrective action for Bharata’s behaviour?
would sometimes even kiss it. Thus, his heart became bound to the
deer in affection. Bharata Searches Anxiously For The Lost Deer
Being attached to raising the deer, Bharata gradually became
neglectful of his meditation upon the Supreme Lord. He thus One day, as Bharata was meditating, he began, as usual, to
became distracted from the path of self-realisation, which is the think of the deer instead of the Lord. Breaking his concentration,
actual goal of human life. The Vedas remind us that the human he glanced around to see where the deer was, and when he could
form is obtained only after the soul undergoes millions of births in not discover it, his mind became agitated, like that of a miser who
lower species of life. has lost his money. He got up and searched the area around his
ashrama, but the deer was not to be found anywhere.
Q: What was Bharata’s mistake in showing compassion to the deer? Bharata thought, “When will my deer return? Is it safe from
Q: Can you think of items/people that distracted you from the path of tigers and other animals? When shall I again see it wandering in
devotional service? my garden, eating the soft green grasses?” The deer did not return
 Your Thoughts Create Your Next Body 27 28 Victory Over Death

till evening. Bharata became overwhelmed with anxiety, “Has my and was fatally injured. Lying there at the point of death, he saw
deer been eaten by a wolf or a dog? Has it been attacked by a herd that his deer had suddenly appeared and was sitting at his side,
of wild boars, or by a tiger who travels alone? The sun is setting watching over him just like a loving son. Thus, at the moment of
now, and the poor animal who has trusted me since its mother death, the king’s mind was completely on the deer. In the
died, has not yet returned.” Bhagavad-gita (8.6) we learn, “Whatever state of being one
He remembered how the deer would play with him. He remembers when he quits his body, that state he will attain without
remembered how he would sometimes push the deer away from fail.”
him, pretending to be annoyed with it for disturbing his worship or
Q: Can you explain why the elephant Gajendra and the crocodile got
meditation, and how it would then immediately become fearful
their respective bodies?
and sit down motionless a short distance away. “My deer is
exactly like a little prince. Oh, when will he again return? When Q: If death comes to you the next moment, what body would you get?
What are your attachments?
will he again pacify my wounded heart?”
King Bharata Becomes A Deer
Q: Can you think of a few scriptural examples where a sadhaka (an
aspiring devotee) got distracted from his spiritual practices and In his next life, king Bharata got the body of a deer. Most
became attached to something material? living entities are not able to remember their past lives, but
Q: How can a person allured by Maya get out of her clutches?
because of the spiritual progress the king had made in his previous
life, he could, even though in the body of a deer, understand the
cause of his taking birth in that body. He began to lament, “What a
Bharata Dies Thinking Of The Deer fool I was! I have fallen from the path of self-realisation. I gave up
my family and kingdom and went to a solitary holy place in the
Unable to restrain himself, forest to meditate, where I always contemplated on the Lord of the
Bharata set out after the deer, universe. But due to my foolishness, I let my mind become
following its tiny hoof prints in the attached to – of all things – a deer. And now I have justly received
moonlight. In his madness, he began such a body. No one is to blame but myself.”
to talk to himself, “This creature was But even as a deer, Bharata, having learned a valuable lesson,
so dear to me that I feel as though I was able to continue his progress in self-realisation. He became
have lost my own son. Due to the detached from all material desires. He no longer cared for the
burning fever of separation, I feel as succulent green grasses, nor did he give a thought to how long his
if I were in the middle of a blazing antlers would grow. He returned to Pulahashrama, the very place
forest fire. My heart is now blazing where he had practiced meditation in his previous life. But this
with distress.” time he was careful never to forget the Supreme Personality of
While frantically searching for Godhead. Staying near the hermitages of the great saints and
the lost deer along the dangerous sages, and avoiding all contact with materialists, he lived very
forest paths, Bharata suddenly fell
 Your Thoughts Create Your Next Body 29 30 Victory Over Death

simply, eating only hard, dry leaves. When the time of death came so that his father would abandon his attempts to instruct him. If his
and Bharata was leaving the body of the deer, he loudly uttered father told him to do something, he would do exactly the opposite.
the following prayer, “The Supreme Personality of Godhead is the
Q: Why was Jada Bharata afraid of his friends? Think about what you do
source of all knowledge, the controller of the entire creation, and
with your friends.
the Supersoul within the heart of every living being. He is
beautiful and attractive. I am quitting this body offering Q: Can you think of two ways to escape materialistic association?
obeisances unto Him and hoping that I may perpetually engage in Q: Why did Jada Bharata not want to become a Vedic scholar?
His transcendental loving service.”
Jada Bharata’s Inner Spiritual Advancement
Q: Can you find out how Ajamila lamented after the disappearance of Unknown To People
the Visnudutas, just as Bharata lamented after occupying the body of
a deer? Jada Bharata’s nine step-brothers considered him dull and
Q: After acquiring the body of a deer, what steps did Bharata take in
brainless, and when their father died, they abandoned all attempts
order to be Krishna conscious? to educate him. They could not understand Jada Bharata’s inner
spiritual advancement. They made him work like a slave in the
Q: What precautionary measures do you take to avoid becoming a prey
to women, wealth, followers, vices, etc.? fields and his only wages were the small portions of unpalatable
foodstuffs provided by them. Each day, he was insulted and
The Life Of Jada Bharata neglected by ordinary people, who considered him to be nothing
more than a useless fool. But Jada Bharata never protested against
In his next life, King Bharata took birth in the family of a pure,
the mistreatment, for he was completely liberated from the bodily
saintly brahmana priest and was known as Jada Bharata. By the
concept of life. Whatever food came his way, he would accept it
Lord’s mercy, he could again remember his past lives. As he grew
and eat, whether it was much or little, palatable or unpalatable. His
up, Jada Bharata became very much afraid of his friends and
body was as strong as a bull’s, and his limbs were very muscular.
relatives, because they were very materialistic and not at all
Because his body was perpetually dirty, his spiritual knowledge
interested in making spiritual progress. Therefore, although he was
and effulgence were covered, just like a valuable gem covered by
very intelligent, he behaved just like a madman. He pretended to
dirt and grime.
be dull, blind, and deaf, so that mundane people would not try to
talk to him. But within himself, he was always thinking of the Q: Look for a verse in the 12th chapter of the Bhagavad-gita where the
Lord and remembering His glories, which alone can save one from equipoised nature of a devotee amidst insult and honour is explained.
repeated birth and death. Q: Find out a verse in the 6th chapter of the Bhagavad-gita where the
Jada Bharata’s father was filled with affection for his son, and equanimity of a self-realised soul is explained.
in his heart he hoped that Jada Bharata would someday become a Q: Think of a situation where you protested against someone mistreating
learned scholar. Therefore he tried to teach him the intricacies of you. Look for a deeper meaning with the help of the verse, ‘trinad api
Vedic knowledge. But Jada Bharata purposely behaved like a fool sunicena taror api sahishnuna’.
 Your Thoughts Create Your Next Body 31 32 Victory Over Death

Jada Bharata Taken For Sacrifice To The Temple Of Goddess Jada Bharata Saved From Robbers
Kali The robbers bathed Jada
Once, a leader of a band of dacoits went to the temple of the Bharata, dressed him in new silk
goddess Bhadrakali to offer in sacrifice a dull, unintelligent human garments, and decorated him with
being resembling an animal. Such sacrifices are nowhere ornaments and garlands. They fed
mentioned in the Vedas and were concocted by the robbers for the him a sumptuous last meal and
purpose of gaining material wealth. Their plan was foiled, brought him before the goddess.
however, when the man who was to have been sacrificed escaped, Jada Bharata was forced to sit
so the chief robber sent his henchmen out to find him. Searching before the deity. Then, one of the
through fields and forests in the darkness of night, the robbers thieves, acting as the chief priest,
came to a rice field and saw Jada Bharata, who was sitting on high raised a razor-sharp sword to slit
ground guarding the field against the attacks of wild boars. The Jada Bharata’s throat so they could
robbers thought Jada Bharata would be a perfect sacrifice. They offer Kali his warm blood as liquor.
bound him with strong ropes and brought him to the temple of But the goddess could not bear this.
goddess Kali. She understood that the sinful
Due to his complete faith in the protection of the Supreme thieves were about to kill a great
Lord, Jada Bharata did not protest. His consciousness was, “My devotee of the Lord. Suddenly, the
Lord, I am now surrendered unto You. I am Your eternal servant, form of the deity burst open and the goddess herself appeared, her
and if You like You can kill me, or if You like You can protect body burning with an intense, intolerable effulgence. The
me. In any case, I am fully surrendered unto You.” infuriated goddess flashed her blazing eyes and displayed her
fierce, curved teeth. Her eyes glowered and she appeared as if she
Q: Who was the great devotee king who did not budge an inch despite
were prepared to destroy the entire cosmos. Leaping violently
seeing a gigantic fiery demon about to kill him?
from the altar, she quickly decapitated all the rogues and thieves
Q: How do we achieve this fearless state of complete faith in the Lord’s with the very sword with which they had intended to kill the saint
protection?
Jada Bharata.
Q: What would you infer from this instance of Kali decapitating her own
worshipers?
Q: Can you think of other examples or stories that show how the
demigods love the Lord’s devotees and offer blessings or
appreciation or protection or reward to them?
 Your Thoughts Create Your Next Body 33 34 Victory Over Death

Jada Bharata Encounters King Rahugana Jada Bharata Instructs King Rahugana
After his escape from the Kali temple, Jada Bharata continued “My dear king”, said Jada Bharata, “whatever you have said
his wanderings, remaining aloof from materialistic men. One day, about me is true. You seem to think that I have not laboured hard
as King Rahugana of Sauvira was being carried through the enough to carry your palanquin. That is true, because actually I am
district on a palanquin resting on the shoulders of several servants, not carrying your palanquin at all. My body is carrying it, but I am
the men, who were fatigued, began to falter. Realizing they would not my body. You accuse me of not being very stout and strong,
need another carrier to help them cross the Ikshumati River, the but this merely shows your ignorance of the spirit soul. The body
king’s servants began searching for someone. may be fat or thin, or weak or strong, but no learned man would
Soon they saw Jada Bharata, who appeared to be a good say such things about the real self within. As far as my soul is
choice because he was very young and as strong as an ox. Jada concerned, it is neither fat nor skinny.”
Bharata agreed to follow their order. But because he saw all living Jada Bharata then began to instruct the king, saying, “You
beings as his brothers, Jada Bharata could not perform this task think you are the lord and master, and you are therefore trying to
very well. As he walked, he kept stopping to make sure that he did command me, but this is also incorrect, because these positions are
not step on any ants. Unaware of what was causing the sudden ephemeral. Today you are a king and I am your servant, but in our
jolts, King Rahugana shouted, “What’s going on? Can’t you carry next lives our positions may be reversed; you may be my servant
the palanquin properly? Why is it jerking like this?” and I your master.”
Hearing the threatening voice of the king, the frightened Just as the waves of the ocean bring pieces of straw together
servants replied that the disturbance was being caused by the new and then break them apart, the force of eternal time brings living
man, Jada Bharata. The king angrily chastised Jada Bharata, entities together in temporary relationships, such as master and
sarcastically accusing him of carrying the palanquin like a weak, servant, and then breaks them apart and rearranges them. “In any
skinny, tired old man. But Jada Bharata, who understood his true case”, Jada Bharata continued, “who is master, and who is
spiritual identity, knew that he was not his body. He was neither servant? Everyone is forced to act by the laws of material nature;
fat, nor lean, nor thin, nor did he have anything to do with the therefore no one is a master and no one is a servant.”
lump of flesh and bones that comprised his body. He knew that he The Vedas explain that the human beings in this material
was an eternal spirit soul situated within the body, like a driver world are like actors on a stage, performing under the direction of
within a machine. Therefore, Jada Bharata remained unaffected by a superior. Onstage, one actor may play the role of a master, and
the king’s angry criticism. another may play the role of his servant, but they both are actually
Jada Bharata remained silent and kept carrying the palanquin the servants of the director. In the same way, all living entities are
as before, but the king, being unable to control his temper, the servants of the Supreme Lord, Sri Krishna. Their roles as
shouted, “You rascal, what are you doing? Don’t you know that I masters and servants in the material world are temporary and
am your master? For your disobedience I shall now punish you.” imaginary. After explaining all this to King Rahugana, Jada
Bharata said, “If you still think that you are the master and that I
am the servant, I shall accept this. Please order me. What can I do
for you?”
 Your Thoughts Create Your Next Body 35 36 Victory Over Death

King Rahugana, who had been trained in spiritual science, was fully engaged in the service of the Lord, but I relaxed my control
astonished to hear the teachings of Jada Bharata. Recognizing him over my mind and became so affectionate to a small deer that I
as a saintly person, the king quickly descended from his neglected my spiritual duties. At the time of death, I could think of
palanquin. His material conception of himself as a great monarch nothing but the deer, so in my next life I had to accept the body of
had been obliterated, and he fell humbly to the ground, his body a deer.”
outstretched, offering obeisances, his head at the feet of the holy
Importance Of Saintly Association
man.
“O saintly person, why are you moving through the world Jada Bharata concluded his teachings by informing the King
unknown to others? Who are you? Where do you live? Why have that those who desire freedom from the cycle of reincarnation
you come to this place? O spiritual master, I am blind to spiritual must always associate with self-realised devotees of the Lord.
knowledge. Please tell me how I may advance in spiritual life.” Only by associating with exalted devotees can one attain the
King Rahugana’s behaviour is exemplary. The Vedas declare that perfection of knowledge and cut to pieces the illusory associations
everyone, even kings, must approach a spiritual master in order to of this material world.
gain knowledge of the soul and the process of reincarnation. Unless one has the opportunity to get the association of the
devotees of the Lord, he can never understand anything about
Q: Why is the master-servant relationship in the material world illusory? spiritual life. The Absolute Truth is revealed only to one who has
Q: What made King Rahugana descend from his palanquin and fall attained the mercy of a great devotee, because in the assembly of
humbly on the ground? pure devotees, there is no question of discussing material subjects
Q: What is special about Rahugana’s behaviour? like politics and sociology. In an assembly of pure devotees, there
is discussion only of the qualities, forms, and pastimes of the
Jada Bharata then gave the Vedic knowledge about how the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is praised and worshiped
soul, because of material identification, wanders throughout the with full attention. This is the simple secret by which one can
unlimited universes in different species of life. He also explained revive his dormant spiritual consciousness, end forever the vicious
how the uncontrolled mind is the greatest enemy of the living cycle of reincarnation, and return to a life of eternal pleasure in the
being. Jada Bharata said, “My dear king, as long as the spiritual world.
conditioned soul accepts the material body and is not freed from
the contamination of material enjoyment, and as long as he does Q: What was the main cause of the fall-down of King Bharata?
not conquer his senses and his mind and come to the platform of Q: How can we always remain Krishna conscious?
self-realisation by awakening his spiritual knowledge, he is forced Q: What are the different ways you can think of to associate with
to wander in different places and in different forms in this material devotees?
world.” Q: Write 10 lessons that you learnt from the above story.
Jada Bharata then revealed his own past lives, “In a previous
birth, I was known as King Bharata. I attained perfection by
becoming completely detached from material activities. I was
 38 Victory Over Death

prakåteù kriyamäëäni guëaiù karmäëi sarvaçaù

ahaìkära-vimüòhätmä kartäham iti manyate

Chapter 2 “The spirit soul bewildered by the influence of false ego thinks
himself the doer of activities that are in actuality carried out by the
three modes of material nature.” (BG 3.27)
Emotions That Dictate Our Behaviour
One CEO of a manufacturing company flew into a tirade and
shut everything down. His behaviour erupted. He screamed and
swore, bellowing criticism at the
top of his lungs. Four Vice
Presidents, eight board members
and fourteen managers cringed,
sitting in rigid silence in their

Break Free
leather-backed chairs. No one
said anything. Not then. You
could feel the thing coming on.

Of Bonds Everyone sensed in hindsight.

And none had a clue about how to
stop it.
Think back on your own
experiences. What might you
have done differently to better
manage the specific situation?
Let us consider an incident
from the life of the great philosopher Socrates that can throw some
light on this problem. Socrates used to spend his evening hours in
philosophical discussions with his friends. During one such
occasion, his wife, who was by nature quarrelsome, shouted at
him in front of all his friends about her usual chores and her
imagined problems. Socrates continued his discussions with a cool
head, but his friends were a little taken over by anxiety. When
 Break Free of Bonds 39 40 Victory Over Death

Socrates observed that his friends were getting disturbed due to As pure spirit souls, we all belong to the spiritual realm,
the rash behaviour of his wife, he suggested to them that they all endowed with pure spiritual emotions towards the Supreme
proceed to some park to continue the discussion. As soon as they Personality of Godhead; but owing to the separate desire to lord
came out of the house, all of a sudden, there was a downpour of a over material nature, we have come here to this material world.
large quantity of water from the top, right on the head and body of Here, we are covered over by two material coverings, gross and
Socrates. Everyone was shocked to notice that it was Socrates’ subtle, to acclimatize ourselves to the material world. The
wife who had gone to the first floor and poured an entire bucket of Supreme Lord is such a kind father, that He makes a suitable
water on him as a display of her anger. But no one could steal the arrangement to help the souls fulfil their foolish desires to enjoy
calmness of Socrates. He smiled and exclaimed, “Sometime ago, it the material world. In order to make this possible, He utilizes three
was thundering and now it’s raining. That’s all!” potencies – goodness, passion and ignorance – to condition them
Socrates was not just a cool-headed gentleman, but a great in a particular manner to allow them to fulfil their desires. For
realised philosopher who was deeply aware that ‘he’ was not this example, a living entity wants to taste stool. In order to do this
material body. The body is just a covering upon the pure soul, the abominable activity, he is endowed with a suitable body in the
spiritual personality. When Socrates was administered poison, he mode of ignorance, like that of a pig, which appreciates stool.
laughed at those who wanted to kill him and said that they could Another living entity wants to achieve fame as the one who
not even see ‘him’, what to speak of capturing ‘him’ or killing possesses the tallest building, and in order to do that, he is offered
‘him’! a body that can work hard to accomplish his goals.
How is it that even the most learned and educated are deceived
and overpowered by such forces like anger, lust, pride, greed, The Three Unseen Ropes That Bind Us
envy and illusion? The original nature of the soul is that of peace,
The material world is like a vast machine, of which we are
love, bliss, purity, wisdom and eternity. One who has the
tiny, dependent parts. This machine has three gears – goodness,
knowledge of the soul, God, and their eternal loving relationship,
passion and ignorance. These three potencies are employed to
can never be bewildered by the pushings and pullings of the mind
condition the souls differently according to their desires to enjoy
and senses.
the material world, and to effect a gradual development to a stage
Modern scientists have hardly begun to understand these
where they can break free of these bonds and return back home,
emotions that the living beings exhibit. Most often they wrongly
back to Godhead.
conclude that these emotions are merely due to some chemical
secretions in the body. But authentic scriptures, like the How Would You React?
Bhagavad-gita and Vedic literatures, give us a detailed account of Let us take a simple situation to illustrate how these three
such behaviour. Not only do they explain the mechanism of such modes are observed in people. Say a hundred people are sitting
behaviour, but they also offer us tangible solutions to modify our and watching a movie in a theatre and the fire alarm sounds. How
behaviour, to become better gentlemen for the benefit of the home, do you think they will react?
nation and the world. Not all of them will react in the same manner.
 Break Free of Bonds 41 42 Victory Over Death

• People with passion dominating their minds jump up and What Is The Purpose Behind
begin to run around, searching for a fire extinguisher. Too The Three Modes Of Material Nature?
much passion creates reliance on activity. The living entities are called ‘tatastha shakti’, or marginal
• People with ignorance dominating their minds panic and flee, energy, because their position is like the bank of a river, which
or faint because of dullness, confusion and fearfulness. may be wet or dry. Similarly, the living entities can either choose
• People with goodness dominating their minds will calmly to serve the Lord with love and devotion, and remain under the
analyse the situation before acting, and attempt to create order control of Yoga Maya, or they can become rebellious and be away
in a potentially chaotic situation. from the Lord under the control of Maha Maya. Everyone has to
In the mode of goodness, one can see things in the right position, surrender to Krishna, otherwise they will surrender to Maya. This
one can hear things in the right position, and one can taste things is natural. As soon as the rebellious living entity comes in contact
in the right position. Sattva, or goodness, lends itself towards with the external energy (material world) or the Lord, he is caught
calm, clear, creative thinking, a state of mind that allows one to up under the clutches of three modes of material nature - mode of
find effective solutions to life’s problems. One becomes cleansed goodness, passion, and ignorance. Lord Sri Krishna says in the
inside and outside. Bhagavad-gita:
The lesser qualities of rajas, or passion, can then be relied daivé hy eñä guëa-mayé mama mäyä duratyayä
upon to implement these solutions, and tamas, or ignorance, to
mäm eva ye prapadyante mäyäm etäà taranti te
bring these activities to an end. An influence of too much passion
and ignorance can distort the naturally positive aspects of these “This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of
supportive qualities, and have a negative impact on our lives. One material nature, is difficult to overcome. But those who have
in the mode of passion is never satisfied with the position he has surrendered unto Me can easily cross beyond it.” (BG 7.14)
already acquired; he hankers to increase his position. If he wants Another meaning of guna is rope; it is to be understood that
to construct a residential house, he tries his best to have a palatial the conditioned soul is tightly tied by the ropes of illusion. A man
house, as if he would be able to reside in that house eternally. And bound by the hands and feet cannot free him—he must be helped
he develops a great hankering for sense gratification. He always by a person who is unbound. Because the bound cannot help the
wants to enjoy sense gratification with family members and bound, the rescuer must be liberated. Therefore, only Lord
relatives. Krishna, or His bona fide representative, the spiritual master, can
One in the mode of ignorance does not work by a regulative release the conditioned soul. Without such superior help, one
principle. Even though he has the capacity to work, he makes no cannot be freed from the bondage of material nature. Devotional
endeavour. service, or Krishna consciousness, can help one gain such release.
Thus the souls, or living entities, conditioned by material Krishna, being the Lord of illusory energy, can order this
nature are of various types. One is happy (goodness), another is insurmountable energy to release the conditioned soul. He orders
very active (passion), and another is helpless (ignorance). this release out of His causeless mercy on the surrendered soul,
and out of His paternal affection for the living entity, who is
originally a beloved son of the Lord. Therefore, surrender unto the
 Break Free of Bonds 43 44 Victory Over Death

lotus feet of the Lord is the only means to get free from the All colours, forms, other sense objects and the particular
clutches of the stringent material nature. quality of sense perception, are produced by a combination of the
As a simple example, we can consider the three primary three modes: goodness, passion and ignorance. How these modes
colours, yellow, red and blue, which are products of, and expand unlimitedly can be understood by considering how three
represent, the modes of goodness (yellow), passion (red), and times three equals nine, three times nine equals twenty seven,
ignorance (blue). By combining these three colours, one can three times twenty seven equals eighty one, and so on.
produce the entire colour spectrum, and paint pictures, which can
Which Mode Are You In?
arouse any emotion. Pots of paint do not usually inspire emotion
but, manipulated by an artist, paint appears to possess its own We can analyse anything and see
special potency to enchant the hearts. Similarly, the Supreme the mode at work.
artist, Lord Krishna, and His assistants such as Maya and Lord • People, animals, plants, times of
Brahma, have expertly designed the material world using day, food and places;
unlimited colour combinations of the three modes of material • Thinking, feeling, willing, acting,
nature to attract us to a perverted reflection of the spiritual reality happiness and sadness; and
(praksepatmika shakti, meaning kicking potency), and to entice us • Sacrifice, austerity, charity,
with its false charm (avaranatmika shakti, meaning covering renunciation, and knowledge are all
potency). Although the living entity situated in a particular mode predominated by certain
imagines himself to be happy, it is illusory happiness; but such combinations of the modes of
illusory happiness appears real to even great sages and demigods. nature.
The material world, which is a perverted imitation of the spiritual
world, offers facility for the conditioned soul to enjoy false For example, you can compare the
society, false friendship and qualities of the three animals given
false love, imagining it to below:
be real. This is made Elephant – mode of goodness
possible by the three modes.
• Eats only fresh vegetarian food,
But once the living entity
grass
realises his suffering and
• Large, strong and gentle
surrenders to the Lord, then
the covering of Maya is • Because of its intelligence, learns to
removed, and he can work well with humans
understand his Lion – mode of passion
constitutional position as an • Kills and eats flesh of other animals
eternal servant of the Lord. • Fierce, aggressive nature
• Very restless
 Break Free of Bonds 45 46 Victory Over Death

Jackal – mode of ignorance When a living entity comes in contact with the material
• Rather than seek its own food, it eats whatever is left over creation, his eternal love for Krishna is transformed into lust, in
after another animal has eaten association with the mode of passion. Or, in other words, the sense
• Tends to be fearful of love of God becomes transformed into lust, as milk in contact
• Lazy animal with sour tamarind is transformed into yogurt. Then again, when
• Nocturnal, shuns daylight lust is unsatisfied, it turns into wrath; wrath is transformed into
illusion, and illusion continues the material existence. Therefore,
We can remember times in our lives when we have felt lust is the greatest enemy of the living entity, and it is lust only
peaceful, clear headed and kind-hearted towards all creatures, which induces the pure living entity to remain entangled in the
when the simple beauty of nature pleased us and we contemplated material world.
the purpose of life. At other times, we have felt ourselves driven Wrath is the manifestation of the mode of ignorance; these
by a passionate desire to achieve something, to prove something, modes exhibit themselves as wrath and other corollaries. If,
or to satisfy our senses at all costs. Some other times, we have felt therefore, the mode of passion, instead of being degraded into the
like just sleeping without any goal, or were perhaps bewildered by mode of ignorance, is elevated to the mode of goodness by the
an intoxicant. prescribed method of living and acting, then one can be saved
When in the midst of such moods and feelings, we may have from the degradation of wrath by spiritual attachment. Otherwise,
felt: “I am peaceful”, “I am burning with desire”, or “I am fresh the material energy binds us more and more. By our own efforts,
and full of energy”, or, “I am tired”, or, “I am happy”, or, “I am we cannot get out of this bondage, which is known as “pavarga”.
upset.” We go through our lives impelled by many different “Pavarga” is the fifth set of letters in the Sanskrit Devanagari
mixtures of emotions and feelings. Sometimes we may look back alphabet. It contains the letters pa, pha, ba, bha, and ma.
and wonder: “Why did I behave like that, or say those things, or
Pa - Parishrama = hard labour
think in that way or react in such a bad manner?” Sometimes we
act logically and reasonably, and sometimes we are overcome by Every living entity in this world is struggling very hard to
emotional behaviour which we may regret later. maintain himself and survive. This is called the hard struggle for
existence. The ‘mudhas’ are those who are grossly foolish, like
How Does One Become A Secure Prisoner In This World?
hardworking beasts of burden. They want to enjoy the fruits of
A rope is made by twisting fibre in a threefold process. First their labour by themselves, and so do not want to part with them
the fibre is twisted in three small strands, then three of them are for the Supreme. The typical example of the beast of burden is the
twisted together, then again three of those are twisted together. In ass. This humble beast is made to work very hard by his master.
this way, the rope becomes very strong. Similarly, the three modes The ass does not really know for whom he works so hard day and
of nature-- goodness, passion, and ignorance-- are mixed, after night. He remains satisfied by filling his stomach with a bundle of
which they produce some by-product. Then they are mixed again, grass, sleeping for a while under fear of being beaten by his
and then again. Thus they are “twisted together” innumerable master, and satisfying his sex appetite at the risk of being
times. Thus one becomes like a secure prisoner in this world. repeatedly kicked by the opposite party. The ass sings poetry and
 Break Free of Bonds 47 48 Victory Over Death

philosophy sometimes, but this braying sound only disturbs others. children and performing religious ceremonies. However, all these
This is the position of the foolish fruitive worker, who does not devotees are intensely engaged in the loving service of Lord
know for whom he should work. He does not know that karma Krishna. The residents of Vrindavana perform all activities in pure
(action) is meant for yajna (sacrifice). Krishna consciousness, and thus they exist on the most exalted
platform of liberated life. Otherwise, the same activities performed
Pha - Phena = foam
without Krishna consciousness constitute bondage to the material
Most often, those who work very hard day and night to clear world.
the burden of self-created duties say that they have no time to hear Thus, one should not misunderstand the exalted position of the
of the immortality of the living being. To such ‘mudhas’, material residents of Vrindavana, nor should one consider oneself highly
gains, which are destructible, are life’s all in all—despite the fact religious simply because one performs ordinary domestic affairs
that the ‘mudhas’ enjoy only a very small fraction of the fruit of very enthusiastically, but without Krishna consciousness. By
labour. Sometimes, they spend sleepless days and nights for focusing our passionate attachment on our family and society, we
fruitive gain, foaming in the mouth and, although they may have are completely deviated from the progressive path of Krishna
ulcers or indigestion, they are satisfied with practically no food; consciousness. Conversely, if we engage our family in the loving
they are simply absorbed in working hard day and night for the service of the Lord, our endeavours to maintain our family
benefit of illusory masters. Ignorant of their real master, Sri become part and parcel of our progressive spiritual duties.
Krishna, the foolish workers waste their valuable time serving
mammon. Unfortunately, they never surrender to the Supreme Bha - Bhaya = fear
Master of all masters, nor do they take time to hear of Him from In material life, one is always
the proper sources. in a blazing fire of fear, since no
one knows what will happen next.
Ba - Bandha = bondage
Huge gates, tall walls with broken
Brahma prayed: “My dear Lord Krishna, until people become glass pieces, burglar alarms,
Your devotees, their material attachments and desires remain watch dogs or watchmen, security
thieves, their homes remain locks and many more
prisons, and their affectionate arrangements are made by man
feelings for their family members out of fear. Every living being is
remain foot-shackles.” (SB afflicted by lamentation for the
10.14.36) past, illusion about the present
Apparently, the residents of and fear of the future. A sense
Vrindavana, the abode of Lord enjoyer is afraid of diseases, a wealthy man is afraid of the
Krishna, are simple householders government which will extract taxes, a famous man is afraid of
engaged in ordinary affairs such humiliation and a beautiful woman or a handsome man is afraid of
as herding cows, cooking, rearing old age. No one is free from fear in this world. The five great
 Break Free of Bonds 49 50 Victory Over Death

elements, which support life, can become the cause of death. The house in the city. The village rat was amazed to see his friend
earth gives support but can cause earthquakes; water is a must for living in an opulent marble palace of a big industrialist. His friend
drinking and cleaning but can cause floods; fire is absolutely took him to the dining table where there were varieties of curries,
essential for cooking but can consume lives; air is indispensable sweets, ice creams, pizzas, bread and jam, and many other items.
for survival but can cause typhoons; ether gives space for Both of them began enjoying the feast until they heard the loud
everyone in the universe but can cause a stampede when there is sound of a cane on the table top, just one or two inches away from
lack of space. Thus, there is danger at every step in the material their bodies. The city rat jumped up, and within a few seconds, he
world. Lord Sri Krishna is called ‘Abhayacharan’ - the One dashed into a small hole in the corner of a room and the village rat
Whose feet bestow fearlessness. Only by taking shelter of the followed him to the best of his speed. The village rat breathed
Lord completely can the jiva become free from all fear. heavily and asked, “What happened? What was that noise?” The
city rat replied, “Nothing! Don’t worry, this is a part of life. When
Ma - Mrtyu = death
we do our business here, we have to take extra care not to be hit
All our hopes and plans for happiness and security in this by the cane of the servant. That’s all”. The village rat returned to
world are ended by death. Even a small hen pecking on the ground his village saying, “What do you mean? It is a part of life! To get
is constantly fearful that some eagle might pick her up by the beak killed? I would rather return to my place where we get abundant
and kill her. A wealthy merchant may be ready to spend millions broken rice particles, grains and cereals left behind in the fields,
to extend his stay in this world, but he will lie dead surrounded by and there is no life threat there.”
the costliest of the medicines, administered by the best of the One has to keep one’s life simple without greed for
doctors in the most famous hospital of the country. This is the accumulating more and more, and make Krishna consciousness
power of material nature. Death gives equal rights for everyone the top priority in life. Then one can attain ‘apavarga’, the spiritual
without discrimination– rich or poor, beautiful or ugly, weak or world, where there is no hard struggle for existence, no material
strong, educated or uneducated. bondage, fear or death.
The aspects of ‘pavarga’ can be practically seen in the life of a
modern man. Sometimes sons of farmers, who could have lived an Characteristics Of One In The Mode Of
opulent, natural and healthy life in their village, instead come to Goodness, Passion And Ignorance
cities, either due to greed for more wealth, or for increasing the
‘family prestige.’ But they labour very hard, spend off most of the Everyone in this world is born with certain propensities. Our
wealth earned in the city itself and always live a life full of propensities are determined by our state of consciousness, our
threats—travelling in trains where people hang out from doors, occupational capabilities and our spiritual orientation.
degraded friends full of vices, pick-pockets, drug peddlers, Those in the mode of goodness tend to be powerful through
murders, corruption, danger of AIDS, accidents, lay off from the humility. They are clean, selfless, pious, humanitarian, kind,
job – to name a few. considerate and pure. Those in the mode of passion tend to be
This reminds me of a story of two rats—one from the village selfish, egoistic, greedy, lusty and extremely interested in
and one from the city. Once, the city rat invited his friend to his attracting adoration, distinction and personal profit. Those in the
 Break Free of Bonds 51 52 Victory Over Death

mode of ignorance are lazy, unclean, disturbing to others and even Example Of A Family In The Mode Of Goodness
obnoxious. These three principles, which are like ropes that bind
Dr. and Mrs. Bright and their two children have a small home,
every human being, govern each thought and action, and form the
just suitable to their needs, in a peaceful country town. Dr. Bright
environment in the material world. Most of us embody a mixture is the local M.D., a thoughtful, qualified man, respected for doing
of these attributes as various modes of nature work on our minds. his job honestly and selflessly. His hobby: reading books of
People are different in character, habits, needs and desires based philosophy, poetry and science. Mrs. Bright and the children
on how they are influenced by the modes.
(when the children aren’t in school) farm and garden around the
Mode Of Goodness house, and care for the family cow. The Brights are mildly
prosperous people who give thanks to God for the things they
A man in the mode of goodness becomes wiser than others.
have and take their religion as a serious duty. By almost anyone’s
Because he leads life in accordance to injunctions of scriptures, he
standards, they would have to be considered exceptionally pious.
is not so much affected by material miseries. He has a sense of
They don’t gamble, and for them, intoxicants are strictly
advancement in material knowledge. He has a sense of
prohibited. They don’t smoke and, what to speak of liquor, they
happiness because he is more or less free from sinful reactions.
don’t even drink coffee or tea. Dr. Bright has seen too many of his
The representative type is a brahmana, who is supposed to be
patients bring trouble to themselves through extramarital affairs,
situated in the mode of goodness.
When a living entity is situated in goodness, he becomes
conditioned to feel that he is advanced in knowledge and is better
than others. The best examples are the scientist, philosopher
and poet. Each is very proud of his knowledge, and because they
generally improve their living conditions, they feel a sort of
material happiness. This sense of advanced happiness makes them
bound by the goodness of material nature. As long as they have an
attraction for working in that way, they have to take some type of
body. Thus, there is no likelihood of liberation or being transferred
to the spiritual world. Repeatedly, one may become a philosopher,
scientist or a poet, and repeatedly become entangled in the same
disadvantages of birth and death. But, due to illusion of the
material energy, one thinks that that sort of life is pleasant. So,
Krishna tells Arjuna in the Gita: “O sinless one, the mode of
goodness, being purer than the others, is illuminating, and it frees
one from all sinful reactions. Those situated in that mode become
conditioned by a sense of happiness and knowledge.” (BG 14.6)
 Break Free of Bonds 53 54 Victory Over Death

so he has always been faithful to his wife, and she, too, has always wants some honour in society, or in the nation, and he wants to
been faithful to him. The Brights decided long ago that killing have a happy family, with nice children, wife and house. These are
animals is barbaric, so they never eat meat, fish, chicken or even the products of the mode of passion. As long as one is hankering
eggs. All in all, the Brights lead a clean, simple and happy life. after these things, he has to work very hard. Therefore, in order
But the Brights are conditioned by a sense of happiness and to please his wife, children and society, and to keep up his
knowledge. They are attached to their harmonious world. prestige, one has to work. A man in the mode of passion may be
Therefore, they are bound by the mode of goodness. engaged in fruitive activity; he owns as much as he can and spends
for good causes. Sometimes he tries to open hospitals, give to
Mode Of Passion
charitable institutions, etc., for increasing his prestige and
The mode of passion is characterized by the attraction status in society. Therefore, the whole material world is more or
between man and woman. Woman has attraction for man, and less in the mode of passion. Formerly, in the Vedic age, the
man has attraction for woman. This is called the mode of passion. society was considered to be in the mode of goodness.
And when the mode of passion is increased, one develops the
hankering for material enjoyment. He wants to enjoy sense Example Of A Family In The Mode Of Passion
gratification. For sense gratification, a man in the mode of passion The Smiths live in the suburbs in a stylish home filled with
modern conveniences. Each morning, Larry Smith gulps down
breakfast in time to fight traffic to the office. There he sits all day
dealing with different “headaches”, as he calls them. A hard job,
but worth it, he figures, since it lets him afford the luxuries he
enjoys and still have some money left over for the stock market
and some rather shady business schemes he has going on the side.
“Money is the honey”, Larry says. Gloria, his wife, wakes up in
time to see that the two older children look decent (family prestige
is important to the Smiths), and sends them off to school. She
spends most of her day with the baby (“the one we didn’t expect”,
says Larry). Either Gloria’s in the house with the TV going, in the
playground with the other housewives and children, in the beauty
salon, or (sometimes it seems like forever) shopping. All day the
Smiths are active, on the go. At night they relax, but sometimes
their minds are just so wound up that they can’t get a good night’s
sleep. They squabble with each other, and sometimes they are
depressed, but as Larry jokingly philosophizes, “There is no
problem so great that sex can’t solve.” On the weekends, the
Smiths make a show of being religious, but it is more or less a
 Break Free of Bonds 55 56 Victory Over Death

social affair, since in fact they generally disregard the guidelines The mode of ignorance is exemplified by the lives of John
of their scriptures. This family is typical of the mode of passion. Dull and Betty Grumble. They never got married, but they live
together in squalor, in a cheap apartment in New York City. John
Mode Of Ignorance
earns by peddling drugs. Religion, they both decided long ago, is
The mode of ignorance is just the opposite of the mode of something they want no part of. They spend their time sleeping (at
goodness. In the mode of ignorance, one cannot understand what least 10 to 12 hours a day) or else getting high on drugs, feasting
is what. A man in ignorance is very lazy and has no interest for on beer and salami, and languishing in their apartment. For years
spiritual life. He is not even active like the man who is controlled they have dreamed about starting a commune in Spain.
by the mode of passion. He sleeps more than is required. Six
hours of sleep is sufficient, but a man in the mode of ignorance Results Of Action In Different Modes
sleeps for at least ten to twelve hours a day. Such a man always
appears to be dejected and is addicted to intoxicants and ürdhvaà gacchanti sattva-sthä madhye tiñöhanti räjasäù
sleeping. In the mode of ignorance, whatever one does is good jaghanya-guëa-våtti-sthä adho gacchanti tämasäù
neither for him nor for anyone else.
“Those situated in the mode of goodness gradually go upward
Example Of A Family In The Mode Of Ignorance to the higher planets; those in the mode of passion live on the
earthly planets; and those in the abominable mode of ignorance go
down to the hellish worlds.” (BG 14.18)
In this verse, the results of actions in the three modes of nature
are more explicitly set forth. There is an upper planetary system,
consisting of the heavenly planets, where everyone is highly
elevated. According to the degree of development of the mode of
goodness, the living entity can be transferred to various planets in
this system. The highest planet is Satyaloka, or Brahmaloka,
where the prime person of this universe, Lord Brahma, resides.
The mode of goodness can take us to Satyaloka.
The mode of passion is mixed. It is in the middle, between the
modes of goodness and ignorance. A person is not always pure,
but even if he should be purely in the mode of passion, he will
simply remain on this earth as a king or a rich man. But because
there are mixtures, one can also go down. People on this earth, in
the mode of passion or ignorance, cannot forcibly approach the
higher planets by machines. In the mode of passion, there is also
the chance of becoming mad in the next life.
 Break Free of Bonds 57 58 Victory Over Death

The lowest quality, the mode of ignorance, is described here as material; they concern only the body and mind. He has not yet
abominable. The result of developing ignorance is very, very realised that he is neither his body nor his mind; he is a spirit soul,
risky. It is the lowest quality in material nature. Beneath the an eternal servant of Krishna. Since he misidentifies himself with
human level there are eight million species of life—birds, beasts, his body, he must come under the influence of the laws of
reptiles, trees, etc.—and according to the development of the nature governing that body. So he must continue suffering the
mode of ignorance, people are brought down to these abominable bodily problems of birth, old age, disease and death.
conditions. The word ‘tamasa’ is very significant here. Tamasa
Elevation To Heavenly Planets Is No Progress
indicates those who stay continuously in the mode of ignorance
without rising to a higher mode. Their future is very dark. There is A good prisoner is kept in an ‘A’ class prison where he can
an opportunity for men in the modes of ignorance and passion to watch TV, read newspapers, do typing, maintain a library, etc. A
be elevated to the mode of goodness, and that process is called medium prisoner may have to break stones, and a murderer may
Krishna consciousness. One who does not take advantage of this be kept in a strict solitary confinement, shackled with strong
opportunity will certainly continue in the lower modes. chains. Only less intelligent prisoners desire transfer to nicer
Even amongst human beings, there are 4,00,000 species. In the prison cells where the mattresses are cleaner, and the sinks have
lower levels of consciousness, a living entity, although in a human hot water. Intelligent prisoners want freedom. Ultimately a jail is a
body, behaves like an animal. In a higher level, he is selfish for his jail. Similarly, whether we are brahmanas in goodness, or
family. In a still higher level, he is concerned about his kshatriyas in passion, or vaishyas in passion & ignorance, or
community, then concerned about his state or country. At a higher shudras in ignorance, ultimately we are bound by the cycle of birth
level, one may become an altruist or a philanthropist. And after and death. We should transcend the three modes by becoming
many lifetimes, one starts to inquire about God. The living entity devotees and return back home, back to Godhead.
still develops several conceptions about God in many, many Those who seek elevation to heavenly planets may be attached
lifetimes, until he approaches Krishna. To stop the repetition of to the abundant facilities for material enjoyment, but they do not
birth and death in different forms of life, we must transcend the realise the temporary nature of the material world which makes
covering of material nature and come to the platform of pure one suffer the dualities of enjoyment and suffering in cycles.
consciousness. When the football goes up, it may appear like a pleasant
experience. But eventually it comes down only to be kicked by
Even Goodness Binds The Living Entity another foot. Thus the football suffers repeated kicks and may
To return to our earlier example, Dr. Bright, our learned have the ‘satisfaction’ of flying up between two kicks. This is the
physician, feels advanced in knowledge and materially happy in condition of the living entity in the material world.
his peaceful library at home. But although his life may seem If one in the mode of goodness is bound in this way, what to
pleasant, he is still in the bodily or material concept of life, and speak of those in the lower modes? Those in passion, like the
therefore he is in illusion. He thinks that he is Dr. Bright, an Smiths, are bound by their attempts to satisfy their uncontrollable
American, a middle-aged man, a husband, a father, a reasonable, hankerings and longings. And those in ignorance, like Mr. Dull
well-educated country gentleman. But these designations are all and Miss Grumble, are bound by madness, indolence and sleep.
 Break Free of Bonds 59 60 Victory Over Death

Our real life is spiritual and so it is eternal, blissful and full of What is destined? What is not destined?
knowledge. Under the illusion of goodness, however, we look for
pürva jamnärjitä vidyä pürva janmärjitaà dhanaà agre
this reality in mundane learning and a feeling of material
satisfaction; in passion we seek it in sex and possessions; and in dhävati dhävati. By living a righteous life in accordance to
ignorance we seek it in sleep and intoxication. Thus, our pure scriptures, one attains a better position in the material world. One
spiritual nature is perverted by impure desires, born of the modes may be rich, learned, beautiful or highborn. Thus it is destined
of nature. whether one will be born rich or poor, learned or illiterate,
If three thieves are being severely beaten by the police - one beautiful or ugly, highborn or lowborn, etc. What is not destined,
by an iron rod, the second by a brass rod and the third by a gold however, is the question of how one is going to use all these
rod, can the thief being beaten by the gold rod feel proud? facilities awarded or how is one going to behave in difficult
Similarly, even mundane piety exhibited in the form of performing circumstances. That action will decide the future destiny. Herein
sacrifices, giving charity, performing penances, doing social lies the free will for the soul to exercise.
services, etc., produces mundane material results. They lead one to One who has all these assets should know that they are all
heaven and back to earth. Only action on the platform of the soul, meant for the advancement of Krishna consciousness.
done for the pleasure of the Supreme, can lead to liberation and Unfortunately, when a person is misguided, he misuses his high
beyond. position for sense gratification. Thus a good position is often
spoiled by material sense gratification in the form of illicit sex,
Free Will And Destiny meat-eating, intoxication and gambling. One spoils an opulent
position in the material world by driving cars, spending time in
If everything is destined, what is the use of sermons and nightclubs or tasting abominable food in restaurants. In these
scriptures? ways, the plundering senses take away all the assets that the
conditioned soul has acquired with great difficulty.
The argument may be given that if a living entity were subject
to the results of his previous activities there would be no scope for Destiny does not hamper our free will
free will. Once having committed a sinful action, the living entity A practical example would clarify this point of relationship
would be bound in an endless chain of suffering, being perpetually between destiny and free will. If I purchase a ticket for an airline
subject to previous reactions. If every move we made was flight, board the plane and commence the flight, once the plane
completely controlled by fate, destiny or astrological influences, has taken off, my decision to board the plane forces me to
how could there be such a thing as right act or wrong act, and why continue flying until the plane lands. But although I am forced to
feel regret toward something we did? And if everything is accept the reaction of this decision, on board the plane I have
destined, why would the scriptures take so much trouble to offer many new decisions I can make. I may accept the food and drink
valuable lessons for the suffering souls to discriminate between from the stewardesses or reject it, I may read a magazine or
the right and wrong and choose the path of right action? newspaper, I may sleep, walk up and down the aisle, converse
with other passengers, and so on. In other words, although the
 Break Free of Bonds 61 62 Victory Over Death

general context—flying to a particular city—is forcibly imposed have already arranged for this gambling match for my son’s
upon me as a reaction to my previous decision to board the plane, pleasure. Please do not try to change my mind.”
even within that situation I am constantly making new decisions Vidura sighed. “Fate is surely all-powerful, O King, but we
and creating new reactions. For example, if I cause a disturbance nevertheless receive the results of our own acts. We have free will.
on the airplane I may be arrested when the plane lands. On the The supreme power simply reciprocates with our desires. It is the
other hand, if I make friends with a businessman sitting next to me consequences of our acts which are inevitable, not the acts
on the plane, such a contact may lead to a favourable business themselves. O lord, consider carefully your motivation in allowing
transaction in the future. Thus, our destiny does not hamper our this gambling match.”
free will; rather a sincere devotee of God can easily overcome the Dhritarastra remained silent and Vidura slowly left his
previous conditionings by humble surrender. chamber with a heavy heart. Although the king was not a fool, he
was controlled by his covetous and mean-minded son. Vidura’s
‘My endeavour’ or ‘God’s grace’?
counsel, although aimed at the good of all, was falling on deaf
1. Modern notion: There is no such thing as destiny; ears.
everything is in our own hands (karmavada). It is false and leads 3. Actual Vedic teaching: Both karma and daiva combine to
to frustration. Mike Tyson, on becoming the world heavyweight determine the result.
boxing champion at the age of 19, declared, “I am the youngest The Vedic texts explain that these two ideologies, karmavada
champion - and I will be oldest champion.” Now, in his forties, he (endeavour, karma, alone determines success) and daivavada
was trying to make a comeback, but he soon gave up after being (destiny, daiva, alone determines success) are the two extremes of
defeated, saying, “I can’t lie to myself anymore; I can’t fight the pendulum of human imagination. In reality, success requires
anymore”, and announced retirement. both endeavour and destiny. For example, in agriculture, a good
2. Opposite notion: Everything is determined by destiny; harvest requires both diligent ploughing and timely rains.
nothing is in our hands (daivavada). It is false and is used to Ploughing represents endeavour and rains signify destiny. Despite
justify laziness or irresponsibility. In the Mahabharata, Vidura ploughing, no harvest can result, if there are no rains. Similarly
clearly tells Dhritarastra, “Destiny determines the consequences of sometimes, despite our best efforts, we may fail, due to adverse
our actions, not our actions themselves.” The following story from destiny.
the Mahabharata will clarify this point. When people are uninformed about the role of destiny in
Vidura frowned. “I do not approve of this, O King. Gambling determining results, failures make them feel hopeless, “I am
always brings with it dispute and fighting. You should be careful worthless and cannot do anything well”, even when they have the
that no dissension arises between your sons and the Pandavas, for potential to perform in the future. Consequently, today many of
that may cause destruction.” our brothers and sisters are unfortunately and needlessly suffering
Dhritarastra tried to reassure his brother. “When you, me, from mental problems like inferiority complex, low self-esteem,
Bhisma and Drona are here, what evil can befall us? In any event, depression and self-pity.
destiny is supreme. Whatever has been ordained by the supreme Lord Krishna gives us hope in the Bhagavad-gita by pointing
power will come to pass. What can our efforts do to avert it? I out that though we don’t determine the result, we do play a
 Break Free of Bonds 63 64 Victory Over Death

significant role. Going back to the farmer analogy, the farmer When one is engaged in selfish pursuits for one’s own
must plough the field for favourable rainfall to produce crops. gratification, the heart becomes duplicitous, the mind gets wound
Similarly, we must endeavour for destiny to produce results. up, the senses become disturbed, and one’s consciousness is
submerged in the material world. Then one is subjected to fear,
Material or Spiritual - It’s a question of consciousness
attachment, anger, envy, lamentation, illusion, etc., that cause
There is a clear-cut difference between the spiritual and great suffering.
material energies. The body is material and is therefore influenced Thus, one has to make a conscious choice, using one’s free
by material forces such as karma or astrological powers. The will, to perform with body, mind and words, those items
living entity within the body is spiritual and is transcendental to all favourable for returning to the spiritual world. One should also
such material energies and influences. The more the living entity make deliberate and sometimes strenuous attempts to give up
realizes his spiritual position and acts on the spiritual platform, the those items that are unfavourable for Krishna consciousness. This
more he can become free from the material energy. The more one will pave the way for a bright destiny in the future.
identifies with the material body, the more one is then influenced
and controlled by the material forces, such as karma, destiny, the
Practical Application Of The Bhagavad-gita’s
modes of nature, sensual desires, etc.
Thus, even while in this material world if we simply increase Message In Corporate Circles
our Krishna consciousness, we will live in the spiritual world. If
The knowledge of the three modes of material nature helps one
we live in the temple, we live in the spiritual world because in the
to increase self awareness, take a closer look at oneself, one’s
temple there is no business other than Krishna consciousness.
motives and behaviour, which need to be rectified in order to lead
There are so many engagements carried out for Krishna. We may
a meaningful life. In modern times, one who becomes educated in
think we are living in New York, Los Angeles or Bombay or
a college in mundane subjects, gets into the business field and is
elsewhere, but we are actually living in Vaikuntha. Spiritual or
put in a situation of managing thousands of men as he climbs up
material – it’s a question of consciousness.
the ladder in the corporate circle. Yet, one is emotionally
For example, a bug may sit on the same seat with the spiritual
immature and incompetent to manage one’s own life and
master, but because the spiritual master has developed
emotions, what then to speak of managing others. The following
consciousness and the bug has not, they are different.
section gives a clue of how such a person can apply the Bhagavad-
For example, if one rises early in the morning, sings the Lord’s
gita in his everyday life.
names and glorifies Him, worships the Deity, offers Bhoga, or the
offering of food, decorates the Lord with garlands, garments and Leaders Or Managers Functioning In The Three Modes
ornaments, hears pastimes of the Lord, chants His holy names, When a leader is situated in ignorance:
remembers and repeats His glories, engages in devotional service • He feels tired all over.
in the mood of servant of His devotees, then one can experience
• He collapses in his chair/sofa at night.
living in the spiritual world of love. When one watches horror or
• His fatigue is mixed with nervousness, tension or anxiety.
sensuous movies, the mind becomes driven by lust and passion.
 Break Free of Bonds 65 66 Victory Over Death

• He is not pleasant, and often, there is a sense of low esteem • He feels a kind of relaxed alertness (mind is deeply relaxed
and of life being a burden. while one is alert and attentive in one’s job).
• Depression may be triggered or worsened. • He gets an extra gear that allows him to do just as much, or
• He has undesirable moods, negative thoughts and even more, but with fewer struggles, and less wear and tear.
dysfunctional behaviour, and takes drugs or alcohol to alter his Mode Of Goodness Behaviour
mood.
When a leader is situated in passion: Fatigued people make errors, work slowly and less effectively,
• He has a stress-driven mood, characterised by an almost do things the long and routine way, and fail to see efficient short
pleasant sense of excitement and power. cuts. Without alertness, there is no attentiveness. Without
• His physical energy feels high, even though he may face high attentiveness, there is no performance.
levels of stress or strain from the long hours of a hectic A leader, who desires smooth functioning, has to cultivate
schedule. mode of goodness behaviour, as the qualities mentioned above are
• In a tense energy state, he tends to impatiently push himself desirable for efficiency and performance.
towards one objective after another, rarely pausing to rest or Everyone in this world is subjected to some stimulus or the
reflect. other at different times. Between stimulus and response is a
human being’s greatest power - the freedom to choose. We may
• His efforts are infused with a moderate-to-severe level of
feel like responding in a certain way, but when we live our lives
physical tension, which, after a while, may be imperceptible to
close to our values, we can subordinate our feelings to our values.
him.
This will make us act responsibly. Look at the word “response-
• Without realising it, by allowing this situation to persist, he
ability” – the ability to choose your response. A God-conscious
blunts his ability to pay deep, genuine attention to his own
person never blames anything – circumstances, conditions or other
needs, other people’s needs and project needs.
people – for his actions. He is aware that he has chosen to respond
• He can suddenly wake up to find himself at the edge of pro-actively (based on chosen values), rather than re-actively
burnout and exhaustion. (allowing the stimulus to dictate his response). It is not what
When a leader is situated in goodness: happens to us, but our response to what happens to us that hurts
• He feels low tension and high energy. us.
• He feels remarkably serene and under control. When we study the behaviour of leaders in different modes,
• He replaces tense energy with an alert, peaceful and more we can easily see that behaviour in the mode of goodness is
optimistic presence of mind. desirable to be successful in the long run. The mode of passion is
• He experiences pleasurable body feelings, and a deep sense of good to begin or create, but in the long run, one who lacks the
physical stamina and well being. mode of goodness leads himself to burnout and concomitant
• He sees that his mental and physical reserves are high. failure. Now, is it in our hands whether we want to be leaders in
• He experiences the best combination of healthy vitality and any one of these modes. Or is every one of us like a programmed
increased creative intelligence. robot who functions according to our past life conditionings,
 Break Free of Bonds 67 68 Victory Over Death

upbringing in childhood, our past good or bad association, etc.? • Reading spiritual literatures like the Bhagavad-gita, Srimad-
Do we have freedom to decide how we want to act? This question Bhagavatam, Mahabharata, Ramayana, etc.
is the very essence of proactive behaviour. Lord Sri Krishna Lord Krishna says that one should give up aversion for these
addresses this question in the Bhagavad-gita. types of right things that bring one to the mode of goodness. It is
One who is used to behaving in passion or ignorance may ask, possible for every serious human being to elevate himself by his
“If my power of conditioning is tremendous, do I have any control will power and, by taking shelter of God, to come to the point of
over it? Do I have a chance to become better?” The answer, mode of goodness. This will make one very efficient in day to day
according to the Bhagavad-gita is, fortunately, “Yes”. functioning, as well as give an opportunity for understanding the
higher sublime truths easily. The mode of goodness is a good
räga-dveña-vimuktais tu viñayän indriyaiç caran
springboard to understand and apply higher spiritual truths in life,
ätma-vaçyair vidheyätmä prasädam adhigacchati lead a peaceful and happy life in this world and then elevate one to
“But a person free from all attachment and aversion and able the transcendental plane of reaching the lotus feet of the Lord.
to control his senses through regulative principles of freedom can Our Endeavour Attracts The Lord’s Mercy
obtain the complete mercy of the Lord.” (BG 2.64)
In order to be successful, one should give up all attachment to Everything is possible by our endeavour and the Lord’s mercy.
wrong things and aversion to the right things. Scriptures explain Of course, in any case, without the Lord’s mercy, our endeavour
that meat eating, gambling, intoxication and illicit sexual relations alone is useless. But our sincere endeavour, imbued with devotion
lead one to degradation and plunge one into passion and to the Lord, can attract His mercy. When mother Yashoda was
ignorance. Watching horror movies, seeing pornographic pictures, trying to bind baby Krishna, the rope was falling two inches too
taking intoxicants, etc., put our mind in turmoil, and make us glide short. The two inches represent our endeavour and mercy of the
down to a lower nature. One who wants to become peaceful and Lord. By her sincere endeavour and by Krishna’s mercy, she could
happy should strenuously endeavour to give up attachment to such bind Him.
unwanted things that produce no good, but unlimited suffering. Also, one should follow the example of the sparrow that lost
Generally, people are lazy, or sometimes even averse to the her eggs in the waves of the ocean. A sparrow laid her eggs on the
favourable things that are aiding supports to internal maturity and shore of the ocean, but the big ocean carried away the eggs on its
peace of mind, such as all those things that enhance the mode of waves. The sparrow became very upset and asked the ocean to
goodness: return her eggs. The ocean did not even consider her appeal. So
• Diet - fruits, milk, grains, cereals, vegetables, natural products, the sparrow decided to dry up the ocean. We have forgotten our
sanctified karma-free diet real identity as souls, eternal servants of Krishna. Our Krishna
• Dress - simple dress that does not provoke passion consciousness is like the eggs that have been carried away by the
• Environment - taking out time to meditate on God by chanting ocean of Maya.
His names, and being contemplative about the ultimate The sparrow began to pick out the water in her small beak, and
purpose of life everyone laughed at her for her impossible determination. The
• Association - company of saintly people news of her activity spread, and at last Garuda, the gigantic bird
 Break Free of Bonds 69 70 Victory Over Death

carrier of Lord Vishnu, heard it. He became compassionate toward Circle Of Concern And Circle Of Influence
his small sister bird, and so he came to see the sparrow. Garuda
We have a wide range of concerns—our health, our children,
was very pleased by the determination of the small sparrow, and
problems at work, the national debt, nuclear war, global
he promised to help. Garuda at once asked the ocean to return her competition, economic recession, government policies, wrong
eggs lest he himself take up the work of the sparrow. The ocean attitudes, assumptions, etc. We could separate those things in
was frightened at this, and returned the eggs. Thus, the sparrow which we have no particular mental or emotional involvement by
became happy by the grace of Garuda. Similarly, if one practices
creating a ‘circle of concern’.
Krishna consciousness with determination, despite the onslaught
As we look at those things within our circle of concern, it
of the three modes in this material world, by sincerely becomes apparent that there are some things over which we have
surrendering to a pure devotee—representative of Sri Krishna— no real control, and others that we can do something about. We
then it is very easy for one to cross over the ocean of material could identify those concerns in the latter group by circumscribing
existence.
them within a smaller circle of influence.
A False Meditator Cannot Become Free From The Modes By determining which of these two circles is the focus of most
of our time and energy, we can discover much about the degree of
These days there are so many pseudo-yoga institutes that teach
different types of concocted meditation techniques that are of no our proactivity (effectivity).
use. Such so-called meditators teach their followers to think, “I am
the Supreme Spirit Soul. I am conducting the activities of material Circle of
Exam I should
nature. Under my direction the sun is moving and the moon is concern
result get what I
rising.” They think that by such contemplation or meditation they
can become free, but it is seen that just three minutes after want
finishing such nonsensical meditation, they are immediately Everyone Punctuality
Sincerity
captured by the modes of material nature. Immediately after his should Self Discipline I want a
high-sounding meditation, a “meditator” becomes thirsty and love me Exam study
Values better face
wants to smoke or drink. He is under the strong grip of material Vision cut
nature, yet he thinks that he is already free from the clutches of Government Beliefs
maya. Actually, unless a living entity surrenders unto the Supreme Policy Attitudes Circle of
Personality of Godhead as instructed in the Bhagavad-gita, there is Assumptions Influence
no liberation or freedom from the clutches of maya. No method of No one
Economic
yoga or meditation, without proper understanding of the science of should
God, can help one become happy. Recession
tease me Global
Competition
 Break Free of Bonds 71 72 Victory Over Death

Proactive And Reactive Behaviour what is out there – I can BE more diligent, I can BE more creative,
I can BE more co-operative.
Proactive or effective people focus their efforts in the circle of
If I really want to improve my situation, I can work on the one
influence. They work on the things they can do something about.
thing over which I have control – myself. I can stop trying to
The nature of their energy is positive, enlarging and magnifying,
shape up my wife/subordinate/friend, and work on my own
causing their circle of influence to increase.
weaknesses. I can focus on being a great partner, a source of
Reactive people, on the other hand, focus their efforts in the
unconditional love and support. Hopefully, that person will feel
circle of concern. They focus on the weakness or faults of other
the power of proactive example and respond in kind. But whether
people, the problems in the environment, and circumstances over
that person does or doesn’t, the most positive way I can influence
which they have no control. Their focus results in blaming and
my situation is to work on myself, on my BEING.
accusing attitudes, reactive language, and increased feelings of
There are so many ways to work in the circle of influence – to
victimisation. The negative energy generated by that focus,
BE a better listener, to BE a more loving marriage partner, to BE a
combined with neglect in areas they could do something about,
better student, to BE a more cooperative and dedicated employee.
causes their circle of influence to shrink.
Sometimes, the most proactive thing we can do is to BE happy,
As long as we are working in our circle of concern, we
just to genuinely smile.
empower the things within it to control us. We are not taking the
proactive initiative necessary to effect positive change. By Problem Solving Through Mode Of Goodness Behaviour
working on ourselves instead of worrying about conditions, we We can apply this new ability of focusing on our area of
will be able to influence the conditions.
influence when we deal with problems. Whether a problem is
One way to determine on which circle our attention is focussed
direct, indirect, or no control, we have in our hands the first step to
is to distinguish between the HAVE’s and BE’s. The circle of the solution. Changing our habits, changing our methods of
concern is filled with the HAVE’s: influence and changing the way we see our ‘no control’ problems,
“If only I HAD a project that was as easy as that of others…” are all within our circle of influence.
“If only I HAD respectful friends…”
The problems we face fall in one of three areas:
“If I could HAVE more time to myself…”
• Direct control – problems involving our own behaviour
The circle of influence is filled with the BE’s:
“I can BE more patient, BE wise, BE loving.” It is the • Indirect control – problems involving other people’s
behaviour
character focus.
Anytime we think the problem is “out there”, that thought is • No control – problems we can do nothing about, such as
the problem. We empower what is out there to control us. The weather, things of the past, etc.
change paradigm is “outside-in” – what is out there has to change ) Direct control problems are solved by working to improve our
before we can change. own habits like avoiding being aggressive, judgmental,
The proactive approach is to change from the “inside-out”: to making snap decisions without hearing both sides,
be different, and by being different, to effect positive change in downplaying, being sarcastic, impatient in listening, being
egomaniacal, etc. Don’t argue for other people’s weakness.
 Break Free of Bonds 73 74 Victory Over Death

Don’t argue for your own. When you make a mistake, admit it, oneself, seizing new opportunities, personal development,
correct it, and learn from it—immediately. Don’t get into a preventive maintenance, empowerment, etc.
blaming, accusation mode. Work on things you have control
Working For Krishna Or Working For Maya
over. Look at the weaknesses of others with compassion, not
accusation. It is not what they are not doing, or should be Krishna says, “Everyone
doing, that is the issue. The issue is your own chosen response is forced to act helplessly
to the situation and what you should be doing. If you start to according to the qualities he
think the problem is “out there”, stop yourself. That thought is has acquired from the modes
the problem. of nature; therefore no one can
) Indirect control problems are solved by improving our refrain from doing something,
methods of influence, thereby increasing our circle of not even for a moment.” (BG
influence, (inside-out, not outside-in) like understanding the 3.5) One may think, “Because
individual, paying attention to details, keeping commitments, I am doing activities, I am
showing integrity, apologizing sincerely when we commit bound by modes. Let me
mistakes and clarifying expectations lead to a positive deposit become inactive.” That is not
in the emotional bank of those who may cause us problems. possible. It is like saying, “I
) No control problems involve taking responsibility to change will burn down my house, because I cannot pay tax.” One has to
the line on the bottom of our face – to smile – to genuinely and perform activity. But one should know how to perform activities
peacefully accept these problems and learn to live with them. without becoming entangled in the three modes.
There are things beyond human control, and one has no other Everyone in this world is making plans and working hard to
refuge other than the Lord Himself, who is the source of improve their financial situation, career growth, living conditions,
everything. family affairs, etc. Everyone lives
One who acts proactively can appreciate the prayer, “O Lord, in the hope that things are going to
give me the courage to change the things which can and ought to become better. But people do not
be changed, the serenity to accept the things which cannot be exactly know how to lead their
changed, and the wisdom to know the difference.” lives in such a way that it will
Focusing on our area of concern will do little or nothing to bring about the ultimate good,
alleviate the problem. Concentrating our energies on those things both now and in the future.
within our circle of influence will help us become a part of the If one discards the injunctions
solutions to problems, gradually increasing our circle of influence. of the scriptures, delights in sense
Also, we can work on quadrant two (not urgent but important) enjoyment, envies the Supreme
problems in a regular manner to not allow them to turn into Lord, and fails to submit to Him
crises— improving communication with people, better and glorify Him, rather makes
preparation, better planning and organizing, taking better care of systematic mischievous plans to
 Break Free of Bonds 75 76 Victory Over Death

exploit and enjoy the resources which solely belong to the Lord, fail. I promise you this because you are My very dear friend.” (BG
such a person is racing on the royal path to hell. (Refer BG 3.32, 18.65)
3.16, 16.23) “Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me.
Good and bad acts bind us to this world by making us reap I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.” (BG
good and bad fruits. But actions performed for the pleasure of the 18.66)
Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna, do not bind us, but The science of bhakti yoga is very easy and simple. Anybody
take us back home, back to Godhead. The following verses from in any walk of life, be it child, woman, man, young, old, educated,
Bhagavad-gita As It Is give us an idea of how one should mould uneducated – all can engage in this process without having to give
one’s life in order to attain freedom. By following these up their regular occupations. One can easily become free from the
instructions of the Lord, one can remain free from accumulating modes, if one learns the art of serving Sri Krishna with one’s
any more good or bad karma, thereby allowing us to rise above the body, mind, senses and words. When one chants the Hare Krishna
influence of the material energy. This is the science of Bhakti maha mantra, eats only prasad, hears Bhagavad-gita As It Is and
yoga. Srimad-Bhagavatam from the mouth of pure devotees, associates
“Work done as a sacrifice for Vishnu has to be performed; with Krishna’s devotees regularly, is always eager to serve
otherwise work causes bondage in this material world. Therefore, Krishna with all of one’s resources, then it is a sure-shot way to
O son of Kunti, perform your prescribed duties for His become free from the modes and attain the state of pure goodness.
satisfaction, and in that way you will always remain free from Such a person always thinks, “I have to do this activity now. Is it
bondage.” (BG 3.9) going to be favourable for my Krishna consciousness? If so, I will
“One who performs his duty without attachment, surrendering accept it. Is it going to degrade my consciousness? Then I will not
the results unto the Supreme Lord, is unaffected by sinful action, do it.” This is how a Krishna conscious person assesses his every
as the lotus leaf is untouched by water.” (BG 5.10) activity.
“Therefore, O Arjuna, surrendering all your works unto Me Two persons, one in Krishna consciousness and the other in
(Sri Krishna), with full knowledge of Me, without desires for material consciousness, working on the same level, may appear to
profit, with no claims to proprietorship, and free from lethargy, be working on the same platform, but there is a wide gulf of
fight. Those persons who execute their duties according to My difference in their respective positions. The person in material
injunctions and who follow this teaching faithfully, without envy, consciousness is convinced by false ego that he is the doer of
become free from the bondage of fruitive actions.” (BG 3.30-31) everything. He does not know that the mechanism of the body is
“My dear Arjuna, he who engages in My pure devotional produced by material nature, which works under the supervision
service, free from the contaminations of fruitive activities and of the Supreme Lord. The materialistic person has no knowledge
mental speculation, he who works for Me, who makes Me the that he is ultimately under the control of Krishna. The person in
supreme goal of his life, and who is friendly to every living false ego takes all credit for doing everything independently, and
being—he certainly comes to Me.” (BG 11.55) that is the symptom of his nescience. He does not know that this
“Always think of Me, become My devotee, worship Me and gross and subtle body is the creation of material nature, under the
offer your homage unto Me. Thus you will come to Me without order of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and as such, his
 Break Free of Bonds 77 78 Victory Over Death

bodily and mental activities should be engaged in the service of that everything was moving and acting under the supreme will of
Krishna, in Krishna consciousness. Krishna, and that he was only an instrument or puppet in
For example, there are two students in a class, one a devotee Krishna’s hands, to be used in the way Krishna wanted to use him.
and the other a fruitive worker. The devotee student is studying for Their situation can be compared to an audio tape which gets
Krishna. How is it possible? The subjects he studies in the college unwound on one side and more wound on the other. In the same
are all about matter. Then how can such study be a Krishna way, while a devotee and non-devotee are doing apparently the
conscious activity? The devotee student has an understanding that same activity, a devotee is becoming liberated, while a non-
ultimately, all this college education is to fetch him a job to devotee is becoming entangled.
maintain his family and dependents, but the real eternal life and
relationship exists for everyone only with Krishna. So he chants Who Can Award Liberation From The Three
his fixed number of rounds of Hare Krishna maha mantra Modes?
everyday, follows four regulative principles, reads Srila
Prabhupada’s books, attends weekly classes-- and in this way, There are 18 Puranas, 6 meant for the people in the mode of
maintains a pure state of consciousness -- besides this, he does his ignorance (which recommend worship of Siva and Durga), 6
college education as a prescribed duty. meant for people in the mode of passion (which recommend
Although both students appear to be doing the same college worship of Brahma and other demigods), and 6 meant for people
education, there is a gulf of difference between their in the mode of goodness (which recommend worship of Visnu).
consciousnesses. The fruitive student will make multiple plans for The Maha Purana, which is Srimad-Bhagavatam, is meant for the
his future and become more and more entangled in the modes of paramahansas, or pure devotees who are transcendental to all the
material nature, whereas the devotee student will lead a life of three modes. Such a platform is known as pure goodness (suddha
Krishna consciousness, gradually become freed from the three sattva).
modes, and attain pure goodness. Such a devotee, having attained Although Brahma and Siva are
the state of pure goodness, becomes directly controlled by greatly elevated, it is not possible for
Krishna. The modes stop acting on him and Krishna’s mercy such incarnations of rajo-guna
begins to flow through him. (passion) and tamo-guna (ignorance) to
An ideal example would be the case of Arjuna and release the conditioned soul from the
Duryodhana. Both Arjuna and Duryodhana had chariots; both had clutches of maya. Svetasvetara
bows and arrows; both were kshatriyas; both were ready to fight Upanisad (3.8) confirms that freedom
passionately. Externally it may appear that there was no is possible only by understanding
difference. But there was a great difference in their consciousness. Krishna. Even Lord Siva affirms that
Duryodhana was fighting for his own personal motives, while liberation is achieved only by the
Arjuna was fighting for the pleasure of Krishna. Duryodhana mercy of Visnu. Lord Siva himself
thought himself to be the controller of everything and was making
many, many master plans to finish the Pandavas. But Arjuna knew
 Break Free of Bonds 79 80 Victory Over Death

says: “mukti pradata sarvesam visnur eva na samsayah” meaning, when He descends to this material world, they still remain
“There is no doubt that Visnu is the deliverer of liberation for transcendental and untouched by matter.
everyone.”
• Lord Krishna is supremely pure; He is called ‘shuddham’ and
The Supreme Lord Is Transcendental To The ‘pavitram’. For example, although He appeared in a kshatriya
Three Modes family and lived His life in a vaishya family at Vrindavana, He
does not become a kshatriya or a vaishya; He is beyond all
Somebody may say, “If all aspects of the world like strength, caste and creed.
intelligence, prowess, sex life -- all come from Krishna, then is it • He is antiseptic and prophylactic (the disease is permanently
to be understood that Sri Krishna is also under the three modes of cured and never comes back): He is called as ‘apapa viddham’,
material nature?” which means sin cannot touch Him. For example, just as the
The living entities in this world perform various activities in sun may absorb urine but never become contaminated,
the three modes and get bound more and more. On the other hand, similarly, Lord Krishna is so divine that the utterance of His
the Supreme Lord also performs activities that are all on a very name can deliver the conditioned soul from all
transcendental plane, although they may appear mundane to the contaminations. When the sun absorbs urine, it is not polluted,
common man. (BG 9.11) Foolish people consider Lord Sri rather, due to the influence of the sunshine, the polluted,
Krishna to be some ordinary politician, cow-herding vaishya, contaminated place becomes disinfected (refer Ishopanishad,
mystic yogi, great diplomat, playboy, wise man, pious being, by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, Mantra 8).
detached jnani, and so on. Unfortunately, they cannot understand • Krishna has no duty or obligation to perform (refer BG 3.22).
Him to be the Supreme Personality of Godhead, as confirmed in Even when He does something, no work affects Krishna (refer
Bhagavad-gita itself. (BG 10.12-13) He is beyond the modes. BG 4.14). Conditioned souls, bound by their independent
Only one who can understand the science of this truth has any desires for pleasure, try to act. These attempts cause the modes
hope of liberation from this world. of material nature to react, causing action and reaction.
Krishna is materially desireless and His activities are within
Krishna Is Nirguna, Beyond Three Modes
the internal energy, free of the modes.
Therefore, Lord Sri Krishna is ‘nirguna’ which means, ‘gunas Krishna confirms that He is transcendental to the three modes
or modes, although issuing from Him, do not affect Him’. That is in the Gita: “Know that all states of being-- be they of goodness,
one of the special characteristics of Bhagavan, or the Supreme passion or ignorance-- are manifested by My energy. I am, in one
Personality of Godhead. The word ‘nirguna’ is sometimes sense, everything, but I am independent. I am not under the modes
wrongly interpreted by speculators as ‘devoid of qualities’. That is of material nature, for they, on the contrary, are within Me.” (BG
a wrong understanding. ‘Nirguna’ means ‘free from the three 7.12)
modes’ or, in other words, ‘free from material qualities’. But the
Supreme Lord has His name, fame, pastimes, activities, entourage,
etc., which are all completely spiritual and transcendental. Even
 Break Free of Bonds 81 82 Victory Over Death

How Can Krishna, The Supreme Lord, Act misbehaviour. If we want to imitate Krishna dancing with the
Immorally? gopis, first of all we should lift Govardhan hill as Krishna did.
Transgressions of religious principles by the Supreme
Controller testify to His great power. For example, in a company
there are separately marked parking places for Chief Executive
Officer, Managing Director, Works Manager, Shop
Superintendent, etc., to park their respective cars. But when the
owner of the company comes in with his car, he can park it
anywhere, in any of their parking lots; nobody can quarrel with
him nor will anyone question him.
For big post holders like Prime Minister of India, President of
India, Chief Minister, etc., the traffic rules are not applicable.
Then why should the Supreme Lord—father of all creation—be
bound by the three modes?
The Supreme Lord, Rama or Krishna, is above our mundane
conceptions of ‘good’ and ‘bad’. A small lamp may certainly light
Often people challenge that if Krishna is the Supreme up a dark room, but it is useless to search for the sun with it.
Personality of Godhead, who is supposed to be supremely pure Similarly, our mundane conceptions of ‘proper’ or ‘improper’
and the father of morality, how can He break moral principles? behaviour cannot be imposed on the Supreme Lord. It is foolish to
Such people are like tenants who refuse to pay the rent to the impose mundane morality on the Supreme without knowing Him
owner of the house, asking him to prove his ownership. to be the fountainhead of all moral and religious principles. It is
There is nothing in this creation which has not emanated from like trying to measure the height of Mount Everest with a small
the Lord. He is the father, owner, controller, caretaker or scale ruler. There is no tool to see the sun except the sunlight itself
maintainer of everything and everyone. People superimpose their that is given by the sun; similarly, the activities of Lord Rama and
own deficiencies on the Lord and blame Him for what He does not Lord Krishna are divine and can be truly understood only by the
deserve. This is only due to envy and the desire to lord it over the causeless mercy of the Lord.
material nature. Lord Sri Krishna, being the ‘Supreme Bhagavan’, Krishna never enjoys or suffers the results of His activities.
or the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is free to dance with His Therefore, it is not possible for Him to act irreligiously. He is
devotees, the gopis, in rasa dance, He can steal butter from other transcendental to all religious duties and principles. He is
gopis’ houses; He is not bound by any laws because everything untouched by the modes of material nature. He is the father and
emanates from Him. When we imitate the same activities of Supreme Controller of all living entities, either in human society,
stealing anything or dancing with women, it is considered in the demigod society in heavenly planets, or in lower forms of
abominable, and one awaits a suitable punishment for such life. He is the Supreme Controller of all living entities and of
 Break Free of Bonds 83 84 Victory Over Death

material nature; therefore, He has nothing to do with religious or cowards. I will soon stand again for battle. Remembering virtue
irreligious principles. and the codes of warfare, hold off your attack until then.”
In Srimad-Bhagavatam, Sukadeva Gosvami informed Parikshit Hearing his agonized plea, Krishna smiled and replied, “It is
that the great sages and devotees, who are washed clean of all fortunate indeed that you remember virtue, O Karna. Men in
conditioned life, can move freely even within the contamination of distress almost always censure Providence, forgetting their own
material nature by keeping Krishna, the Supreme Personality of evil deeds. Where, O Karna, was your virtue when Draupadi was
Godhead, within their hearts. In this way, they also do not become brought weeping into the Kuru assembly? Where was it when
subject to the laws of pleasure and pain in the modes of material Yudhisthira was robbed of his kingdom? When he asked for it to
nature. How then, is it possible for Krishna, who appears by His be returned, after spending his promised 13 years in exile, did
own internal potency, to be subjected to the laws of karma? your virtue suggest that it be returned? Was it virtue that conspired
Given below are a few arguments made by common people to set fire to the wax house in Varanavata? Did virtue urge you to
and suitable refutations to help us understand the position of the laughingly say to Draupadi, “O lady, choose another husband?”
Lord. Was it that same virtue that ordered Dushasana to strip her naked?
When you and six other brave heroes surrounded the boy
Why Did Krishna Kill So Many Demons?
Abhimanyu, did virtue then enter your mind?” Karna’s head fell
Krishna has no envy towards any living being. Krishna says in and he made no reply. Krishna continued, “If it was virtue acting
the Bhagavad-gita, “samoham sarva bhuteshu na me dveshyosti on all these occasions, then do not waste your time summoning it
na priyah” (BG 9.29) now. You wish us to practice piety today, but you will not escape
Sometimes, a mother slaps one of her children and embraces with your life. After vanquishing you and all their other enemies,
another, according to whatever is beneficial for the child. One the virtuous Pandavas will regain their kingdom.”
child may be mischievous and not ready to attend to his duty of For those who try to cheat Krishna, the Lord says, “I am the
doing the homework, whereas the other child may be honest in best among the cheaters.” Duryodhana and company tried to cheat
finishing the homework in time. The mother gives them treatment the innocent devotees, the Pandavas. The Lord retaliated with a
according to what will benefit them. After receiving a slap, the blow by making Arjuna the instrument. But when the Lord cheats,
child will come to his senses and perform his duty. In the same His cheating is also absolute. Vamanadev apparently cheated Bali
way, Krishna kills the demons and awards them liberation to Maharaja in a superficial sense, but he achieved the topmost
purify them. position of becoming a devotee of the Lord by that act of the Lord.
Why Did Krishna Adopt Devious Ways To Kill Karna? Why Did Krishna Dance With The Gopis,
Who Were Other Men’s Wives?
Let us hear of the incident of Karna’s death from the
Mahabharata. When Krishna danced with the gopis, He was just eight years
Karna told Arjuna, “O Partha, wait for a moment while I old. It is mentioned in Srimad-Bhagavatam that all the gopis
extract my wheel. Do not cherish thoughts entertained only by danced with Krishna not in their material bodies. They danced
with Krishna in their spiritual bodies. All their husbands thought
 Break Free of Bonds 85 86 Victory Over Death

that their wives were sleeping by their sides. The bodies of the Why Did Krishna Steal Butter From
gopis, which were their husbands’, were lying in bed, but the The Houses Of Elderly Gopis?
spiritual parts and parcels of Krishna were dancing with Him.
Krishna and Balarama belonged to the house of Nanda and
Krishna is the Supreme Person, the whole spirit, and He danced Yashoda, who were the chiefs of the entire cowherd community in
with the spiritual bodies of the gopis. There is, therefore, no Vrindavana. They had no dearth of cows for supplying milk,
reason to accuse Krishna in any way (ref: Krishna Book, page butter, ghee and yogurt. Yet, to increase the love of His devotees
222, para 3).
for Him, the Lord would go to the houses of the gopis and steal.
Most of the gopis in their previous lives were great sages,
This mischievous activity would arouse such intense love in the
expert in the study of the Vedas, and when Lord Krishna appeared heart of the elderly gopis that they would have long transcendental
as Lord Ramachandra, they wanted to enjoy with Him. Lord talks about it with Yashoda. One can appreciate such pastimes by
Ramachandra gave them the benediction that their desires would hearing them from the lips of pure devotees.
be fulfilled when He would appear as Krishna. Therefore, the
desire of the gopis to enjoy the appearance of Lord Krishna was Why Did Krishna Run Away
long cherished. So they approached goddess Katyayani to have From The Battle With Jarasandha?
Krishna as their husband. There are many other circumstances
which also testify to the supreme authority of Krishna, and show Seventeen times Krishna killed all the associates of Jarasandha
that He is not bound by the rules and regulations of the material but spared the life of Jarasandha, so that he might go back and
world. In special cases, He acts as He likes to favour His devotees. bring another bunch of demons with him, thereby facilitating the
This is only possible for Him, because He is the Supreme task for Krishna to kill demons in one stroke. When Jarasandha
Controller. People in general should follow the instructions of again attacked Mathura for the eighteenth time, in order to prevent
Lord Krishna as given in the Bhagavad-gita and should not even further killing of soldiers and to attend to other important business
imagine imitating Lord Krishna in the rasa dance. Lord Krishna (meeting Rukmini), Lord Krishna left the battlefield without
sees the gopis, the monkeys, the cows, peacocks, Yamuna, parrots, fighting.
all as devotees; it is due to our venomous enjoying mentality that In India, especially in Gujarat, there are many temples of
we tend to distinguish between the superficial forms and get Krishna which are known as temples of Ranchorji (one who left
confused. The Lord appreciates the devotional mood of His the battlefield). Ordinarily, if a king leaves the battlefield without
devotees, but a conditioned soul, who is absorbed in bodily fighting, he is called a coward, but when Krishna enacts this
consciousness, cannot think of anything beyond money and sex. pastime, leaving the battlefield without fighting, He is worshiped
Our limited perception of the Lord does not disqualify Him or His by the devotees. The act of Krishna’s leaving the battlefield is a
activities. display of one of His six opulences, namely, the Supreme
Renouncer. Even without His military, He alone would have been
sufficient to defeat the army of Jarasandha, as He had done
seventeen times before. Therefore, His leaving the battlefield is an
example of His super most opulence of renunciation.
 Break Free of Bonds 87 88 Victory Over Death

Difference Between Goodness And Pure Goodness Thus, we can attain spiritual perfection simply by
remembering our relationship with Krishna and acting in that
One who understands the Krishna conscious philosophy relationship. We need not be disturbed by the modes of nature, for
concerning material nature, the living entity, and the interaction of instead of putting our consciousness into material activities, we
the modes of nature, is sure to attain liberation. He will not take can transfer it to activities centred around Krishna. This topmost
birth here in this material world again, regardless of his present yoga is known as bhakti-yoga. When we engage in this topmost
position. (BG 13.24) One who is thus becoming freed from yoga system, we acquire the same spiritual qualities as Krishna.
illusion, and who scientifically understands his pure, natural This is the state of pure goodness.
consciousness, is sure to become a devotee of the Supreme Lord. The mode of goodness, although superior to passion and
In the beginning, such potential devotees: ignorance, still binds a person to the material world. Because a
• Naturally develop the desirable personal qualities that person in the mode of goodness follows the spiritual injunctions
characterize the mode of goodness. and acts according to religious principles as a matter of duty, he
• Strictly avoid all sinful activities: meat eating, gambling, may be elevated to heavenly planets after death, and he may have
intoxication and illicit sex. to continue in the cycle of birth and death.
• But beyond that, they seek out a bona fide spiritual master and On the other hand, pure goodness is transcendental to the three
then cultivate transcendental knowledge under his guidance. modes of material nature. In pure goodness, a person exhibits
• Thus, each day, they hear scientific information about Krishna complete, unmotivated, uninterrupted devotion to the Supreme
from Vedic scriptures like the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad- Personality of Godhead, Krishna. He performs only those
Bhagavatam, and activities which please Krishna. For example,
• Chant the holy names of God-- Hare Krishna Hare Krishna • Arjuna killed his own kinsmen and elders upon the instruction
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare / Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama of Krishna.
Rama Hare Hare. Chanting this transcendental vibration is • Vibhishana left his own brother Ravana to join hands with
recommended in the scriptures (Kali Santaran Upanisad) as the Lord Rama.
best way to transcend the three modes of material nature in our • Prahlada garlanded Lord Nrsimhadeva who killed his father
difficult age of quarrel and hypocrisy. Hiranyakashipu.
A devotee of the Lord is free from bondage to the modes • Yudhisthira, who was the personification of religious
because: principles, told a lie on the Lord’s plea.
• His mind, body and words act spiritually-- in relationship to • Vasudeva, who was the personification of honesty, slipped out
Krishna. of the jail carrying baby Krishna, without handing him over to
• He always serves for the pleasure of the Lord. Kamsa.
• For the sake of the Lord, he will do any work needed, and • Bali rejected his so-called guru Shukracharya for serving Lord
• For such work, he will live anywhere-- whether it be in the Vishnu.
country, suburbs or city. From the viewpoint of mundane moralists, the above activities
may be difficult to appreciate; but all these activities are
 Break Free of Bonds 89 90 Victory Over Death

performed by devotees with complete understanding of the modes of material nature. Thus transcendentally situated, the
ultimate principle of dharma – total, unalloyed, pinpointed loving devotee becomes automatically free.
surrender to the Lord without any reservation. Such pure devotees The next question concerns the dealings, or behaviour, of a
bring light in this world of darkness to teach us how one should go transcendentally situated person. The materially situated person is
beyond all bodily designations of mother, father, brother, king, affected by so-called honour and dishonour offered to the body,
relative, etc., and be able to surrender to our eternal friend and but the transcendentally situated person is not affected by such
master – Sri Krishna. Thus, a devotee in pure goodness acts solely false honour and dishonour. He performs his duty in Krishna
for the pleasure of the Supreme Lord, without any personal consciousness and does not mind whether a man honours or
motives, sometimes even tolerating inconveniences. Such a dishonours him. He accepts things that are favourable for his duty
devotee returns to the eternal abode of the Supreme Lord. in Krishna consciousness; otherwise he has no necessity of
anything material, either a stone or gold. He takes everyone as his
Symptoms And Behaviour Of A Person dear friend who helps him in his execution of Krishna
Transcendental To The Three Modes consciousness, and he does not hate his so-called enemy. He is
equally disposed and sees everything on an equal level, because he
In a conversation between Arjuna and Lord Krishna in the knows perfectly well that he has nothing to do with material
Bhagavad-gita, Arjuna submits three different questions and the existence. Social and political issues do not affect him, because he
Lord answers them one after another as below: knows the situation of temporary upheavals and disturbances. He
Arjuna inquired, “O my Lord, by does not attempt anything for his own sake. He can attempt
which symptoms is one known who is anything for Krishna, but for his personal self, he does not attempt
transcendental to these three modes? anything. By such behaviour, one becomes actually
What is his behaviour? And how does transcendentally situated.
he transcend the modes of nature?” (BG The third question is the means of attaining to the
14.21) transcendental position. Krishna says, “One who engages in full
The first question deals with devotional service, who does not fall down in any circumstance, at
symptoms of a person transcendental to once transcends the modes of material nature and thus comes to
the three modes. Krishna first indicates the level of spiritual perfection.” (BG 14.26) One who surrenders
that a person transcendentally situated unto Krishna at once surmounts the influence of the modes of
has no envy, and does not hanker for material nature. Krishna is transcendental and a pure spirit soul is
anything. When one is conscious of the material body, he acts also transcendental. Thus, the living entity in his spiritual position
only for sense gratification, but when one transfers the is as good as Krishna, in quality. It is like a small ornament of
consciousness to Krishna, sense gratification automatically stops. gold, which is in quality as good as the gold in the gold mine. The
A devotee does not enjoy the body, nor does he desire to get out of difference of individuality between Krishna and the living entity
it. He need not even try to become free from the influence of the continues to exist eternally; otherwise there would be no question
of bhakti-yoga. Bhakti-yoga means the Lord is there, the devotee
 Break Free of Bonds 91 92 Victory Over Death

is there and the activity of exchange of love between the Lord and
the devotee is there.
Achieving The Spiritual Body
The conditioned soul is bound up, as though shackled by iron
chains. He is bound up by the false ego, and the mind is the chief
agent which is driving him in this material existence. When the
mind is in the mode of goodness, his activities are good; when the
mind is in the mode of passion, his activities are troublesome; and
when the mind is in the mode of ignorance, he travels in the lower
species of life. The conditioned soul is covered by the material
body, with the mind and the senses, and when he is liberated, this
material covering perishes, but his spiritual body manifests itself
in its individual capacity.
When a living entity gives up this material embodiment and
enters into the spiritual world, he revives his spiritual body, and in
his spiritual body he can see the Supreme Personality of Godhead
face to face. He can hear and speak to Him face to face, and he
can understand the Supreme Personality as He is. From the smrti
also it is understood, vasanti yatra puruñäù sarve vaikuëöha-
mürtayaù: in the spiritual planets everyone lives in bodies
featured like the Supreme Personality of Godhead’s. As far as
bodily construction is concerned, there is no difference between
the part-and-parcel living entities and the expansions of Vishnu-
murti. In other words, at liberation, the living entity gets a spiritual
body by the grace of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
 94 Victory Over Death

ye hi samsparsha-ja bhoga dukha-yonaya eva te

ady-antavanta kaunteya na teshu ramate budha

Chapter 3 “An intelligent person does not take part in the sources of
misery, which are due to contact with the material senses. O son of
Kunti, such pleasures have a beginning and an end, and so the
wise man does not delight in them.” (BG 5.22)
Why Should I Suffer?
Has this question ever occurred to you, “Why can I not go on
perpetually enjoying? The other day when I celebrated my
birthday party with friends and relatives, I was so happy. Where is
that gone? Today when I heard my friend insulting me, my heart
was breaking into pieces. Why can’t I be happy always?”
Although we may wish good for ourselves and for others, this

The Quest for

material world is designed by the Creator to offer miseries through
the agency of Durga. The situation is similar to a state that
arranges a jail and a jail keeper to punish and maintain the thieves
Happiness or law-breakers of the state. Misery means to get what we do not
want and to not get what we want. Scriptures like the Bhagavad-
gita give us an indication that this material world is a temporary
place that is full of miseries like a jail. (BG 8.15) We suffer
because of our sinful mentality and the desire to enjoy
independent of the Supreme Lord. We will continue to suffer birth
after birth if we do not make plans to reform this wrong mentality.
One who desires to achieve happiness should learn the art of
quitting this jail by taking directions from the scriptures, and
returning back home, back to Godhead.
The Material World Is Temporary
A creator of any commodity has the best knowledge about his
product. Similarly, Lord Sri Krishna is accepted by all
authoritative sources to be the Supreme Personality of Godhead,
 The Quest for Happiness 95 96 Victory Over Death

and the source of everything, including the material world. Who planks for seats, we should arrange cushioned seats; there should
can give us better information about the world we are living in be at least two fans”, etc., what would happen to such a fool?
than Him? He labels this world as ‘dukhalayam’, which means Ignoring the death that awaits everyone, despite hearing the
‘abode of miseries’, just as ‘Himalaya’ means ‘abode of snow’, or warning call given by the Vedas, people just want to go on making
‘pustakalaya’ means ‘shop of books’. Sometimes we find boards adjustments in life and make the material world a better place to
saying ‘beware of dogs’ or ‘trespassers will be prosecuted’. live in. Such people die a repentant death, not knowing where they
Anyone who ignores such warnings should be prepared to face are going, nor what body awaits them.
dangerous consequences. Thus, one who is serious about life’s Some people argue, “After all, if life has to be tasty, we should
goal should take note of the Lord’s teachings in the Bhagavad- have a mixture of pleasures and pains. Why do these religionists
gita. make a big issue out of these small problems which come and go?
When a child makes a sand castle on the seashore, parents We should learn to enjoy life by ignoring these problems.”
laugh at him, thinking of the inevitable destruction of that castle However, one is not allowed to stay forever in this world. A rat
by the waves that will reach the shore within a short time. may make a hole and live comfortably, thinking that he is
However, such ‘intelligent’ parents do not see the inevitable force peaceful, until the snake comes and devours him. In the same way,
of time that will strip off all their material acquisitions, and leave the laws of material nature are so stringent that at an appropriate
them bare-handed when they have to quit the world. What time, one is forced to quit his body at any cost by inevitable Time
arrangements have they made for their next life? which is like a black serpent. No beautiful woman can allure
Instead of worrying about preparing their consciousness to Death, no rich man can bribe Death and no scholar can present his
return to God, people are preoccupied with solving petty problems arguments in front of Death. Everyone has to pass out of this
of this world. Once, when I asked in a classroom, “What do you world one day.
consider to be the problems of life?” someone answered, “Solving
The Material World Is A Place Of Suffering
the fight between my mother and wife”. Another said, “My foolish
friend, who is likely to get promoted instead of me”. A third one All endeavours made in the field of Science are to reduce the
said, “It would be nice if our society can arrange 24 hours water miseries of man and to increase his comforts. A fan or an air
supply, and make a common reading room with some newspapers conditioner is used to reduce the misery of sweating, or the heat of
and magazines.” Thus, people are caught up in bodily summer. A motor cycle is used to avoid the misery of pedalling.
identifications, solving their day-to-day problems, forgetful that These are simple examples. In a similar way, advances in Science,
death is fast approaching. Technology and Medicine are aimed at reducing the miseries and,
If a siren blows in a train and a warning is given, “Rush out of if possible, ending them altogether.
the train! Someone has set a time bomb in the train that may A problem can be considered real if it fulfils the following
explode at anytime!” what would you do? If one shows deaf ears three criteria: 1) It is common to all, 2) Nobody wants it, and 3)
to such an announcement and is preoccupied in making the Nobody can avoid it. In this light, the real problems of life are
compartment a more comfortable place, saying, “It would be nice birth, old age, disease and death. We also suffer problems from
to have curtains for the windows; why do they have wooden
 The Quest for Happiness 97 98 Victory Over Death

our body and mind, from other living entities, and from superior are surrounded by unlimited varieties of enjoyable objects, but
agents through natural calamities. somehow happiness eludes us. In youth, people fall prey to many
Ultimately, whatever one does in life, the goal is to achieve vices with the intense desire for squeezing out some happiness in
happiness. In modern times, people are careful to choose areas of life, but where does that struggle end? It can be practically
study which can fetch them maximum money, which can later observed that the worldly pleasures are always mixed with pain,
bring forth happiness. People want the best education, the finest of like sweet rice mixed with sand. Pain is called ‘athithi’ or an
cars, a good life partner, an opulent bungalow to live in, a uninvited guest, who comes to your door unexpectedly.
comfortable life surrounded by relatives and friends, and enough For example: smoking – cancer, illicit sex – AIDS, liquor –
fun to enjoy life. There are people who have some or all of these, liver problem, tobacco – bronchitis.
but they lack peace of mind. In certain cases, they even want to Pleasure and pain are born together like twins. They are two
end their life due to frustration. What do they lack in their life that sides of the same coin. We want to separate the pleasure
makes them so miserable? The following section based on the component from the coin and throw away the pain component.
Bhagavad-gita presents the answer to this question. How is this possible? How can you want a person without his
shadow? Pain and pleasure are inseparable from each other.
Nature Of Material Pleasure Jnanis and yogis, understanding that material pleasure and
pain is inseparable, throw away the coin containing both. They
An average man in society spends most of his time in
voluntarily accept pains to negate pleasures—in summer, they put
counteracting the problems or pains, ‘kurvan dukha pratikaram a circle of fire around them and in winter, they meditate in ice cold
sukhavan manyate grhi’. (SB 3.30.9) He tries to repeat the water. Generally in summer, we want to stay in an air conditioned
pleasurable experiences by becoming addicted to the objects that room, and in winter, we prefer rolling ourselves into a thick
gave him pleasure – opposite sex, situations, things, etc. Most woollen blanket. We like eating delicious preparations, but the
often, he ignores the presence of others in fulfilling his own yogis eat roots and herbs, that have no taste, to negate the pleasure
ambitious plans for enjoyment, thus causing pain to them and of eating. We like living in a family with all friends and relatives;
conflicting relationships. Sometimes, in order to achieve pleasure, yogis go to the jungle to live alone, negating all relationships.
he does not mind adopting foul means, going against his own Thus, by negating the pleasures, the yogis try to transcend the
conscience, thus causing an internal conflict. Thus, ‘raga’ dualities of happiness/distress, pleasure/pain, heat/cold, honour/
(attachment to things one should shun) and ‘dvesha’ (aversion to dishonour, etc.
good things) toss him like a football, occasionally leaving islands A devotee of the Lord has another easy way of transcending
of tiny pleasures that urge him to continue in the same rat race. the dualities without torturing himself so much like a jnani or a
Material Pleasure And Material Pain Are Twins yogi. He just does what is meant for Krishna’s pleasure. He only
eats the remnants after offering bhoga to Krishna. He uses his
There are unlimited sense objects for enjoyment, but not one body, mind and words to render service to Krishna, based on the
of them is able to give complete satisfaction. Just like the riddle order of guru, thereby spiritualizing all his thoughts, words and
that says, ‘water, water everywhere, not a drop to drink (sea)’, we actions. He lives under a tree if ordered by guru; or he may live in
 The Quest for Happiness 99 100 Victory Over Death

a palatial building if it is the order of guru. In this manner, he ground, searching for the jewel of youth that passed away in her
gives up his independent free will in speculating what is right or life. If one is youthful, one may certainly have enormous strength,
wrong; rather he simply obeys his guru and lives only for his but one should not laugh at old people, because the one who
pleasure. For the sake of guru and Krishna, he will lay down his laughs also will turn old – like the wet cow dung laughed at dry
life, and for his own sake, he will not enjoy even one penny that is dung which was thrown into fire; he didn’t realise that the same
the property of the Lord. In this way, living a life for Lord’s thing will happen to him also. Thus, one cannot keep enjoying
pleasure, he transcends the duality of pleasure and pain. Thus, the forever, even if one possesses all facilities.
path of a bhakta is very smooth, unlike jnanis and yogis who The desire to enjoy sex life is deep rooted, but it can never be
artificially refrain from pleasures. quenched by material means. What is the use of one drop of water
Material Pleasure Is Limited in a desert for a thirsty man? ‘yan maithunadi grhamedhi sukham
But Leads To Unlimited Suffering hi tuccham’. (SB 7.9.45) The living entity comes from the
spiritual world, where he experiences unlimited bliss in the service
If somebody tells you, “I am of the Lord, but when he comes to the material world, the so-
enjoying life”, you may ask them: called happiness he gets is not even a drop in comparison to the
“How much can you enjoy? How ocean of spiritual bliss.
long can you enjoy?” These two The irony is that even the drop of material pleasure that is
questions, ‘how much’ and ‘how achieved is unsatisfying and accompanied by unlimited suffering,
long’, easily expose the nature of
‘trpyanti neha krpana bahu dukha bhaja’. There is a particular
material pleasures. There may be a
plant called poison ivy that causes an itching sensation merely by
dozen five star hotels in the city,
touching it. As one forgetfully touches other parts of the body, this
and every day, over fifty varieties of
itching multiplies more and more and leads to enormous suffering.
items may be in the menu. Although
By continuous scratching, one may start bleeding. The solution to
our tongue is hankering to enjoy
stop itching is: (i) stop scratching, and (ii) apply medicine.
delicious preparations, how much
Similarly, the only solution to a suffering soul hankering for
can one enjoy even if he happens to
pleasure is to give up the endeavour in the material world, and
be the wealthiest person in the city?
take to the medicine of chanting the holy names of the Lord. Thus,
All material pleasures have
trying to gain material pleasures, is compared to pouring petrol in
beginning and end – like a cow tied
the fire to put off the fire. The fire only will become aggravated.
to a pole cannot enjoy grass beyond the radius of the rope.
Thus, indulging in, or suppressing material pleasures is not the
One may be proud of having facilities to enjoy now; but how
solution; one should sublimate them by taking to Krishna
long can he go on? Rich people who suffer from diabetes or
consciousness. In spiritual life, one experiences real joy called
chronic constipation, are unable to taste any good preparations.
‘satya ananda’ not ‘mithya ananda’. A connoisseur of food may
“What is the use of all my money? I cannot eat even one laddu”,
travel some hundred miles to go to a particular hotel to taste a
they feel. An old lady with a hunchback was looking down on the
particular delicacy, a connoisseur of art may purchase a painting
 The Quest for Happiness 101 102 Victory Over Death

for millions of dollars if it is pleasing to his mind, a connoisseur of our thirst for happiness. Sometimes it appears that material
Maths may solve a complicated problem and get great intellectual pleasures are more easily reachable than spiritual bliss, but it is not
satisfaction, a connoisseur of trekking may climb up the true. A moving image of a seductive woman can make a
Himalayas, lay a flag at the top, and feel his ego satisfied. Yogis passionate man lusty but cannot give him tangible enjoyment.
are connoisseurs of pleasure. They don’t become satisfied with Once, a crane that spent a lot of time near a lake in search of fish
petty pleasures achieved by body, mind, intellect or ego. They happened to see a bull’s testicle hanging. He thought to himself, if
relish the unlimited bliss that comes by surrendering to the Lord in fish are so easily available, why do people struggle hard to get it
love and rendering service to Him in divine consciousness. from the lake? Thinking in this way, he put his beaks in between
‘ramante yogino anante satyananda cidatmani…’ (Padma the two legs of the bull and got a severe kick from it. Not able to
Purana) understand what is happening, the crane tried again and again, and
got repeated kicks. This is the condition of one pursuing material
Material Pleasure Is A Chase After A Mirage pleasures. A fake rupee note may be very cheap, but it is of no
Material pleasure never satisfies a person, it only leads to a value. Thus, the material objects are like mere shadows that are
more desperate search for pleasure. In the Bhagavatam (SB imitations of spiritual objects, and cannot give us the satisfaction
7.13.29), there is an example of a deer who was very thirsty. He we are looking for.
was standing next to a lake of fresh clean water covered with Material Pleasure Is Not New
clumps of grass. Because of grass on the top of the water, he could
not see the water; he ran here and there in search of water and at We have been situated in the bodies of dogs, cats, etc., for
last died without achieving it. Our material body has grown upon many lifetimes. We have already had these pleasures millions of
the soul and we identify with it. Not knowing our true identity, we times – eating, sleeping, mating and defending. Prahlada Maharaja
try to satisfy the material body in so many ways, but we are led calls it ‘punah punas carvita carvananam’ (SB 7.5.30), meaning,
only to frustration. The whole world is chasing after material ‘chewing the chewed’. Sometimes, a school-going child chews a
pleasures without understanding the true nature of the soul that is chewing-gum for hours together. It gives a good flavour in the
just beneath the sheath of material body. Suppose you desire to eat beginning, but becomes tasteless within a short time. But when the
an ice cream cone. After your desire of eating the ice cream cone teacher begins the class, the child keeps it under the desk, and later
is fulfilled, you get a momentary satisfaction. But soon after this, takes it and keeps chewing it although there is no taste. Nowadays,
your mind will begin to search for another object of pleasure. You school boys playing cricket chew the chewing gum more out of
may start thinking, “What should I do now? May be I should go to fashion than to get any taste out of it!
a movie.” In this way, the mind constantly wants a variety of Just as in a sugar cane shop, a man squeezes the sugarcane
pleasurable sensations. In fact, one realizes his inability to satisfy several times to get one more drop of juice, we also try the same
the demands of his mind. animalistic pleasures in the human body again and again. Human
The material world is a perverted reflection of the spiritual body is not meant for such pleasures. While animal bodies are
world. Just like the mannequin of a beautiful girl cannot give any meant for sense enjoyment, human bodies are meant for sense
satisfying relationships, similarly, material bodies cannot quench control. By controlling the mind and senses, and leading a pure
 The Quest for Happiness 103 104 Victory Over Death

life of Krishna consciousness, a human being can experience onslaught of all kinds of problems throughout his life. Once the
unlimited bliss. marriage ceremony is over, the couple has to face the harsh
realities of life – getting a job, purchasing a flat, procuring
Material Pleasure Ceases To Be Pleasure After Sometime
furniture, raising the newly born child, admitting him in school,
No same material object can give us pleasure for a long time. household chores and problems, facing crises, etc. Although they
For example, if you are mad after eating gulab jamuns, and you often proudly tell others that they have been united by ‘love
eat one, two, three… A stage will come when you will not want to marriage’, they may fight almost like cats and dogs.
eat anymore, and if it is given forcefully, you will feel repulsion Thus, the charm of material pleasures is short lived and turns
and vomit. into boredom, or dryness, after sometime.
Suppose you are very excited to hear about a picnic to some
place with your friends after a month. You may be counting down Pleasure Is In The Mind,
the day of the picnic. Initially, you may enjoy the experience, but Not In The Objects We Chase To Achieve
after sometime, you start feeling bored and ask others, “When are Suppose somebody gives you a big plate full of a twelve-
we returning back?” course feast, with four types of sweets and four types of sabji, ice
If somebody gives you a birthday gift nicely packed in a cream, salad, chapattis, pizza and cold drinks. When you are about
shining golden paper pack, how eager are you open it and see to begin, if somebody scolds you strongly, will you be able to eat
what the gift is! But once the gift is opened, you turn it around peacefully? Your mood is immediately lost and the same food
left, right, up, down and see it, and you keep it aside. Now does not give any satisfaction. When Duryodhana was talking to
probably you may not touch it again ever in the future! Bhisma and was feeling jealous of the Pandavas becoming more
A newly wedded couple holds several dreams about marriage and more victorious in the battle, he rejected delicious food that
and life with the new partner. They feel some divinity associated was brought to him in the tent due to a disturbed mind. Thus, the
with the whole thing – pleasure is in the mind, not in the external objects that we hanker
nightingales are singing, to achieve in life, thinking that they must be the cause of pleasure.
flowers are showering from
More Time Is Spent In The Pursuit Of Pleasure
heaven, lakes are blooming
Than In Actually Enjoying It
with lotuses, swans are
joyfully swimming back and Duryodhana employed trickery to send the Pandavas on exile
forth, peacocks are dancing by inviting them for a gambling match. After great efforts, he
and the whole world is succeeded in achieving his ends. But he still could not live
enjoying their marriage. peacefully, because the thought that the Pandavas may return after
These things are sometimes twelve years and take back the kingdom haunted him. There are
even shown in movies. But people who work life long to purchase their own flat in a hundred
the bridegroom, with a beautiful king-like turban, is raised on a storey building. They have so many flats above theirs, so many
horse and given all respects for one day, only to tolerate the below theirs; there is noise pollution of the city, air pollution due
 The Quest for Happiness 105 106 Victory Over Death

to automobiles, water and power supply is not in their hands and little pleasure in the beginning, followed by the long tail of
can be cut at anytime. If the lift doesn’t work, they have to climb sufferings.
up fifty storeys. Still they feel the satisfaction of possessing a flat While the common saying goes amongst people of this world,
in their name: ‘my own piece of earth’. But often such people get ‘familiarity breeds contempt’, in spiritual circles, ‘familiarity
a flat at the fag end of their life, not able to enjoy living there even breeds love’. A materialist goes by the superficial material body,
for a few years! while a devotee sees the real spiritual being in every body. He sees
a brahmana, a cow, an elephant, a dog and a dog-eater alike by
Amount Of Pain Coupled With Pleasure
seeing the supersoul seated in the hearts of all these beings. Thus,
Is Far More Than The Pleasure Initially Enjoyed
in spiritual life, when we come closer to either Krishna or
Suppose, all of a sudden, you get a craving of the tongue to eat devotees, we feel an ever increasing attraction as such
some pizza late at night. Initially, you have to take the trouble to relationships exist and are experienced on a spiritual plane.
go to the hotel. You may have to wait in a long queue till your turn
comes. You may have a fight with the waiter for not cooperating Material Pleasure Is Risky And Dangerous
in the matter of giving you the food in time and in the right The living entity is like a merchant entering a forest in search
manner, or not respecting you properly. After the pizza comes, of valuable wood and sand to sell them and make money, but
you may find it excessively spicy or not well prepared. After risking his life from the forest animals like tigers. Similarly, this
somehow or other consuming it, you may get a momentary material world is like a forest of material enjoyment, where the
pleasure along with the later consequences of adverse effects on living entity continues to struggle, completely forgetful of his
your health the next day. On one hand, you may suffer heart burn, original identity as servant of God.
nausea and indigestion and on the other hand, you feel a mental Sense gratification is like licking honey from a razor’s edge.
urge to repeat the experience of eating pizza again and again. Prahlada Maharaja, while preaching to his demoniac classmates,
Often, people go by the externals. They think, “He/She looks said, “Money is so dear that one conceives of money as being
so handsome/beautiful. He/She must be too good. I have to sweeter than honey. Therefore, who can give up the desire to
achieve this person’s company in my life as a life-partner. I have accumulate money, especially in household life? Thieves,
no other goal now.” Even after you manage to live with him/her, professional servants (soldiers) and merchants try to acquire
you come across many other facets of his/her behaviour that pinch money even by risking their very dear lives.” (SB 7.6.10) Thieves
you and you have to bear with them. A person’s superficial beauty may enter the house of a rich man to steal money at the risk of
is not representative of his/her qualities. Thus, one begins to their lives. Because of trespassing, they may be killed by guns or
become aware of the sharp ends that abrade and create fire sparks attacked by watchdogs, but still they try to commit burglary. They
in their relationship. If one is not mature, the one whom we loved risk their lives only to get some money. Similarly, a professional
the most may become one whom we hate the most now. Further, soldier is recruited into the army, and he accepts such service,
when such a person leaves your company after some time due to with the risk of dying on the battlefield, only for the sake of
any unavoidable circumstances, or even temporarily for some money. In the same way, merchants go from one country to
time, you suffer mental agony in his/her separation. Thus, there is another on boats at the risk of their lives, or they dive into the
 The Quest for Happiness 107 108 Victory Over Death

water of the sea to collect pearls and valuable gems. Thus, it is push of other people, you feel ‘happiness’. But inside the train,
practically proved—and everyone will admit—that money is your nose gets stuck in someone’s armpit, your body is bent in
sweeter than honey. One may risk everything to acquire money, four places and you desire to get a sitting place as your legs are
and this is especially true of rich men who are too attached to paining. If you get a small sitting place, even to keep one of your
household life. thighs, you feel ‘happiness’. After sometime, by the will of
Formerly, of course, the members of the higher castes—the providence, if you get a window seat, you feel ‘greater happiness’,
brahmanas, kshatriyas and vaishyas – were trained in the guru- although squeezed to the window by three people sitting next to
kula to adhere to a life of renunciation and sense control by you. Now there is anxiety about how to come out of the crowd to
practicing brahmacarya and mystic yoga. Then they were allowed get down at the next station, otherwise you will miss your station.
to enter household life. Thus, one should be trained to earn what is Thus, every step is a temporary mitigation of suffering that is
needed for sustenance, rather than be greedy for accumulating perceived as happiness.
more and more.
Is Ambition For Happiness Wrong?
Material Pleasure Is A Temporary Mitigation Of Pain
The ambition for happiness is natural and good, but the
The whole world is chasing after material pleasure, but the fact
attempt to derive it from inert matter by so-called scientific
is there is no happiness in the material world. What appears to be
arrangements is an illusory attempt doomed to frustration. Real
happiness is only a temporary mitigation of pain. For instance, in
happiness, which is known as bliss, can be derived only through
the earlier days, if policemen wanted to get the truth out of the
practice of Krishna consciousness, by recognizing the authority of
mouth of a thief, they would tie the thief to the end of a stick up-
the Supreme Lord and rendering service to Him.
side-down and dunk him in water. After sometime, they would
Every living being desires the topmost level of enjoyment in
bring him out. The thief, almost drowning, would take a deep
this material world, and yet everyone is unhappy here. We can
breath, feeling great relief. After interrogating him, they would
increase the duration and standard of life to the highest capacity,
once again dunk him in water. Similarly, in this material world,
and yet by the law of material nature we will be unhappy. The
we get a little relief from miseries, sandwiched within two thick
reason for this is that the quality of happiness that is suitable for
layers of suffering.
our constitution is different from the happiness that is derived
If one carefully observes one’s own life, he can see that every
from material activities.
effort for pleasure only counteracts some type of suffering. If one
The living entity is a minute particle of the spiritual energy of
has successfully counteracted the suffering, he considers it as
the Lord, which is sac-cid-ananda-vigraha, and so he has the
‘enjoyment’. But there is truly no positive enjoyment. For
propensity for joy which is spiritual in quality. Unfortunately now,
instance, let us take the example of the heavily crowded trains in
he is trying in vain to attain his enjoyment from the foreign
Bombay city. When you are standing on the railway platform, you
atmosphere of material nature. A fish that is taken out of the water
may see three trains passing one after another, completely loaded
cannot be happy by any arrangement on land. You may give him a
with people, and you may find your chance of getting in very
T.V., fridge, air conditioned room, and nice foodstuffs. But unless
bleak. But somehow or other if you get into the fourth train by the
it is put back into water, it cannot become happy. Similarly, the
 The Quest for Happiness 109 110 Victory Over Death

living entity cannot be really Those who are not

happy through any amount of engaged in the transcendental
planning conceived by his loving service of the Supreme
illusioned brain in this material Lord wrongly think that since
world. He has to be given a they are accumulating so
different type of happiness which much money day after day,
is spiritual in essence. Our that wealth is going to bring
ambition should be aimed at future happiness. Krishna says
enjoying spiritual bliss and not in the Gita: “The demoniac
this temporary happiness. person thinks – ‘So much
If we want to attain happiness, wealth do I have today, and I
we need some knowledge of what will gain more according to my schemes. So much is mine now,
happiness is. There is the story of and it will increase in the future, more and more.’” (BG 16.13)
the foolish man who had no “Being bound by hundreds and thousands of desires and absorbed
experience of sugarcane. When he in lust and anger, they secure money by illegal means for sense
asked his friend about the characteristics of sugarcane, he was gratification.” (BG 16.12)
imperfectly informed that sugarcane resembles the shape of a
All Wealth Belongs To The Supreme Lord
bamboo stick. Consequently, he began trying to extract juice from
And Is Meant For The Pleasure Of The Supreme Lord
bamboo sticks, but he was baffled in his attempts. This is the
situation with the illusioned living entity who, in his search for Wealth is worshiped and is referred to as Mother Laksmi, or
eternal happiness, tries to extract happiness from this material the goddess of fortune. It is her position to serve Lord Narayana,
world, which is not only full of miseries but is also transient and the source of all the naras, or living beings. The naras are also
flickering. meant to serve Narayana under the guidance of the goddess of
fortune. The living being cannot enjoy the goddess of fortune
Seeking Happiness Through Money without serving Narayana, and therefore, whoever desires to enjoy
In the modern atheistic world, money is sought after by her wrongly will be punished by the laws of nature. These laws
everyone, because that is the medium of exchange for objects of will make sure that the money itself will bring about destruction
sense gratification. Obviously, the expectation of peace in such an instead of peace and prosperity.
atmosphere of gold rush pandemonium is a utopian dream. From In Ramayana, we see that all the different associates of Rama
the highest executive in his skyscraper office down to the coolie in were working for the pleasure of Rama. When Lord Rama goes to
the street – all are working with the thought of accumulating the forest, Mother Sita accompanies Him, Lakshmana serves Him
wealth, legally or illegally. Actually, to work for one’s self- throughout His life, Hanuman remains His humble servant and
interest is both unlawful and destructive. serves Him according to His instructions, Bharata tries to persuade
Lord Rama to come back home and rule Ayodhya, but after
 The Quest for Happiness 111 112 Victory Over Death

getting instructions from Lord Rama, goes to Nandagram and • There is an ocean of salt available. Anyone can collect any
serves Lord Rama by following His instructions. So, the Supreme amount of salt from the natural storehouse, but we cannot take
Lord is the true enjoyer; everything belongs to Him and is meant more than what we need. If we take more salt, we spoil the broth,
for His service and His pleasure, and all characters in Ramayana, and if we take less salt, our food becomes tasteless. On the other
we see, are working for His pleasure. hand, if we take only what we require, our food is tasty and we are
The demon Ravana wanted to enjoy Lord’s property, Mother healthy.
Sita, and he stole Her and took Her to Sri Lanka. But Lord Rama’s • In proportion to people’s unlawful desires, their
very dear servant, Hanuman, went to Sri Lanka, met Mother Sita, accumulated money is taken away by the agents of illusory energy
set fire to Sri Lanka, and made all facilities for Lord Rama to kill in the shape of medical practitioners, lawyers, tax collectors,
Ravana and bring back Sita. All the wealth and resources of this societies, constitutions, etc.
world represent Mother Sita and is meant for the service of Lord Thus, one should accept only his quota and learn to be
Rama. Those who are devotees like Hanuman, engage everything satisfied, understanding well that the Supreme Lord, father of all
in the service of the Supreme Lord, and encourage other people to living beings, has allotted adequate resources for the benefit of all
do the same. Those who are demons like Ravana, try to exploit the living beings.
natural resources for their own sense gratification, and never care Seeking Happiness Through Sense Gratification
for the authority of the Supreme Lord. Very soon, such demons Senses and Sense Objects
will be vanquished by the force of time and everything will be
When the senses come in contact with the sense objects, there
seized from them at death.
is pleasure or pain. The senses can be classified as knowledge
Suffering Is Because Of Unlawful Desires acquiring senses (jnanendriya) and working senses (karmendriya).
In the Vedic culture, people would earn money to maintain
one’s family and would utilise a portion of this money for Knowledge-acquiring => Ears, Nose, Skin, Tongue,
cultivation of spiritual knowledge. But today, the citizens are no senses Eyes
longer satisfied with just enough money for the essential needs in Working senses => Voice, Legs, Hands, Anus,
human life. Now everyone wants money unlimitedly to satisfy Genitals
insatiable desires. They want to accumulate unlimited possessions Sense objects => Sound, Smell, Touch, Taste,
to highlight their status in society and to feel big. Sight
The laws of nature do not allow us to accept more money than
is required for proper maintenance. There is ample arrangement by The senses (indriyas) are the direct link with the external world.
the law of nature to provide every living being with his due share Information is gathered by the five knowledge-acquiring senses,
of food and shelter, but the insatiable lusts of human beings have and the body acts with the help of the five working senses. This
disturbed the arrangement set forth by the Almighty Father of all activity of the body is always related to the objects of the senses.
species of life. Everything we perceive in the world falls into one of the five
categories of sense objects.
 The Quest for Happiness 113 114 Victory Over Death

The knowledge-acquiring senses dwell upon certain sense and discipline the senses (horses). The overall purpose of the
objects which appear attractive/repulsive. whole soul-body arrangement can thus be fulfilled only if the
senses are controlled by a strong intelligence. One achieves strong
Senses Characteristic of Sense Object intelligence by hearing the scriptures from a bona fide spiritual
Eyes drag the mind towards light, sight, colour and forms master.
constantly A Meditation Technique To Transcend
Ears -do- to pleasant and unpleasant sounds The Disturbance Of The Senses
Nose -do- to good and foul smells
Skin -do- to various perceptions such as heat/cold, häsaà harer avanatäkhila-loka-tévra-
softness/hardness, çokäçru-sägara-viçoñaëam atyudäram
smoothness/roughness, etc. sammohanäya racitaà nija-mäyayäsya
tongue -do- to various kinds of tastes such as sweet, bhrü-maëòalaà muni-kåte makara-dhvajasya
salty, sour, and so on
“A yogi should similarly meditate on the most benevolent
The position of a person whose mind and senses are smile of Lord Sri Hari, a smile which, for all those who bow to
uncontrolled becomes pitiable. On one side, the tongue is pulling Him, dries away the ocean of tears caused by intense grief. The
him to arrange for tasty food, then thirst drags one to get a suitable yogi should also meditate on the Lord’s arched eyebrows, which
drink. Simultaneously, the sex organs clamour for satisfaction, and are manifested by His internal potency in order to charm the sex-
the sense of touch demands soft, sensuous objects. The belly god for the good of the sages.” (SB 3.28.32)
harasses one until it is filled, the ears demand to hear pleasant The bereavement of material existence immediately subsides
sounds, the sense of smell hankers for pleasant aromas and the when one sees the charming smile of the Lord. The charming
fickle eyes clamour for pleasing sights. Thus, the senses, organs, eyebrows of the Lord are so fascinating that they cause one to
and limbs, all desiring satisfaction, pull the living entity in many forget the charms of sense attraction. The conditioned souls are
directions. shackled to material existence because they are captivated by the
The following analogy can be found in the pages of the charms of sense gratification, especially sex life. The sex-god is
Upanisads, which helps one in understanding how the soul, gross called Makara-dhvaja. The charming brows of the Supreme
body, mind, intelligence and the senses co-ordinate with one Personality of Godhead protect the sages and devotees from being
another. The gross material body is like a chariot. The soul is the charmed by material lust and sex attraction. Yamunacarya, a great
passenger in the chariot. The intelligence is the driver and the acarya, said that ever since he had seen the charming pastimes of
mind is the driving instrument (the reins or ropes). Finally, the the Lord, the charms of sex life had become abominable for him,
senses are the horses. If the senses (horses) are uncontrolled and and the mere thought of sex enjoyment would cause him to spit
wild, the body (chariot) will be led in the wrong direction. If, and turn his face. Thus, if anyone wants to be aloof from sex
however, the intelligence (driver) is strong and resolute, then he attraction, he must see the charming smile and fascinating
can exercise tight control on the mind (the reins) and thus restrain eyebrows of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
 The Quest for Happiness 115 116 Victory Over Death

source of all misery. It leads to temporary pleasure or pain and has

dhyänäyanaà prahasitaà bahulädharoñöha- no spiritual benefit.
bhäsäruëäyita-tanu-dvija-kunda-paìkti Krishna says in the Gita: “An intelligent person does not take
dhyäyet svadeha-kuhare ’vasitasya viñëor part in the sources of misery, which are due to contact with the
material senses. O son of Kunti, such pleasures have a beginning
bhaktyärdrayärpita-manä na påthag didåkñet
and an end, and so the wise man does not delight in them.” (BG
5.22)
“With devotion steeped in love and affection, the yogi should
The camel, who often feasts on thorny bushes, mangles his
meditate within the core of his heart upon the laughter of Lord
mouth and enjoys the taste of his own fresh blood. Never mind the
Vishnu. The laughter of Vishnu is so captivating that it can be
pain and self-mutilation; it is the taste that counts. Sure our camel
easily meditated upon. When the Supreme Lord is laughing, one
is dumb but not much dumber than humans who act in much the
can see His small teeth, which resemble jasmine buds rendered
same way. A man has a hacking cough; his doctor has told him he
rosy by the splendour of His lips. Once devoting his mind to this,
has to stop smoking. This man smokes two packets of cigarettes a
the yogi should no longer desire to see anything else.” (SB
day. Even the very pack of cigarettes he is holding in his hand,
3.28.33)
warns him that cigarette smoking is dangerous to his health. In
It is recommended that the yogi visualize the laughter of the
short, he is killing himself, and he knows it. But he lights up his
Lord after studying His smile very carefully. These particular
cigarette, smoke after smoke, pack after pack.
descriptions of meditation on the smile, laughter, face, lips and
Or take an all-American swinging bachelor, enjoying as much
teeth, all indicate conclusively that God is not impersonal. It is
sex as he can get. It probably never occurs to him that with each
described herein that one should meditate on the laughter or
sexual encounter, he is sapping his vital energy (The great sages of
smiling of Vishnu. There is no other activity that can completely
India know for millenniums that sexual restraint increases mental
cleanse the heart of the devotee. The exceptional beauty of the
powers and resistance to disease). Then again, it is hard to believe
laughter of Lord Vishnu is that when He smiles, His small teeth,
this philanderer has not felt at least a twinge of anxiety about
which resemble the buds of jasmine flowers, at once become
contracting herpes, the epidemic and incurable venereal disease, or
reddish, reflecting His rosy lips. If the yogi is able to place the
felt the pain of loneliness that comes from having sex with
beautiful face of the Lord in the core of his heart, he will be
everyone but loving no one. Still, he cannot stop hurting himself
completely satisfied. In other words, when one is absorbed in
in the name of pleasure.
seeing the beauty of the Lord within himself, the material
Then we have the compulsive gambler. Nothing matters to him
attraction can no longer disturb him.
but being “in the action”. He will take out a second mortgage on
The Four Vices That Corrupt Our Body And Mind his house, or go into debt to loan sharks, just to get money to
What is sense gratification? If one uses his senses to derive gamble. He may lose his job or destroy his family, but he must
satisfaction from the sense objects for one’s own pleasure, then it gamble.
is termed as sense gratification. Such sense gratification is the
 The Quest for Happiness 117 118 Victory Over Death

Finally, consider a man, an everyday enjoyer of hamburgers, truthfulness, austerity and cleanliness respectively. Trying to give
bacon and eggs, spaghetti and meatballs, and so on. Eating meat at up powerful addictions by will power alone is almost always
every meal is a great pleasure for him. But then come those futile. But if we get a higher taste through the practice of Krishna
unsettling reports from the National Academy of Sciences that consciousness, it becomes easy. We get that higher taste when we
there is definitely a connection between meat eating and cancer. come in touch with Krishna consciousness.
And if this meat-lover is a bit sensitive, it might occur to him that Out of His mercy, Krishna makes Himself available to us in
many ways so that we can get in touch with Him. The first and
foremost is through His holy names. When we chant the maha
mantra – Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare,
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare – we come directly
in contact with Krishna through transcendental sound. He draws
our mind and heart to Him when we chant His names sincerely.
Another way Krishna makes Himself available to us is through
prasadam, vegetarian food cooked for and offered to Krishna with
devotion. The endless variety of delicious preparations we can
cook for Krishna make giving up meat extremely easy.
So the choice is ours: Either we can continue living like the
camel, whipping our senses with sinful activities and trying to
enjoy the taste of our own blood, or we can give up our addiction
to lower pleasures by getting the higher taste of Krishna
consciousness, which continues eternally.
If one uses the senses in the service of the Master of the senses
(Krishna), then one’s senses become purified. ‘Hrshik’ means
‘senses’. ‘Isha’ means ‘master’. So ‘Hrshikesha’ means ‘master of
he could live perfectly well, and much healthier, on milk products, senses’, which is a name of Krishna. It is said in the Bhakti-
grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts and so on. He may not understand rasamrta-sindhu (1.1.2):
that there is something wrong with a way of eating that contributes
sarvopadhi vinirmuktam tat paratvena nirmalam
to the torture and slaughter of billions of animals every year.
Intoxication, sexual looseness, gambling, meat eating—not hrsikena hrsikesha sevanam bhaktir ucyate
only do they corrupt the body and mind, bringing suffering now “Bhakti or devotional service, means engaging all our senses
and later on in life, but they also block spiritual development, in the service of the Lord, the Supreme Personality of Godhead,
bringing lifetimes of suffering in the cycle of repeated birth, old the master of all the senses. When the spirit soul renders service
age, disease and death. Meat eating, gambling, intoxication and unto the Supreme, there are two side effects. One is freed from all
illicit sex are against the religious principles of mercy, material designations and, simply by being employed in the
service of the Lord, one’s senses are purified.”
 The Quest for Happiness 119 120 Victory Over Death

Is Spiritual Life Not Escapism?

Are Sufferings Required As A Part Of Life
To the degree a person thinks of himself to be the proprietor
To Appreciate Happiness?
and controller of the things he possesses, to that degree he will not
Some people argue, “Of course, we do agree that there are have faith in God. Such a person, who tries to enjoy the resources
sufferings in this world. But what is wrong with sufferings? We provided by God for his own sense enjoyment, is thoroughly made
can enjoy happiness truly only when there are miseries. If only to suffer by the laws of nature. Sometimes, such people accuse
happiness is there, we may not know the value of happiness.” Do spiritualists, saying, “You say we are foaming and working like
you think it is true? That you have to necessarily have some donkeys. But you spiritualists are escapists. If you are courageous,
suffering to keep you going ahead to enjoy the real taste of why don’t you face the world like us? You are running away from
happiness? the society. You cannot face the reality and so you are seeking
There is a nice moron joke that can be cited as an example. refuge in God simply on a sentimental platform.”
Once, a moron was hitting his head against a wall constantly. The question is: “Who is escaping and who is not?” Actually,
Somebody asked him why he was doing so. He replied, “Actually, spiritual life means to face the reality. We are trying to find the
when I am not hitting my head, I feel very happy.” So he had to root cause of the problems. But the philosophy of materialists is to
hit his head again and again to feel the happiness while not hitting cover up the reality and miseries through science and technology
his head! so that you don’t see them obviously anymore. A few examples
A big businessman having a plywood business may know that can make this point clear.
fire accidents may occur at any time in his shop. He would Why do people watch TV? When people come back from their
certainly keep fire extinguishers ready to face such a calamity if it jobs, they immediately switch on the TV. This is because the mind
ever occurs. Would he ever think, “I have so much money. Why is filled with so many problems—problems in the office, problems
should I not incur some loss through a fire accident, so that I can in promotion, problems with family members, worries due to
know the value of the money I have?” He would never desire to unfulfilled goals, fear of forthcoming problems, etc. The moment
experience any loss of money. That would be foolish. you switch on the TV, it helps you to forget about the problems at
In the same way, nobody is eager to have any distress in their least for the time being. So people don’t even talk to their family
lives. In reality, everyone in this world is working towards a members and children. What is the result of seeing TV? Children
standard of life in which they will not have any distress. Only lose creativity and become caught up in the moving illusions on
foolish people who are lazy take distress to be a part of life and the screen. Majority of the TV shows promote serials that
neglect spiritual solutions. Even if one agrees to go on encourage people to indulge more and more in sense enjoyment.
experiencing both pleasure and pain in this world, the separating Already people have no understanding of spiritual knowledge,
sword of time will not allow them to continue for a long time. One because of which they commit so many sinful activities, and are
should wisely remember this and take to spiritual solutions. awaiting severe punishment by the laws of nature in future. TV
provides them enough stuff to bombard their minds with more
dirty things that pollute their character and ruin their lives.
 The Quest for Happiness 121 122 Victory Over Death

All the advertising industries are used simply to cover up the The glittering illusory energy of today gives a call to the
reality. The reality is that you are going to be miserable whatever confused living entities: “Don’t worry! Come on! There is no
you do in this material world, until you seek a spiritual solution. suffering here!” And we think, “O! It looks like there is some
But any advertisement would say, “Just use this product and you hope for me here after all.” But the materialist suffers the most
will become happy.” They introduce a new car in the market by during death, regretting, “I have wasted my life”.
making a half-naked woman sit on the top of the car. The We have to tell materialists, “It is you who are running away
bewildered living entity thinks, “When I buy that car, probably she from reality.” An ostrich may put his head into the ground when
will also be mine.” They practically brainwash the masses by his enemy is coming to eat him; nevertheless, his enemy is going
repeatedly putting up the same slogans on billboards everywhere. to eat him. A soldier may bow down and close his eyes to forget
The advertisements use the weakness of people to exploit them. the enemy’s bomb, but the bomb is going to explode and kill him.
The living entities constantly struggle to become the enjoyer Similarly, there is suffering in this world—birth, old age, disease
and controller, but they are constantly baffled. One cigarette and death. You cannot turn your face to the other side and hide
advertisement says, “You get what you want!” Is that the reality? yourself from these realities. We want to legitimately face reality
Yes! He will get cancer, bronchitis, teeth problems, etc. So you in a bona fide way and people call us escapists. Yes! We certainly
are put in conditions that are beyond your control. Misery means want to escape from suffering and return to the abode of no
to get what you don’t want and to not get what you want. Is there suffering – the kingdom of God.
any sensible person who can say, “I get what I want and I don’t
get what I don’t want”? Whether a person is rich or poor, it Spiritual Bliss Is Positive, Not Mitigation Of
doesn’t make any difference, because we are all in jail. Somebody Distress
is in an A class jail (rich), somebody is in a B class jail (middle
class), and somebody is in a C class jail (downtrodden). Whatever Spiritual happiness, unlike material pleasure, is not mitigation
be the class, a jail is a jail. Such advertisement, as mentioned of distress, but an ever
above, attracts the heart of the living entities, because living expanding positive bliss that
entities here don’t get what they want. All cosmetics, scents and nourishes the soul
hair dyes are sold to hide the decaying nature of the material body. thoroughly: ‘anandambudhi
The razzle-dazzle culture of the five star hotels is so tempting vardhanam prati padam
that we think they are happy. It is all an illusion because of the
purnamrta svadanam’
veneer of happiness. It is simply mass propaganda to swamp us, to
(Siksastakam). The spiritual
overwhelm our intelligence of the reality of our suffering
bliss is achieved in relation
situation. So materialistic life means new and ingenuous ways of
with the Lord, and is not
covering up reality. We need to have an X-ray vision to see
impeded by any material
through these artificial coverings, into the real problems of life—
conditions. Once the living
birth, old age, disease and death.
entity returns to the
 The Quest for Happiness 123 124 Victory Over Death

kingdom of God, then he experiences an ever-expanding bliss bhuta stage, one’s devotional service begins. Whether they
there. In the spiritual world, it is said that every word is a song, experience spiritual pain or spiritual pleasure is immaterial,
every gait is a dance, water is nectar, living entities are all non- because both are spiritual and relishable.
envious and pure-hearted, everyone is eager to serve the Lord with When Krishna left Vrindavana and went to Mathura, the gopis,
intense devotion. The desire trees are ready to provide any facility His topmost devotees, felt the pain of intense separation. But in
to serve the Lord. Every day is a festival of chanting and dancing that separation they perceived the presence of Krishna more than
joyfully for the pleasure of the divine couple – Sri Sri Radha and when Krishna was personally present in Vrindavana. Similarly,
Krishna. Thus, a devotee experiences spiritual emotions in relation when devotees come together and chant the holy names and
with the Lord. pastimes of the Lord loudly, they can at once feel the presence of
Consider the ordinate shown in the the Lord in their midst in a profound way. This is the Lord’s
Positive Spiritual figure. In the material world, whether promise. Thus, both separation and union with the Lord are a
World
we experience pleasures or pains, both source of joy for the devotee.
are in the negative axis and cause pain None of the shortcomings that are associated with material
as discussed before. Jnanis or yogis, pleasures are found in the spiritual platform. Devotees chant
who may give up both material Krishna’s names: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna
(0, 0) Brahmajyoti pleasure and pain and try to become Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
free from all desires, may come to the everyday. Some devotees, disciples of Srila Prabhupada, have
stage of Brahmajyoti, where they are been chanting the same mantra for the past 30 years and more.
situated as spiritual sparks in the Neither did they want a change of mantra nor did they get bored
infinite effulgence of Brahman. This with it. They are experiencing such a great joy in chanting that
Negative Material stage is called ‘brahma bhuta’, where they get a renewed vigour everyday after chanting to go out and
World
there is no lamentation and no share the joy with thousands of other people. Some people argue,
hankering. They may be free from the bondage of the dualities of “Repeating a particular word intoxicates you and gives some joy;
material world, but do not have the facility to experience the that’s why these people imagine something to be spiritual
loving relationships with the Lord. They only achieve the stage of pleasure.” If that were true, why don’t we ask someone to chant
‘shanti, shanti, shanti’, or peace. The soul, by nature, is dynamic. ‘coca cola’ for 30 years and experience some similar happiness?
In Brahman, there is no activity. Due to this incompatibility, they Nobody can chant such material names even for an hour. But
fall down, back into the material world, like a rocket (like the spiritual names have the potency to purify our hearts from all
Skylab rocket) that fell down, back to earth, not having taken unwanted misgivings – lust, pride, anger, envy, illusion, greed –
shelter of any planet. and help us perceive clearly the Supreme Personality of Godhead,
The devotees of the Lord, however, go beyond the origin to who is the embodiment of all pleasure. That is what brings oceanic
the positive axis, where they experience spiritual emotions in happiness in the life of a devotee.
relationship with the Lord. ‘samah sarveshu bhuteshu mad bhaktir
labhate param’ (BG 18.54). Thus, after achieving the brahma
 The Quest for Happiness 125 126 Victory Over Death

How To Become Happy In This World? affection, mother, father, gives freedom. But not complete
freedom. Because child’s freedom is nonsense. It must be
Lord Sri Krishna says in the Bhagavad-gita, “Before giving up
protected. Therefore all the living entities who have come to this
this present body, if one is able to tolerate the urges of the material
material world for enjoying, it is also exactly like the child. A
senses and check the force of desire and anger, he is well situated
small child, you let him be free—he will catch up sometimes this,
and is happy in this world.” (BG 5.23)
catch up sometimes that. He does not know what is his real
If one wants to make steady progress on the path of self-
interest. But because he is child, he is catching this, catching that,
realization, he must try to control the forces of the material senses.
catching that. Sometimes he catches fire and burns his hand.
There are the forces of talk, forces of anger, forces of the mind,
Sometimes he falls down in the water. Sometimes he catches
forces of the stomach, forces of the genitals, and forces of the
snake. These are all dangerous things, but he does not know.
tongue. One who is able to control the forces of all these different
So similarly, we are in the modes of material nature. There are
senses, and the mind, is called gosvami, or swami. Material
three modes of material nature: sattva-rajas-tama. Those who are
desires, when insatiated, generate anger, and thus the mind, eyes
in darkness, tama, completely in darkness, do not know anything.
and chest become agitated. Therefore, one must practice to control
Exactly like the child does not know what is his actual interest.
them before one gives up this material body. One who can do this
Know to..., not. Generally, everyone who is in this material world,
is understood to be self-realized and is thus happy in the state of
he does not know what is actually, what thing he should capture.
self-realization.
He does not know. That is the difficulty. Mudha. They are
Srila Prabhupada’s Lecture: Detachment From Pushings Of therefore mudha.
The Senses Real interest is to capture Krishna. That is real interest. But he
Read the following excerpts from a lecture by Srila does not know. The capturing power and capacity is there. Even a
Prabhupada on Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.15.40, given at Los child... In the beginning, the children, there are so many other
Angeles, December 18, 1973. Make groups, read, discuss and things. But the child will capture that biscuit, because he knows it
write down the salient points from the lecture: is eatable something. But he does not whether it is poison I am
Pradyumna: Translation: “Maharaja Yudhisthira at once giving. He does not know that. That discrimination he hasn’t got.
relinquished all his garments, belt and ornaments of the royal But because it appears something to be eatable...
order and became completely disinterested and unattached to The example, as I was giving in walking, that the fish, he has
everything.” (SB 1.15.40) got enough food within the ocean. God has provided. But still, he
Prabhupada: This is required. If you want to go back to home, will capture that tackle, fish-catching tackle, a little something.
back to Godhead, then you will have to completely become For taste, he will capture it, and that means lost life. Similarly, the
detached to any material things. Even if you have got little bees, the enter the flower, a big flower like lotus flower, enjoying
attachment for material things, then you will not be allowed. the smell, but in the evening, with the set of sunset, the petals
Prakrti will say, “You just satisfy yourself. You want this. Do it.” close and they remain and suffocated, loses their life.
So this is renouncement. If you... God has given us freedom, For... We have got different senses. So this bee is losing his
little freedom. Just like a child is given freedom. Naturally, out of life on account of this nostril, very powerful, wants to smell.
 The Quest for Happiness 127 128 Victory Over Death

Similarly, the fish is losing its life on account of this tongue. don’t require to be handcuffed. The senses are so strong that it will
Similarly, the elephant. Elephant loses... Such a big powerful keep you in this material world, incapable. You cannot move.
animal. But he loses his independence for sex life. You know how Therefore, in the Bhagavad-gita it is said, daivi hy esha
the elephant is captured? A female elephant is induced to attract gunamayi mama maya duratyaya (BG 7.14). Gunamayi. Guna
the male elephant, and for sex, the male follows the female means qualities. Everyone is compact, bound up by different
elephant, and the female elephant is trained up. He puts him in a qualities: sattva-guna, rajo-guna, tamo-guna. And gunamayi
ditch. He falls down. Then he cannot move. You see. That means means... Guna means rope also. In this way he was bound up by
in spite of his becoming such a giant animal, powerful animal, the ropes. Just like if I tie your hands and legs with rope, you are
simply for sex life he becomes captivated. You see? helpless, similarly, the gunamayi, the mother nature, has tied up,
So someone is becoming victim for this sense. Someone is and we are bound up by the laws, stringent laws of material
becoming victim of the sense. This is the world, whoever wants to nature. So daivi hy esha gunamayi mama maya duratyaya. You
study. Similarly, the deer, when the hunter wants to kill them, he cannot get out of it. It is not possible. How to get out of it? Mam
plays very nice flute, and... They are very fond of hearing musical
eva ye prapadyante mayam etam taranti te (BG 7.14). If one is
sound. They stand, and the hunter kills. So one is losing for ear,
fully Krishna conscious, he can get out of it. That is the only way.
one is losing for smelling, another for sight seeing, sight seeing.
We have seen the insects. When there is fire, thousands of insects Bhakti Yoga – The Real Key To Unlimited
will fall and die. What is that? Sight-seeing. “Oh, very beautiful Happiness
fire.” Fall down.
So we have got all these senses, and each of us, each, every How To Perform Bhakti Yoga To Achieve Devotion To
one of us living entities, we are being victim of these material Krishna
laws, being captivated by one sense or other. But an animal or an
There are two different processes of bhakti-yoga – Vaidhi
insect, they have got one sense very powerful, but we the human
bhakti and Raganuga bhakti. Raganuga bhakti applies to one who
being, we have got all senses very powerful. So in the Bhagavata
has actually developed an attachment for Krishna, the Supreme
it has been explained.
Personality of Godhead, by transcendental love. And the other is
Just like a man has got six wives, and when he comes from
for one who has not developed an attachment for the Supreme
office, his six wives are waiting. One wife has captured his one
Person by transcendental love.
hand, another wife has captured another hand. One wife has
For this second class, there are different prescribed rules and
captured one leg, another one leg. In this way, some, hair... So in
regulations one can follow to be ultimately elevated to the stage of
this way he is incapable. Everyone is asking, “You come to my
attachment to Krishna. Bhakti-yoga is the purification of the
room.” But how he can go? He is captured. So this is the position.
senses. At the present moment in material existence, the senses are
A materialistic person is captivated by so many objects of sense
always impure, being engaged in sense gratification. But by the
gratification. That is his prison house. The state laws, if you are
practice of bhakti-yoga, these senses can become purified, and in
criminal, they put him into the jail. But nature’s law is such that
you don’t require... Your senses will keep you intact in jail. You
 The Quest for Happiness 129 130 Victory Over Death

the purified state, they come directly in contact with the Supreme anasaktasya vishayan yatharham upayunjata
Lord. nirbandha krishna-sambandhe yuktam vairagyam ucyate
In this material existence, I may be engaged in some service to
some master, but I don’t really lovingly serve my master. I simply No work should be done by any man except in relationship to
serve to get some money. And the master also is not in love; he Krishna. This is called Krishna-karma. One may be engaged in
takes service from me and pays me. So there is no question of various activities, but one should not be attached to the result of
love. But for spiritual life, one must be elevated to the pure stage his work; the result should be offered only to Him.
of love. That stage of love can be achieved by practice of Engagement For A Rich Man
devotional service, performed with the present senses.
For example, one may be engaged in business, but to
This love of God is now in a dormant state in everyone’s heart.
transform that activity into Krishna consciousness, one has to do
It is manifested in different ways, but is contaminated by material
business for Krishna. If Krishna is the proprietor of the business,
association. Now the heart has to be purified of the material
then Krishna should enjoy the profit of the business. If a
association, and that dormant, natural love for Krishna has to be
businessman is in possession of thousands and thousands of
revived. That is the whole process.
dollars, and if he has to offer all this to Krishna, he can do it. This
Regulative Principles Of Bhakti Yoga For Everyone is work for Krishna. Instead of constructing a big building for his
To practice the regulative principles of bhakti-yoga, one sense gratification, he can construct a nice temple for Krishna. He
should, under the guidance of an expert spiritual master, follow can install the Deity of Krishna and arrange for the Deity’s
certain principles: one should rise early in the morning, take bath, service, as is outlined in the authorized books of devotional
enter the temple and offer prayers and chant Hare Krishna, then service. This is all Krishna-karma. One should not be attached to
collect flowers to offer to the Deity, cook foodstuffs to offer to the the result of his work, but the result should be offered to Krishna,
Deity, take prasadam, and so on. There are various rules and and one should accept as prasadam the remnants of offerings to
regulations which one should follow. And one should constantly Krishna. If one constructs a very big building for Krishna and
hear Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam from pure devotees. installs the Deity of Krishna, one is not prohibited from living
This practice can help anyone rise to the level of love of God, and there, but it is understood that the proprietor of the building is
then he is sure of his progress into the spiritual kingdom of God. Krishna. That is called Krishna consciousness.
This practice of bhakti-yoga, under the rules and regulations, with Even if one is not able to practice the regulative principles of
the direction of a spiritual master, will surely bring one to the bhakti-yoga, under the guidance of a spiritual master, he can still
stage of love of God. be drawn to this perfectional stage by working for the Supreme
Lord. There are many devotees who are engaged in the
Working For Krishna propagation of Krishna consciousness, and they require help. So,
As far as work is concerned, one should transfer his energy even if one cannot directly practice the regulative principles of
entirely to Krishna conscious activities. As stated in the Bhakti- bhakti-yoga, he can try to help in such work. Every endeavour
rasamrta-sindhu (1.2.255), requires land, capital, organization and labour. Just as in business
 The Quest for Happiness 131 132 Victory Over Death

one requires a place to stay, some capital to use, some labour and Is There No Risk Of Fall Down In
some organization to expand, so the same is required in the service The Spiritual Path?
of Krishna. The only difference is that in materialism, one works
for sense gratification. The same work, however, can be One may sincerely accept the path of self-realization, but the
performed for the satisfaction of Krishna, and that is spiritual process of cultivation of knowledge and the practice of the
activity. If one has sufficient money, he can help in building an eightfold yoga system are generally very difficult for this age.
office or temple for propagating Krishna consciousness. Or he can Therefore, despite constant endeavour, one may fail for many
help with publications. There are various fields of activity, and reasons. First of all, one may not be sufficiently serious about
one should be interested in such activities. If one cannot sacrifice following the process. To pursue the transcendental path is more
the results of his activities, the same person can still sacrifice some or less to declare war against the illusory energy, maya.
percentage to propagate Krishna consciousness. This voluntary Consequently, whenever a person tries to escape from the clutches
service to the cause of Krishna consciousness will help one to rise of the illusory energy, she tries to defeat the practitioner by
to a higher state of love for God, whereupon one becomes perfect. various allurements, even while performing transcendental
Engagement For A Common Man disciplines. This is called yogac calita-manasa (BG 6.37):
deviation from the transcendental path. Arjuna is inquisitive to
If, however, one is not able to construct a temple for Krishna, know the results of deviation from the path of self-realization.
one can engage himself in cleansing the temple of Krishna; that is There are two ways to progress. Those who are materialists
also Krishna-karma. One can cultivate a garden. Anyone who has have no interest in transcendence; therefore they are more
land—in India, at least, any poor man has a certain amount of interested in material advancement by economic development, or
land—can utilize that for Krishna by growing flowers to offer in promotion to the higher planets by appropriate work. When one
Him. One can sow tulasi plants, because tulasi leaves are very takes to the path of transcendence, one has to cease all material
important and Krishna has recommended this in the Bhagavad- activities and sacrifice all forms of so-called material happiness.
gita. Patram pushpam phalam toyam. Krishna desires that one If the aspiring transcendentalist fails, then he apparently loses
offer Him either a leaf, or a flower, or fruit, or a little water—and both ways; in other words, he can enjoy neither material happiness
by such an offering He is satisfied. This leaf especially refers to nor spiritual success. He has no position; he is like a riven cloud.
the tulasi. So one can sow tulasi and pour water on the plant. Thus, A cloud in the sky sometimes deviates from a small cloud and
even the poorest man can engage in the service of Krishna. These joins a big one. But if it cannot join a big one, then it is blown
are some of the examples of how one can engage in working for away by the wind and becomes a nonentity in the vast sky. One
Krishna. may ask, “Is a spiritualist not a loser of both material life and
spiritual life when he falls down? Why should one take such
unnecessary risk?”
Krishna told Arjuna that anyone who engages in the
auspicious path of Krishna consciousness never faces defeat. Even
if he apparently falls down, whatever spiritual credits he has
 The Quest for Happiness 133 134 Victory Over Death

accumulated are preserved intact by Krishna. Krishna gives him • Following the four regulative principles – no meat eating,
remembrance and brings him back to the path very soon. One who no gambling, no intoxication and no illicit sexual
falls down after making little progress, goes to heaven to enjoy relationships.
heavenly delights to finish off his material desires, and then • Reading books like Bhagavad-gita As It Is and Srimad-
returns to earth to be born in the family of brahmanas or Bhagavatam.
aristocratic men. Thus, either he gets brahminical training from • Preparing and offering bhoga to Krishna and then
birth, or has enough facilities in an aristocratic family for food, honouring prasadam.
clothing and shelter, so that he has nothing to worry about for the • Offering the fruit of one’s job or business in service of
basic requirements of life. He focuses on spiritual life and returns Krishna.
to Krishna consciousness very soon. Those who are unsuccessful By this, one can become truly saintly without having to give
after long practice of yoga are born in the house of great devotees up everything. Such a Krishna conscious life has purified the life
in the next life and are surely great in wisdom. of millions of people all over the world in the past, as well as in
Krishna ignores the volumes of mistakes that we have the present, preparing them to become eligible for returning back
performed, but takes note of even small service that we have to Godhead.
rendered to Him. This is the advantage in spiritual life. One may
be fired by the boss, divorced by the wife, rejected by parents,
diseased in body, penniless and unrespected – still he is not barred
from being accepted as Krishna’s devotee if he is willing to
surrender to Krishna.
Conclusion
How do you know whether a person is leading a life of
Krishna consciousness? As said earlier, one should always work
for Krishna, dovetailing all one’s talents in Krishna’s service. A
painter can paint for Krishna, a musician can sing for Krishna, a
writer can write for Krishna, a cook can cook for Krishna, a
student can preach for Krishna, a wealthy man can give money for
service to Krishna, a doctor can cure not only the patient’s body
but can preach about Krishna, etc. Besides connecting one’s
abilities in Krishna’s service, one should also follow the
instructions of Srila Prabhupada as given below:

• Chanting a prescribed number of rounds of the Hare

Krishna maha mantra everyday.
 136 Victory Over Death

Who Can Be Considered A Civilised Human Being?

Out of the 8,400,000 different species of living beings, there
are 400,000 human species. Out of these, there are numerous

Chapter 4 lower forms of human life that are mostly uncivilized. The
civilized human beings are those who follow regulative principles
of social, political and religious life. Human society all over the
world is divided into four castes and four orders of life. The four
castes are the intelligent caste, the martial caste, the productive
caste and the labourer caste. These castes are classified in terms of
one’s work and qualification, and not by birth. Then again, there
are four orders of life, namely the student life, the householder’s
life, the retired and the devotional life. In the best interest of
human society, there must be such divisions of life, otherwise no
social institution can grow in a healthy state. And in each and
every one of the abovementioned divisions of life, the aim must be
to please the supreme authority of the Personality of Godhead.
Becoming A This institutional function of human society is known as the
system of Varnasrama dharma, which is quite natural for civilized
Civilised Human life.
A civilization in which the people do not know how the

Being devotee or guru, representative of Krishna, should be respected,

how society should be formed, and how one should advance in
Krishna consciousness—a society concerned only with
manufacturing new cars and new skyscrapers every year, and then
breaking them to pieces and making new ones—may be
technologically advanced, but it is not a human civilization. A
human civilization is advanced when its people follow the
Varnasrama system, the system of four orders of life. There must
be ideal, first-class men to act as advisors, second-class men to act
as administrators, third-class men to produce food and protect
cows, and fourth-class men who obey the three higher classes of
society. One who does not follow the standard system of society
should be considered a fifth-class man. A civilised human being is
 Becoming A Civilized Human Being 137 138 Victory Over Death

not one who wears a costly coat and suit, travels in a fine car, lives opposed. The more people are attracted to material life, the less
in a lavish bungalow or speaks in stylish English. Despite all one’s they will be inclined to spiritual life, and vice versa. Therefore, the
education, scholarship and wealth, one is still considered to be Varnasrama system stresses progressive detachment from material
fallen if one does not follow the regulative principles of social, enjoyment. This does not mean that people in Vedic society were
political and religious life. deprived of enjoyment. They were restricted for their own benefit
Those who are socially and politically developed but who have from the types of sense gratification that cause suffering and
no religious principles must be considered ‘naradhamas’, or continuous bondage in the cycle of birth, old age, disease, and
‘lowest among men’. Nor is religion without God religion, death. They were encouraged to enjoy in a more refined way, in
because the purpose of following religious principles is to know accordance with religious principles. This type of pleasure is
the Supreme Truth and man’s relation with Him. In the Gita, the much more enjoyable and conducive to health and well-being, and
Personality of Godhead clearly states that there is no authority it elevates one to higher consciousness and spiritual awareness,
above Him and that He is the Supreme Truth. The civilized form instead of degrading one to lower forms of life. The real purpose
of human life is meant for reviving man’s lost consciousness of of Varnasrama system is ‘sam siddhir hari toshanam’, or ‘to
his eternal relation with the Supreme Truth, the Personality of please the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Hari’ (SB 1.2.13). So
Godhead Sri Krishna, who is all-powerful. Whoever loses this people of different consciousness have been categorized according
chance is classified as a naradhama. to their quality and activity, so that they may gradually become
We get information from revealed scriptures that when the purified by performing their prescribed duties in a divine
baby is in the mother’s womb (an extremely uncomfortable consciousness.
situation), he prays to God for deliverance, and promises to
worship Him alone as soon as he gets out. To pray to God when Varnasrama System
he is in difficulty is a natural instinct in every living being,
The Vedic society contains four different classes of men,
because he is eternally related with God. But after his deliverance,
recognized by their respective tendencies for work, and the system
the child forgets the difficulties of birth and forgets his deliverer
of social organization based on these divisions is called
also, being influenced by maya, the illusory energy. It is the duty
Varnasrama. ‘Varna’ indicates the four social divisions and
of the guardians of children to revive the divine consciousness
‘Asrama’ indicates progressive spiritual stages.
dormant in them. The ten processes of reformatory ceremonies are
The Varnas are:
enjoined in the Manu-smrti, which is the guide to religious
(1) An intelligent class of priests,
principles, and are meant for reviving God consciousness in the
teachers and advisors, called Brahmanas
system of Varnasrama. However, no process is strictly followed
(2) A martial/administrative class
now in any part of the world, and therefore 99.9 percent of the
of statesmen and soldiers, called Ksatriyas
population is naradhama.
(3) A mercantile class like farmers
The goal of Vedic society is to bring people closer to Krishna.
and merchants, called Vaisyas
Attachment to Krishna and attachment to matter are diametrically
 Becoming A Civilized Human Being 139 140 Victory Over Death

(4) A labour class like craftsmen understand the problems of life. In the Brhad-aranyaka Upanisad
and workingmen, called Sudras (3.8.10), the perplexed man is described as follows: yo vä etad
The Asramas are: akñaraà gärgy aviditväsmäû lokät praiti sa kåpaëaù. “He is a
(1) Student life, called Brahmacarya miserly man who does not solve the problems of life as a human
(2) Married life, called Grhastha and who thus quits this world like the cats and dogs, without
(3) Retired life, called Vanaprastha understanding the science of self-realization.” This human form of
(4) Renounced life, called Sannyasa life is a most valuable asset for the living entity who can utilize it
for solving the problems of life. Therefore, one who does not
The Four Varnas utilize this opportunity properly is a miser. On the other hand,
there is the brahmana, or he who is intelligent enough to utilize
Kripana and Brahmana this body to solve all the problems of life. Ya etad akñaraà gärgi
The kripanas, or miserly persons, waste their time in being viditväsmäû lokät praiti sa brähmaëaù.
overly affectionate for family, society, country, etc., in the Somebody may be miserly to give a coin to a beggar; another
material conception of life. One is often attached to family life, may be miserly to lend his car or empty house to his friend even
namely to wife, children and other members, on the basis of for a day or two. But the greatest miser is one who misuses and
bodily consciousness or “skin disease.” The kripana thinks that he wastes the human form of life in useless activities. Once, early
is able to protect his family members from death; or the kripana morning, Srila Prabhupada was walking with his disciples along
thinks that his family or society can save him from the verge of Golden Gate Park’s Stowe Lake. As they passed the shuffleboard
death. Such family attachment can be courts and the old men playing checkers, Prabhupada stopped and
found even in the lower animals, turned to the boys. “Just see,” he said. “Old people in this country
who also take care of children. do not know what to do. So they play like children, wasting their
The Vedic wisdom, therefore, last days, which should be meant for developing Krishna
advises that, in order to solve the consciousness. Their children are grown and gone away, so this is
perplexities of life and to understand a natural time for spiritual cultivation. But no. They get some cat
the science of the solution, one must or dog, and instead of serving God, they serve dog. It is most
approach a spiritual master who is in unfortunate. But they will not listen. Their ways are set. Therefore
the disciplic succession. A person we are speaking to the youth, who are searching.”
with a bona fide spiritual master is Qualities Of The Four Social Divisions
supposed to know everything. One
should not, therefore, remain in Human society is similar to any other animal society, but to
material perplexities but should elevate men from the animal status, the above mentioned divisions
approach a spiritual master. are created by the Lord for the systematic development of Krishna
A kripana is one who does not consciousness. The tendency of a particular man toward work is
 Becoming A Civilized Human Being 141 142 Victory Over Death

determined by the modes of material nature which he has inherent by the divine will. Thus, in any community, society, or
acquired. Brahmanas are generally situated in the mode of nation all around the world, you will find people endowed with
goodness, ksatriyas in passion, vaisyas in mixed modes of passion brahminical, ksatriya, vaisya and sudra qualities. A practical
and ignorance, and the sudras are situated in the mode of illustration given below can clarify this.
ignorance. In my elementary school class, there was one student, Arvind,
The qualities by which these four classes of people work and who was very brilliant, and he would finish his Mathematics
by which they can be recognized are given: homework in the school itself. All other students would go to him
“Peacefulness, Self-control, Austerity, Purity, Tolerance, for help in their studies. This boy would remember many, many
Honesty, Wisdom, Knowledge, and Religiousness – these are the things with an amazingly sharp memory. He would speak on the
qualities by which the brahmanas work.” subject eloquently and was adorned with many godly qualities.
“Heroism, Power, Determination, Resourcefulness, Courage in Later, he picked up the Bhagavad-gita, memorized all the verses
battle, Generosity, and Leadership are the qualities of work for the and became a great orator and Krishna devotee. Arvind exhibits
ksatriyas.” the qualities of a brahmana.
“Farming, Cow protection, and Trade are the qualities of work There was another boy, Mani, who was tall and well built.
for the vaisyas, and for the sudras there is labour and service to Whenever the students picked up some quarrel with the next
others.” (BG 18.42-44) classroom students for getting back their football, they would
quickly call Mani for help. Anybody who saw Mani with his
Why Do The Four Social Divisions Exist?
curved eyebrows would throw the ball and run away. Later, he
These four kinds of people, namely the intelligent class, joined the Indian Air Force as a pilot. Mani exhibits the quality of
administrative class, mercantile class and labour class, will always a ksatriya.
be seen in any society. These classes are inherent in human There was another boy, Sanjay Seth, who was the son of a
society because, as Krishna says in the Gita: diamond merchant. He once brought a beautiful pencil, with a
catur-varnyam maya srstam guna-karma-vibhagasah rubber on its back. He would scribble something and would rub it
tasya kartaram api mam viddhy akartaram avyayam with the backside rubber. When all the students saw this, they
became eager to buy this pencil. He took a list of names and
“According to the three modes of material nature and the work
collected Rs.2/- per head. The next day, he brought a box of
ascribed to them, the four divisions of human society were created
pencils and distributed them to the students. This came to the
by Me. And although I am the creator of this system, you should
notice of the teacher and it was found that he did a good business
know that I am yet the non-doer, being unchangeable.” (BG 4.13)
with the students by selling Re.1/- pencils for Rs.2/-. Later, his
Why do the four divisions exist? Krishna says, ‘maya srstam’—
father admitted him in a private engineering college and Sanjay,
“because they were created by Me”. So these four divisions of
with great difficulty, completed his studies in about seven years.
human society – the intellectual, martial, mercantile and labour
As soon as he passed out, he joined his father’s business, rather
classes – were created by Krishna when He created human society
itself. The divisions are not imposed or artificial. They are
 Becoming A Civilized Human Being 143 144 Victory Over Death

than go for higher studies. So Sanjay exhibits the quality of a religious principles, and thus putting the general population in a
vaisya. receptive mood toward the guidance of the brahmanas. The
One boy, Karuppiah, would always sit in the last row of the ksatriyas are compared to the shoulders.
class and doze all the time during lecture hours. But whenever one The vaisyas, or the mercantile class, are not meant to open
lecture period would get over, he would rush to the board, clean factories to mass produce useless items and thus enslave millions
the board with the duster, then with a wet cloth, bring four chalk of men for the profit of an elite few. As explained in the Gita, the
pieces, put them on the table, and then – he would be back to the Vaisyas should produce abundant grains by farming and should
last bench... to continue his sleep. He never completed his school protect cows. In this way, there will never be a scarcity of the two
studies, but picked up some practical vocational training and most essential foods for the human being – grains and milk. The
joined a workshop. Karuppiah exhibits the quality of a sudra. vaisyas are compared to the stomach.
So people with such different qualities exist and nobody can The sudras, or the labour class, can render service to the other
deny that. But, unfortunately, today people are not allowed to three classes of society, and thus have all their necessities supplied
work according to their qualities or propensities, besides to them. The sudras are compared to the legs.
cultivating God consciousness. Now everything is mixed up and is If these four kinds of people do their work sincerely, they will
in a great state of chaos. bring the best output, because the kind of work allotted to them is
The Divisions In Society based on their inclination and quality. A simple, God-centred life,
Are Like The Divisions In Our Body with higher goals, will be taught by the brahmanas to the rest of
the society. This will make people live happily in this life and the
Although the body has different next, without fighting like cats and dogs for the public wealth.
parts, they all must cooperate for the This is the secret of success in Vedic society.
body to survive. This is also true for
the social body. The social body must What Happens Without Varnasrama?
have a head to direct it, arms to protect Because there is no institution to teach people how to become
it, a stomach to feed it, and legs to brahmanas, ksatriyas, vaisyas and sudras, or brahmacaris,
support it. grhasthas, vanaprasthas and sannyasis, the modern society is
The intelligent class must give suffering. Have you seen a headless body walking? This is the
direction to society, based on the condition of modern society.
authority of the Vedas, so that every • The modern man wants a classless society. In Vedic
man may realize his eternal life, everyone is seen equally on a spiritual platform, but the
relationship with God. This is real classes are made to help the individual be comfortably situated
intelligence. The brahmanas are in one’s own propensities. In modern times, by the misuse of
compared to the head. brahminical power, the ksatriyas have become independent
Next, the administrative class must tyrants or dictators, the vaisyas are becoming capitalists, and
protect the society by upholding the sudras demand communism for filling their hungry
 Becoming A Civilized Human Being 145 146 Victory Over Death

stomachs. The society is being run by economic lords, so- After explaining that He is the creator of the divisions of
called vaisyas, instead of being managed by competent society, Krishna explains how to identify these classes. This is
ksatriyas, who are guided by capable brahmanas. explained in the words ‘guna-karma-vibhagasah’. ‘Guna’ means
• In the name of secular government, unqualified people ‘quality’, and ‘karma’ means ‘activity’. According to Lord
are taking the supreme governmental posts. Nepotism, Krishna, the author of Varnasrama, we must judge a man
corruption, adultery, bribery, etc., are handed over from the impartially by his qualifications and work. In other words, family
top as habits that can bring one quick results without any heritage, nationality, race, colour and creed are not the criteria for
qualifications. No one is being trained to act according to the the divisions of society. Only one who exhibits the qualities of a
principles of Varnasrama-dharma. Thus, people are becoming brahmana and performs the activity of a brahmana can be called a
increasingly degraded and are heading in the direction of brahmana.
animal life. The women are emotionally and socially exploited “Rsabhadeva, a king, was certainly a ksatriya. He had a
in the name of liberation, with no training in chastity and hundred sons, and out of these, ten were engaged as ksatriyas and
religious principles. The men, in want of engagement, are busy ruled the planet. Nine sons became good preachers of Srimad-
in sports, pornographic movies, internet cafes, eve-teasing, Bhagavatam (maha-bhagavatas), and this indicates that they were
bars, restaurants, etc., with no idea of God or the goal of above the position of brahmanas. The other eighty-one sons
human life. became highly qualified brahmanas. These are some practical
• The real aim of life is liberation, but unfortunately, the examples of how one can become fit for a certain type of activity
opportunity for liberation is being denied to people in general, by qualification, not by birth. All the sons of Maharaja
and therefore, their human lives are being spoiled. Rsabhadeva were ksatriyas by birth, but by quality some of them
The Krishna consciousness movement, however, is being became ksatriyas, and some became brahmanas. Nine became
propagated all over the world to re-establish the Varnasrama- preachers of Srimad-Bhagavatam (bhagavata-dharma-darsanah),
dharma system, and thus save human society from gliding down to which means that they were above the categories of ksatriya and
hellish life. brahmana.” (SB 5.4.13) From this verse we have good information
of how the castes are qualified according to quality and work.
Who Is A Brahmana? In the Mahabharata, we come across an instance involving a
discussion between Nahusha and Yudhisthira. Nahusha was a
From the example of the social body, we can understand that
royal sage and an ancestor of the Pandavas, but was cursed by
no part of society is less important than any other part. Do we
Agastya due to his offence to him to fall from heaven and become
consider our legs less important than our arms? Would we want to
a snake in the Himalayan region. Agastya had given him two
neglect our stomach? Of course not. If you stub your toe, then
boons: whoever came within the snake’s reach will become his
immediately, the attention of the head and the working power of
food for that day, and when his knowledge of his identity and
the arms are focused on the injured area. Divisions of the social
relation with the Supreme is reawakened, he would shed the
body are meant for cooperation – not for competition or
snake’s body and attain his human form.
exploitation.
 Becoming A Civilized Human Being 147 148 Victory Over Death

Once, when the Pandavas reached Vishakayapa within the based on heredity. The Indian caste system has deteriorated and
Himalayan range, Bhima went for a stroll to explore the places failed for just this reason. The Indian culture of today is restricted
around. He came across Nahusha in the form of a huge snake who by the hereditary caste system, and is kept in the custody of
captured him within his coils. Later, when Yudhisthira came to the narrow-minded people who are like frogs in a well. If, instead,
scene, the snake enquired two questions of him, one of which is India had spread the transcendental message of the Bhagavad-gita
relevant to our context: in the generous manner befitting a noble brahmana, then peace
“O King, How can we recognize a true brahmana?” and tranquillity in this world would not be in such acutely short
Yudhisthira replied, “A brahmana is characterized by the supply. By the propagation of brahminical culture, the world
qualities of honesty, purity, forgiveness, self control, asceticism, would have greatly prospered. Instead, the Vedic culture has been
knowledge and religiosity.” seriously maimed by the imposition of the hereditary caste system,
The Nahusha snake replied doubtfully, “The qualities you and this has had grievously adverse effects on the world. Someone
have attributed to brahmanas are also found in other classes of born into a family of brahmanas, the priestly or intellectual class,
men.” would claim to be a brahmana automatically, whether or not he
Yudhisthira smiled, “If one finds these qualities in any man, had the qualifications, and even if his activities were most
then he should be known as a brahmana, no matter what his birth degenerate. This is not at all sensible, nor is it supported by the
may have been.” Gita.
For example, the son of a high-court judge may receive the
‘Brahmana’ By Heredity
opportunity, by inspiration and instruction, to become a high-court
The Varnasrama institution is constructed to enable one to judge himself. But he still requires training and education before
realize the Absolute Truth. It is not for artificial domination of one he seeks an appointment to that post. He cannot claim to be
division over another. When the aim of life, i.e., realization of the qualified for such a position merely on the strength of his high
Absolute Truth, is replaced by too much attachment for indriya- parentage. Similarly, the son of a doctor may naturally desire to
trupti, or sense gratification, the institution of Varnasrama is practice medicine and may take advantage of his father's
utilized by selfish men to impose an artificial predominance over experience. But he, too, requires long years of training in medical
the weaker section. In the Kali-yuga, or in the age of quarrel, this school. So the argument that birth qualifies one for a certain post
artificial predominance is already current, but the saner section of in society contradicts common sense and is not supported by the
the people know it well that the divisions of castes and orders of instructions of the Bhagavad-gita.
life are meant for smooth social intercourse and high-thinking
self-realization, and not for any other purpose. Natural Occurrence Of Various
The actual Varnasrama system cannot be accused of Social Divisions Is Unavoidable
discrimination, nor of limiting the individual’s opportunity to Anyone is free to take any position in society, provided he
follow his inclinations and aspirations. The caste system of India develops the qualifications. Persons possessing brahminical or
today, although using the terminology of Varnasrama (brahmana, priestly qualities in varying degrees are seen in practically every
ksatriya, vaisya, sudra), is not actually Varnasrama, because it is society. Take for example, the brahminical quality of truthfulness.
 Becoming A Civilized Human Being 149 150 Victory Over Death

All over the world, wherever you go, you will find somebody to
be truthful. Does anyone say, “Oh, his father was truthful – Can One Try To Perform The Prescribed Duties Of
therefore he is truthful”? This makes no sense. Krishna never says
Another?
anything like this. The father may be Hiranyakasipu, a big demon,
but his son can still be Prahlada, a great devotee of the Lord. It is It is far better to discharge one’s prescribed duties, even
not that one will inevitably become exactly like one’s father. Of though faultily, than another’s duties perfectly. Destruction in the
course, it may be; there is every possibility. But still, it is not a course of performing one’s own duty is better than engaging in
fact that the son unavoidably becomes like the father. another’s duties, for to follow another’s path is dangerous. (BG
Our point is, wherever you go, you will find a first-class man 3.35)
who is truthful. Now, wherever you find a truthful man, you can Materially, prescribed duties are duties enjoined according to
classify him as a brahmana and train him to serve the social body one’s psychophysical condition, under the spell of the modes of
in that capacity, as a spiritual teacher and advisor. The fellow’s material nature. Spiritual duties are as ordered by the spiritual
father may be a meat-eater, a gambler or a drunkard, but if he master for the transcendental service of Krishna. But whether
himself is truthful and agreeable to the brahminical life, then he material or spiritual, one should stick to his prescribed duties even
can be trained. up to death, rather than imitate another’s prescribed duties. Duties
Need Of True Brahmanas In Society on the spiritual platform and duties on the material platform may
be different, but the principle of following the authorized direction
The benefit of classifying and training people according to
is always good for the performer.
their own qualities and propensities is to make the whole social
body function harmoniously. The social body must have a brain, * * *
arms, a belly and legs to be complete. If there is no brain, no head,
then what is the use of these arms, legs and belly? It is all dead. So Story: Ekalavya’s Fault
in human society, if there is not a class of learned, truthful and (explanation by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura)
honest men – men with all the brahminical qualifications – then
society is ruined. That is why people are perplexed today. Today, Once, a prince of the Nishada tribe of forest dwellers,
everyone is trained to be a sudra, a labourer: “Go to the factory Ekalavya, asked Drona to teach him. Drona replied that his school
and get money.” That’s all. And when the man gets some money, was only for kings and princes who exhibited ksatriya qualities.
he immediately purchases wine and women. So if you try to make Ekalavya, strongly desiring greatness in martial sciences, built an
society classless, you will produce such men – useless men – effigy of Drona, worshiped him for skills at weaponry, and
fourth class men, and worse, disturbing to the social body. practiced in the woods. Gradually, he became an expert archer.
Once, as he was practicing, a dog began to bark loudly and
disturb him. Immediately, he released seven arrows, even without
seeing the dog, and sealed the animal’s mouth. Ekalavya posed
 Becoming A Civilized Human Being 151 152 Victory Over Death

himself as a disciple of Drona even though he had been rejected non-violence. Lord Krishna admonished Arjuna to not give up his
by him. It was completely against all religious principles. No one duty of fighting in the battle of Kurukshetra. Everyone has to
could claim to be a disciple of a guru unless he was accepted as cleanse his heart by a gradual process, not abruptly.
such by that teacher. He had no devotion to Drona, despite his However, when one transcends the modes of material nature
outward show of dedication, as he did not accept Drona’s order. and is fully situated in Krishna consciousness, he can perform
His skills were astonishing, but they had been gained by anything and everything under the direction of a bona fide
disobedience. spiritual master. In that complete stage of Krishna consciousness,
Drona went to the spot and was angered. The Nishada tribe’s the ksatriya may act as a brahmana, or a brahmana may act as a
people lacked the virtuous qualities of royalty, and they did not ksatriya. In the transcendental stage, the distinctions of the
follow the Vedic religion. To give a low-class man great martial material world do not apply. For example, Vishvamitra was
power could be dangerous. Drona had been especially concerned originally a ksatriya, but later on he acted as a brahmana, whereas
about Ekalavya, as the Nishada tribe did not cooperate with the Parashurama was a brahmana but later on he acted as a ksatriya.
Kurus’ virtuous rule. Drona would not accept any princes into his Being transcendentally situated, they could do so; but as long as
school if they belonged to a race antagonistic to the Kurus. one is on the material platform, he must perform his duties
Ekalavya had shown himself to be lacking in virtue by falsely according to the modes of material nature. At the same time, he
posing as his disciple. Clearly he desired only to be great, known must have a full sense of Krishna consciousness.
as a student of a famous teacher, but not to actually obey him.
Drona also wanted to show that one cannot please his teacher and Brahmana and Vaishnava
achieve perfection by dishonest means. Thus, for all the above
reasons, he demanded Ekalavya to offer his thumb as a dakshina if Even If A Low-Born Candala Becomes Krishna's Devotee,
he claimed to be Drona’s disciple. He Is Considered Greater Than A Brahmana
With his firm action, Drona had clearly upheld religious Krishna says in the Gita: “mam hi partha vyapasritya ye 'pi
principles. Thus, Ekalavya, who lacked the virtuous qualities of a
syuh papa-yonayah striyo vaisyas tatha sudras te 'pi yanti param
ksatriya, was stopped from imitating a ksatriya for the welfare of
everyone. gatim”: “O son of Prtha, those who take shelter in Me, though
they be of lower birth – women, vaisyas [merchants] and sudras
* * * [workers] – can attain the supreme destination” (BG 9.32). It is
When one is under the spell of the modes of material nature, clearly declared here by the Supreme Lord that in devotional
one should follow the prescribed rules for his particular situation service, there is no distinction between the lower and higher
and should not imitate others. For example, a brahmana, who is in classes of people. In the material conception of life there are such
the mode of goodness, is non-violent, whereas a ksatriya, who is divisions, but for a person engaged in transcendental devotional
in the mode of passion, is allowed to be violent. As such, for a service to the Lord there are no divisions.
ksatriya, it is better to be vanquished following the rules of Everyone is eligible for the supreme destination. In the
violence than to imitate a brahmana who follows the principles of Srimad-Bhagavatam (2.4.18), it is stated that even the lowest, who
 Becoming A Civilized Human Being 153 154 Victory Over Death

are called ‘candalas’ (dog-eaters), can be purified by association all these classifications. He is transcendental to everything
with a pure devotee. Therefore devotional service and the material. Whatever part of this world a person belongs to, if he
guidance of a pure devotee are so strong that there is no follows the instructions of the Supreme Lord in the Bhagavad-
discrimination between the lower and higher classes of men; gita, then he attains the transcendental platform and can become
anyone can take to it. The most simple man taking shelter of the even more elevated than a brahmana.
pure devotee can be purified by proper guidance. According to the
Difference Between A Brahmana And Vaisnava
different modes of material nature, men are classified in the mode
of goodness (brahmanas), the mode of passion (ksatriyas, or A Brahmana works on the platform of goodness, which also
administrators), the mixed modes of passion and ignorance comes in the three modes. Although Brahmanas by quality are
(vaisyas, or merchants), and the mode of ignorance (sudras, or supposed to know about the Supreme Absolute Truth, most of
workers). them approach only the impersonal Brahman manifestation of
Those lower than them are called ‘candalas’, or dog-eaters, Lord Krishna. A person in Krishna consciousness, however, is
and they are born in sinful families. Generally, the association of above even the brahmanas. But a man who transcends the limited
those born in sinful families is not accepted by the higher classes. knowledge of a brahmana and reaches the knowledge of the
Even such people are eligible to perform devotional service. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna, becomes a
process of devotional service is so strong, that the pure devotee of person in Krishna consciousness – in other words, a Vaisnava.
the Supreme Lord can enable people of all the lower classes to Krishna consciousness includes knowledge of all different plenary
attain the highest perfection of life. This is possible only when one expansions of Krishna, namely Rama, Nrsimha, Varaha, etc. And
takes shelter of Krishna. If one can take complete shelter of as Krishna is transcendental to this system of the four divisions of
Krishna, then one can become much greater than great jnanis and human society, a person in Krishna consciousness is also
yogis. transcendental to all divisions of human society, whether we
If a candala becomes an elevated devotee of the Lord then, on consider the divisions of community, nation or species.
the basis of his merit, he should be respected by all other classes. Lord Sri Krishna -- Transcendental To Varnasrama
There is much scriptural evidence in this regard: the Hari-bhakti-
vilasa (10.91) states, “A devotee candala achieves the same Although Krishna created the three modes of material nature,
spiritual success as the devotee brahmana.” And in the He is transcendental to all of them. Similarly, Krishna explains
Bhagavatam (7.9.10), Prahlada Maharaja says, “A devotee candala that although He created the Varnasrama system, He is
is many times more elevated than an ordinary ritualistic transcendental to it: “tasya kartaram api mam viddhy akartaram
brahmana”. Indeed, such a devotee candala can be the guru of the avyayam” meaning, “Although I am the creator of this system,
brahmanas. This has been shown throughout history by many you should know that I am yet the non-doer, being unchangeable”
spiritual preceptors who were born in a low caste but who initiated (BG 4.13). Lord Krishna, though born to Vasudeva (a ksatriya)
persons of higher castes. So, the castes are classified according and raised by His foster father, Nanda Maharaja (a vaishya), He
to merit and activity, but a pure devotee of the Lord is beyond does not belong to any of these divisions, because He is not one of
the conditioned souls, a section of whom form human society.
 Becoming A Civilized Human Being 155 156 Victory Over Death

Varnasrama is prescribed only for those who are under the spell of technology, airplanes (Vimana sastra), space travel, to name a
the three modes of material nature. Krishna and His pure devotees few.
are completely transcendental to the three modes, and so are In Vedic society, boys from the age of five would receive their
transcendental to Varnasrama system also. education from a spiritual master, a guru. One has to study the
Vedas under the guidance of the spiritual master and undergo
The Four Asramas many austerities and penances while living under his care. He
The greatest attachment in the material world is due to sexual should strictly observe celibacy and sense control, and serve him
pleasure, described in the Srimad-Bhagavatam as a tight knot with humility and dedication. A brahmacari has to live in the
binding one to this material world. Sexual activity that ignores home of the spiritual master just like a servant, and he must beg
religious principles increases one’s desire to stay in the material alms from door to door and bring them to the spiritual master. He
world and decreases one’s spiritual intelligence. Therefore, in takes food only under the master’s order, and if the master
Vedic society, sex was limited to marriage, and it was for neglects to call the student for food that day, the student fasts.
procreation only. Vedic society teaches regulated sense They were trained from the very beginning to address every
gratification by appropriately classifying the life into four spiritual woman as mother. These are some of the Vedic principles for
stages called ‘asramas’. Without regulation, there is no difference observing brahmacarya. After the student studies the Vedas under
between a human being and an animal. The functions of the four the master for a period from 5 to 25 years, he may become a man
asramas are as given below. of perfect character. Study of the Vedas is not meant for the
recreation of armchair speculators, but for the formation of
Brahmacari character. After this training, the brahmacari is allowed to enter
The brahmacari asrama is student life, the first quarter of a into household life and marry.
man’s life. Education in Vedic society did not consist of mere Grhastha
accumulation of data – facts, figures, equations, dates, formulas,
and so on. Vedic education was intrinsically spiritual. It taught the In youth, the senses are very strong. A conditioned soul may
student practical knowledge about using the material in be seriously seeking self-realisation, but is not ready for full
conjunction with the laws of God, in order to live happily in this renunciation. After one undergoes the brahmacari training, by
world and to attain the goal of life, pure God consciousness. controlling senses and mind under the guidance of a guru, then
This does not mean, however, that people in the Vedic ages one is allowed to enter into family life, which is like a license. A
had inferior material knowledge. Unlike our modern society, with license holder of a vehicle does not get the liberty to do anything
its inductive attempts to gain knowledge, Vedic society derived he wants with the vehicle by breaking the traffic rules, signals,
highly developed knowledge from a perfect source: the Vedic mishandling the vehicle, starving it without petrol or water, etc.
scriptures, which emanate from the Supreme Lord Himself. In this Similarly, one who enters grhastha asrama gets a wife, who is
ancient literature we find descriptions of things modern man actually a spiritual partner in helping the husband to successfully
prides himself on having invented only recently: nuclear perform his Krishna conscious duties and gradually achieve
detachment. When old age approaches, he must again take up a
 Becoming A Civilized Human Being 157 158 Victory Over Death

life of penance. The grhastha asrama is given for limited of life as wealth, fame, beauty, sense gratification, ample
“enjoyment”, coupled with the continuous performance of opportunity for sex, and so on. Consequently, people often
auspicious activities. However, it is not necessary or compulsory continue trying to attain these things until they die. Politicians
that everyone get married. The actual standard of brahmacari life cling to their power even when they are senile or invalid. Dying
is to go on and take sannyasa; grhastha life is for those who after businessmen pray to their doctors to prolong their life just a little,
training in brahmacari asrama still feel a need to get married. so that they can finish some business. Aging film stars get face-
There are restrictions for householders even in sex life. If one lifts in a vain attempt to trick nature.
does not require children, one should not indulge in sex life just Vedic society was based on the understanding that the spirit
for pleasure. Modern society promotes contraceptives to avoid the soul is covered by a temporary body subject to birth, old age,
responsibility of children. This is not in the transcendental quality, disease, and death, and that the soul is the real life – eternal,
but is demoniac. If one wants to make progress in spiritual life, distinct from matter, and full of knowledge and happiness. The
one should control sex life. body, along with all material attributes like fame, wealth, and
In family life, there is the natural tendency to accumulate beauty, will perish sooner or later.
money and acquire material objects. All four asramas are for When the householder reached age fifty, he would enter the
spiritual advancement, but only the grhastha asrama allows for vanaprastha order, giving up his sexual relationship with his wife
making money. Therefore, the entire Vedic society was and gradually retiring from business and family life. He would
maintained by the householder asrama. A householder has to travel to places of pilgrimages, often accompanied by his wife,
perform many sacrifices so that he may achieve further and devote more time to spiritual practices, such as reading the
enlightenment. He must also give charity according to the country, holy scriptures and meditation.
time and candidate, discriminating among charity in goodness, in Instead of increasing his attachment to matter at the end of
passion and in ignorance. life, he would gradually detach himself from worldly affairs. He
The grhasthas understood that charity to saintly persons is not knew that material accomplishments have no value at the time of
a liability but an asset in one’s spiritual account. In Vedic society, death. When the soul transmigrates into another body, all assets
brahmacaris and sannyasis were supported by grhasthas. The like cars or bank accounts, have to be left behind. A man is born
brahmacaris and sannyasis would be setting an example of a life without a penny, and he has to leave this world in the same
of renunciation and God consciousness. The householder condition. At death, the only useful asset is knowledge of one’s
benefited by the association of saintly persons because he received true self and of one’s relationship with God. With this objective,
valuable spiritual instructions from them. He knew that a society the retired householder would prepare himself for the final stage
without holy men and God conscious preachers, without charity of life.
and sacrifices, is a hellish situation.
Sannyasa
Vanaprastha The renounced order, sannyasa, is the last stage of life. In
The stage of retirement from family life is called vanaprastha. Vedic society, it was entirely reserved for spiritual advancement.
It is the third quarter of life. Modern society postulates the goals The sannyasi would leave his family in order to give up any
 Becoming A Civilized Human Being 159 160 Victory Over Death

attachment to his wife and children. He would travel without any rules and regulations of a particular status of life in order to purify
possessions, without any insurance plan or material security, and his existence. For a sannyasi, intimate relations with women and
simply depend on Krishna. His only business was to become possession of wealth for sense gratification are strictly forbidden.
Krishna conscious and preach Krishna consciousness. Lord Caitanya said, “For a sannyasi or anyone who is aspiring to
A sannyasi, or a person in the renounced order of life, is get out of the clutches of material nature and trying to elevate
considered to be the head, or the spiritual master, of all the social himself to the spiritual nature and go back home, back to
statuses and orders. A brahmana is considered to be the spiritual Godhead, for him, looking toward material possessions and
master of the three other sections of a society, namely, the women for sense gratification – not even enjoying them, but just
ksatriyas, the vaisyas and the sudras, but a sannyasi, who is at the looking toward them with such a propensity – is so condemned
top of the institution, is considered to be the spiritual master of the that he had better commit suicide before experiencing such illicit
brahmanas also. For a sannyasi, the first qualification should be desires”.
fearlessness. Because a sannyasi has to be alone without any Sannyasi life is meant for distributing knowledge to the
support or guarantee of support, he has simply to depend on the householders and others who have forgotten their real life of
mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. If one thinks, spiritual advancement. A sannyasi should visit the householders
“After I leave my connections, who will protect me?” he should and awaken them to Krishna consciousness. This is the duty of a
not accept the renounced order of life. One must be fully sannyasi. If he is actually advanced and so ordered by his spiritual
convinced that Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead in master, he should preach Krishna consciousness with logic and
His localized aspect as Paramatma is always within, that He is understanding, and if one is not so advanced, he should not accept
seeing everything and He always knows what one intends to do. “I the renounced order of life. But even if one has accepted the
shall never be alone”, one should think, “Even if I live in the renounced order of life without sufficient knowledge, he should
darkest regions of the forest, I shall be accompanied by Krishna, engage himself fully in hearing from a bona fide spiritual master
and He will give me all protection”. That state of mind is to cultivate knowledge.
necessary for a person in the renounced order of life. Anyone would be honoured and happy to receive sannyasis in
Then he has to purify his existence. There are so many rules his house, for their presence afforded an opportunity to hear
and regulations to be followed in the renounced order of life. Most realized transcendental knowledge. The Vedic literature states that
important of all, a sannyasi is strictly forbidden to have any charity given to a qualified brahmana is returned a thousand times
intimate relationship with a woman. He is even forbidden to talk in the next life, and charity given to a fully realized devotee is
with a woman in a secluded place. Lord Caitanya was an ideal returned by unlimited multiplication. And we find the following
sannyasi, and when He was at Puri, His feminine devotees could statement regarding the benefit of associating with saintly persons:
not even come near to offer their respects. They were advised to “The verdict of all revealed scriptures is that by even a moment’s
bow down from a distant place. This is not a sign of hatred for association with a pure devotee, one can attain all success”.
women as a class, but it is a stricture imposed on the sannyasi not By their preaching, sannyasis created a potent spiritual
to have close connections with women. One has to follow the atmosphere. Their very presence reminded the attached house
 Becoming A Civilized Human Being 161 162 Victory Over Death

holders that they too would one day have to renounce their whether he be a brahmacari or grhastha. Everyone is given
possessions – either voluntarily or at death – and that they had guidance by the acharya, the spiritual master, according to one’s
better prepare for this ultimate test. Vedic society did not see life propensities.
as a one-time event but as a continuous cycle. Preparation for the “By following his qualities of work, every man can become
next life and worship of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, perfect. Now please hear from Me how this can be done.” (BG
Lord Krishna, were essential ingredients of social life. Simple 18.45)
living and high thinking enabled people to concentrate on their “By worship of the Lord, who is the source of all beings and
long-term goal of spiritual perfection and God consciousness. who is all-pervading, a man can attain perfection through
performing his own work.” (BG 18.46)
Daivi Varnasrama System One should, therefore, know that as part and parcel of the
As far as the life-style goes, all ISKCON devotees are Supreme Lord, one has his duty to render service unto the
supposed to lead a brahminical standard of life, by following four Supreme. Everyone should be engaged in devotional service to the
regulative principles – no meat eating, no gambling, no Lord in full Krishna consciousness. Everyone should think that he
intoxication, and no illicit sex and chanting 16 rounds of the Hare is engaged in a particular type of occupation by Hrishikesha, the
Krishna maha mantra. The ISKCON devotees are trained to master of the senses. And by the result of the work in which one is
perform service to Krishna in many fields. Devotees may perform engaged, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna,
the activities like – should be worshiped. If one always thinks in this way, in full
Krishna consciousness, then, by the grace of the Lord, he becomes
• Pujari work, preaching, philosophical discussions, etc. –
fully aware of everything. That is the perfection of life. The Lord
brahminical
• Tackle threats to survival of temple, driving cars, etc. – says in the Bhagavad-gita (12.7), teñäm ahaà samuddhartä. The
ksatriya Supreme Lord Himself takes charge of delivering such a devotee.
That is the highest perfection of life. In whatever occupation one
• Distribute books, collect funds, purchase goods, etc. –
may be engaged, if he serves the Supreme Lord, he will achieve
vaisaya
the highest perfection.
• Wash toilets, clean temple room, wash vessels, etc. – sudra
This is called Daivi Varnasrama system, where the goal of
Such devotees are considered to be completely transcendental
one's life is only serving Krishna. Such a Krishna-centred life is
to all the four varnas and asramas. Similarly in ISKCON, we have
for the welfare of everyone and we are practically seeing that
brahmacaris, grhasthas, vanaprasthas, and sannyasis. The
people are taking to Krishna consciousness very seriously. Day
brahmacaris and sannyasis live in temples and practice and preach
after day, engineers, doctors, chartered accountants, businessmen,
Krishna consciousness to the world. The grhasthas do jobs or
professors, etc. are becoming more and more interested to
businesses and support the brahmacaris and sannyasis in temple
understand and practice this way of life practiced in ISKCON.
construction and maintenance. These classifications are only
external and superficial. So everyone is given full facility to
advance in Krishna consciousness and become a pure devotee,
 Becoming A Civilized Human Being 163 164 Victory Over Death

Relationship Between Varnasrama And Vaidhi then the demands of the body and mind will cause one to become
Bhakti intoxicated with material desire and no sign of devotion will
manifest itself. (First vrsti, sixth dhara, Srila Bhaktivinoda
The relationship between the aforementioned varnasrama- Thakura: Varnasrama and Vaidhi-Bhakti)
dharma and vaidhi-bhakti ought to be examined. The question is, Varnasrama-dharma is a system for regulated satisfaction of
is the varnasrama institution negated, or should it be abandoned one’s material desires. Bhakti, on the other hand, is completely
when one takes to the process of bhakti, or should the rules and free from personal desires. Therefore, varnasrama-dharma is not a
regulations of varnasrama be followed in order to properly part of sadhana bhakti. Still, a devotee who is not yet able to
cultivate vaidhi-bhakti? perform unalloyed devotional service may utilise varnasrama-
As we have said, the main reasons for the cultivation of dharma to regulate and purify his distracting material desires, and
varnasrama are maintaining the body in good health, improving thus rise to the point of being attracted to unalloyed service.
the faculty of the mind, promoting social well-being, and learning Therefore varnasrama-dharma, although not an integral part of
the science of the Self. All are conducive to the practice of pure sadhana bhakti, can support cultivation of bhakti in its precursor
devotional service. stages.
Who can deny the necessity of the varnasrama institution as Thus, everyone should situate oneself on the platform of a
long as the living being is bound up in the human body? If it is brahmacari, grhastha, vanaprastha or sannyasi, and also in a
abandoned, and the above-mentioned four principles are lacking, suitable occupation based on the guidance from a bona fide
the jiva will go astray and no good whatsoever will accrue to him. spiritual master, and execute Krishna consciousness peacefully
One should, therefore, strictly adhere to the rules governing and with full vigour.
varnasrama for the sake of the mind, society, and one’s
advancement in Krishna consciousness.
But the observance of varnasrama-dharma is not the sole
business of the jiva. Therefore, with the assistance of varnasrama-
dharma, one must cultivate pure devotional service. The purpose
of the varnasrama institution is to facilitate the practice of
devotional service.
The question may arise that since the practice of varnasrama is
a dilatory affair, what will one’s duty be if a conflict arises with
one’s devotional practice? The answer is that if one does not
maintain and nourish the healthy condition of the body, mind,
society, and the pursuit of self-realization, how will it be possible
to cultivate the higher endeavour, devotional service? If,
abandoning the varnasrama institution, one acts independently,
 166 Victory Over Death

tapasvibhyo ‘dhiko yogé jïänibhyo ‘pi mato ‘dhikaù

karmibhyaç cädhiko yogé tasmäd yogé bhavärjuna

Chapter 5 “A yogi is greater than the ascetic, greater than the empiricist
and greater than the fruitive worker. Therefore, O Arjuna, in all
circumstances, be a yogi.” (BG 6.46)

* * * *
What Is Yoga?
The essence of Lord Krishna’s teachings in the Bhagavad-gita
is that one must become a yogi. What is yoga? The sanskrit word
‘yoga’ literally means ‘union’ and refers to the union, in love,
between the individual consciousness and the Supreme
consciousness, the soul and God.

Different Types Of
Humanity may be divided into two sections, namely, the
regulated and the non-regulated. Those who are engaged simply in
bestial sense gratification, without knowledge of their next life or
Yoga spiritual salvation, belong to the non-regulated section. And those
who follow the principles of prescribed duties in the scriptures are
classified amongst the regulated section. The non-regulated
section, both, civilized and uncivilized, educated and uneducated,
strong and weak, are full of animal propensities. Their activities
are never auspicious, because while enjoying the animal
propensities of eating, sleeping, defending and mating, they
perpetually remain in material existence, which is always
miserable. On the other hand, those who are regulated by
scriptural injunctions, and who thus rise gradually to Krishna
consciousness, certainly progress in life.
 Different Types of Yoga 167 168 Victory Over Death

• A Karma yogi performs his work for God, without the selfish
desire for personal gain.
Humanity • A Jnana yogi cultivates philosophical knowledge for elevation
to spiritual consciousness.
• An Astanga yogi or Dhyana yogi takes to a mechanical
meditative practice meant to control the mind and senses and
Regulated Unregulated (engaged in
(follow the eating, sleeping, mating, focus one’s concentration on the Supreme.
injunctions of defending with no • Hatha yoga is a diluted version of Astanga yoga, primarily
scriptures) knowledge of salvation) intended to control mind and senses.
• All the above yoga systems culminate in Bhakti yoga, the yoga
of selfless love of God, Krishna. Lord Krishna Himself
Karma Kanda confirms: “Of all yogis, he who always abides in Me with great
(follow scriptures Civilised Uncivilised faith, worshiping Me in transcendental loving service, is most
for enjoying
material prosperity) intimately united with Me in yoga and is the highest of all.”
Strong Weak (BG 6.47)
One cannot be called a yogi unless his activities are oriented
towards re-establishing his relationship with God.
Karma Yogi A
U Educated Uneducate The unregulated gross materialists, fruitive workers who
S don’t follow scriptures:
Jnana Yogi P
I Characteristics -
C MISERABLE AND • Identify with the body, and absorbed in eating, sleeping,
Astanga Yogi I INAUSPICIOUS mating and defending,
O • Have no understanding of life beyond material goals such
U wealth, wine and woman,
Bhakti Yogi
S • Have no faith in spiritual truths or the spiritual world, and
• Lose the power to discriminate between sinful and pious
activities.
Srila Prabhupada writes:
In the Bhagavad-gita, we discover four basic varieties of yoga Hard labour is for hogs and dogs: The human form of life is
described: meant for liberation, but unfortunately, due to the influence of
Kali-yuga, every day the grhasthas are working hard like asses.
Early in the morning they rise and travel even a hundred miles
 Different Types of Yoga 169 170 Victory Over Death

away to earn bread. Especially in the Western countries, I have Karma Kandis, fruitive workers who follow scriptures:
seen that people awaken at five o’clock to go to offices and
Characteristics -
factories to earn their livelihood. People in Calcutta and Bombay
• A grade higher than this mean class of gross materialists,
also do this every day. They work very hard in the office or
• Believe in the transmigration of the soul,
factory, and again they spend three or four hours in transportation
returning home. Then they retire at ten o’clock and again rise • Fruitive workers who perform pious activities such as sacrifice
early in the morning to go to their offices and factories. This kind and giving in charity,
of hard labour is described in the shastras as the life of pigs and • Their only motive is to ensure that their next life is one of
luxury and sense enjoyment, and
stool-eaters. Näyaà deho deha-bhäjäà nåloke kañöän kämän
• Cannot understand that good and bad activities both lead to
arhate vid-bhujäà ye: “Of all living entities who have accepted
another term of birth and suffering.
material bodies in this world, one who has been awarded this
Lord Krishna says, “Those who study the Vedas and drink soma
human form should not work hard day and night simply for sense
juice, seeking the heavenly planets, worship Me indirectly.
gratification, which is available even for dogs and hogs that eat
Purified of sinful reactions, they
stool.” (SB 5.5.1)
take birth on the pious, heavenly
Grhastha Life And Demoniac Life planet of Indra, where they enjoy
One must find some time for hearing Srimad-Bhagavatam and godly delights. When they have thus
Bhagavad-gita. This is Vedic culture. One should work eight enjoyed vast heavenly sense
hours at the most to earn his livelihood, and either in the afternoon pleasure and the results of their
or in the evening a householder should associate with devotees to pious activities are exhausted, they
hear about the incarnations of Krishna and His activities and thus return to this mortal planet again.
be gradually liberated from the clutches of maya. However, Thus those who seek sense
instead of finding time to hear about Krishna, the householders, enjoyment by adhering to the
after working hard in offices and factories, find time to go to a principles of the three Vedas
restaurant or a club, where, instead of hearing about Krishna and achieve only repeated birth and death.” (BG 9.20-21).
His activities, they are very much pleased to hear about the What is the problem if I am born as a pious person again?
political activities of demons and non-devotees and to enjoy sex,
• If one goes to heaven, one has to come down; if one returns to
wine, women and meat and in this way, waste their time. This is
spiritual world, then no coming down.
not grhastha life, but demoniac life. The Krishna consciousness
movement, however, with its centres all over the world, gives such • A materially pious life may award one high birth, education,
fallen and condemned persons an opportunity to hear about bodily beauty or wealth, but these opulences can cause pride
Krishna. (SB 7.14.3-4 Purport) and make him misuse the facilities awarded. Sometimes, even
demigods in heaven have misused their opulences and were
 Different Types of Yoga 171 172 Victory Over Death

punished. For example, the sons of Kuvera were cursed to suffering. It is said that ignorance is bliss, but this is the bliss
become trees; Indra offended his guru Brhaspati due to pride. of a hog. When one actually comes to the understanding that
• Repeated birth and death causes suffering. he is not actually happy in the material world, he can begin to
• Desire for sense gratification such as long duration of life and relieve his suffering.
luxuries can make us attached. There is no possibility of being liberated from suffering
• One forgets the real goal of life – to go back home back to without taking shelter of Krishna’s lotus feet. People are
Godhead. thinking that they can relieve suffering through abortion, by
• The material world is a dangerous place for the soul and a killing the child within the womb. In this way, they are
pious person can fall prey to impiety. committing one sin after another and becoming more and
more entangled. Consequently, the aborted living entity will
Story: ‘Sense gratification makes us mad and have to enter into the womb of another mother in order to
become bad’ undergo the birth that he is destined to take. Then, when he
(taken from ‘Teachings of Lord Kapila’ by Srila Prabhupada, enters the womb of another mother, he may again be killed,
TLK17: Taking shelter of Krishna, the Supreme Controller) and for many years he may not be allowed to see the light of
the sun. In this Kali-yuga, people are becoming so sinful that
The living entity thinks that he is very happy in whatever there is no possibility of rescue unless one takes to Krishna
body he gets. He may get the body of a dog or the body of a consciousness. The entire human civilization is falling into
cat, but he is happy in his body, and he does not want to lose the illusory fire of maya. People fly into the fire just like
it. This is called illusion. When an ant sees danger, he will run moths. When there is a beautiful fire, moths come from a long
like anything. This is because he values his body and does not distance, enter it and go pop, pop, pop. In this way one dies,
want to lose it. takes birth and suffers and dies again.
Once, Lord Indra, the King of the heavenly planets, was Yet Krishna and His devotees are so kind and
cursed by Brhaspati to become a hog. He was going about on compassionate that they are unhappy to see all the misery of
earth enjoying his hog body when finally Lord Brahma came this material world. Krishna is the father of all living entities,
and told him, “My dear Indra, you have suffered enough. and He is very unhappy to see His sons suffer. Krishna
Now come with me and return to your heavenly kingdom.” therefore comes and canvasses: “Why are you captivated by
Indra in the form of a hog said, “Where shall I go?” “To the this false, so-called happiness? Give up all of this and
heavens,” Lord Brahma replied. It was then that Indra said, surrender to Me. Come to Me, and I will relieve you. You
“No, I have my family and children. How can I go? I am very will then live happily, eternally and blissfully. You will not
happy. Let me remain here.” In this way, everyone is thinking have any want, nor will you be troubled by anything.” For
that he is very happy, although he is in a horrible and this reason Krishna comes. Actually He has no other business
fearsome condition. However, one who is actually intelligent to carry out here because His agent prakrti does everything.
can understand that he is not actually happy, that he is
 Different Types of Yoga 173 174 Victory Over Death

If the Kingdom of God is the ultimate goal, why is Karma elevation to heavenly planets, resultant good birth, power, and so
kanda prescribed? forth. Being desirous of sense gratification and opulent life, they
say that there is nothing more than this.” (BG 2.42-43)
Lord Krishna has given the instruction in the Bhagavad-gita
(18.66): ‘sarva dharman parityajya mam ekam saranam vraja’ Different Types of Yogis
‘Abandon all varieties of religion and simply surrender unto Me’.
There are always going to be people who want to follow The Ladder Of Yogic Process
scriptures, but who cannot give up sense gratification of this world The fruitive workers cannot be counted among the yogis, as
and prepare to return to spiritual world. they are interested in satisfying their material desires. The actual
Thus, most of the people remain hard working materialists yogis are the Karma yogis, the Jnana yogis, the Astanga yogis,
preferring to avoid God altogether. In order to give such people a and the Bhakti yogis, as they all accept a transcendental goal.
chance, the Vedas offer opportunities for regulated sense Factually they are the same, although named differently. The
gratification that can be achieved by performing sacrifices to yogic process is like a ladder one ascends gradually toward the
demigods, offering charity etc. But the goal of the Vedas is not to final goal of the Absolute Truth.
promote sense gratification; the goal is to somehow inspire the Step 1: Niskama Karma, or renunciation of the fruits of one’s
people to accept the authority of scriptures and begin following labour.
some religion. This is like a mother who wants to feed the bitter Step 2: When Knowledge and Austerity are added to it, it becomes
medicine to her child, but the child refuses to eat the medicine. Jnana yoga
She gives a sugar coating to the medicine and intelligently feeds it Step 3: When meditation on the Supreme is added to Jnana yoga,
to the child. In the same manner the Vedas offer opportunities to it is Astanga yoga.
get good health, wealth, prosperity, beautiful wife, bountiful Step 4: Finally, loving devotional service to the Supreme Lord is
harvest, good son, promotion to heavenly planets, etc. So instead Bhakti yoga.
of indulging in improper ways of accumulating wealth and
inviting severe wrath of Yamaraj, Krishna says: “You act BHAKTI YOGA - Loving devotional
according to scriptures and then you will get regulated sense service to Krishna
gratification”. Such people, by regulated practice, will gradually ASTANGA YOGA - Meditation on the
attain detachment from sense gratification. Supersoul in the heart
One should clearly understand that Karma-kanda is meant for JNANA YOGA – Impersonalist; Knowledge
gradual upliftment, but it is not an end in itself. But Karma-kandis & Austerity
are attracted to the rhythm of the Vedas and imagine the heavenly KARMA YOGA - Renunciation of fruits of one’s
sense enjoyment to be the end of all attainments. They perform labour.
Vedic mantra chant to attain heavenly planets. Krishna says: “Men
of small knowledge are very much attached to the flowery words
of the Vedas, which recommend various fruitive activities for
 Different Types of Yoga 175 176 Victory Over Death

Progress Of A Follower Of The Vedic System blissfully through the Nanda-kanana gardens. Why live for a
hundred years when I can live for thousands?”
The following description (adapted and abridged from
‘Surrender unto Me’ by HG Bhurijana prabhu) gives a clear idea Karma-kanda sacrifices meant to attain either short-term or
of how a Vedic follower gradually progresses in the yoga ladder: long-term results are born of the mode of passion. They are
BG 3.16: My dear Arjuna, one who does not follow in human performed for selfish, sensual enjoyment. Long-term sacrifices,
life the cycle of sacrifice thus established by the Vedas however, are a step further on the path because they are based on
certainly leads a life full of sin. Living only for the satisfaction the implicit acceptance of the soul’s eternality. The performer of
of the senses, such a person lives in vain. the sacrifice will think, “I am not this body. Therefore I will
A materialist lives in vain because human life is meant for perform opulent sacrifices, leave this body behind and attain
spiritual elevation and he has wasted that opportunity. His heaven.” Within that thought is the seed of eternal spiritual life.
engaging solely in animalistic endeavors ensures his taking a Realizing the temporary miserable nature of the material
lower birth. world: Then he hears from his priests that there is distress even in
The performance of karma-kanda sacrifices, however, would heaven. Indra fears attacks on his kingdom. Thus he realizes that
gradually purify him by redirecting his desires from concentration he too will experience fear even in Svargaloka. Despite having
on the temporal to concentration on the eternal. fulfilled his material desires, he recognizes that his heart is still
Earthly prosperity: Here is how a follower of the Vedic system progresses: devoid of true satisfaction. Gradually the truth of material reality
Instead of trying to enjoy his senses unrestrictedly, a follower of dawns on him: Birth and death are everywhere, and the material
the Vedas surrenders to Vedic authority, which then regulates his world is temporary, frustrating and miserable.
actions and engages him in karma-kanda sacrifices. The goal of Karma Yoga: Over time, he becomes receptive to the philosophy
those sacrifices is to attain prosperity, either in this life or a future of transcendence. Having heard from his priests about sacrifices,
life. Desiring abundance, he may perform a sacrifice to give birth and having experienced their results, he has become more trusting
to a son, to reap a bountiful harvest or to overcome a disease. of the priests and the sastras. He has also become more detached from
Those are considered low-level sacrifices because their fruits are material life, because performing sacrifices has allowed him to
limited to this life. taste the happiness of sacrificing the hard-earned results of his
Heavenly prosperity: Gradually, however, by associating with work. His goal slowly evolves. He no longer thinks of attaining
brahmana priests, he hears about sacrifices that will award him more material happiness, but of leaving the material world. Now,
birth on the higher, heavenly planets. Simultaneously, as he lives he is ready to consider the jnana-kanda section of the Vedas and to
in this world, he inevitably experiences a variety of miseries. contemplate a nonmaterial, spiritual life based on the soul’s eter-
Family members die, droughts occur, his riches are plundered— nality. Thus he is no longer a karma-kandi, but a karma-yogi.
difficulties must over time arise because that is the nature of the A karma-yogi is someone who has accepted transcendence as
material world. He is pushed to seriously contemplate Svargaloka: his objective. There are two types of karma-yogis: Brahmavadis
“Why be satisfied with wealth, a son or health in this life? I can go to Svarga, (impersonalists) and devotees. Each may be on one of two levels: sakama
drink soma-rasa, dance with beautiful women and wander (with material desires) or niskama (free from material desires). If a
 Different Types of Yoga 177 178 Victory Over Death

Brahmavadi associates with merciful and powerful devotees, he can note, I can’t wash the pots myself. You keep everything ready and
abandon his attempts to reach the Brahman and aspire for loving service I will come and cook the full feast.”
at Krishna’s lotus feet.
Bhakta: The highest stage of work occurs when one is detached
Both types of karma-yogis progress gradually from sakama to
from the fruits of his work and from the work itself. He continues
niskama by dutifully performing their prescribed duties. As their
to work, but his impetus is simply devotional surrender to the
realizations increase, they also become more detached from
order of guru and Krishna.
matter. Thus they leave their performance of sakama-karma-yoga
For example: “Give me any service, prabhu. You don’t have to
and climb to the next rung of the yoga ladder and become
pay me anything. Engage me in the way you want. I am just a
niskama-karma-yogis, performers of dutiful, detached work. Their
humble servant of all devotees.”
work is no longer motivated by fruitive desire, and they perform
their work on the platform of jnana. Astanga Yoga: While a Jnana yogi’s understanding of the
Absolute Truth is impersonal, an Astanga yogi, through an
Jnana Yoga: While progressing in this way, however, the
eightfold system, controls the mind and senses and focuses his
niskama-karma-yogi may conclude: “My prescribed duties are
intelligence on the form of Lord Visnu seated in the heart with
meant to bring me material rewards. I no longer have material
complete attention. This is called ‘Ishwara pranidhani’ or
desires. I don’t want a son or money or a nice house. I have no
surrender to the Supreme in the Patanjali yoga sutras. Thus, if a
desire to go to Svargaloka. I know I am not my body. Because I no
Jnana yogi develops a firm faith in the Personality of Godhead
longer have material desires, I do not need to perform my
seated within the heart by meditation, then he becomes an Astanga
prescribed duties.” When he renounces his work, he becomes a
yogi.
Jnana yogi.
The differences between sakama workers, niskama workers Bhakti Yoga: A Bhakti yogi understands that the impersonal
and a bhakta are explained below: Brahman feature and localized feature in the heart of every living
being, Paramatma are both emerging from the Supreme
Sakama worker: Attached to the Fruits of his work and attached
Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna. Thus, he surrenders to Sri
to the specific nature of the work.
Krishna as the ultimate object of love, the ultimate summum
For example: “I am a tailor. I want to stitch Sankirtan bags for
bonum, beyond which no truth exists. Engaging his senses in
your devotees for the December Marathon distribution. Please
varieties of practical services for the pleasure of the Lord, with his
give me this service. I will take just the charges with very little
mind, intelligence fully absorbed in remembrance of the Lord, a
profit.”
Bhakti yogi attains Samadhi, or trance, in such one-pointed loving
Niskama worker: detached from the fruits of his work, only absorption. This loving devotional service is the ultimate
remains attached to the work attainment of the soul, for at this stage, the soul revives his
For example: “I am a brahmana cook. I like cooking. I don’t original constitutional position, swarupa: ‘muktir hitva anyatha
need any pay. I just want to do that service for the Lord. Please rupam swarupena vyavasthiti’. The ‘moksha’ or liberation
attained by a Jnana yogi by apparent merging in impersonal
 Different Types of Yoga 179 180 Victory Over Death

effulgence is temporary, but a Bhakti yogi’s mukti or liberation Material life is a one-hundred-percent-loss-guaranteed bank.
from material world and transfer to the spiritual world is Material activity is always a failure.
permanent.
Path Of A Spiritualist
Difference Between Progress In Krishna says: svalpam apyasya dharmasya trayate mahato
Spiritual Path And Material Path bhayat: “Even a little bit of spiritual activity bears tremendous
results.” (BG 2.40) Even a small spiritual deed can save one from
Brainstorm: List down the differences between the path of a falling down to animal species.
materialist and spiritualist. If one becomes 20% purified in this life, then one can begin from
21% in the next life; and if one completes 50% in the second life, one
Path Of A Materialist can begin from 51% in the third life, and so on. Thus, the spiritual
In order to be successful, any material activity must be completed benefits accrue life after life, leading one back to the spiritual world.
100% For example, no one can get an engineering degree even if they For example, Gajendra, Bharata, etc remembered their previous lives
complete all papers except one. and continued their spiritual life.
Whatever one has acquired life-long, it is finished at death – Progress of the soul in Krishna consciousness is real and is never
degrees, bungalows, cars, computers, etc. For example, a honey bee lost, even at death.
collects a lot of honey little by little, but a farmer drives them and In spiritual life, however, although there are strict regulations; by
takes it all away. the Supreme Lord’s grace alone can one bypass many intermediary
Progress is illusory, as everything including the body is stripped stages and reach the top, or “doctorate” level.
off at the time of death. One who does devotional activities in a small quantity and then
It is impossible to go directly to the university without prior deviates, enjoys for many years on the planets of pious living entities
schooling. and then takes birth into a family of righteous people or into a family
Lord Krishna says in the Bhagavad-gita, “One who has taken of rich aristocracy. Therefore, spiritual activity, whether performed in
birth is sure to die, and after death one is sure to take birth again.” a small or a large quantity, never goes in vain.
The common saying goes ‘as sure as death’. So why should we waste One who has done a lot of devotional activities but does not
our time on this dead lump of flesh which is flapping only for a few complete 100%, takes birth in a family of very wise
moments? transcendentalists. Such a birth is very rare.
One carries no material credits or acquisitions after death. In There is no competition; in the spiritual world, there is a place
material life, in every birth, one accumulates and loses at death. and ‘swarupa’ for every one of us. There is no dearth of vacancies
There is tremendous struggle involved in trying to succeed in there. We can help each other and advance together to return back
material life; there is cut-throat competition in every field. People home back to Godhead.
have to push their competitors down and climb on their shoulders in Spiritual account is an imperishable account. Spiritual activity is
order to rise to the top like crabs. always a success.
 Different Types of Yoga 181 182 Victory Over Death

Wandering Living Entities - Poor Sons Of The Lord Karma Yoga

The living entities are like sons of the Lord, and as such, they
If You Perform Fruitive Activity...
are rightful heirs to the great wealth of their rich father. But
because of the reactions to sins committed in previous lives, they Every good or bad activity performed produces a concomitant
are roaming about without a home, suffering from acute poverty. result and to reap the fruits of such actions, one has to be born
But they do not know who their wealthy father is, or where they again. While reaping the results to previous actions, one creates
can go to reclaim their valuable inheritance. fresh karma for which one will reap reactions in future. Thus, the
Without proper knowledge, they meet many who promise to chain of actions and reactions creates one material body after
help them. A few among these strangers seem rich and prosperous, another leading to continued suffering of birth, old age, disease
but the directions they give do not lead to the father’s house. The and death.
wealthy strangers suggest many paths, such as Karma, Jnana or
Analogy: The Banyan Tree Analogy (from the fifteenth
Dhyana, but the problem of poverty remains unsolved. The living
chapter of the Bhagavad-gita)
entities can escape their poverty only by learning and practicing
the science of devotional service to the Supreme Lord. Perverted reflection of spiritual reality
Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead,
explained the science of devotional service to Srila Rupa Gosvami The entanglement of this material world is compared to a
at Prayaga. These instructions are the crest jewel of teachings for banyan tree. The banyan tree of the material world is upside
all humanity. The Lord says: “According to their karma, all living down—roots up and branches down—because it is only a
entities are wandering throughout the entire universe. Some of perverted reflection of the reality of the spiritual world. Just as a
them are being elevated to the upper planetary systems, and some reflection rests upon water, this tree rests upon the desire of the
are going down to the lower planetary systems. Out of many living entities.
millions of wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate Higher and lower branches are demigod life and animal life
gets an opportunity to associate with a bona fide spiritual master respectively
by the grace of Lord Krishna. By the mercy of both Lord Krishna
and the spiritual master, such a person receives the seed of the As the branches of a real banyan tree produce offshoots that
creeper of devotional service”. Before coming to the ultimate path grow down into roots and further trunks, this reflected tree,
of Bhakti yoga, one may be inspired by one of the following paths similarly, has endlessly complicated, intertwined trunks, roots and
according to one’s inclinations, tendencies and attachments even branches. Thus, the living entity, travelling from one birth to the
within the purview of acting within the regulations of religion. next, from the higher branches of demigod life to the lower
branches of animal life, seeks pleasure, but in fact attains only
further entrapment in fruitive action.
 Different Types of Yoga 183 184 Victory Over Death

The three modes are the nourishing water for the growth of Godhead. Then by understanding one becomes gradually detached
this tree from this false reflection of reality, and by knowledge, one can cut
off the connection and actually become situated in the real tree,
The three modes of material nature combine to nourish the
the spiritual world.
various branches of that tree. Depending upon which branch a
living entity is located on, he will possess a certain material body If You Renounce Action...
and a specific type of senses, and according to the combination of
modes that influences that part of the tree, he will be attracted to The soul cannot be inactive
particular “twigs,” or sense objects. One may consider becoming inactive to avoid getting good
The living entity is ignorantly absorbed in fruitive activities and bad reactions; but that is impossible for the soul who is
innately active by nature. Have you seen a sack race, where the
A soul situated within the complexities of this individual is gets into a sack and is still able to run the race? How
incomprehensible tree remains trapped, not able know its much faster will he run without the sack? In the same way, either
beginning or end. All existence beyond the tree is forgotten, and in the conditioned stage (inside sack of the material body), or
he is fully enamoured with the tastes of its fruits and berries. liberated stage (freed from material body), the soul is active by
No liberation from this tree for one attached to fruitive nature.
activities An inactive man cannot earn his livelihood
For one who is engaged in fruitive activities, there is no end One has to also work for earning one’s livelihood – to
to the banyan tree. He wanders from one branch to another, to maintain one’s body and dependents. When Arjuna, a warrior,
another, to another. The tree of this material world has no end, and wanted to forsake his duty of fighting a war, the Supreme Lord,
for one who is attached to this tree, there is no possibility of Krishna advised him, “Perform your prescribed duty, for doing so
liberation. If one can understand this indestructible tree of illusion, is better than not working. One cannot even maintain one’s
then one can get out of it. physical body without work.” (BG 3.8)
One has to become detached, cut off connection with the Even by trying to be inactive, a man cannot avoid sin
reflection of the tree and become situated in the real tree
Although we may take so many precautions against these vices
The real form of this banyan tree (which is the spiritual world) and sinful reactions, even in the course of ordinary business
cannot be understood in this material world. When entangled with exchanges and ventures, we have to commit so many sins. For
the material expansions of the tree, one cannot see how far the tree instance, we find it necessary and unavoidable in business
extends, nor can one see the beginning of this tree. Yet one has to dealings to speak lies. Lawyers have to resort to all sorts of
find out the cause. One has to search out the origin of this tree, the trickery to get around a law in which they have become
Supreme Personality of Godhead, through the association of professionally entangled. Intentionally or unintentionally, one has
persons who are in knowledge of that Supreme Personality of
 Different Types of Yoga 185 186 Victory Over Death

to commit such sins—and incur the sinful reactions—without any By such work with transcendental results, or karma-yoga, one
doubt. becomes free from the reactions or bondage of work and becomes
Even if we take all precautions to protect ourselves against purified. Further, one develops his transcendental devotion toward
committing any sins, still, unconsciously we kill many ants and the Absolute Personality of Godhead. Thus by cooking and
other insects, while discharging even the most ordinary duties, offering the food to Lord Krishna or Visnu can save one from
such as walking from one place to another. The law books, known sinful reactions; but cooking food only to satisfy one’s senses, will
as the smritis, mention five kinds of sin which everyone inevitably lead one to sinful reactions and subsequent punishment. Lord
commits, no matter how unwillingly. They are as follows: (1) sins Krishna explains in BG 18.45, how one can attain perfection in
committed by itching, (2) sins committed by rubbing, (3) sins life by worshiping the Lord by offering the fruits of one’s
committed by starting a fire, (4) sins committed by pouring water prescribed duties.
from a pot, and (5) sins committed by cleaning the house. Even if Srila Prabhupada writes: In the present age we are witnessing
we do not commit any intentional sins, we have to commit the an enormous expansion of material activities, an endlessly
above five kinds of sin, without a shadow of doubt. variegated multiplicity of material engagements. Mills and
factories, as well as hospitals and other institutions, are now in
How To Perform Actions Without Material Entanglement?
vogue. In ancient times, there was not so great an expansion of
There is a difference between karma and karma-yoga. Karma material activities. In those days the mode of living was simple,
is regulated action for the enjoyment of the fruit by the performer, and yet the thoughts were sublime. So now there is a very good
but karma-yoga is action performed by the devotee for the field of activities for the karma-yogis, who can engage all the
satisfaction of the Lord. Karma-yoga is based on bhakti, or various modern institutions in the transcendental service of Visnu,
pleasing the Lord, whereas karma is based on pleasing the senses for the satisfaction of His transcendental senses.
of the performer himself. This method of work, or prescribed It is incumbent, therefore, to install a temple of Visnu in all the
duties that does not cause any bondage, is called work with aforementioned institutions, and in individual homes, for the same
transcendental results, or karma-yoga. purpose—worshiping the Absolute Godhead in the same spirit of
It is for this reason that the Supreme Lord has explained how work with transcendental results as was maintained by the sages
one is to perform activities: of ancient times. Although the all-pervading Personality of
yajnarthat karmano ‘nyatra loko ‘yam karma-bandhanah Godhead manifests Himself in His various transcendental, eternal
tad-artham karma kaunteya mukta-sangah samacara forms as incarnations or plenary portions or various partial
“Work done as a sacrifice for Visnu has to be performed; portions, the sages recommended the worship of the eternal dual
otherwise work causes bondage to this material world. Therefore, forms of Sri Sri Laksmi-Narayana, Sri Sri Sita-Rama, and Sri Sri
O son of Kunti, perform your prescribed duties for His Radha-Krishna. Therefore, it is desired most earnestly that the
satisfaction, and in this way you will always remain free from proprietors and managers of big mills, factories, hospitals,
bondage.” (BG 3.9) universities, hotels, and various other institutions install a temple
for worshiping any of these transcendental forms of Visnu. This
 Different Types of Yoga 187 188 Victory Over Death

will transform all the workers in these institutions into karma- percentage to propagate Krishna consciousness. This voluntary
yogis. (from the book, ‘Message of Godhead’ by Srila service to the cause of Krishna consciousness will help one to rise
Prabhupada) to a higher state of love for God, whereupon one becomes perfect.
Practical Examples Of How A Common Man Can Perform Karma Yoga for a Rich Man
Karma Yoga For example, one may be engaged in business, but to
Even if one is not able to practice the regulative principles of transform that activity into Krishna consciousness, one has to do
bhakti yoga, under the guidance of a spiritual master, he can still business for Krishna. If Krishna is the proprietor of the business,
be drawn to this perfectional stage by working for the Supreme then Krishna should enjoy the profit of the business. If a
Lord. Karma with an overcoat of devotional service becomes businessman is in possession of thousands and thousands of
Karma yoga. This means, whatever work one does or one wants to dollars, and if he has to offer all this to Krishna, he can do it. This
do, one can do that work. All one needs to do is to offer the fruits is work for Krishna. Instead of constructing a big building for his
to the Lord. In Bhakti yoga, one simply does what Lord wants one sense gratification, he can construct a nice temple for Krishna, and
to do without any personal preferences of likes and dislikes. he can install the Deity of Krishna and arrange for the Deity’s
service, as is outlined in the authorized books of devotional
Perform work for Krishna, not for sense gratification
service. This is all Krishna-karma.
There are many devotees who are engaged in the propagation
of Krishna consciousness, and they require help. So, even if one Karma Yoga for a Poor Man
cannot directly practice the regulative principles of bhakti yoga, If, however, one is not able to construct a temple for Krishna,
he can try to help such work. Every endeavour requires land, one can engage himself in cleansing the temple of Krishna; that is
capital, organization and labour. Just as in business one requires a also Krishna-karma. One can cultivate a garden. Anyone who has
place to stay, some capital to use, some labour and some land—in India, at least, any poor man has a certain amount of
organization to expand, so the same is required in the service of land—can utilize that for Krishna by growing flowers to offer
Krishna. The only difference is that in materialism, one works for Him. One can sow tulasi plants, because tulasi leaves are very
sense gratification. The same work, however, can be performed important and Krishna has recommended this in the Bhagavad-
for the satisfaction of Krishna, and that is spiritual activity. gita. Patram pushpam phalam toyam: Krishna desires that one
Dovetail all talents, resources and activities for the Lord’s offer Him either a leaf, or a flower, or fruit, or a little water—and
service by such an offering, He is satisfied. This leaf especially refers to
the tulasi. So one can sow tulasi and pour water on the plant.
If one has sufficient money, he can help in building an office Thus, even the poorest man can engage in the service of Krishna.
or temple for propagating Krishna consciousness. Or he can help These are some of the examples of how one can engage in
with publications. There are various fields of activity, and one working for Krishna.
should be interested in such activities. If one cannot sacrifice the
results of his activities, the same person can still sacrifice some
 Different Types of Yoga 189 190 Victory Over Death

Story: ‘The Fortunate Florist’ Being satisfied with the florist, Lord Krishna not only gave
him whatever benedictions he wanted, but over and above that He
While entering Mathura, Krishna and Balarama went to a offered him all material opulences, family prosperity, a long
florist of the name Sudama. As soon as They reached the precinct duration of life and whatever else his heart desired within the
of his house, the florist immediately came out and with great material world.
devotion fell down on his face to offer his respectful obeisances.
He offered a nice seat to Krishna and Balarama and asked his
assistant to bring out flowers, betel nuts and pulp of candana. The
Jnana Yoga
florist’s welcome greatly satisfied the Lord. The Jnanis Are Mental Speculators About The Absolute
The florist very humbly and submissively offered his prayers Truth
to the Lord, saying, “My dear Lord, because You have come to
my place, I think all my forefathers and all my worshipable The Absolute Truth is understood differently according to the
superiors are pleased and delivered. My dear Lord, You are the position of the student as impersonal Brahman, as localized
supreme cause of all causes of this cosmic manifestation, but for Paramatma, and as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna,
the benefit of the residents of this earthly planet, You have or Visnu. Brahman, Paramatma
appeared with Your plenary portion to give protection to Your and Bhagavan, the Supreme
devotees and annihilate the demons. You are equally disposed as Personality of Godhead, are not
the friend of all living entities; You are the Supersoul, and You do different. They are simply
not discriminate between friend and enemy. Yet You are pleased different aspects of the complete
to give Your devotees the special result of their devotional Godhead.
activities. My Lord, I am praying that You please tell me whatever For example, looking at a
You wish me to do, because I am Your eternal servant. If You mountain from a distance, we
would order me to do something, it would be a great favour to may see a hazy cloud, and if we
me.” come nearer, we may see
The florist, Sudama, was greatly pleased within his heart by something green. If we actually
seeing Krishna and Balarama in his place, and thus, as his choicest climb the mountain, we will find
desire, he made two exquisite garlands of various flowers and many houses, trees and animals.
presented them to the Lord. Krishna and Balarama were very In the final stage, there are
much pleased with his sincere service, and Krishna offered the varieties—trees, animals, men,
florist His salutation and benedictions, which He is always houses, and so on. Similarly, the Absolute Truth is not without
prepared to bestow upon the surrendered souls. When the florist variety. Just as there is material variety in the material world,
was offered benedictions, he begged from the Lord that he might there is spiritual variety in the spiritual world.
remain His eternal servant in devotional service and by such Jnanis are impersonalists who engage in speculative approach
service do good to all living creatures. in understanding the Absolute Truth. When Jnana is coated with
 Different Types of Yoga 191 192 Victory Over Death

devotional service, it becomes Jnana yoga. Because such Jnanis Become Bhaktas After Many, Many Lifetimes
impersonalists are speculating about the Absolute Truth from a
After many lifetimes of performing Jnana yoga, they will
distance, they think that the Absolute Truth has no variety.
come to the point of surrendering to Krishna:
Two Classes Of Transcendentalists: Personalist &
Impersonalist bahünäà janmanäm ante jïänavän mäà prapadyate
Generally, the transcendentalists can be divided into two väsudevaù sarvam iti sa mahätmä su-durlabhaù
classes.
“After many births and deaths, he who is actually in
• The personalist devotee, called Bhakti yogi, engages
knowledge surrenders unto Me, knowing Me to be the cause of all
himself with his body, mind and words in the devotional service
causes and all that is. Such a great soul is very rare.” (BG 7.19)
of the Supreme Lord.
Some practical examples of Jnana yogis/impersonalists who
• The impersonalist, called Jnana yogi, also engages himself, became great devotees of the Lord are:
not directly in the service of Krishna, but in meditation on the
• The Four Kumaras, sons of Brahma, who became
impersonal Brahman, the unmanifested.
devotees by smelling the Tulasi aroma from the lotus feet of
Bhakti Yogi Certified By Krishna To Be The Best Lord Visnu when they went close to the entrance of Vaikuntha.
A dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna in the 12th chapter of • Sukadeva Gosvami, son of Vedavyas, was a born self-
the Bhagavad-gita given below establishes the Bhakti yogi to be satisfied Jnani. As soon as he was born (after sixteen years of
the best: stay in his mother’s womb, not wanting to see the horrible
Arjuna inquired: “Which are considered to be more perfect, material world), he proceeded straight to the forest. There, he
those who are always properly engaged in Your devotional service heard some woodcutters singing sweet poetry from Srimad-
or those who worship the impersonal Brahman, the Bhagavatam in glorification of Lord Sri Krishna. He inquired
unmanifested?” (BG 12.1) from them and came to know that they were students of his own
The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: “Those who fix father, Vedavyas. He returned to his father to study Srimad-
their minds on My personal form and are always engaged in Bhagavatam and thus, his eternal identity as the devotee of Lord
worshiping Me with great and transcendental faith are considered Krishna in the spiritual world was revealed. He became the most
by Me to be most perfect.” (BG 12.2) glorious speaker of Bhagavatam to King Parikshit for seven
“But those who fully worship the unmanifested, that which days.
lies beyond the perception of the senses, the all-pervading, • At Benaras, there were thousands of sannyasis headed
inconceivable, unchanging, fixed and immovable-- the impersonal by their most learned leader Prakasananda Sarasvati.
conception of the Absolute Truth-- by controlling the various Prakasananda considered Lord Caitanya as a sentimentalist
senses and being equally disposed to everyone, such persons, sannyasi who was chanting and dancing with the general
engaged in the welfare of all, at last achieve Me.” (BG 12.3-4) populace, instead of behaving gravely and studying Vedanta.
Upon meeting Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu personally and
 Different Types of Yoga 193 194 Victory Over Death

conversing with Him, He along with his followers felt a great harmony of arguments in the explanations given by Caitanya
heart transformation. Lord Caitanya’s association touched their and obliged him to utter that it was the first time that he had
hearts and made them weep for their spiritual improvement. found one who could explain the Brahma-sutras in such a simple
Thus all the impersonalist sannyasis of Benares headed by manner. He then submitted himself as an advocate and follower.
Prakasananda soon fell at the feet of Caitanya and asked for his In a few days, Sarvabhauma turned out to be one of the best
grace (krpa). Lord Caitanya then preached pure bhakti and Vaisnavas of the time.
instilled into their hearts spiritual love for Krishna which
Without Understanding The Variegatedness Of The
obliged them to give up sectarian feelings. The whole
Absolute Truth, One Falls Down
population of Benares, on this wonderful conversion of the
sannyasis, turned into Vaishnavas, and they held a master The impersonalists, instead of surrendering to the Lord,
sankirtana with their Lord. assume themselves equal to the Lord and thus proclaim, ‘aham
• Sarvabhauma was a great pandita of the day at Puri and brahmasmi’. The living entity is of course, Brahman; but he is not
was an official priest and guru of King Prataparudra. His Para Brahman, the Supreme Absolute Truth. It is astonishing to
readings knew no bounds. He was the best naiyayika of the see how a person who is being kicked by the laws of the Lord’s
times and was known as the most erudite scholar in the Vedanta illusory energy at every step can falsely think of becoming one
philosophy of the school of Sankaracarya. His brother-in-law with the Lord. Srimad-Bhagavatam says that such persons are
Gopinatha Misra introduced Lord Caitanya to Sarvabhauma, aviçuddha-buddhayaù (SB 10.2.32), which means that because
who was astonished at his personal beauty and feared that it they falsely think themselves liberated and at the same time think
would be difficult for the young man to maintain sannyasa- themselves equal with the Absolute Truth, their intelligence is not
dharma during the long run of his life. Sarvabhauma then purified.
requested Mahaprabhu to hear his recitation of the Vedanta- The Bhagavatam says, “Those who are simply puffed up,
sutras. Caitanya heard with silence what the great Sarvabhauma thinking themselves liberated by some non-devotional process, are
uttered with gravity for seven days. At the end Sarvabhauma not intelligent because they have not yet surrendered unto You. In
asked, “Krishna Caitanya! I think you do not understand the spite of executing all kinds of austerities and penances or even
Vedanta, for you do not say anything after hearing my recitation arriving at the brink of Brahman realization, they think that they
and explanations.” The reply of Caitanya was that he understood are in the effulgence of Brahman. But actually, because they have
the sutras very well, but the impersonalistic meaning given by no transcendental activities, they fall down to material activities.”
Sarvabhauma was simply like a cloud covering the shining sun The cycle of birth and death cannot be stopped unless one is a
of the actual Truth. Astonished at this, Sarvabhauma said, “If pure devotee of the Supreme Lord. It is said, harià vinä naiva
you understand the sutras, please let me have your såtià taranti. One cannot surpass the cycle of birth and death
interpretations.” Mahaprabhu explained all the sutras with unless one is favoured by the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
devotional service as the highest goal of life. The keen One should not be satisfied simply with knowing that he is
understanding of Sarvabhauma saw the truth, beauty and Brahman. He must engage himself in the service of the Supreme
 Different Types of Yoga 195 196 Victory Over Death

Brahman; that is bhakti. Because non-devotees neglect the without any connection to God or spirituality. Thus, they lose the
transcendental loving service of the lotus feet of the Personality of opportunity of human form of life to hear, glorify and remember
Godhead, their intelligence is not pure, and therefore they fall the nectarean pastimes of the Supreme Lord that can transport one
down. to the spiritual world.
Spiritual variety, everlasting and tasty The Falling Rocket
The Absolute Truth is described as variegated in Brahma- We may build a nice spaceship and send it off into space, and
samhita (5.29): “I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, the first the astronauts may go up there and fly in the impersonal sky, but
progenitor, who is tending the cows, fulfilling all desires, in eventually they will become tired and pray to God, “Please let us
abodes built with spiritual gems and surrounded by millions of return to land.” A rocket needs a planet to land, otherwise it has to
desire trees. He is always served with great reverence and fall down. Some years ago, the ‘sky lab’ rocket was falling down
affection by hundreds and thousands of goddesses of fortune.” back to earth with no shelter to land in the space. These
impersonalists do not know that in the Brahmajyoti, there are
Variety in Vaikuntha and Peace in Brahman
innumerable spiritual Vaikuntha planets floating, the capital of
Because the impersonalists are not allowed to enter the which is Goloka Vrindavana:
Vaikuntha planets, they simply remain in the Brahman effulgence.
In Brahman, there is no variety but only ‘shanti’ or peace. Thus yasya prabhä prabhavato jagad-aëòa-koöi- koöiñv açeña-
they fall down again into material variety in want of engagement. vasudhädi vibhüti-bhinnam
Return to material welfare work tad brahma niñkalam anantam açeña-bhütaà govindam ädi-
puruñaà tam ahaà bhajämi
Impersonalists have the slogan ahaà brahmasmi: ‘I am
Brahman’, brahma satyaà jagan mithya: ‘I am the Supreme “I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, who is endowed with
Absolute Truth and world is false’, danda grahana matrena nara great power. The glowing effulgence of His transcendental form is
narayano bhavet: ‘Simply by accepting the danda stick, a man the impersonal Brahman, which is absolute, complete and
becomes Narayana’. They undergo serious penances and unlimited and which displays the varieties of countless planets,
austerities to reach the platform of impersonal Brahman, but with their different opulences, in millions and millions of
because there is no pleasure there, they again descend to enjoy universes.”
material variety. Although they consider their wives mithya Therefore, the Brahmajyoti is the spiritual light that emanates
(false), they return. “You have already left. Why do you come directly from the body of the Lord. Therefore everything in one
back again?” the wives ask. This means that these so-called sense is connected directly with the personal body of the Supreme
sannyasis have nothing to do. We can find many of these Personality of Godhead.
sannyasis doing social welfare activities like building schools,
hospitals, poultry farms, dharmashalas, old age homes, etc.,
 Different Types of Yoga 197 198 Victory Over Death

Why Is The Path Of A Jnana Yogi Troublesome? food, negation of all that is material, etc. This kind of negation
leads to boredom.
• To be dumb and dull is unnatural: The unmanifested
In the Bhagavad-gita, Arjuna was refusing to act, and Krishna
realisation is against the nature of the spiritual blissful self. The
was inspiring him to engage in activity. The entire Bhagavad-gita
soul, by nature, is a loving servant of the Lord and always takes
is an inspiration to work, to engage in Krishna consciousness, to
part in the eternal pastimes of the Lord in the spiritual sky. It is
act on Krishna’s behalf. Krishna never tells Arjuna, “My dear
unnatural for him to remain dull like a dead stone in the variety-
friend Arjuna, don’t concern yourself with this war. Just sit down
less Brahman or Brahman realisation. Krishna Himself does not sit
and meditate upon Me.” This is not the message of the Bhagavad-
down idly. All His pastimes are filled with activity. When we go
gita. We are not to refrain from all activity, but only from those
to the spiritual world, we will see that Krishna is always engaged
activities that impede our consciousness of Krishna. Meditation
in dancing, eating, and enjoying. He does not sit down to meditate.
means stopping all nonsensical activity. Those who are advanced
Is there any account of the gopis meditating? Did Caitanya
in Krishna consciousness are constantly working for Krishna.
Mahaprabhu sit down to meditate? No, He was always dancing
A mother tells only her bad child to sit down and do nothing.
and chanting Hare Krishna. The spirit soul is naturally active.
If a child can do nothing but disturb his mother, the mother says,
• Impersonal meditation is risky; but realisation through
“My dear child, just sit down here and keep quiet.” But if the child
Bhakti is easy: Because one spends all his life meditating on the
can work nicely, the mother says, “My dear child, will you please
impersonal, he will have difficulty with the unmanifest, both at the
help me do this? Will you go over there and do that?” Sitting still
time of practice and at the time of realization, because one has to
in one place is just for those who do not know how to work
change from an impersonal conception to the real understanding
sensibly. As long as the child sits in one place, he does not raise
of Personality of Godhead. A person in Krishna consciousness,
havoc. Sitting still means negating nonsense; it is not positive
engaged in devotional service, simply by the guidance of the bona
activity. In negation, there is no life. Positive activities constitute
fide spiritual master, simply by offering regulative obeisances
life, and positive activity is the message of the Bhagavad-gita.
unto the Deity, simply by hearing the glories of the Lord, and
Spiritual life is not “Don’t do this.” Spiritual life is “Do this!” In
simply by eating the remnants of foodstuffs offered to the Lord,
order to act properly, there are certain things that one must know
realizes the Supreme Personality of Godhead very easily. There is
not to do; therefore certain activities are forbidden.
no risk of not realizing the Absolute Truth at the ultimate end.
Bhakti yoga gives positive engagement in the Lord’s service,
• Impersonlist’s focus is negation of action; Personalist’s thus nullifying all the mischievous negative tendencies. Instead of
focus is on positive action: The impersonalists have to telling a mischievous student to kneel down for hours, a wise
understand the impersonal Brahman aspect of the Lord through teacher may engage the same mischievous boy to do valuable
the method of negation by analysing the differences between work for the school like gardening, arranging the books in the
matter and spirit by the “neti-neti” process (the ‘not this, not this’ library, cleaning the water tank, counting the notebooks or books,
process). Thus they focus more on what is NOT God, rather than etc. The boy would happily engage himself and gradually give up
on what IS God. Thus they resort to seclusion, silence, idle his mischievous tendencies. Similarly, in Bhakti yoga, all the
meditation, negation of action, negation of world, negation of
 Different Types of Yoga 199 200 Victory Over Death

senses, namely the eyes, ears, mouth, hands, legs, etc., have full Jnanis and logicians have no access to the ocean of bliss that a
engagement through seeing the Lord’s deity, hearing Krishna bhakta derives by rendering devotional service to the Lord. The
katha, singing devotional music, dancing for the Lord’s pleasure, following instance clearly illustrates how the great dry logician
etc. Thus, one loses all propensity for sin by engaging in the Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya became transformed at heart after he
Lord’s service in this way. The idle silent meditation of the became a devotee of the Lord.
impersonalists is useless and sometimes even dangerous as will be At Indradyumna Sarovar, Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya engaged
seen in the example below. in water sports with Sri Ramananda Raya, and they both lost their
There are many learned sages, philosophers and gravity and became like children. When Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu
transcendentalists who try to conquer the senses, but in spite of saw the exuberance of Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya and Ramananda
their endeavours, even the greatest of them sometimes fall victim Raya, He smiled and spoke to Gopinatha Acarya. “Tell the
to material sense enjoyment due to the agitated mind. Even Bhattacarya and Ramananda Raya to stop their childish play
Visvamitra, a great sage and perfect yogi, was misled by Menaka because they are both learned scholars and very grave and great
into sex enjoyment, although the yogi was endeavouring for sense personalities.” Gopinatha Acarya replied, “I believe that one drop
control with severe types of penance and yoga practice. And, of of the ocean of Your great mercy has swelled up upon them. A
course, there are so many similar instances in the history of the drop from the ocean of Your mercy can drown great mountains
world. Therefore, it is very difficult to control the mind and senses like Sumeru and Mandara. Since these two gentlemen are little
without being fully Krishna conscious. Krishna consciousness is hills by comparison, it is no wonder that they are being drowned
such a transcendentally nice thing that automatically material in the ocean of Your mercy. Logic is like a dry oil cake from
enjoyment becomes distasteful. It is as if a hungry man had which all the oil has been extracted. The Bhattacarya passed his
satisfied his hunger by a sufficient quantity of nutritious eatables. life in eating such dry cakes, but now You have made him drink
When Haridasa Thakura was a young devotee of the Lord, he was the nectar of transcendental pastimes. It is certainly Your great
allured by the incarnation of Maya-devi, but Haridasa easily mercy upon him.” (Cc Madhya 14.83-88)
passed the test because of his unalloyed devotion to Lord Krishna. • Impersonalism is covered Athiesm: If one wants to
A sincere devotee of the Lord shuns all material sense enjoyment ignore this devotional service, there is the danger of turning to
due to his higher taste for spiritual enjoyment in the association of atheism. This is because the soul, in want of variety, becomes
the Lord. That is the secret of success. One who is not, therefore, bored in impersonal endeavour and thus turns to materialism or
in Krishna consciousness, however powerful he may be in atheism. Impersonalism is covered atheism. This is nicely
controlling the senses by artificial repression, is sure ultimately to explained in the following story:
fail, for the slightest thought of sense pleasure will agitate him to
gratify his desires. Story: ‘Dead or Alive?’
• Jnanis and logicians have no access to the bliss of Once, a king had a parrot. He called the minister and told him
Bhakti: In Brahman, the blissful portion (ananda) is not realized; to give the parrot to someone who can nicely take care of it. The
only the sat (eternal) and cit (knowledge) features are realised. king also warned that if the parrot dies, the caretaker will be
 Different Types of Yoga 201 202 Victory Over Death

beheaded. The minister had given the bird to a caretaker, who one the Govardhana, He comes to be known as ‘Giridhari’. Similarly,
day, returned to the minister grief-stricken, saying that the bird is the Lord’s body in Isopanishad is said to no veins or blood or
dead. The minister whispered some idea in his ears. flesh. It is supremely pure and spiritual. But to deny the form or
When the man was taken to the king, he was interrogated by name of the Lord, as impersonalists do, would be an insult to the
the king: “So, how is the parrot?” Supreme Lord.
The man replied, “Your majesty, the bird is fine. Only it is lying • The last snare of Maya: Krishna is endowed with all
on the ground on his left.” opulences, transcendental qualities and mystic powers. No
Then the king asked, “Does it fly?” ordinary living being can compare to Him. But the Mayavadis
The man responded, “No sir. It does not move its wings. It propagate the wrong theory that the Supersoul and the individual
does not open its eyes. It does not eat. It does not produce any soul are equal. They teach that when the individual soul becomes
sound.” freed from entanglement and becomes liberated, then he becomes
Then the King shouted, “You mean to say the bird is dead?” one with God. The actual conclusion of the scriptures is that
The man replied hastily, “No my dear king, No, No.” Krishna is worshipable and that all other living entities are simply
The King asked in surprise, “Then what do you mean by saying all His servants. Any other realization of one’s self beyond this
the above. The bird must be dead.” relationship of eternal servitorship to Krishna is impelled by
The man looked down to the ground with his head down and maya. It is said that the last snare of maya is to dictate to the living
said, “How can I say that my King? If I say that I will be entity to try to become equal to the Supreme Personality of
beheaded.” Godhead. The first illusion is that he wants to become the Lord of
Similarly, the impersonalists invite the general masses and the material world by accumulating wealth and power, but when
give sermons to them: ‘God has no eyes; no hands; no legs; no he is frustrated in that attempt, he wants to be one with the Lord.
body; no name; no form; no qualities or attributes.’ Then So both, becoming the most powerful man in the material world
intelligent people ask them, “Sir, do you say God does not exist?” and desiring to become one with the Lord, are different illusory
The impersonalist will respond, “How can we say that? Then you snares. And because the pure devotees of the Lord are surrendered
will not accept us as mendicants. You will call us atheists. So we souls, they are above the illusory snares of maya. The Mayavadi
say that indirectly.” This is the situation. Thus, impersonalism is philosopher claims to be equal to God, but he cannot reply to the
covered atheism. question of why he has fallen into material entanglement. If he is
Imagine how you would feel if somebody tells you that you the Supreme God, then how is it that he has been overtaken by
have no eyes, no hands, no legs, no name or no form. It would be impious activities and thereby subjected to the tribulations of the
the greatest insult to a person. Yes, God does not have one name, law of karma? When the Mayavadis are asked about this, they
but He has millions of names like Govinda, Yashodanandana, cannot properly answer. The pure devotee is never puffed up like
Gopijanavallabha, etc., and every moment He gets a new name as the non-devotee class of men who falsely think that they are God.
He performs an activity. As soon as He climbs on the chariot of • No one is equal to or greater than the Lord: Even a
Arjuna, He gets a new name, ‘Parthasarathi’; as soon as He lifts great personality like Brahma, endowed with several
 Different Types of Yoga 203 204 Victory Over Death

qualifications, (first created living being, direct son of the Lord,

invested with potency to create different grades of living entities,
eternally related with the Lord in the transcendental humour of
friendship, etc.) is still conscious of his position, that he is neither
the Supreme Lord nor supremely powerful. It is possible that some
extremely powerful personality, within or without the universe,
may sometimes show more power than the Lord Himself. Still, the
pure devotee knows that this power is a vibhuti (opulence)
delegated by the Lord, and such a delegated powerful living entity
is never independent. Sri Hanumanji crossed the Indian Ocean by
jumping over the sea, and Lord Sri Ramacandra engaged Himself
in marching over the bridge, but this does not mean that
Hanumanji was more powerful than the Lord. Sometimes the Lord
gives extraordinary powers to His devotee, to glorify His devotee,
but the devotee knows always that the power belongs to the concentrate the mind on the form of Visnu within the heart, and
Personality of Godhead and that the devotee is only an instrument. then become absorbed in that form.
Thus, for every individual living entity the process of Krishna
consciousness, which entails full surrender through engagement in The Eightfold Mystic Perfections
devotional service, is the best way for achieving the ultimate The mystic perfections achieved by actually successful yogis
perfection. are eight in number.
Dhyana Yoga, Or Astanga Yoga 1. Anima-siddhi: It refers to the power by which one can become
so small that he can enter into a stone. Modern scientific
In the Sixth and Eighth Chapters of the Bhagavad-gita, Lord improvements also enable us to enter into stone, because they
Sri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, explains the provide for excavating so many subways, penetrating the hills, etc.
Astanga yoga system. Astanga yoga is an eightfold procedure, So anima-siddhi, the mystic perfection of trying to enter into
including Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, stone, has also been achieved by material science. Similarly, all of
Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. According to this system, first of the yoga-siddhis, or perfections, are material arts.
all one has to control the senses, follow all the rules and
regulations, practice the sitting posture and the breathing process, 2. Mahima-siddhi: For example, in one yoga-siddhi, there is
one has to drive out the sense objects such as sound, touch, form, development of the power to become so light that one can float in
taste and smell by the Pratyahara process in yoga, and then keep the air or on water. That is also being performed by modern
the vision of the eyes between the two eyebrows and concentrate scientists. They are flying in the air, they are floating on the
on the tip of the nose with half-closed lids. Then one should surface of the water, and they are travelling under the water. After
 Different Types of Yoga 205 206 Victory Over Death

comparing all these mystic yoga-siddhis to materialistic mystic power comes out among the people and speaks all sorts of
perfections, we find that the materialistic scientists try for the nonsense, controls their minds, exploits them, takes their money
same perfections. So actually there is no difference between and then goes away.
mystic perfection and materialistic perfection. A German scholar
7. Prakamya-siddhi: There is another mystic perfection, which is
once said that the so-called yoga perfections had already been
known as prakamya (magic). By this prakamya power one can
achieved by the modern scientists, and so he was not concerned
achieve anything he likes. For example, one can make water enter
with them. He intelligently went to India to learn how he could
into his eye and then again come out from within the eye. Simply
understand his eternal relationship with the Supreme Lord by
by his will, he can perform such wonderful activities.
means of bhakti yoga, devotional service.
8. Kamavasayita-siddhi: The highest perfection of mystic power
3. Laghima-siddhi: Of course, in the categories of mystic
is called kamavasayita. This is also magic, but whereas the
perfection, there are certain processes which the material scientists
prakamya power acts to create wonderful effects within the scope
have not yet been able to develop. For instance, a mystic yogi can
of nature, kamavasayita permits one to contradict nature—in other
enter into the sun planet simply by using the rays of the sunshine.
words, to do the impossible. Of course, one can derive great
This perfection is called laghima.
amounts of temporary happiness by achieving such yogic
4. Prapti-siddhi: Similarly, a yogi can touch the moon with his materialistic perfections.
finger. Though the modern astronauts go to the moon with the
help of spaceships, they undergo many difficulties, whereas a Story: ‘Monkey Way or Cat Way – Which is
person with mystic perfection can extend his hand and touch the Better?’
moon with his finger. This siddhi is called prapti, or acquisition. One morning, Prabhupada arrived in the park, stepped out of
With this prapti-siddhi, not only can the perfect mystic yogi touch his car, and waited for the devotees who had come in another car
the moon planet, but he can extend his hand anywhere and take to join him. Lilavati had difficulty getting out of the car because
whatever he likes. He may be sitting thousands of miles away she had her baby, Subhadra, in a carrier on her back. When she
from a certain place, and if he likes he can take fruit from a garden finally did get out of the car, Prabhupada turned and laughed at
there. her, saying, “Ah, burden of affection.” “Yes, Swamiji,” Lilavati
5. Isita-siddhi: The modern scientists have manufactured nuclear replied. They all began to walk together along the path.
weapons with which they can destroy an insignificant part of this “So there are two ways to carry a baby,” Prabhupada said,
planet, but by the yoga-siddhi known as isita, one can create and tapping his cane on the ground in time with his regular stride.
destroy an entire planet simply at will. “There is the monkey way and the cat way. Do you know this?”
“No, Swamiji,” said Lilavati.
6. Vasita-siddhi: Another perfection is called vasita, and by this “Well, which way do you think is better?” Prabhupada asked
perfection one can bring anyone under his control. This is a kind her. “The monkey way or the cat way?” She couldn’t understand
of hypnotism which is almost irresistible. Sometimes it is found or imagine what he meant. Prabhupada continued, “The monkey
that a yogi who may have attained a little perfection in this vasita
 Different Types of Yoga 207 208 Victory Over Death

baby climbs on the back of the mother and holds on, and this is the soon as he gets a million dollars he desires another million. For
way he travels. And the kitten is carried in the teeth of the mother. the karmis, there is no end of desire. The more the karmi gets, the
So which is better?” more he desires. The jnanis cannot be desireless because their
Lilavati could still not understand which way could be better; intelligence is unsound. They want to merge into the Brahman
they both sounded very difficult to her. effulgence, but even though they may be raised to that platform,
“Well,” Prabhupada said, “the monkey baby is very small and they cannot be satisfied there. There are many jnanis or sannyasis
very weak, and he is holding on to the mother by his own strength. who, after taking sannyasa and giving up the world as false, return
But the kitten is being supported by the strength of the mother. So to the world to engage in politics or philanthropy or to open
which way do you think is better?” schools and hospitals. This means that they could not attain the
And then she understood. “The cat way is better.” real Brahman (brahma satyam). They have to come down to the
“Yes,” Prabhupada said, “that is the difference between the material platform to engage in philanthropic activity. Thus, they
yogi and the devotee. The yogi is trying to climb on the back of again cultivate desires, and when these desires are exhausted, they
the Absolute Truth by his own strength, but he is very weak, so he desire something different. Therefore the jnani cannot be niskama,
will fall. But a devotee, he cries out for Krishna”-and as he spoke desireless. Nor can the yogis be desireless, for they desire yogic
the word Krishna, Prabhupada held his arms up high and looked perfections in order to exhibit some magical feats and gain
up at the clear morning sky-”A devotee cries out for Krishna, and popularity. People gather around these yogis, and the yogis desire
Krishna picks him up.” more and more adulation. Because they misuse their mystic
power, they fall down again to the material platform. It is not
Should one not aspire for the eight mystic perfections?
possible for them to become niskama, desireless.
Now one may be eager to achieve the above perfections by the The conclusion is that only the devotees, who are simply
practice of Astanga yoga. There is a statement in the Caitanya- satisfied in serving the Lord, can actually become desireless. A
caritamrta (Madhya 19.149): Krishna-bhakta has no desire for his own personal benefit. He is
kåñëa-bhakta-niñkäma, ataeva ‘çänta’ completely protected by the Supreme. Avaçya rakñibe kåñëa
bhukti-mukti-siddhi-kämé sakali ‘açänta’ viçväsa pälana. Bhaktivinoda Thakura says that he is desireless
because Krishna will give him protection in all circumstances. It is
“Because a devotee of Lord Krishna is desireless, he is not that he expects any assistance from Krishna; he simply
peaceful. Fruitive workers desire material enjoyment, jnanis desire depends on Krishna just as a child depends on his parents. The
liberation, and yogis desire material opulence; therefore they are child does not know how to expect service from his parents, but he
all lusty and cannot be peaceful.” is always protected nevertheless. This is called niskama
Generally, there are three classes of living entities afflicted (desirelessness).
with selfish desire. Although karmis, jnanis and yogis fulfil their
desires by performing various activities, they are never satisfied.
A karmi may work very hard to acquire a million dollars, but as
 Different Types of Yoga 209 210 Victory Over Death

The Rules And Regulations For Practicing Astanga Yoga over the senses, refrain from outward sense objects, and thus
prepare oneself for liberation.
The Astanga yoga process is outlined very specifically in the
5. One should not eat too much or sleep too much. By being
Sixth Chapter of the Bhagavad-gita (6.13-14). Yoga does not
regulated in eating, sleeping, recreation, and work, a yogi
mean going to some class, paying some money, engaging in
should discipline his mental activities.
gymnastics, and then returning home to drink, smoke, and engage
6. The yogi must also be “completely free from sex life.” If one
in sex. Such yoga is practiced by societies of the cheaters and the
indulges in sex, he cannot concentrate; therefore brahmacarya,
cheated. The authoritative yoga system is here outlined by the
complete celibacy, is recommended to make the mind steady.
supreme authority, Sri Krishna Himself:
By practicing celibacy, one cultivates determination. Thus,
1. The first step is to select a very secluded and sacred place.
refraining from sex enables one to be very determined and
Eightfold meditation cannot be performed in a fashionable
powerful. It is not necessary to do anything else. This is a
city. The yogi often goes to a jungle to practice such
secret people are not aware of. If you want to do something
meditation in solitude. But in a jungle, the yogi may think,
with determination, you have to refrain from sex. Regardless
“Maybe some tiger or snake is coming. What is that noise?” In
of the process—be it hatha yoga, bhakti yoga, jnana yoga, or
this way, his mind may be agitated; therefore it is especially
whatever—sex indulgence is not allowed. Sex is allowed only
stated that the yogi must be “devoid of fear.” A deerskin is
for householders who want to beget good children and raise
especially recommended as a yoga-asana, because it contains a
them in Krishna consciousness.
chemical property that repels snakes; thus the yogi will not be
7. One has to drive out the sense objects such as sound, touch,
disturbed by serpents.
form, taste and smell by the Pratyahara process in yoga.
2. One has to sit in a straight line, holding one’s body, neck, and
8. Thus completely devoid of material desires, one should focus
head erect, and stare steadily at the tip of the nose. Why is
the mind on the Supersoul. In this state, as a lamp in a
this? This is a method to help concentrate one’s mind.
windless place does not waver, the yogi whose mind is
3. Then one should keep the vision of the eyes between the two
controlled should remain always steady in his meditation on
eyebrows and concentrate on the tip of the nose with half-
Supersoul.
closed lids. One of the dangers of sitting in meditation and
9. The Visnu-murti is situated in one’s heart, and meditation
staring at the tip of one’s nose is that one will fall asleep. As
upon Him is the object of yoga.
soon as one closes his eyes, it is natural to feel sleepy;
10. Thus practicing control of the body, mind, and activities, the
therefore it is recommended that the eyes are half closed. Thus
mystic transcendentalist attains to the kingdom of God (or the
it is said that one should look at the tip of his nose. With one’s
abode of Krishna) by cessation of material existence.
sight thus concentrated, the mind should be subdued and
In the stage of perfection called trance, or Samadhi, one’s mind is
unagitated.
completely restrained from material mental activities. The yogi
4. The breathing movement is restrained within the nostrils by
whose mind is thus fixed on Visnu or Krishna, attains the highest
neutralizing the up-moving and down-moving air within the
perfection of transcendental happiness.
body. By practice of such yoga, one is able to gain control
 Different Types of Yoga 211 212 Victory Over Death

Destination Of A Dhyana Yogi Or An Astanga Yogi The jnanis and yogis are generally impersonalists, and
although they attain the temporary form of liberation by merging
Krishna says: “One who, at the time of death, fixes his life air
into the impersonal effulgence, the spiritual sky, according to
between the eyebrows and, by the strength of yoga, with an
Srimad-Bhagavatam, their knowledge is not considered pure. By
undeviating mind, engages himself in remembering the Supreme
penances, austerities and meditations, they can rise up to the
Lord in full devotion, will certainly attain to the Supreme
platform of the Supreme Absolute, but as has been explained, they
Personality of Godhead.” (BG 8.10) The words ‘prayana-kale’
again fall down to the material world, because they have not taken
mean “at the time of death”. Life is kind of a preparation for the
Krishna’s personal features seriously.
final examination, which is death. If we pass that examination, we
Yogis who attain impersonal oneness through meditation,
are transferred to the spiritual world.
according to the Patanjali yoga system, reach Siddhaloka.
At the time of death, a yogi closes the doors of the senses.
(Brahmanda Purana, Cc.Adi.5.39) The inhabitants of Siddhaloka
Hearing is concentrated on the omkara sound that is within.
are by nature perfect in the yoga achievements, which are of eight
Similarly, all the other senses are withdrawn from external
varieties. Brahmaloka is understood to be the highest planet within
activity. The mind is then concentrated on the Visnu-murti within
this universe. Siddhaloka is considered to be one of the satellites
the heart. When the yogi has thus withdrawn his senses and
of Brahmaloka. All the residents of Siddhaloka are spacemen, and
concentrated his mind, he transfers the life air to the top of the
they can travel in space without mechanical help. The residents of
head and decides where he should go. There are innumerable
Siddhaloka can go from one planet to another individually by
planets in the material world and beyond these planets is the
virtue of their yogic perfection.
spiritual world. The yogis obtain information of these planets from
the Vedic literatures. Limitations Of Astanga Yoga For The Age Of Kali Yuga
Thus, by vibrating omkara and leaving the material body
When Arjuna heard the explanation of the meditational system
thinking of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna or
of yoga—how to sit down, how to keep the body straight, how to
Visnu, the yogi is transferred to the spiritual world. Dhruva
keep the eyes half-closed and how to gaze at the tip of the nose
Maharaja was a devotee. The yogis are generally not devotees.
without diverting one’s attention, all this being conducted in a
They are, more or less, after some material perfection like
secluded place, alone—he replied,
acquiring the mystic perfections and travelling to Siddhaloka. But
yo ‘yaà yogas tvayä proktaù sämyena madhusüdana
generally, one who sees Narayana, he becomes a devotee. And
once a yogi’s mind fixed in the form of Narayana or Sri Krishna, etasyähaà na paçyämi caïcalatvät sthitià sthiräm
then he loses all his material desires and becomes a pure devotee
“O Madhusudana, the system of yoga which You have
like Dhruva. Then he can enter into spiritual world.
summarized appears impractical and unendurable to me, for the
The yogi has to leave the body at an auspicious time by his
mind is restless and unsteady.” (Bg. 6.33)
arrangement as explained above or by accidentally leaving the
Herein Arjuna says quite frankly that this astanga yoga system
body at such a time. Otherwise the yogi will enjoy in higher
is very difficult. Indeed, he says that it “appears impractical and
planets and will again come back.
unendurable to me.”
 Different Types of Yoga 213 214 Victory Over Death

Astanga yoga system is impractical for the common man to assume that what was impossible for Arjuna in a more
advanced age is possible for us in this degenerate age? Moreover,
Actually, the astanga yoga system is not impractical, for were
there is no record of Arjuna’s having executed the yoga system at
it impractical, Lord Krishna would not have taken so much trouble
any time.
to describe it. It is not impractical, but it appears impractical.
What may be impractical for one man may be practical for The shortcomings of the Age of Kali yuga
another. Arjuna is representative of the common man in the sense The present age is characterized by a bitter struggle for a life
that he is not a mendicant or a sannyasi or a scholar. He is on the
of short duration. As Kali-yuga progresses, our life span gets
battlefield fighting for his kingdom, and in this sense he is an shorter and shorter. Our forefathers lived for a hundred years or
ordinary man engaged in a worldly activity. He is concerned with
more, but now people are dying at the age of sixty or seventy.
earning a livelihood, supporting his family, and so on. Arjuna has
Gradually the life span will decrease even further. Memory,
many problems, just as the common man, and generally this
mercy, and other good qualities will also decrease in this age. In
system of astanga yoga is impractical for the ordinary common
Kali-yuga, people are not serious about self-realization even by
man. That is the point being made. It is practical for one who has
simple, practical means, and what to speak of this difficult yoga
already completely renounced everything and can sit in a
system, which regulates the mode of living, the manner of sitting,
secluded, sacred place on the side of a hill or in a cave. But who selection of place, and detachment of the mind from material
can do this in this age? Although Arjuna was a great warrior, a engagements.
member of the royal family, and a very advanced person, he
proclaims this yoga system impractical. And what are we in Despite longer lifespan of Dvapara yuga, Arjuna considered
comparison to Arjuna? If we attempt this system, failure is certain. this system impossible
The immense qualifications of Arjuna Five thousand years ago, when Arjuna was living, the life span
was up to one thousand years. In the present age of Kali-yuga, the
What was Arjuna’s great qualification? After all, Arjuna was a
life span is limited to a hundred years; in Dvapara-yuga, the life
personal friend of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Sri
span was a thousand years; in Treta-yuga, the life span was ten
Krishna says, “You are My devotee. You are My very dear
thousand years; and in Satya-yuga, the life span was one hundred
friend.” In addition to this, Arjuna was renowned as a great
thousand years. Thus as the yugas degenerate, the life span
warrior and administrator. Arjuna was praised by Krishna as the
decreases. Even though Arjuna was living at a time when one
only man worthy of understanding the Bhagavad-gita. He was
would live and practice meditation for a thousand years, he still
such an intelligent man that he could understand the Bhagavad-
considered this system impossible.
gita within one hour, whereas at the present moment great scholars
cannot even understand it in the course of a lifetime. Yet Arjuna The imitators of this yoga system are ignorant of its goal
was thinking that controlling the mind was simply not possible for Five thousand years ago, Arjuna had much better facilities
him. Despite all these qualifications, Arjuna refused to execute the than we do now, yet he refused to accept this system of yoga. In
meditational yoga system described by Sri Krishna. Are we then fact, we do not find any record in history of his practicing it at any
 Different Types of Yoga 215 216 Victory Over Death

time. Therefore, this system must be considered generally “In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy the only means of
impossible in this age of Kali. Of course, it may be possible for deliverance is chanting the holy name of the Lord. There is no
some very few, rare men, but for the people in general it is an other way. There is no other way. There is no other way.”
impossible proposal. If this were so five thousand years ago, what Chanting is very simple, and one will feel the results immediately.
of the present day? Those who are imitating this yoga system in This is the only yoga system by which one can quickly attain self-
different so-called schools and societies, although complacent, are realization and liberation in this life. One doesn’t have to wait for
certainly wasting their time. They are completely ignorant of the another lifetime.
desired goal.
Bhakti Yoga
Scriptural Prescriptions For Kali Yuga
The Real Perfection Of All Yoga
Now when we turn to the Srimad-Bhagavatam, in the Twelfth
Canto we find Sukadeva Gosvami telling Maharaja Parikshit that If one practices the regulative principles of Astanga yoga, as
in the golden age, the Satya-yuga, people were living for one explained earlier, he can attain eight kinds of perfection. But these
hundred thousand years, and at that time, when advanced living are all material powers. Ultimately such yogis are vanquished,
entities lived for such lengths of time, it was possible to execute because they cannot retain these material powers indefinitely.
this meditational system of yoga. But what was achieved in the Bhakti-yogis are not interested in
Satya-yuga by this meditational process, and in the following such powers.
yuga, the Treta-yuga, by the offering of great sacrifices, and in the Asceticism or penance
next yuga, the Dvapara-yuga, by temple worship, would be without knowledge of soul and
achieved at the present time, in this Kali-yuga, by simply chanting body is imperfect. Theoretical
the names of God, hari-kirtana, Hare Krishna. So from knowledge of soul without
authoritative sources we learn that this chanting of Hare Krishna, knowledge of and surrender to the
Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Supreme Lord is also imperfect.
Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare is the embodiment of the And fruitive work without
perfection of yoga for this age. Krishna consciousness is a waste
Since this astanga yoga system is considered impossible, the of time. Therefore, the most
bhakti yoga system is recommended for everyone. Without highly praised form of yoga
training or education, one can automatically participate in bhakti performance is Bhakti yoga as
yoga. Even a small child can clap at kirtana. Therefore, Lord explained in the verse:
Caitanya Mahaprabhu has proclaimed bhakti yoga the only system yoginam api sarvesam
practical for this age given in Brhan Naradiya purana: mad-gatenantar-atmana
harer nama harer nama harer namaiva kevalam sraddhavan bhajate yo mam
kalau nasty eva nasty eva nasty eva gatir anyatha sa me yuktatamo matah
 Different Types of Yoga 217 218 Victory Over Death

Every ordinary conditioned soul is the recipient of

“And of all yogis, the one with great faith who always abides innumerable benefits given by the demigods, who provide sun and
in Me, thinks of Me within himself, and renders transcendental moonshine, rain, wind, food and, ultimately, one’s own material
loving service to Me-- he is the most intimately united with Me in body. In the Bhagavad-gita it is stated, stena eva saù: (Bg. 3.12)
yoga and is the highest of all. That is My opinion.” (BG 6.47) one who does not reciprocate with the demigods by offering them
The bhakti-yogi, acting in Krishna consciousness, works for sacrifice is stena, or a thief.
the satisfaction of the Lord without self-interest. A Krishna Similarly, other living entities such as cows are providing us
conscious person does not desire self-satisfaction. Rather, his with innumerable delicious and nutritious foodstuffs. According to
criterion of success is the satisfaction of Krishna; therefore he is Vedic understanding, the cow is considered one of our mothers
considered the perfect sannyasi and the perfect yogi. because we drink her milk, just as at birth we drink our mother’s
The Debts That You Have To Pay milk. The Srimad-Bhagavatam lists seven mothers: our own
mother, the wife of our teacher or spiritual master, the wife of a
It is the duty of grown-up children to render service to their brahmana, the wife of the king, the nurse, the cow, and the earth.
aged parents. Proper family life means that the husband should be We are indebted to all seven of these mothers, and also to our
protective, the wife chaste, and the children grateful to their father father, brothers, friends, relatives, and forefathers.
and mother. Children should think, “My father and mother gave When we wake up in the morning, our mind is refreshed by
me so much service. When I was unable to walk, they carried me. the sweet singing of birds, and on a hot day, we enjoy the cool
When I was unable to eat, they fed me. They gave me an shade and breeze of the forest trees. We are accepting service from
education. They gave me life.” A bona fide son thinks of ways to innumerable living entities, and we are obligated to repay them.
render service to his father and mother. And just as a woman is Apta means one’s own family members, to whom one is
expected to be faithful to her husband, so the husband should be certainly obligated according to normal morality, and nrnam
grateful for her service and protect her. But when one becomes means human society. Until one becomes a devotee of the
irresponsible, one gives up his duty or dharma to parents and Supreme Personality of Godhead, one is certainly a product of his
dependents and lives sinfully. For example Ajamila, by the society. We receive mundane education, culture, tradition and
association with a prostitute, had abandoned his chaste wife and protection from the society in which we live, and thus we owe a
even old parents. great debt to society. Of course, our debt to society is not simply
According to the Vedic social system, as soon as one takes to the present order but to all of our forefathers and ancestors who
birth he becomes indebted to so many persons. We are indebted to carefully preserved moral and social customs so that we, their
the rsis, or great sages, because we derive knowledge from their descendants, could live peacefully. Therefore, the word pitrnam,
transcendental writings, such as the Srimad-Bhagavatam, or “forefathers,” indicates our debt to previous generations.
compiled by Srila Vyasadeva. The authors of the scripture know Also, if someone accepts charity, he becomes indebted, and
past, present, and future, and we are urged to take advantage of that debt has to be repaid, just as borrowed money must be repaid.
such invaluable knowledge. Thus we are indebted to the sages. Therefore, devotees should not accept charity from anyone unless
 Different Types of Yoga 219 220 Victory Over Death

they intend to spend it in Krishna’s service. For a devotee to sarvätmanä yaù çaraëaà çaraëyaà
accept donations just to satisfy his belly is a great sin. According gato mukundaà parihåtya kartam
to the Vedic social structure, only the brahmacari, sannyasi, and
brahmana are allowed to collect money in charity. An ordinary “O King, one who has given up all material duties and has
householder must not. The brahmacari may collect alms from the taken full shelter of the lotus feet of Mukunda, who offers shelter
public for serving his spiritual master, and a sannyasi may collect to all, is not indebted to the demigods, great sages, ordinary living
money for serving God, Krishna. Brahmanas and sannyasis who beings, relatives, friends, mankind or even one’s forefathers who
accept charity from others must accept it with great caution. The have passed away. Since all such classes of living entities are part
Vedas likewise direct people to give charity to the brahmanas and parcel of the Supreme Lord, one who has surrendered to the
because they know how to spend it for Krishna. Lord’s service has no need to serve such persons separately.” (SB
The easy way to liquidate all your debts through Bhakti Yoga 11.5.41)
– One Pointed Surrender to the Supreme Lord Krishna One who has not fully surrendered to the devotional service of
the Lord undoubtedly has many material duties to perform as
We may well ask, ‘How can one hope to liquidate all his mentioned earlier. In fact, the members of the Krishna
debts?’ The answer is: only by taking shelter of the lotus feet of consciousness society are sometimes criticized by materialistic
Krishna, or Mukunda. The name Mukunda indicates one who persons for giving too much attention to Krishna rather than
liberates us from material contamination. We are indebted to the working to fulfill all of the above-mentioned obligations.
demigods, but we cannot take shelter of them. If we actually want
shelter, we should take shelter of Krishna, because He alone can What is the logic in surrendering to Krishna to liquidate the
free us from all debts. Krishna is the Supreme Personality of debts?
Godhead, and if He excuses us, then all other departmental Nourish the tree by watering the root of the tree;
managers, such as the demigods, must also excuse us. Nourish the body by feeding the stomach;
As Krishna recommends, mam ekaà çaraëaà vraja: “Simply Liquidate the debts by serving the Supreme Lord.
surrender unto Me.” We should follow Krishna’s advice.
Otherwise, it will be very difficult to liquidate all our debts to so The Srimad-Bhagavatam (4.31.14) states, yathä taror müla-
many persons, especially in this Age of Kali. Simply by taking niñecanena tåpyanti tat-skandha-bhujopaçäkhäù: If one waters
shelter of Lord Narayana, who is non-different from Mukunda, the root of a tee, automatically all of the branches, twigs, leaves,
Ajamila became free. Similarly, if we want to be free from all etc., are also nourished. There is no need for, nor any effectiveness
sinful reactions, we have no alternative but to surrender to in, separately pouring water on the branches, twigs and leaves of a
Krishna. tree. The water has to be placed on the root. Similarly,
präëopahäräc ca yathendriyäëäm: food must be placed in the
devarñi-bhütäpta-nåëäà pitèëäà stomach, from where it is automatically distributed to all of the
na kiìkaro näyam åëé ca räjan limbs of the body. It is foolish to try to nourish the whole body by
 Different Types of Yoga 221 222 Victory Over Death

rubbing food separately on all the bodily limbs. Similarly, the Krishna is like the wholesaler; demigods are like retailers
Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, is the source of all
The demigods are also not independent. The words parihåtya
existence. Everything is emanating from Krishna, everything is
maintained by Krishna, and at the end, everything will merge to kartam, giving up other duties, indicate that one should give up
rest in Krishna. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, is any concept that the demigods are separate from Krishna. It is
the supreme benefactor, friend, protector and well-wisher of every clearly stated in Vedic literature that the demigods are different
living entity, and if He is satisfied, then automatically the whole limbs of the universal body of the Supreme Lord. Whatever
world will become satisfied, just as all of the bodily limbs are benefits they bestow upon the living entities are all originally
strengthened and satisfied when food is duly remitted to the supplied by the Supreme Lord to them.
stomach. Krishna is the source of all intelligence
It is the Lord’s mercy that man’s seminal injection is potent Further, it is stated in the Bhagavad-gita that the Supreme
and woman’s ovum is fertile Lord is situated in everyone’s heart and that He only is giving
The example can be given that a man who is working as the intelligence and memory. Thus, our forefathers who carefully
personal secretary to a great king has no further obligation to petty preserved cultural traditions were acting with intelligence
minor kings. Undoubtedly, an ordinary person has many provided by the Supreme Lord. They certainly were not acting
obligations within this material world. But according to the with their own independent intelligence. No one can be intelligent
without a brain, and it is only by Krishna’s mercy that we receive
Bhagavad-gita, mayaiva vihitän hi tän: it is actually the Supreme
a human brain.
Lord who is giving all benedictions. For example, one receives
Therefore, if we carefully analyze all of our multifarious
one’s body by the mercy of one’s parents. However, sometimes
obligations toward different classes of living entities, we shall find
we find that a particular man or woman may become impotent at a
that in each and every case it is ultimately by the mercy of the
given moment. Sometimes a deformed child is born, and
Supreme Personality of Godhead that we have received a
sometimes a child is born dead. Often the sexual act fails to
particular benediction in life.
produce pregnancy at all. So although all parents desire a
So although an ordinary person must methodically fulfill all of
beautiful, highly qualified child, this is often not the case. Thus it
his various obligations by executing different types of sacrifices
can be understood that ultimately it is by the mercy of the
and charitable activities for the satisfaction of those who have
Supreme Lord that a man and woman are able to produce a child
benefited him, one who is directly serving the Supreme
by the sexual act. It is by the Lord’s mercy that the man’s seminal
Personality of Godhead, Krishna, at once fulfills all such
injection is potent and the woman’s ovum is fertile. Similarly, it is
obligations because all benedictions ultimately have come from
only by the mercy of the Lord that the child is born in a healthy
the Lord through the agency of family, forefathers, demigods, etc.
condition and reaches physical maturity to pursue his own life.
 Different Types of Yoga 223 224 Victory Over Death

The reason why Materialists cannot surrender to the Supreme Deva dharma: If someone is proud of maintaining his family
Lord dutifully, the sastras say that there is nothing great about
People in general are only eager to receive benedictions from maintaining family as even animals and birds maintain and protect
demigods, family members and society because such benedictions their family and offspring. A human being should recognize the
are conducive to material sense gratification. Less intelligent fact that all necessities are supplied by demigods and if one does
persons consider such material progress to be the only goal of life not perform yajna or sacrifice for them, then one becomes a thief.
and thus cannot appreciate the exalted position of pure devotional Moksha dharma: If one performs sacrifice to demigods, to
service to the Lord. Bhakti yoga, or pure devotional service, is achieve all material benefits to lead a happy life, the sastras
meant to directly please the senses of the Supreme Personality of condemn such a fruitive worker to give up a life of material
Godhead. enjoyment and focus on liberation from the clutches of the cycle
The devotees, knowing the inconceivable beauty, strength, of birth, old age, disease and death.
wealth and fame of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, directly
Krishnaika sharan dharma: One who aspires for liberation by
please the Lord’s senses through loving service and thus receive
renouncing the world, the sastras condemn his desire for merging
the supreme benediction of going back home, back to Godhead.
into the Absolute with the desire to become God. Rather, such a
The devotees return to the Lord’s abode, where life is eternal, full
person should realize that nothing belongs to him in the first place
of bliss and knowledge.
to renounce. He should use everything in the service of the
No demigod, family member or forefather can give one an
Supreme Lord and engage in loving devotional service.
eternal life of bliss and knowledge. However, if one foolishly
Thus, giving up a lower dharma for the sake of a higher
neglects the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord and instead accepts the
dharma is not considered sinful. For example one who accepts the
temporary material body to be everything, then one must certainly
renounced order for the sake of uplifting the suffering conditioned
perform elaborate sacrifices, austerities and charity and fulfill all
souls is giving up a smaller family to join a larger family of the
of the obligations mentioned above. Otherwise, one becomes
universe, realizing all living entities to be children of the Supreme
completely sinful and condemned, even from the material point of
view. Lord and a part of one family – ‘vasudhaiva kutumbakam’. Thus,
his giving up of worldly obligations for the welfare of all living
Is not service to parents service to God? If I am already beings is not sinful. For instance, if a soldier trained by the Indian
serving parents, what is the need to serve God? army for ten years has to go to war, he may have to forego his
‘matru devo bhava, pitru devo bhava’ dharma: For one duty to parents and be ready to die for a greater cause.
who is a irresponsible fool, drinking wine and lying on the road, But Lord Krishna strongly condemns giving up duty by those
who has to be picked up by his wife and unmarried daughter, the who are not yet purified, because such men may become
sastras say that his highest dharma is to serve his family by hypocrites in society and cause havoc. A jnani or a yogi cannot
respecting parents, taking care of wife and getting his daughter give up their worldly duties unless they have become completely
married. purified of all material desires to renounce the world. But a
 Different Types of Yoga 225 226 Victory Over Death

bhakta, who acts under the direction of guru and scripture, Thus, Lord Krishna says in the Bhagavad-gita 18.66:
achieves the protection of the Lord to renounce everything, sarva-dharmän parityajya mäm ekaà çaraëaà vraja
including his prescribed material duties for the service of the ahaà tväà sarva-päpebhyo mokñayiñyämi mä çucaù
Supreme Lord, even though he may not be completely free from
material desires. The Lord, recognizing the surrender of the “My dear Arjuna, you are very dear to Me, and therefore only
devotee, will quickly purify him and situate him in the platform of for your good I will disclose the most secret part of My
steady devotional service. instructions. It is simply this: become a pure devotee of Mine and
give yourself unto Me only, and I promise you full spiritual
Practical Examples Of Complete Surrender existence, by which you may gain the eternal right of
transcendental loving service unto Me. Just give up all other ways
Many great devotees had to give up their attachment to their of religiosity and exclusively surrender unto Me and believe that I
relatives (opposed to dharma and the Supreme Lord) to will protect you from your sinful acts, and I shall deliver you. Do
completely surrender themselves to the Supreme Lord: not worry any more.”
• Prahlada had to practice devotional service against the will of Pious Activities vs. Devotional Service
his father Hiranyakashipu
• Bali had to offer charity to Lord Vamana, against the will of Thus Narada muni assures in the Srimad-Bhagavatam (1.5.17):
his preceptor Sukracarya tyaktvä sva-dharmaà caraëämbujaà harer
• Vibhishana gave up the company of his brother Ravana due to bhajann apakvo ‘tha patet tato yadi
his kidnapping Lord Rama’s wife yatra kva väbhadram abhüd amuñya kià
• Vasudeva had to stealthily transport his eighth child Krishna ko värtha äpto ‘bhajatäà sva-dharmataù
to Gokula to ‘save’ Him from Kamsa The word dharma in this verse means “occupational duties.” If
• Arjuna had to kill his adharmic cousins like Duryodhana, and a person gives up his occupational duties and takes to Krishna
Kuru elders like Bhisma, etc. consciousness, strictly following all the rules and regulations, but
A pure devotee cuts off the limited ties of affection for his family if due to his immature execution of devotional service he falls
and widens his activities of devotional service for all forgotten down, there is still no loss for him. Whatever he does as service to
souls. A typical example is the group of six Gosvamis, who the Supreme Lord, although it may be a small percentage of his
followed the path of Lord Caitanya. All of them belonged to the whole life, will remain to his credit. He does not lose it. Bharata
most enlightened and cultured rich families of the higher castes, Maharaja left his worldly duties to perform devotional service in
but for the benefit of the mass of population, they left their the forest. Due to becoming materially attached to a deer, he
comfortable homes and became mendicants. To cut off all family achieved a deer’s body in the next life, but his devotional service
affection means to broaden the field of activities. Without doing was never lost. Very soon, in the subsequent life, he became Jada
this, no one can be qualified as a brahmana, a king, a public Bharata and achieved perfection. Thus, there is no loss in
leader, or a devotee of the Lord. practicing devotional service even if one falls down.
 Different Types of Yoga 227 228 Victory Over Death

On the other hand, one who perfectly executes his Developing Attachment to the Lord is the platform of Real
occupational duties but fails to worship Krishna ultimately gains Detachment
nothing. Strictly discharging one’s occupational duties means
Surrendering to the Supreme Lord does not necessarily imply
living a life of piety.
relinquishing all worldly duties to become a mendicant. It only
• One is promoted to the heavenly kingdom and as the effects of indicates offering all our thought, word and deed in the service of
your pious activities are finished, one will be forced to return the Supreme Lord in whatever situation we may be. Srila
to this planet. Prabhupada writes: “Renunciation is not as important as
• One must return here in the next life to accept the beneficial enhancing one’s attachment to Krishna. The Krishna
results of his pious actions which means he must accept consciousness movement is especially meant for this purpose. We
another term of material life. are preaching the principle that it does not matter whether a man is
So it is not a sound idea to hope for acquisition of the effects of a sannyasi or grhastha (householder). One simply has to increase
pious activities. In the Bhagavad-gita (6.41-43) it is stated that a his attachment for Krishna, and then his life is successful.”
man who enters upon the path of self-realization but does not (Krishna Book, chap 90)
complete the process, despite having sincerely tried to realize his
relationship with God, is given a chance to appear in a family of Real Meaning Of ‘Mukti’ And ‘Moksha’
suci or srimat. The word suci indicates a spiritually advanced Generally people are concerned with dharma, artha, kama and
brahmana, and srimat indicates a vaisya, a member of the moksa. In the beginning, there is dharma (religion), then artha
mercantile community. So the person who fails to achieve self- (economic development), kama (sense gratification), then moksa
realization is given a better chance in his next life due to his (merging into the Supreme One). Often the word ‘moksa’ is used
sincere efforts in this life. If even a fallen candidate is given a by the people with the idea that one goes beyond the cycle of birth
chance to take birth in a respectable and noble family, one can and death to merge into Brahman to become one with God. The
hardly imagine the status of one who has achieved success. By living entity can never lose his identity even if he enters Brahman.
simply attempting to realize God, one is guaranteed birth in a He remains in that meta-stable state for a long time and falls back
wealthy or aristocratic family. But those who do not even make an to the material world in want of association and activity. The
attempt, who want to be covered by illusion, and who are too material world is an unstable place for the living entity where he
materialistic and too attached to material enjoyment, must enter wanders and the spiritual world is the stable place for the living
into the darkest regions of hell, as confirmed throughout the Vedic entity where he is situated in his natural constitutional position of
literature. being a servant of the Supreme Lord.
Thus, the sinful suffer hellish conditions; the pious enjoy In His supreme abode, the Supreme Lord has no rival.
heaven and keep rotating in the wheel of birth and death. Only one Wherever we may be, we find a predominating personality. In the
who surrenders to the Supreme Lord through devotional service United States, the predominating personality is the President.
stands the opportunity to get out of samsara and return back home However, when the next election comes, the President will have
back to Godhead. so many rivals, but in the spiritual sky the Supreme Lord has no
 Different Types of Yoga 229 230 Victory Over Death

rival. Those who want to become rivals are placed in this material impersonalists, the mental speculators and the meditators. Such
world, under the conditions of material nature. In the spiritual sky, ekatva, or merging into the effulgence of the Supreme Lord, is
there is no rivalry, and all the inhabitants therein are liberated called kaivalya, but the happiness derived from kaivalya is
souls. From Srimad-Bhagavatam, we receive information that considered by the pure devotee to be hellish because there is no
their bodily features resemble gods. service there except peace. Out of the two possibilities of merging
in transcendence—namely becoming one with the impersonal
Brahman effulgence and becoming one with the Personality of
There are five kinds of liberation: sayujya, sarupya, salokya, Godhead—the latter is more abominable to the devotee. The
sarsti, and samipya. devotee is so fond of rendering service to the Supreme Lord that
sälokya-särñöi-sämépya- särüpyaikatvam apy uta the five kinds of liberation are not important to him.
déyamänaà na gåhëanti vinä mat-sevanaà janäù Other four types of Liberation
“A pure devotee does not accept any kind of liberation— Sometimes, he may accept promotion to the Vaikuntha planets
salokya, sarsti, samipya, sarupya or ekatva—even though they are to serve the Lord there, but he will never accept merging into the
offered by the Supreme Personality of Godhead.” (SB 3.29.13) Brahman effulgence, which he considers worse than hellish. When
Devotees desire only service to the Lord a devotee is promoted to the spiritual world, Vaikuntha, he
receives four kinds of facilities.
Lord Caitanya teaches us how to execute pure devotional • One of these is salokya, living on the same planet as the
service out of spontaneous love for the Supreme Personality of Supreme Personality. The Supreme Person, in His different
Godhead. In the Siksastaka, He prays to the Lord: “O Lord, I do plenary expansions, lives on innumerable Vaikuntha planets,
not wish to gain from You any wealth, nor do I wish to have a and the chief planet is Krishnaloka. Just as within the material
beautiful wife, nor do I wish to have many followers. All I want universe the chief planet is the sun, in the spiritual world the
from You is that in life after life I may remain a pure devotee at chief planet is Krishnaloka. From Krishnaloka, the bodily
Your lotus feet.” There is a similarity between the prayers of Lord effulgence of Lord Krishna is distributed not only to the
Caitanya and the statements of Srimad-Bhagavatam. Lord spiritual world but to the material world as well. In the
Caitanya prays, ‘in life after life,’ indicating that a devotee does spiritual world, there are innumerable Vaikuntha planets, and
not even desire the cessation of birth and death. The yogis and on each one the Lord is the predominating Deity. A devotee
empiric philosophers desire cessation of the process of birth and can be promoted to one such Vaikuntha planet to live with the
death, but a devotee is satisfied to remain even in this material Supreme Personality of Godhead.
world and execute devotional service.
• In Sarsti liberation, the opulence of the devotee is equal to the
Ekatva or Kaivalya, oneness with the Supreme opulence of the Supreme Lord.
It is clearly stated herein that a pure devotee does not desire • Samipya means to be a personal associate of the Supreme
ekatva, oneness with the Supreme Lord, as desired by the Lord.
 Different Types of Yoga 231 232 Victory Over Death

• In sarupya liberation, the bodily features of the devotee are devotional service to attain the highest perfection, or will be
exactly like those of the Supreme Person but for two or three able to do so only after a very long time.
symptoms found exclusively on the transcendental body of the Bhakti activities, or activities in devotional service, are
Lord. Srivatsa, for example, the hair on the chest of the Lord, transcendental to mukti. This is called païcama-puruñartha.
particularly distinguishes Him from His devotees. Generally, people engage in the Dharma (activities of religion) for
A pure devotee does not accept these five kinds of spiritual Artha (economic development) to enjoy Kama (sense
existence, even if they are offered unless there is opportunity for gratification). Ultimately when they are frustrated with the above,
service to the Supreme Lord, and he certainly does not hanker they work with a desire to get rid of all activity and become silent
after material benefits, which are all insignificant in comparison by hoping to merge into oneness with the Supreme Lord
with spiritual benefits. When Prahlada Maharaja was offered some (moksha). Such aspiration to become one with God is the topmost
material benefit, he stated: “My Lord, I have seen that my father form of sense gratification for a living entity and is considered a
achieved all kinds of material benefits, and even the demigods hellish mentality by the Vaishnava devotees. Thus all the four
were afraid of his opulence, but still, in a second, You have Purusharthas, dharma, artha, kama and moksha, are performed
finished his life and all his material prosperity.” For a devotee with a pretentious religious mentality that has nothing to do with
there is no question of desiring any material or spiritual the nature of the soul.
prosperity. He simply aspires to serve the Lord. That is his highest Bhakti is called the ‘pancama purusartha’ or ‘purusartha
happiness. siromani’ because it involves the real activity of the soul in loving
Misunderstood meaning of Mukti relationship with God. The Srimad-Bhagavatam, therefore, begins
by stating that all kinds of pretentious religiosity is completely
The Mayavadis… eradicated from the Bhagavatam. A pure devotee does not even
• Say that since the Absolute Truth is impersonal, one can want salvation, but wants to engage in God’s loving service, and
imagine a personal form of the impersonal Absolute Truth for nothing more.
the time being, but as soon as one becomes liberated the
worship stops. Real Meaning of Mukti
• Accept the description of the pastimes of the Lord as stories As soon as one engages in the service of Lord Vasudeva, he
and therefore they interpret them most mischievously, but attains his normal constitutional position of being eternal servant
actually they are not stories; they are historical facts. of the Supreme Lord, ‘jivera swarupa haya nityera krsna dasa’.
• Philosophy is very dangerous to the public, and therefore Lord This position is called the liberated stage. Real meaning of Mukti
Caitanya warned us never to hear from any Mayavadi about is defined in Bhagavatam as follows: ‘muktir hitvänyathä-rüpaà
any scripture. svarüpeëa vyavasthitiù’: (SB 2.10.6) in the liberated stage, one is
• Will spoil the entire process of spiritual practice, and the situated in his original Krishna conscious position. He gives up all
person hearing them will never be able to come to the path of engagements in the service of matter, engagements concocted
under the names of social service, national service, community
 Different Types of Yoga 233 234 Victory Over Death

service, dog service, automobile service and so many other can utilize his free will to either serve Krishna in love and
services conducted under the illusion of ‘I’ and ‘mine’. Thus devotion or serve Maya by being rebellious of Krishna.
Bhakti, devotional service, is transcendental even to mukti,
Rekindle Wisdom, Revive Love
liberation. Mukti is not very important for a bhakta. Bilvamangala
Thakura says: muktiù svayaà mukulitäïjali sevate ‘smät: “Mukti Love of Krishna is in a dormant state in the heart of everyone.
herself is standing with folded hands, waiting to serve the At present, we are not able to experience it due to contamination
devotee.” (Krishna-karnamrta 107) by material association. Therefore, the heart has to be purified of
In the Srimad-Bhagavatam (2.3.10), Sukadeva Gosvami the material association, and that dormant, natural love for
encourages everyone, no matter what his present condition, to take Krishna has to be revived. We do not acquire love of Krishna, but
up Krishna-bhakti: we revive love of Krishna. ‘Acquire’ means to achieve something,
akämaù sarva-kämo vä mokña-käma udära-dhéù which you don’t have. ‘Revive’ means to get back what we
already possessed. Love of Krishna is like a fiery coal covered by
tévreëa bhakti-yogena yajeta puruñaà param
the contamination of ash. Once the ash is blown off, the fire can
“A person who has broader intelligence, whether he be full of be perceived. Similarly, when contaminations are removed,
all material desire, without any material desire, or desiring through surrendering to Krishna’s instructions, one can perceive
liberation, must by all means worship the supreme whole, the love of Krishna in one’s heart.
Personality of Godhead.” Sadhana bhakti awakens the dormant love
Love Of God – The Ultimate Goal Of Religion Under the guidance of an expert spiritual master, one should
follow certain principles: one should rise early in the morning,
Serve you must, but whom? take bath, enter the temple and offer prayers and chant Hare
Rendering service to Krishna is the natural constitutional Krishna, then collect flowers and offer to the Deity, cook
position of the living entity: jivera svaroopa haya krishnera nitya foodstuffs to offer to the Deity, take prasadam, and so on. One
should constantly hear the Bhagavad-gita and the Srimad-
dasa: “The constitutional position of living entity is that he is an
Bhagavatam from pure devotees. This practice of Bhakti yoga,
eternal servant of Krishna.” But when the living entity comes into
under the rules and regulations, with the direction of a spiritual
this material world, he forgets Krishna and starts serving so many
master, will surely bring one to the stage of love of God.
other fallible soldiers because of which he is put into suffering.
Nobody can refrain from service. A Prime Minister serves the Unalloyed Devotional Service
country, parents serve their children, a clerk serves his boss, an The definition of a pure devotee, as given by Rupa Gosvami in
old man who has no companion serves a pet dog. So service is Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu, can be summarized thus: his service is
natural for the living entity. Just as sugar and sweetness cannot be favourable and is always in relation to Krishna. In order to keep
separated, salt and saltishness cannot be separated, similarly the the purity of such Krishna conscious activities, one must be freed
soul and his service attitude cannot be separated. The living entity from all material desires and speculation.
 Different Types of Yoga 235 236 Victory Over Death

Not useless armchair mental speculation mother admonishes him, “What do you want?” And if he replies,
“I want you and nothing else”, then the mother realizes that there
Any desire except for the service of the Lord is called a
is no way her child will be satisfied with anything other than
material desire. Many arm chair speculators spend their whole
herself. In the same way, a devotee rejects all the temptations of
lives researching on Vedanta and Upanishads, without practicing
this world and only wants to love Krishna with no other
any spirituality even a bit in their own lives. While smoking on
motivations. This is termed as unalloyed devotional service.
their hukka, they participate in round table conferences on the
philosophy of the Vedanta and arrive at conclusions of voidism or How Can One Achieve Pure Love For Krishna?
impersonalism. This conclusion is useless for a Krishna conscious Srila Rupa Gosvami has also quoted a definition from the
person. Only rarely by philosophical speculation can one reach the
Narada-pancaratra, as follows: “One should be free from all
conclusion of worshiping Vasudeva, Krishna.
material designations and, by Krishna consciousness, must be
Not pompous rituals without devotion to Krishna cleansed of all material contamination. He should be restored to
his pure identity, in which he engages his senses in the service of
There are many persons who are very much attracted by the
ritualistic activities described in the Vedas. But if one becomes the proprietor of the senses”: hrsikena hrsikesa sevanam.
attracted simply to ritualistic activities without understanding Serve the Master of the Senses
Krishna, his activities are unfavourable to Krishna consciousness.
Everyone is part and parcel of Krishna (mamaiväàço jéva-loke
Free from all sorts of material desires jéva-bhütaù (Bg. 15.7)), and therefore everyone’s senses are also
There are many, many religious people who aspire for material Krishna’s. When we use the senses for Krishna’s service, we
profits, heavenly planets, mystic powers, merging into brahman or attain the perfection of life. Therefore, håñékeëa håñékeça-sevanaà
becoming God. None of these people can satisfy the Lord, nor can bhaktir ucyate. (Cc. Madhya 19.170) When, by our senses
they themselves become satisfied in such materialistic pursuits. (hrsikena) we serve Hrsikesa, the real master of the senses, that
Only a pure devotee of the Lord can attract the attention of the service is called bhakti. This is a very simple definition of bhakti.
Lord and be satisfied in His service. Just as a chataka bird aspires Hrsikesa-sevanam, not hrsika-sevanam—service to the supreme
for water only from the raindrops coming from the sky, a pure master of the senses, not to the senses themselves. When we use
devotee aspires only for the service of the Lord. To serve the our senses for sense gratification, we are in maya, illusion, but
Lord, he forsakes all kinds of material benefits like wealth, when we use our senses for the gratification of the master of the
women, aristocracy and followers. The Lord becomes extremely senses, that service is called bhakti. In our conditional state, our
pleased with such a devotee and becomes eager to serve him. senses are engaged in serving our bodily pushings like urges of
Although the Lord demands exclusive love free from motivations, speech, mind, anger, tongue, belly, genitals, etc. When the same
He is also ready to reciprocate with such love of His beloved senses are engaged in executing the order of Krishna, our
servants. A crying child may be pacified by the mother by giving a activities are called bhakti.
balloon, a toy or a tricycle. But if the child continues crying, his
 Different Types of Yoga 237 238 Victory Over Death

Sever the Tie of Material Designations singing, etc. for Krishna. But most importantly, all such activities
must be performed only in relationship with Krishna.
As long as one identifies himself as belonging to a certain
family, caste, nationality, gender, material qualifications, etc., he Under the Guidance of Guru
is said to be covered with designations. When one is fully aware This relationship is established by connecting oneself with the
that he does not belong to any family, society or country, but is bona fide spiritual master, who is the direct representative of
eternally a servant of Krishna, he then realizes that his energy Krishna in disciplic succession through initiation. Therefore, the
should be employed not in the interests of so-called family, execution of Krishna conscious activities with the body should be
society or country, but in the interests of Krishna. This is purity of directed by the spiritual master and then performed with faith.
purpose and the platform of pure devotional service in Krishna
From the date of initiation by the spiritual master, the connection
consciousness.
between Krishna and a person cultivating Krishna consciousness
Give up the Unfavourable and Accept the Favourable is established. Without initiation by a bona fide spiritual master,
Things to Bhakti the actual connection with Krishna consciousness is never
performed.
Krishna’s devotees avoid unfavourable things like overeating,
mundane gossip, accumulating more than necessary, over Practical Steps To Achieve Love For Krishna
endeavouring for mundane achievements, slackening in following Bhakti yoga means connecting ourselves with Krishna and
regulative principles, bad company, greed, etc. There are positive reviving our relationship as His eternal associate. Accepting the
favourable things like enthusiasm, determination, patience, greatness of God is the beginning of Bhakti. Bhakti yoga must
following in the footsteps of previous acaryas, giving up bad include three items: (1) the servitor, (2) the served, and (3) the
association, following regulative principles like no meat eating, no service. One must be present to accept service, and one must be
gambling, no intoxication, no illicit sex, etc. present to render service. The via media is the process of service
Not Idle Meditation, but Dynamic Action itself, Bhakti yoga.
Devotional service is not some state of the heart leading to Reviving our ‘Swarupa’, or original identity
idle, silent meditation for people who like to be inactive. One The living entities, in their constitutional position love to
should engage in positive spiritual activity, seva by body, mind become servant or the servant of the servants of Krishna. Lord
and words. Thus, a devotee should always try to think of Krishna-- Krishna, the all-attractive Supreme enjoyer and Personality of
as He is speaking on the Battlefield of Kurukshetra or engaging in Godhead is the object of everyone’s love and service. Every living
His various pastimes in Vrindavana with His devotees, and try to being, out of the many, many billions and trillions of living
plan how to please Him. He should engage his words in preaching beings, has a particular relationship with the Lord eternally in a
the glories of the Lord. Similarly, we can offer many services with passive state (shanta rasa), in an active state (dasya rasa), as a
our bodily activities like distributing Srila Prabhupada’s friend (sakhya rasa), as a parent (vatsalya rasa) or as a conjugal
transcendental books, cooking, cleaning, driving, dancing, lover (madhurya rasa). This is called ‘svarupa’. By the process of
 Different Types of Yoga 239 240 Victory Over Death

devotional service, one can revive that svarupa, and that stage is pursuance of instructions given by Sri Narada Muni, the great
called ‘svarupa siddhi’ – perfection of one’s constitutional saint and devotee.
position. 4. Pada sevanam, Serving: Lakshmiji, the goddess of fortune,
In the spiritual sky, everyone serves the Lord according to his attained success simply by sitting and serving the lotus feet of
own svarupa with spontaneous love. Even in the material world, a the Lord.
devotee chants Hare Krishna and fixes his mind constantly on the 5. Archanam, Worshiping: King Pruthu attained success simply
lotus feet of Krishna. When he offers Krishna food, Krishna by worshiping the Lord.
directly accepts these eatables, and the devotee becomes 6. Vandanam, Chanting Prayers: Akrura, the charioteer,
Krishnaized by eating the remnants. In this way, he always attained success simply by chanting prayers for the Lord.
remembers Krishna, and never forgets Krishna. Thus a devotee 7. Dasyam, Carrying out the orders: Hanuman, the devotee of
does not live in a material plane. Lord Ramacandra, attained success simply by carrying out the
“My dear Arjuna, O winner of wealth, if you cannot fix your orders of the Lord.
mind upon Me without deviation, then follow the regulative 8. Sakhyam, Making friends with the Lord: Arjuna, the great
principles of bhakti yoga. In this way develop a desire to attain warrior, attained perfection simply by making friends with the
Me.” (BG 12.9) Lord, who delivered the message of Bhagavad Gita to
Nava Vidha Bhakti: Nine Ways to Serve the Lord enlighten Arjuna and his followers.
9. Atma Nivedanam, Surrendering everything: Emperor Bali
There are nine standard modes of devotional service to the attained success by surrendering everything unto the Lord,
Lord, and a candidate can choose to adopt any one, two, three, including his personal body.
four or all, however he likes. There are instances in history of Emperor Ambarisa adopted all the above nine items, and he
great personalities, including sages and kings, who attained attained perfect success. It is mentioned in Srimad-Bhagavatam
perfection by this process. Some of them attained success even by (9.4.18-20): “King Ambarisa fixed his mind on the lotus feet of
adhering to one single item of devotional service with faith and Lord Krishna, engaged his words in describing the abode of the
perseverance: Lord, his hands in cleansing the temple of the Lord, his ears in
1. Sravanam, Hearing: Emperor Parikshit attained the spiritual hearing the pastimes of the Lord, his eyes in seeing the form of the
platform simply by hearing from such an authority as Sri Lord, his body in touching the body of the devotee, his nostrils in
Sukadeva Gosvami about glories of Krishna. smelling the flavor of the flowers offered to the lotus feet of the
2. Kirtanam, Recitation: Sri Sukadeva Gosvami attained the Lord, his tongue in tasting the tulasi leaves offered to Him, his
same simply by recitation, verbatim, of the transcendental legs in travelling to the holy place where His temple is situated,
message which he received from his great father, Sri his head in offering obeisances unto the Lord, and his desires in
Vyasadeva. fulfilling the desires of the Lord....and all these qualifications
3. Smaranam, Remembering: Emperor Prahlada attained made him fit to become a mat-para devotee of the Lord”.
spiritual success by remembering the Lord constantly, in
 Different Types of Yoga 241 242 Victory Over Death

Chanting The Holy Name: Meditation For The Modern last returns home back to godhead, to join the eternal service of
Age the Lord in the spiritual world.
There are various methods for God realisation. In this age of Gradual Development And Direct Method
Kali yuga, according to all the revealed Vedic literatures, the
chanting of the Holy names: The culmination of all kinds of yoga practice is Bhakti yoga.
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare All other yogas are progressions towards the destination of Bhakti
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare yoga. From the beginning of Karma yoga to the end of Bhakti
is prescribed as the most sublime method for reviving our yoga is a long way to self-realisation. There are two methods of
transcendental consciousness. attaining Bhakti yoga:
(1) Gradual development, and (2) Direct method.
Krishnaizing Everything
(1) Gradual Development: The following are the steps
The living entities, who are called the marginal energy,
involved in the gradual development of Bhakti yoga:
perform material activities when acting under the inferior, external
energy. And when they engage in activities under the internal,
STEP 4: Previous step requirements + Loving
spiritual energy, their activities are called Krishna conscious.
devotional service to the Supreme
Energy is a sort of strength, and this strength can be spiritualised
Lord Krishna - BHAKTI YOGA
by the mercy of both the bona fide spiritual master and Krishna.
For example, if one finds a beautiful rose in his garden, he can
STEP 3: Renouncing fruits + knowledge + Control
think, “Oh! How beautiful! Let me offer this to Krishna” or he can
think, “Oh! Let me offer this rose to win the heart of my of mind & senses by 8-fold path +
girlfriend.” Thus, everything can be used either for one’s own Meditation on Paramatma / Supersoul in
sense gratification or for Krishna’s service. the heart – ASTANGA YOGA /
In the Caitanya-Caritamrta, Lord Caitanya states that it is a DHYANA YOGA
fortunate person who comes in contact with a bona fide spiritual
master by the grace of Krishna. One who is serious about spiritual STEP 2: Renouncing fruits + Speculative knowledge
life is given by Krishna the intelligence to come in contact with a about Brahman + Austerity - JNANA YOGA
bona fide spiritual master, and then by the grace of the spiritual
master one becomes advanced in Krishna consciousness. In this STEP 1: Renouncing fruits of one’s labour - KARMA
way the whole jurisdiction of Krishna consciousness is directly YOGA / NISKAMA KARMA
under the spiritual energy--Krishna and the spiritual master. This
has nothing to do with the material world. Thus acting on a STEP 0: Fruitive worker performing rituals for elevation to
spiritual plane, a devotee gradually transcends the material world, heavenly planets, regulated sense gratification
even while physically being present in the material world and at in accordance with Scriptures - KARMA KANDA
 Different Types of Yoga 243 244 Victory Over Death

The first and foremost devotional engagement is hearing about

Krishna. This is a very powerful transcendental method for
(2) Direct Method: Devotional service in Krishna purging the mind of all misgivings. The more one hears about
consciousness is the direct method. In this process, there are two Krishna, the more one becomes enlightened and detached from
stages. To practice the regulative principles of Bhakti yoga under everything that draws the mind away from Krishna. It is
the guidance of an expert spiritual master for the purification of something like curing a disease by expert treatment and
the senses is the first stage. This first stage is called as Vaidhi appropriate diet. Hearing the transcendental activities of Lord
Bhakti. In this stage, one can develop an attachment for Krishna. Krishna is, therefore, the expert treatment for the mad mind, and
In the second stage, when that attachment develops into a natural eating foodstuffs offered to Krishna is the appropriate diet for the
transcendental love for Krishna, one is in direct relationship with suffering patient. This treatment is the process of Krishna
Supreme Lord in devotional service. This is known as Raganuga consciousness, the real and topmost yoga system for this age of
Bhakti. Bhakti yoga is the only method, in which Bhakti is the Kali.
means and the end. In all other yogic processes like Astanga yoga
or Jnana yoga, the means and end are different.
Thus, as stated above, the whole yoga system may be likened
to a staircase, connecting or linking us to the Supreme Personality
of Godhead, Krishna. In order to attain the ultimate, the Supreme
Personality of Godhead, we must go to the highest platform, and
that is Bhakti yoga.
Why take a long time climbing the steps? Take the
Elevator
But why walk up all these steps if we have a chance to take an
elevator? By means of an elevator, we can reach the top in a
matter of seconds. Bhakti yoga is this elevator, the direct process
by which we can reach the top in a matter of seconds. We can go
step by step, following all the other yoga systems, or we can go
directly. Since in this age of Kali-yuga, people have short life
spans and are always disturbed and anxious, Lord Caitanya
Mahaprabhu, by His causeless mercy, has given us the elevator by
which we can come immediately to the platform of Bhakti yoga.
The direct means is the chanting of the Hare Krishna Maha
Mantra: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.
 246 Victory Over Death

Different Results Achieved By Worshiping

That Which Is Supreme And That Which Is Not

Chapter 6 Supreme
It is a common misconception among the masses that
ultimately all paths are one and a person will reach the same end
result no matter what method he adopts to worship God. The
Vedas say the opposite. They clearly mention that all the different
methods of worship do not lead to the same destination, but they
lead to different destinations. But one should be intelligent to
choose the best destination. Sri Isopanishad says (Mantra 13):
anyad evähuù sambhaväd anyad ähur asambhavät
iti çuçruma dhéräëäà ye nas tad vicacakñire
“It is said that one result is obtained by worshiping the
supreme cause of all causes and that another result is obtained by
Do All Paths Lead To worshiping what is not supreme. All this is heard from the
undisturbed authorities, who clearly explained it.”
The Same Goal? What Is The Supreme Truth?
From Whom Should We Hear The Truth?
The system of hearing from undisturbed authorities is
approved in this mantra. Unless one hears from a bona fide acarya,
who is never disturbed by the changes of the material world, one
cannot have the real key to transcendental knowledge. The bona
fide spiritual master, who has also heard the sruti-mantras, or
Vedic knowledge, from his undisturbed acarya, never presents
anything that is not mentioned in the Vedic literature. In the
Bhagavad-gita (9.25) it is clearly said that those who worship the
pitrs, or forefathers, attain the planets of the forefathers, that the
gross materialists who make plans to remain here stay in this
world, and that the devotees of the Lord who worship none but
 Do All Paths Lead To The Same Goal? 247 248 Victory Over Death

Lord Krishna, the supreme cause of all causes, reach Him in His
Here in Sri Isopanishad also, it is verified that one achieves
spiritual sky.
different results by different modes of worship. If we worship the
yänti deva-vratä devän pitèn yänti pitå-vratäù Supreme Lord, we will certainly reach Him in His eternal abode,
bhütäni yänti bhütejyä yänti mad-yäjino ’pi mäm and if we worship demigods, like the sun-god or moon-god, we
“Those who worship the demigods will take birth among the can reach their respective planets without a doubt. And if we wish
demigods; those who worship the ancestors go to the ancestors; to remain on this wretched planet, with our planning commissions
those who worship ghosts and spirits will take birth among such and our stopgap political adjustments, we can certainly do that
beings; and those who worship Me will live with Me.” (BG 9.25) also.
The devotees of demigods will go to the abode of demigods. In Nowhere in authentic scriptures is it said that one will
this material world, there are 14 planetary systems, seven above ultimately reach the same goal by doing anything or worshiping
and six below. The martyaloka is in the middle. The demigods live anyone. Such foolish theories are offered by self-made “spiritual
in the higher abodes. One can ascend to such planets only by masters” who have no connection with the parampara, the bona
performing some pious activities. They are called ‘surendra fide system of disciplic succession. The bona fide spiritual master
lokam’ meaning the abode of Indra and the demigods (BG 9.20- cannot say that all paths lead to the same goal, and that anyone
21). These are planets of delight available to worshipers of can attain this goal by his own mode of worship of the demigods,
demigods. But it should be remembered that the demigods and or of the Supreme, or whatever.
their planets, along with all the facilities for enjoyment, are all Any common man can very easily understand that a person
temporary. Lord Sri Krishna says in the Bhagavad-gita that those can reach his destination only when he has purchased a ticket for
who worship Him return to the spiritual world which is eternal and that destination. A person who has purchased a ticket for Calcutta
free from all inebrieties of the material world, but those who can reach Calcutta, but not Bombay. But the so-called spiritual
worship demigods return to the cycle of birth and death after the masters say that any and all paths will take one to the supreme
pious activities are exhausted (BG 8.15-16). goal. Such mundane and compromising offers attract many foolish
One who is not a devotee of Krishna performs worship of creatures, who become puffed up with their manufactured
parents, grandparents, or forefathers, with the conception that methods of spiritual realization. The Vedic instructions, however,
worship of parents is worship of God. But such worship of do not uphold them. Unless one has received knowledge from the
forefathers can only take one to Pitrloka, not back to the kingdom bona fide spiritual master, who is in the recognized line of
of God. disciplic succession, one cannot have the real thing as it is.
For a devotee, who surrenders unconditionally to Lord Krishna tells Arjuna in the Bhagavad-gita (4.2):
Krishna, the Lord has promised to free him from all obligations evaà paramparä-präptam imaà räjarñayo viduù
and sins (BG 18.66). One who becomes the Lord’s devotee sa käleneha mahatä yogo nañöaù parantapa
delivers several generations of his relatives simply by being “This supreme science was thus received through the chain of
engaged in the Lord’s service. disciplic succession, and the saintly kings understood it in that
 Do All Paths Lead To The Same Goal? 249 250 Victory Over Death

way. But in course of time the succession was broken, and

those who are cleansed of all sinful reactions can have such
therefore the science as it is appears to be lost.”
unflinching faith in the Supreme Lord. Others will continue
When Lord Sri Krishna was present on this earth, the bhakti-
hovering on the material platform with their paltry ways of
yoga principles defined in the Bhagavad-gita had become
worship, and thus will be misled from the real path under the false
distorted. Therefore, the Lord had to re-establish the disciplic
impression that all paths lead to the same goal.
system beginning with Arjuna, who was the most confidential
In this mantra of Sri Isopanishad, the word ‘sam-bhavat’, “by
friend and devotee of the Lord. The
worship of the supreme cause,” is very significant. Lord Krishna
Lord clearly told Arjuna (Bg. 4.3),
is the original Personality of Godhead, and everything that exists
that it was because Arjuna was His
has emanated from Him. In the Bhagavad-gita (10.8) the Lord
devotee and friend, that he could
says,
understand the principles of the
Bhagavad-gita. In other words, ahaà sarvasya prabhavo mattaù sarvaà pravartate
only the Lord’s devotee and friend iti matvä bhajante mäà budhä bhäva-samanvitäù
can understand the Gita. This also “I am the source of all spiritual and material worlds.
means that only one who follows Everything emanates from Me. The wise who perfectly know this
the path of Arjuna can understand engage in My devotional service and worship Me with all their
the Bhagavad-gita. hearts.”
At the present moment there 1) Here is a correct description of the Supreme Lord, given by
are many interpreters and the Lord Himself. The words sarvasya pra-bhavah indicate
translators of this sublime dialogue that Krishna is the creator of everyone, including Brahma,
who care nothing for Lord Krishna Vishnu and Shiva. And because these three principal deities
or Arjuna. Such interpreters of the material world are created by the Lord, the Lord is the
explain the verses of the creator of all that exists in the material and spiritual worlds.
Bhagavad-gita in their own way, 2) In the Atharva Veda (Gopala-tapani Upanishad 1.24), it is
and postulate all sorts of rubbish in similarly said, “He who existed before the creation of Brahma
the name of the Gita. Such and who enlightened Brahma with Vedic knowledge is Lord
interpreters believe neither in Sri Sri Krishna.”
Krishna nor in His eternal abode. How, then, can they explain the 3) Similarly, the Narayana Upanishad (1) states, “Then the
Bhagavad-gita? Supreme Person, Narayana, desired to create all living beings.
Krishna clearly says that only those who have lost their sense Thus, from Narayana, Brahma was born. Narayana created all
worship the demigods for paltry rewards (Bg. 7.20, 23). the Prajapatis. Narayana created Indra. Narayana created the
Ultimately, He advises that one give up all other ways and modes eight Vasus. Narayana created the eleven Rudras. Narayana
of worship and fully surrender unto Him alone (BG 18.66). Only created the twelve Adityas.” Since Narayana is a plenary
 Do All Paths Lead To The Same Goal? 251 252 Victory Over Death

manifestation of Lord Krishna, Narayana and Krishna are one

faithless are described in the Bhagavad-gita (9.11) as mudhas—
and the same.
fools or asses. It is said that the mudhas deride the Personality of
4) The Narayana Upanishad (4) also states, “Devaki’s son
Godhead because they do not have complete knowledge from the
[Krishna] is the Supreme Lord.” The identity of Narayana
undisturbed acarya. One who is disturbed by the whirlpool of
with the supreme cause has also been accepted and confirmed
material energy is not qualified to become an acarya.
by Sripada Sankaracarya, even though Sankara does not
belong to the Vaishnava, or personalist, cult. As One Surrenders, The Lord Rewards Accordingly
5) The Atharva Veda (Maha Upanishad 1) also states, “Only
Narayana existed in the beginning, when neither Brahma, nor Everyone is seeking Krishna, the all attractive, whether they
Shiva, nor fire, nor water, nor stars, nor sun, nor moon know it or not. The spirit soul is only a part and parcel, but Lord
existed. The Lord does not remain alone but creates as He Krishna is the Supreme whole, and is infinitely blissful. Being a
desires.” part and parcel of the Supreme, every soul is supposed to be
6) Krishna Himself states in the Moksa-dharma, “I created the blissful. Being covered over by material energy, the soul is
Prajapatis and the Rudras. They do not have complete hankering to return back to his natural state of being a servant of
knowledge of Me because they are covered by My illusory the Lord in blissful consciousness.
energy.” The materialists struggle for this bliss by manipulating matter
7) It is also stated in the Varaha Purana, “Narayana is the in various ways, but transcendentalists seek God on a spiritual
Supreme Personality of Godhead, and from Him the four- plane. The Jnanis seek Brahman, the Yogis seek Paramatma, and
headed Brahma was manifested, as well as Rudra, who later the Bhaktas seek Bhagavan Sri Krishna.
became omniscient.” Sometimes people ask, “Can I see God?” One can see God if
8) Thus, all Vedic literature confirms that Narayana, or Krishna, one can qualify oneself. Even if one wants to see the Prime
is the cause of all causes. In the Brahma-samhita (5.1) also it Minister of India, one cannot just go and barge into his room. One
is said that the Supreme Lord is Sri Krishna, Govinda, the needs certain qualification. One has to first meet the secretary and
delighter of every living being and the primeval cause of all he may or may not give an appointment. There is a long string of
causes. formalities and ultimately, one may or may not get an opportunity
The really learned persons know this from evidence given by to meet him. It is very difficult to get a personal audience with the
the great sages and the Vedas, and thus they decide to worship Prime Minister, even for a few minutes. Most of the requests by
Lord Krishna as all in all. Such persons are called budha, or really people are rejected.
learned, because they worship only Krishna. But the Prime Minister’s personal friend can walk into his
The conviction that Krishna is all in all is established when cabin anytime he likes. He need not even knock at the door. He
one hears the transcendental message from the undisturbed acarya can just go and come. Why? Because there is a loving
with faith and love. One who has no faith in, or love for Lord relationship. So, the question is, do you have that loving
Krishna cannot be convinced of this simple truth. Those who are relationship by which you can see God? So the key factor is that
the qualification for seeing God is to develop that loving
 Do All Paths Lead To The Same Goal? 253 254 Victory Over Death

relationship. That is why the Lord says, “ye yatha mam people argue that, ‘yatho mat tatho pat’ - ‘As many opinions about
prapadyante tams tathaiva bhajamyaham” (BG 4.11): “You have the ultimate goal, those many paths are there’. Thus, some people
to qualify yourself to see Me. According to your level of think that one may adopt any path that is appealing to one’s mind
qualification, I will reveal Myself to you.” This is a formula of and ultimately, one will achieve the same end. In fact, such people
reciprocation between two people. Relationships can take place often presume that the path of Bhakti is for emotional people, the
between people. It cannot take place between two inanimate or path of Jnana is for rational people and the path of Yoga is for
impersonal objects. So Lord Krishna says that He will reveal austere people. These presumptions may appear attractive for a
Himself to you to the degree you surrender to Him. The more you speculative mind, but the scriptures do not approve of such
develop a personal relationship with the Lord, the more He will concoctions.
reciprocate love. First of all, one cannot adopt any unauthorised path
The Bhakta is the highest transcendentalist who has propagated by some self-made god or a deviant. The path one
understood the Lord in-toto, completely. Otherwise all the others follows has to be authorised by the scriptures like the Bhagavad-
like the Karma yogis, Jnana yogis, Astanga yogis, etc., simply gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam, etc. Secondly, even the paths of Karma
understand the Lord in various parts. It is just like the story of the yoga, Jnana yoga, Hatha yoga, Astanga yoga, etc., are not like
six blind men who were trying to describe the elephant. Thus, different rivers ultimately entering into the same ocean of the
Lord Krishna says, “If you want to see Me as impersonal, I will Absolute Truth. All these different authorised paths are like
give you the intelligence to achieve that realisation. If you want to different rungs of a ladder, the topmost rung being Bhakti yoga.
see Me as Paramatma situated in the heart of all living beings, I Consider the example of the Prime Minister of a country. A
will give you that understanding. If you want to see Me as police constable works under the police department which is one
Krishna, Rasaraj, who is a loving person reciprocating rasas with of the energies of the Prime Minister. That is the way he is related
My devotees, then I will reciprocate with you in that way.” This is to the Prime Minister. A citizen may know that the government
the meaning of ‘as you surrender to Me, I reward you runs the affairs of the country, but does not have a direct relation
accordingly’. to the Prime Minister. A Member of Parliament can see the Prime
If God Is One, How To See The Different Paths In Minister face to face, but has a relation in the mood of awe and
veneration. But a son or wife or mother of the Prime Minister has
Relation To Him?
the most intimate relation with him. They are so intimately related
As discussed in the previous chapter, one may give up to him, that they do not even see him as a Prime Minister, but as a
materialistic sinful life and take up the path of Karma kanda for very near and dear lovable person. They know his likes and
achieving his desires; one may even develop a desire for liberation dislikes, interests and concerns, moods and mission, etc. In the
through Karma yoga, Jnana yoga, Astanga yoga and one may same way, there are many worshipers of various demigods in
perform meditation, penances, austerities, scriptural study, charge of various departmental affairs within the universe, like
introspection, practice of celibacy, mind and sense control, Brahma, Siva, Karthikeya, Indra, Varuna, etc. They are very
renunciation of worldly pleasures, avowed truthfulness, etc. Often indirectly related with the Lord. Then there are the Karma yogis
 Do All Paths Lead To The Same Goal? 255 256 Victory Over Death

who offer the fruits of their work to the Supreme government. The
this way, different vehicles are in different positions. Similarly, in
Jnana yogis are attached to the impersonal aspect of the Lord and
the path between the material world to the spiritual world, there
have no information of the Lord’s personal nature, qualities and
are souls situated in different bodies according to their karma and
attributes. They are like a man under the government of a country;
desire, as if seated in different types of vehicles. Also, different
he does not know that behind the government there is a Prime
people, according to their mode of worship, are situated at
Minister who runs the government. Similarly, Lord Krishna says
different points. Some are on earth, some in heaven, some in
that He is the ultimate support behind the impersonal Brahman
Brahmaloka, some suspended in Brahman, and some very close to
(BG 14.27). The Astanga yogis may be attracted to the impersonal
reaching Vaikuntha or Goloka.
Brahman or to the personal form of Vishnu seated in the heart of
Also, from this one main path, there may be deviations. One
everyone as Paramatma. If an Astanga yogi’s meditation
may get distracted and go here and there. It is not that all the
intensifies, he can see Lord Vishnu face to face in a neutral
vehicles are going towards Bombay. Some are coming from
relationship of awe and veneration. But only a Bhakti yogi is like
Lonavla to Pune, thinking that they are going towards Bombay. It
a near and dear relative of Lord Sri Krishna. A devotee can know
means that although all are situated on the road to God, some are
the desires and interests of the Lord and serve Him in a personal
going towards God and some away from God. When one simply
way.
becomes materialistic and is working hard for sense pleasures, one
Thus, Karma yogis, Jnana yogis, Astanga yogis and Bhakti
is going away from God; on the other hand, one may devote time
yogis achieve different destinations as will be explained in the
for God and be eager to learn about Him and approach Him. They
later part of this chapter. But they have some hope of making any
are progressing towards God. And there are some who have
progress only when they take help of Bhakti. In fact, Bhakti is the
parked their car at the side and have gone to sleep. Thus, we are
mother of Jnana (knowledge) and Vairagya (detachment) (SB
all travellers in this world. We have traversed through many
1.2.7).
planets and many species of life. We should know what the correct
How Does Everyone Follow The Lord’s Path? road is, how to go on a correct journey, and which the correct train
Krishna also says, “Everyone follows My path in all respects.” is.
(BG 4.11) Some may say, “Whatever I do, I am in the proper path, Imagine that you get into a train and ask your neighbour,
as Krishna says. I can devise my own method of worship and “Where are you going?” and he says, “I don’t know where I am
some self-made mantra and I will still go back to Godhead. After going. I just sat in the train. Wherever the train takes me, I will
all, Lord Krishna says that everyone follows His path.” go.” Anybody will feel that this person is crazy, because he has no
Consider what you will see when you take a snapshot of the idea of where he is going. Similarly, many people in this world do
Pune-Bombay highway. You will see many cycles, scooters, cars not know where they are going. They are simply travelling. When
and buses situated at different points. Some are just starting; we get the human form of life, we are supposed to inquire about
others have traversed one hour and reached Nigdi; some have the process that one should follow so that one can reach the goal
traversed 90 minutes and reached Lonavla; others have traversed quickly. If we desire to surrender to Krishna quickly, He will give
150 minutes and reached Karjat. Some are close to Bombay. In us the proper association of devotees and direction as Paramatma.
 Do All Paths Lead To The Same Goal? 257 258 Victory Over Death

And in this way, we will be able to approach Krishna very easily.

Mayadevi is the one who is subjecting everyone to the
If we desire to be away from Krishna, He will make the necessary
stringent laws of material nature. She is the agent for creation,
arrangements.
maintenance and annihilation and she is like the shadow of the
Surrender To Krishna Or Surrender To Maya? Lord. Just as when you move your finger in one direction, the
shadow of the finger cannot move in another direction, so the
Another meaning of ‘mama
material energy moves only under the sanction of the Lord, as Sri
vartmanu vartante’ is that
Krishna declares in the Bhagavad-gita (BG 9.10): “maya
everyone is being controlled. The
materialists are being controlled by adhyakshena prakrti suyate sa caracaram” ‘The material nature
the material energy and devotees works under my supervision’.
are controlled by the Lord. Thus, we cannot escape from being controlled by the Lord,
Devotees are those who have either directly by Him or through His illusory potency. Then why
realised their constitutional position not submit ourselves and be happy? Sometimes, a criminal runs
of being a servant of the Lord, away from the police. After trying his best, he finally realises the
voluntarily accepted their futility of running as he is surrounded by the police. Then he gives
subordinate position to the Lord, up running. An intelligent person understands that, “I have been
and like to be controlled by the running away from Krishna for many, many life times. Enough of
Lord. But the materialists deny it. Let me now surrender to Krishna and be happy.” He thus comes
authority of God and want to be to the transcendental platform and develops knowledge.
independent. But they are under the Higher Stages Of Perfection For One Who Surrenders To
material energy, which is under Krishna
Krishna’s control.
When one comes to the understanding of Brahman, one
Those who abide by the laws of the country can move freely.
understands that one is not the body, but pure spirit soul. One
But those who break the laws are put in prison by the government
understands the impersonal aspect of the Lord and is situated in
and punished. Jail is also one of the departments of the
peace. But the yogi understands that the Lord has form and that
government. But the jailers are under the indirect control of the
form is the four-handed form of Vishnu. But his devotion is not
government. People who are law-abiding are directly under the
mature. As his knowledge and devotion matures, he comes to the
control of the government. An intelligent person thinks, “I have to
stage of devotion to the Lord. As a Bhakta, he understands Lord
be under the control of the Lord, either directly or indirectly. Why
Sri Krishna as the Supreme Person, and exchanges various
should I be controlled indirectly and suffer?” Therefore,
flavours of love with the Lord. Even amongst Bhaktas, still there
“mahatmanas tu mam partha daivim prakrtim asritah” ‘Those is more and more perfection. One can serve the Lord in various
who are not deluded, the great souls, are under the protection of relationships depending on one’s swaroopa or constitutional
the divine nature.’ (BG 9.13) position:
 Do All Paths Lead To The Same Goal? 259 260 Victory Over Death

• Shanta rasa (neutral) – the devotee has awe and reverence for
would feel, “Krishna is dependent on me.” And as one goes
the Lord, like the Four Kumaras
further, there is a stage where the devotee does not care for any
• Dasya rasa (servant) – the devotee relates with the Lord as a formalities. That is the stage of conjugal love. Here, one
subordinate, like Hanuman experiences all the aspects of the previous stages, coupled with
• Sakhya rasa (friend) – the devotee relates with the Lord on conjugal love. The gopis of Vrindavana are considered the
equal terms, like Sridama, Arjuna, Uddhava topmost devotees of Krishna, who are held in high esteem by great
• Vatsalya rasa (parent) – the devotee relates with the Lord as a personalities like Sukadeva Gosvami, Caitanya Mahaprabhu,
superior, like Nanda, Yashoda Sankaracarya and other acaryas. The unadulterated, unmotivated
• Madhurya rasa (conjugal) – the devotee relates with the Lord love of the gopis for Krishna is the aspiration of every follower of
as a lover, like Srimati Radharani and the gopis Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Although the queens of Dwaraka are also
In the Shanta rasa, there is a feeling of awe and reverence. As one related to Krishna in conjugal love, their relationship with Krishna
becomes more intimate, one experiences a particular joy of being is more formal, whereas the relationship that the gopis had was
the servant of the Lord. As the devotion becomes even more not at all formal. This informal, innocent love for Krishna is the
intimate, the feeling highest perfection.
of awe and reverence Thus, the highest goal in life is to strike a personal relationship
disappears with Krishna. We are all eternal, Krishna is eternal and the
completely and one relationships between us and Krishna are also eternal. In fact, we
relates to Krishna as all already have a swaroopa or constitutional position in the
an equal and friend. spiritual sky, but
Even amongst having forgotten our
Krishna’s friends, relation with the Lord,
Arjuna is more we are foolishly
intimate than chasing after the
Uddhava, but he still mirage of material
cannot climb on pleasure. Once a living
Krishna’s shoulders entity becomes fixed
or wrestle with Him up in devotional
like Sridama. The cowherd boyfriends of Krishna in Vrindavana service to the Lord, he
even steal His tiffin box, tease Him and do not even know that can gradually revive
Krishna is God. Even if someone would tell them, they would not his dormant love of
care. They just think that Krishna is their friend. As love becomes Krishna and be firmly situated in the service to the Lord’s lotus
even more intimate, one feels Krishna to be his or her child, and feet. That is the highest goal that everyone should aspire for.
He depends on His devotee for His very survival. Mother Yashoda
 Do All Paths Lead To The Same Goal? 261 262 Victory Over Death

Destination Of Different Yogis After Death

Jnana Yogis
Being impersonalists, the Jnanis attain brahmajyoti. Although
the individual living entity remains within the brahmajyoti as if
homogeneous, still it is like a parrot entering a tree. Because the
parrot has the same colour as the tree, it appears to have merged
into the tree. Still, the parrot has its individuality. Similarly, the
living entity has his individuality, even after entering into
brahmajyoti.
Who can remain alone in a room, year after year, reading some
book and trying to enjoy himself? We cannot remain alone
forever. Eventually we will leave that room and look for some
association. It is our nature to want some recreation with others.
The impersonalists, dissatisfied with the loneliness of their
position in the impersonal effulgence of the Lord, therefore return
again to this material world. This is stated in Srimad-Bhagavatam practice to love and serve Krishna, the Supreme Lord. Only then
(10.2.32): can we enter His spiritual planet. If we are not trained up in this
ye 'nye 'ravindaksa vimukta-maninas way, we can enter the brahmajyoti as an impersonalist, but there is
tvayy asta-bhavad avis'uddha-buddhayah every risk that we will again fall down into material existence and
aruhya krcchrena param padam tatah again engage in some social welfare activities of opening
patanty adho 'nadrta-yusmad-anghrayah hospitals, schools, dharmashalas, etc.
“O lotus-eyed Lord, although non-devotees who accept severe Out of loneliness, we will search out some association and
austerities and penances to achieve the highest position may think therefore return to the material world. What we actually want is
themselves liberated, their intelligence is impure. They fall down the eternal association of the Supreme Lord. This is our
from their position of imagined superiority because they have no constitutional position of eternality, knowledge and pleasure. If
regard for Your lotus feet.” we are alone, if we do not associate with the Supreme Lord, that
The impersonalists are like astronauts in search of a planet. If pleasure is lacking. For want of pleasure, we feel uncomfortable.
they cannot rest in some planet, they have to return to earth. It is For want of pleasure, we will accept any kind of association, any
herein stated in Srimad-Bhagavatam (anadrta-yusmad- kind of pleasure. Therefore, out of a kind of desperation, we will
say, “All right then, let me have material pleasure again.” That is
anghrayah) that the impersonalist must return to the material
the risk the impersonalists take.
world because he has neglected to serve the Supreme Lord with
love and devotion. As long as we are on this earth, we should
 Do All Paths Lead To The Same Goal? 263 264 Victory Over Death

Dhyana Yogis
The object of the sat-cakra system is to locate the soul at the
Krishna says: “One who, at the time of death, fixes his life air topmost part of the head. From there, one who is perfect in
between the eyebrows and, by the strength of yoga, with an Dhyana yoga can transfer himself to a higher planet at will. That is
undeviating mind, engages himself in remembering the Supreme the perfection of this type of yoga. Krishna says: “After being
Lord in full devotion, will certainly attain to the Supreme situated in this yoga practice and vibrating the sacred syllable Om,
Personality of Godhead.” (BG 8.10) The words ‘prayana-kale’ the supreme combination of letters, if one thinks of the Supreme
means ‘at the time of death’. Life is a kind of preparation for the Personality of Godhead and quits his body, he will certainly reach
final examination, which is death. If we pass that examination, we the spiritual planets.” (BG 8.13) The Dhyana yogi should vibrate
are transferred to the spiritual world. Om while remembering Krishna or Visnu, the Supreme
At the time of death, a yogi closes the doors of the senses, Personality of Godhead.
which is called as ‘pratyahara’. Hearing is concentrated on the Thus, by vibrating Om and leaving the material body thinking
omkara sound that is within. Similarly, all the other senses are of the Supreme Lord, the yogi is transferred to the spiritual world.
withdrawn from external activity. The mind is then concentrated These Dhyana yogis who concentrate on Krishna, may enter into
on the Visnu-murti within the heart. When the yogi has thus Goloka Vrindavana and attain their swaroopa as trees, grass, etc.
withdrawn his senses and concentrated his mind, he transfers the in Shanta rasa, or neutral relationship.
life air to the top of the head and decides where he should go. Those who are not personalists, however, cannot enter into the
There are innumerable planets and beyond these planets is the spiritual planet of Lord Sri Krishna. They remain outside, in the
spiritual world. The yogis obtain information of these planets from brahmajyoti effulgence. The impersonalists merge into the
the Vedic literatures. To attain a higher planet, one has to prepare spiritual existence; however, individuality is retained, because the
a particular type of body to enable one to live on that planet. We spirit soul is constitutionally an individual. Because the
cannot attain these planets by artificial, materialistic means, impersonalists don’t want a personal form, they are placed and
because a suitable body is necessary to live there. We can stay held in the impersonal brahmajyoti. There they exist just as atoms
within water only a short while, but fish are living there their exist within the sunshine. We are constitutionally sac-cid-ananda--
entire lives. But the fish does not have a body suitable for living eternal (sat), full of knowledge (cit), and full of bliss (ananda).
on the land. Similarly, to enter a higher planet, one has to prepare Those who enter the impersonal brahmajyoti cannot remain there
a suitable body. eternally with the knowledge that, “Now I am merged. I am now
The devotees of Krishna are not interested in any planet within one with Brahman.” Although there is eternality and knowledge,
this material universe, because they know that on all planets the bliss (ananda) is lacking.
four basic miseries exist-- birth, old age, disease, and death. In the
Bhakti Yogis
higher planets, one's life span may be much greater than on this
earth, but death is ultimately there. Therefore, those who are in In the material world, the highest pleasure is found in sex.
Krishna consciousness are not interested in material life but That is but a perverted reflection of the pure love of Krishna with
spiritual life, which means relief from these fourfold miseries. the living entities in the spiritual world. Because we all belong to
 Do All Paths Lead To The Same Goal? 265 266 Victory Over Death

the spiritual world, we have already seen the beauty of Krishna,

Krishna consciousness means always living with Krishna in
and we had a great love for Krishna in the spiritual world. But as
His spiritual planet. Because we are conscious of Krishna, we are
soon as we come into the material world, we search for the same
already living with Him. We simply have to wait to give up this
beauty of Krishna here. This material world is a place of
material body to go there. For one who remembers Krishna
forgetfulness of Krishna. And if someone has a small fraction of
Krishna’s beauty, then we put all our love in flesh. Actual life is without deviation, He is easy to obtain: “Tasyaham sulabhah
there in Krishna. Krishna is full of pleasure, and if we train
ourselves to serve Him in Krishna consciousness, it will be
possible at the time of death to transfer ourselves to the spiritual
world and enter into Krishnaloka, Krishna’s planet, and enjoy
ourselves in the association of Krishna, the reservoir of all
pleasure.
Krishna’s planet is described in Brahma-Samhita (5.29) in this
way:
cintamani-prakara-sadmasu kalpa-vrksa
laksavrtesu surabhir abhipalayantam
laksmi-sahasra-s'ata-sambhrama-sevyamanam
govindam adi-purusam tam aham bhajami

“I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, the first progenitor,

who is tending the surabhi cows that fulfil all desires, who is
surrounded by millions of purpose (wish-fulfilling) trees and
abodes built with spiritual gems, and who is always served with
great reverence and affection by hundreds and thousands of
goddesses of fortune.” In this way, Krishnaloka is described. partha”: “I become very cheap for them”. Because one is engaged
There, the houses are made of touchstone (cintamani). Similarly, in Bhakti yoga, Krishna becomes easily available. We have only
the trees there are called desire trees (kalpa-vriksa) because one to chant Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
can get whatever he desires from them. Here, we can get only / Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare twenty-four
mangoes from a mango tree, but in Krishnaloka, we can get hours daily. There is no hard and fast rule. We can chant in the
whatever we desire from any tree because the trees are kalpa- street, in our home or in our office. There is neither expenditure
vriksa. This is just a partial description of Krishnaloka, Krishna’s nor tax.
eternal abode in the spiritual sky. In Srimad-Bhagavatam (10.14.3), Lord Brahma prays to the
unconquerable Supreme Lord Krishna, known as Ajita:
 Do All Paths Lead To The Same Goal? 267 268 Victory Over Death

jnane prayasam udapasya namanta eva follow the ritualistic process, or you may perform penances or
jivanti san-mukharitam bhavadiya-vartam engage in studying the Vedas. But unless you reach the point of
sthane sthitah s'ruti-gatam tanu-van-manobhir Krishna consciousness, you will succeed only to a certain degree.”
ye prayas'o 'jita jito 'py asi tais tri-lokyam (November 1966, New York)

“O my dear Lord Ajita, those devotees who have thrown away na sädhayati mäà yogo na säìkhyaà dharma uddhava
the impersonal conceptions of the Absolute Truth and have na svädhyäyas tapas tyägo yathä bhaktir mamorjitä
therefore abandoned discussing empiric philosophical truths The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, said: “My dear
should hear from self-realized devotees about Your holy name, Uddhava, neither through astanga-yoga [the mystic yoga system to
form, pastimes, and qualities. They should completely follow the control the senses], nor through impersonal monism or an
principles of devotional service and remain free from illicit sex, analytical study of the Absolute Truth, nor through study of the
gambling, intoxication, and animal slaughter. Surrendering Vedas, nor through austerities, charity, or acceptance of sannyasa
themselves fully with body, words, and mind, they can live in any can one satisfy Me as much as by developing unalloyed
ashrama or social status. Indeed, You are conquered by such devotional service unto Me” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.14.20).
persons, although You are always unconquerable.” One has to come to the
In this verse, the words ‘jnane prayasam’ refer to theosophists point of Krishna consciousness.
and philosophers who are trying year after year, and life after life, You may follow the yoga
to understand God, or the Absolute Truth. Their attempts are like process, you may follow the
those of the frog in a well trying to comprehend the vastness of the philosophical process, you may
Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Such attempts are doomed to failure; follow the ritualistic process, or
therefore Srimad-Bhagavatam recommends that we abandon all you may perform penances or
attempts to measure the Supreme. We should become submissive engage in studying the Vedas.
and try to understand that our position is that of a very But unless you reach the point
insignificant segment in this creation. By becoming submissive, of Krishna consciousness, you
hearing from the right source, and trying to apply the teachings in will succeed only to a certain
our daily lives, we can become conquerors of the Supreme. For degree.
one who does this, Lord Krishna becomes easily available. Unfortunately, people
become satisfied with different
Bhakti Is The Only Means To The Ultimate Goal degrees of success. Hardly anyone tries to reach the final goal. But
if anyone wants to reach the final goal, then he has to take up the
As explained before, there are many paths, and they all don’t
lead to the same goal. As Srila Prabhupada said, “One has to come process of Krishna consciousness (bhaktir mamorjitä). That
to the point of Krishna consciousness. You may follow the yoga process alone can take you to the Supreme Lord.
process, you may follow the philosophical process, you may
 Do All Paths Lead To The Same Goal? 269 270 Victory Over Death

Those who are intelligent take to the simple process of

Krishna consciousness. In this age you cannot perform yoga
perfectly, you cannot perform religious rituals perfectly, and you
cannot study perfectly. The circumstances are so unfavourable that
these processes are not possible in this age. Therefore, Lord
Caitanya, by His causeless mercy, has given us the process of
Krishna consciousness, beginning with the chanting of the holy
name. And His teaching is corroborated in the Båhan-näradéya
Puräëa:

harer näma harer näma harer nämaiva kevalam

kalau nästy eva nästy eva nästy eva gatir anyathä

“In this Age of Kali, simply by chanting the holy name of

Krishna one can attain the ultimate goal. There is no alternative.
There is no alternative. There is no alternative.” (Cc. Adi 17.21)
So Lord Caitanya has not manufactured something by
recommending bhakti as the only means to the ultimate goal. He is
quoting from authorized scripture so that people can accept the
path of bhakti. Therefore we should accept this process, especially
the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra, and if we follow it very
seriously and sincerely, we will practically see that this is the only
process for swiftly realizing the Supreme Truth, the Absolute
Truth.
 272 Victory Over Death

In this chapter, we will discuss some of the practical aspects of

Bhakti yoga, by which one can make swift progress in the path of
Krishna consciousness. Jnana, theoretical knowledge, becomes

Chapter 7 Vijnana, realised knowledge when put into practice. Or else it is

useless. If one cultivates theoretical knowledge, but does not put it
into practice then what is the use of that knowledge? It is like:
• A patient who has received medicines from the doctor keeps
the medicine safely in a cupboard and never takes regular
doses of it. How can he be cured of his disease?
• If you purchase a ticket but fail to sit in the train, what is the
use?
Krishna spoke the Bhagavad-gita to Arjuna, who himself was a
family man, in order to show the world that this timeless message
is meant not only for renunciates but also for householders with
family and social responsibilities, who have an occupation and are
bewildered about proper execution of their duty while pursuing

Art Of Living the ultimate goal of life – self realisation. Srila Prabhupada
brought that same message to all of us in the unbroken chain of
disciplic succession.
How Should The Knowledge Of The Bhagavad-Gita
Be Received?
To understand the
Bhagavad-gita, Krishna
advises us to approach a
bona fide spiritual master
who knows the truth (BG
4.34). Spiritual subject
matter is not a subject of
speculation or research. It
can be understood only by
submission and surrender
to a bona fide authority.
 Art Of Living 273 274 Victory Over Death

Arjuna was confused about his duty and he surrendered to Krishna • ‘bhakto’ si me sakha ceti’: ‘One should be a friend and
and accepted him as his spiritual master and his illusion was gone. devotee of the Lord’ (BG 4.3)
What was available that day to Arjuna is available to us today. • ‘idam tu te guhyatamam pravakshyami anasuyave’: ‘My
There are so many commentaries on the Bhagavad-gita dear Arjuna, because you are never envious of Me, I shall
available in the market which carry concoctions of the human impart to you this most confidential knowledge and
mind, owing to which they putrefy the readers with enjoying realisation.’ (BG 9.1)
mentality, rather than purify them to become exalted, pure hearted • ‘This confidential knowledge (of the Bhagavad-gita) may
devotees. Some of the most prominent misconceptions are as never be explained to those who are not austere, or devoted,
follows: or engaged in devotional service, nor to one who is envious of
1. Krishna is a mythological figure. He did not and does not Me.’ (BG 18.67)
actually exist. Srila Prabhupada writes (BG
2. Krishna was a great man, but not the Supreme Personality of 4.3 purport) about the envious
Godhead. commentators as below: “There
3. Krishna was immoral. are two classes of men, namely
4. There are many gods. They are all the same, and worship of the devotee and the demon. The
any of them is the same worship of Krishna. Lord selected Arjuna as the
5. By meditation and spiritual practice, anyone can become as recipient of this great science
good as Krishna. owing to his being a devotee of
6. It is not the person Krishna who is to be worshiped but the the Lord, but for the demon, it is
unborn, eternal nature within Krishna. not possible to understand this
7. When Krishna is merciful to me, then I shall surrender to Him. great mysterious science. There
8. Bhakti is only a stepping stone to the achievement of jnana or are a number of editions of this
knowledge. great book of knowledge. Some
Although none of these ideas have either basis in reality or support of them have commentaries by
from scripture, and are thus completely fallacious, they have the devotees, and some of them
somehow or other become popular in Hindu society. There are have commentaries by the demons. Commentation by the devotees
dozens of fancy-sounding erroneous theories like the above. These is real, whereas that of the demons is useless. Arjuna accepts Sri
theories are propagated by envious people whose only business is Krishna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and any
to make a pompous display of being religious. They divert their commentary on the Gita following in the footsteps of Arjuna is
followers away from the actual goal of religion, which is to real devotional service to the cause of this great science. The
surrender wholeheartedly to Krishna. demoniac, however, do not accept Lord Krishna as He is. Instead,
Lord Krishna clearly mentions in the Bhagavad-gita that the they concoct something about Krishna and mislead general readers
qualification for hearing or understanding the Bhagavad-gita is: from the path of Krishna’s instructions. Here is a warning about
such misleading paths. One should try to follow the disciplic
 Art Of Living 275 276 Victory Over Death

succession from Arjuna, and thus be benefited by this great What Is A Real Temple?
science of Srimad Bhagavad-gita.”
A real temple is like a university where systematic training is
Although these commentaries are written by great politicians,
given about knowledge and its application: Who is God? What is
scholars, logicians, academicians, and thinkers, and have found a
the goal of human life? How to re-establish our relationship with
place in prominent libraries in the world, still, they were only
God? It is a spiritual hospital. At least one should learn four things
accumulating dust without anybody even referring to them. On the
there:
other hand, Srila Prabhupada presented Bhagavad-gita As It Is in
What is the diagnosis of my disease? Ans. Material body
the West and within two or three years, thousands of people
What caused the disease? Ans. wilful disobedience to the Lord
worldwide blossomed in their Krishna bhakti. Many Westerners,
What is the treatment? Ans. Complete surrender to the Lord
although coming from wealthy and educated backgrounds,
What is the medicine? Ans. Hare Krishna Maha Mantra
renounced everything and dedicated themselves fully to the
preaching mission of Srila Prabhupada. Thousands of families Then our visit to the temple is successful. A temple is not for
coming from various religions took to the Krishna faith and ringing a bell, putting a coin and coming back. Unfortunately,
moulded their lives according to Bhagavad-gita As It Is. How is most of the Indian temples these days are places encouraging
such a transformation of heart possible? some ritualistic worship. People never hear wisdom that will
It was possible because Srila Prabhupada presented the answer the facts about life, death, God, Karma, goal of life, etc.
Bhagavad-gita exactly as Krishna wanted it to be presented. The Due to family tradition or social pressure, people visit temples and
truth speaks for itself. Srila Prabhupada presented the celebrate festivals without understanding the meaning and purpose
commentaries in line with all the previous acaryas, or spiritual behind such worship.
masters, coming in the disciplic succession which originates from A real temple is a place where the real devotees of the Lord
Lord Krishna Himself. Spiritual knowledge comes down in are available to enlighten the visitors. The devotees of the Lord are
disciplic succession through bona fide acaryas in four living scriptures. They abide by the instructions of the Lord as
sampradayas – Brahma, Sri, Kumara and Rudra sampradayas. Just given in the scriptures. They have studied the scriptures and can
as electricity is produced at the power station, sent through thick enlighten anyone about the message of God, and about how
wires held by poles, and is available at a plug point, similarly should one lead his life. Such devotees chant the holy names,
spiritual knowledge is spoken by Lord Krishna Himself to dance for the pleasure of the Deities, distribute the mercy of the
Brahma, Lakshmiji, Rudra and the Kumaras, and is coming down Lord in the form of prasadam to the masses, deliver discourses
the line for the benefit of all people. Only when we receive repeating the message of the previous acaryas to remove the
knowledge in sampradaya, it is safe. All others may be giving cataract of ignorance of the general masses. Then one can see the
some portion of the truth, but most of the spiritual organisations Lord in the temple in proper perspective.
have mixed up concepts because they lack connection to Srila Prabhupada, following in the footsteps of his spiritual
sampradaya. master, His Divine Grace Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, opened
temples in India and abroad. In these temples, he established high
standards of deity worship, publishing and distributing Vedic
 Art Of Living 277 278 Victory Over Death

are meant for that. Srila Prabhupada wanted to open temples for
literature, mass
that purpose. Every heart, home and street should have a temple.
distribution of
prasadam, preaching What Does A Real Temple Teach The Visitors?
programs, celebrating
festivals like A real temple teaches the importance of:
Janmashtami, Rama (1) Association Of Devotees
Navami, etc., and The scriptures extol
inviting thousands of the glories of associating
people to join the with a devotee. Just as a
occasion. Thus, the rod of iron put in fire
mercy of the Lord is assumes the same
made available to people in a variety of ways. qualities of fire, in the
One of the important duties of the temple is to engage the same way, by hearing
congregation families in the Lord’s service. Everyone can engage and applying what one
in the Lord’s service without discrimination. The male member, hears from a saintly
leader of the family, can assist in managing temple affairs, fund person, one’s heart can
raising, construction, organising festivals, etc., while the women be transformed. A
can stitch dresses for the Deities, make garlands, cook bhoga, simple and commonly
decorate the temple for festivals, make jewellery, etc. Hundreds known evidence is of Valmiki, how he gave up his sinful life and
and thousands of people are required to take the message of the became a saintly person.
Lord to everyone. A sadhu is a devotee of the Lord. His concern, therefore, is to
At one time, when an epidemic started spreading all over, enlighten people in devotional service. That is his mercy. He
government hospitals were full, beds were full. There were knows that without devotional service, human life is spoiled. A
patients everywhere - under the beds, on the sides, in the corridors, devotee travels all over the country, from door to door, preaching,
outside, everything was full, and anyone who could do some “Be Krishna conscious. Be a devotee of Lord Krishna. Don’t spoil
treatment was taken for service: “Do it, do it, there is so much your life in simply fulfilling your animal propensities. Human life
need”. So many people were required to give this medicine to as is meant for self-realization, or Krishna consciousness.” These are
many people as possible. the preachings of a sadhu. He is not satisfied with his own
In the same way, all souls in the material world are suffering liberation. He always thinks about others. He is the most
from the disease of lack of Krishna consciousness and they have compassionate personality towards all fallen souls. One of his
come here to enjoy separately from Krishna in illusion. It is a qualifications, therefore, is ‘karunika’, great mercy to the fallen
great service to deliver these children of God and send them back souls.
to their original home – the spiritual world. Temples and devotees
 Art Of Living 279 280 Victory Over Death

Mahaprabhu what the duty of a householder is, and Sri Caitanya

While engaged in preaching work, he has to meet with so
many opposing elements, and therefore, the sadhu has to be very Mahaprabhu immediately replied, asat-saìga-tyäga—ei vaiñëava-
tolerant. Someone may ill-treat him because the conditioned souls äcära: “Don’t associate with non-devotees, but search out a
are not prepared to receive the transcendental knowledge of sadhu.” (Cc. Madhya 22.87)
devotional service. They don’t like it; that is their disease. The At the present moment, it is very difficult to avoid the
sadhu has the thankless task of impressing upon them the company of asadhus, those who are not sadhus. It is very difficult
importance of devotional service. Sometimes, devotees are to find a sadhu for association. Srila Prabhupada has therefore
personally attacked with violence. Lord Jesus Christ was crucified, started this Krishna consciousness movement to create an
Haridasa Thakura was caned in twenty-two marketplaces, and association of sadhus so that people may take advantage and
Lord Caitanya’s principal assistant, Nityananda, was violently become liberated. There is no other purpose for this society.
attacked by Jagai and Madhai. But still they were tolerant because Krishna states in the Bhagavad-gita (6.47) that the first-class
their mission was to deliver fallen souls. sadhu is one who is always thinking of Him. This process is not
A sadhu deals with all conditioned souls for their ultimate very difficult. We should always think of Krishna, but how is this
relief from material entanglement. Therefore, no one can be possible? We think of our business, our dog, our family, our
friendlier than a sadhu in relieving a conditioned soul. A sadhu is lovable objects, and so many other things. We have to think of
calm, and he quietly and peacefully follows the principles of something. We cannot remain without thinking. We simply have
scripture. A sadhu is also one who follows the principles of to divert our thoughts to Krishna. It is the sadhu’s business to
scripture and at the same time, is a devotee of the Lord. One who teach this, and one can learn this in the association of a sadhu.
actually follows the principles of scripture must be a devotee of By the mercy of Srila Prabhupada, ISKCON temples have
God because all the sastras instruct us to obey the orders of the devotees practicing Krishna consciousness and preaching the same
Personality of Godhead. A sadhu, therefore, is a follower of the for the benefit of common people. There are college programs,
scriptural injunctions and a devotee of the Lord. All good house programs, school programs, and temple programs where
characteristics are prominent in a devotee, and he develops all the one can visit and learn how to begin applying the teaching of the
good qualities of the demigods, whereas a non-devotee, even Bhagavad-gita in our daily life. There are special programs
though academically qualified, has no good qualifications or good arranged every Sunday, called ‘Sunday Feast’, where one can hear
characteristics according to the standard of transcendental a discourse, participate in the kirtans, honour the divine mercy of
realization. the Lord in the form of prasadam and associate with devotees. One
‘sadhu-sanga’—sarva-sastre kaya: (Cc. Madhya 22.54): This should try to seek the association of devotees. Without
is the advice of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. All sastras advise us to association, advancement is impossible.
associate with a sadhu. Even Canakya Pandita, the great politician, (2) Dangers Of Materialistic Association
recommended: tyaja durjana-saàsargaà bhaja sadhu- More important than associating with devotees is to avoid
samägamam. One Vaishnava householder asked Caitanya materialistic association. Lord Caitanya gave his first instruction
to Sanatana Gosvami: ‘asat sanga tyaga yei vaishnava acara’: the
 Art Of Living 281 282 Victory Over Death

has plucked out the Vedic culture from the root. And
first thing a Vaishnava should do is to give up the association of
unfortunately, we think it is our friend.
non-devotees.
In the West, small children of 10 or 12 years age take guns in
All mothers are aware,
their pockets to school and shoot the teachers and students. When
“Which school does my child go
they were asked why they did this, their answer was that they did
to? Who are his friends?”
it for fun. What was the fun? Normally, we try to check the
because you become what you
behaviour of the children, but the roots are deep down in their
associate with. If you associate
memory. A research was done on their psychology. After the
with those who have great love
research, they found out that there are about 125 channels shown
for Krishna, then you also
on the televisions in the West and in one day there about 18,000 to
advance and get surcharged. If
20,000 scenes of violence that are being shown. As the children
you associate with those who
are not much interested in the educative programmes, those scenes
have Krishna as the last priority
of violence are being registered in their memory, so their thought
in their life, then you also
patterns are changing accordingly. They have begun to think in
become like that.
that way. Their consciousness is built on the basis of their
According to Srimad-Bhagavatam, one should understand the
thoughts. Their attitudes, and perceptions towards life and society
Supreme Lord to be the object of all love and affection, devotees
have changed, as also their behaviour. Ultimately, their complete
to be the real friends, the innocent to be proper recipients of our
personality has changed. We can thus imagine how their future
preaching and envious people to be kept at a distance. One should
will be shaped? If we are not aware of the quality of the inputs
follow this standard if one wants to make progress in spiritual life.
absorbed by the memory, how can we change their behaviour and
Many of us mistake our greatest enemy to be our friend. Can
personality? When a person gets into this vicious cycle, it is very
you guess who that enemy is? A clue -- we give him the most
difficult for him to mange himself and in the later stages a great
prominent place at our homes and serve him with our family and
frustration is created. One even finds difficult to survive.
friends, practically everyday. We pay thousands of rupees to get
Where do we break this vicious cycle? We all know that
the association of that enemy and invite him home. Guess who?
without our conscious awareness the memory is absorbing
The one-eyed demon: T.V. – by pressing a button, all the sense
maximum negative input. Where do we bring the change from?
gratification that is there all around the world is at your finger tips.
Parents think, when the child is crying, that they can just press a Memory Absorbs Input Like A Blotting Paper; Give Good
button and engage the child for two hours. Of course, the parents Quality Input
may be relieved, but it is no exaggeration to say that they are According to psychologists, the human memory is so powerful
handing over their children in the hands of a deadly witch. What in the early morning hours that it absorbs the inputs like a blotting
700 years of Moghul rule and 200 years of British rule could not paper. We have to be selective, especially in the early morning
do to shake the faith of Indians in Vedic culture, 20 years of TV hours, when the memory is in a high state of absorbing. As such,
we have to be cautious of the quality of nourishment we are giving
 Art Of Living 283 284 Victory Over Death

• Unscrupulous professional speakers of the Bhagavatam,

to our memory, because accordingly our entire system will
who make good money by titillating the mind and senses of the
function. When I nourish my mind with healthy positive inputs, I
masses by singing sweet songs on Krishna and reciting the tenth
empower my self.
canto of the Bhagavatam.
Spiritual dimension thus enables one to empower the self. That
is the only source from where we get quality information or • So-called sadhus who collect many followers by their
knowledge. Absorbing the mind in mantra meditation like personal charisma, but they have nothing substantial to offer. They
chanting Hare Krishna, reading scriptures like the Bhagavad-gita entertain their followers by telling many stories, but hardly care to
or Srimad-Bhagavatam in the early morning hours purifies our teach them philosophy. They are strict with their disciples and
heart. Such divine knowledge generates will power and we can more or less let them do as they please. They offer material
thus take the focus of control in our own hands. Once we are self- benedictions, promising improved health, increased prosperity,
empowered, we look at the problems and situations in a different solving of problems, and so on.
way and instead of being influenced and controlled by them, we • Atheists who are out-rightly opposed to the will and plan
can manage them in a better way so as to easily control them. We of God, and who subtly or grossly express their rebellion against
can maintain a positive attitude, a positive thinking process and God and His scriptures. They may even pose as educated scholars,
deal accordingly. This is how we manage our complete inner scientists, social welfare workers, nationalists, etc.
mechanism and prepare our consciousness to approach the Lord. • Pretenders who put up the show of being a great devotee to
One should also keep a distance from, and give up the attract the public’s eye only to earn name, fame, followers, women
association of: and money.
• Pseudo-religious groups that proclaim • Charismatic crowd-pullers who try to capture the limelight
some man as avatar or God and demand by putting up all-pervading posters of themselves, ignoring God,
blind faith and money from the masses. but who teach sub-religious principles of service to society,
• Pseudo-yoga institutes that teach only parents, demigods, forefathers, or poor people. Such people keep
how to improve physical health through yoga the masses in darkness.
to have better sex life. Such cheaters sometimes pretend to be Vaishnavas. They wear
• Mayavadi gurus who preach the Vaishnava tilaka, chant the names of Krishna and Rama, and
bogus philosophy that everyone is God or speak on Krishna and Rama lila. However, their motive is not to
can become God. serve Krishna and Rama, but to exploit the sentiment of others.
Such persons should be avoided by those serious to advance in
• Sahajiyas or pseudo-devotees, who
pure devotional service. Those who are intelligent and sincere
take Krishna consciousness to be something
should seek that association by which they can actually become
cheap. Without following the rules and
purified and free from material attachments by performing
regulations of devotional service, they artificially consider
regulated devotional service.
themselves highly advanced and make a false show of intense
devotion.
 Art Of Living 285 286 Victory Over Death

(3) Accepting The Guidance Of A Spiritual Master, Guru What Does The Guru Teach?
This material world is like an ocean and everyone in this world How To Be Krishna Conscious In Family Life
is suffocating and suffering as if thrown in the middle of the
“One who cannot deliver his dependents from the path of
ocean. It is like the dark night for the soul. The spiritual master is
repeated birth and death should never become a spiritual master, a
the messenger of God who enlightens us and delivers us from the
father, a husband, a mother or a worshipable demigod.” (SB
covering of ignorance. It is impossible for one to be delivered
5.5.19)
from this world of suffering and achieve love for God without the
Ordinarily, the spiritual master, husband, father, mother or
mercy and guidance of a spiritual master.
superior relative accepts worship from an inferior relative, but
Intelligent human beings
here Rsabhadeva forbids this. First, the father, spiritual master or
must always remember that the
husband must be able to release the dependent from repeated birth
soul obtains a human form after
and death. If he cannot do this, he plunges himself into the ocean
an evolution of many millions of
of reproachment for his unlawful activities. Everyone should be
years in the cycle of
very responsible and take charge of his dependents, just as a
transmigration. The material
spiritual master takes charge of his disciple, or a father takes
world is sometimes compared to
charge of his son. All these responsibilities cannot be discharged
an ocean, and the human body is
honestly unless one can save the dependent from repeated birth
compared to a solid boat
and death. Often, parents feel that their foremost duty towards
designed especially to cross this
their children is to provide them with a nice education, a nice
ocean. The spiritual master is
bungalow to live in, a good wife, a good job, etc., but all these
compared to an expert boatman,
things are temporary. Even cats and dogs have their offspring and
and the facilities of the human
they give protection as well training in eating, sleeping, mating
body are compared to favourable
and defending. But the first responsibility of anyone as a family
breezes that help the boat ply
member is to liberate the dependent.
smoothly to its desired
destination. With all these facilities, a human being can fully Pure Devotional Service To The Divine Couple, Sri Sri
utilize his life for self-realization and achieve perfection in this Radha And Krishna
very life. One should accept the guidance of such a captain Only Krishna consciousness, especially as taught in the line of
spiritual master in one’s life, and safely cross the ocean of material Lord Caitanya, teaches how to be free from all personal motives,
existence and return back home, back to Godhead. and thus attain one’s constitutional position as an eternal servant
of Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Srila Rupa
Gosvami has defined this superlative standard thus:
 Art Of Living 287 288 Victory Over Death

necessities. We should simplify our life and not increase

anyabhilashita shunyam jnana karmady anavrtam necessities.
anukulyena krishnanu shilanam bhaktir uttama y Highest honesty is to surrender to Krishna.
“One should render transcendental loving service to the Once, three thieves broke into a bank, collected a good sum
Supreme Lord, Krishna, favourably, without desire for material and ran into the forest. One of the thieves went to pass stool while
profit or gain through fruitive activities or philosophical the other two awaited him. One of them said, “Hey! I think this is
speculation. That is called pure devotional service.” (Bhakti- the best moment for us. This fellow will take time to return. Come
rasamrta-sindhu 1.1.11) on! Let us share the amount between both of us and run away.”
The Krishna consciousness movement of Lord Caitanya The other thief said, “No, no. We should be honest in sharing.
Mahaprabhu is a cultural, philosophical, and scientific What you are saying is not proper. We all worked together to rob
presentation meant for the re-spiritualization of the entire world. It the bank. Now we should all share it together honestly”. All the
is a serious education, not an ordinary religion. It is a historically wealth of the world belongs to the Supreme Proprietor, Sri
authorized, natural and transcendental movement meant for a Krishna. Without giving to Him, sharing His wealth amongst
complete overhauling of the whole social, political, religious, ourselves even honestly and enjoying is no less than thievery.
moral, educational and hygienic principles. Everything, including grains and gold, is created by God. If
Importance Of Following The Four Regulative Principles someone gives them in charity, after first claiming proprietorship,
then he is considered a thief.
No meat-eating, no gambling, no intoxication, no illicit sex. If y We should follow the ‘isavasya’ principle – not enjoying
one follows these principles, it is very easy to advance in spiritual beyond our quota.
life. These are explained later. One should be intelligent enough to know that, except for the
Moral And Spiritual Honesty Lord, no one is a proprietor of anything. One should accept only
those things that are set aside by the Lord as his quota. The cow,
y The whole world is going on the path of immorality and for instance, gives milk, but she does not drink that milk. She eats
destruction, whereas the Vedic civilisation teaches the highest grass and straw, and her milk is designated as food for human
principles of civilised human behaviour. beings. Such is the arrangement of the Lord. Thus, we should be
y One should simplify one’s life, and not go on increasing satisfied with those things He has kindly set aside for us, and we
necessities. should always consider to whom those things we possess actually
Once, a brahmacari’s meditation was disturbed by a rat that bit belong. Take, for example, our dwelling, which is made of earth,
his loincloth. He got a cat to chase the rat. He had to get a cow to wood, stone, iron, cement and so many other material things. If we
feed milk to the cat. Now, the cow demanded so much attention think in terms of Sri Isopanishad, we must know that we cannot
that he had to get married. And to maintain his wife and children, produce any of these building materials ourselves. We can simply
he gave up his meditation and had to go out and work hard. In this bring them together and transform them into different shapes by
way, his ultimate purpose was defeated because of increasing our labour. A labourer cannot claim to be a proprietor of a thing
just because he has worked hard to manufacture it. Thus, the guru
 Art Of Living 289 290 Victory Over Death

How To Dovetail One’s Occupation In Devotional Service?

teaches the disciple to remember that, “Everything belongs to
Krishna. I should accept only my quota of resources, be satisfied y Depending on whatever your talents or profession are –
with it and spend all the balance in Krishna’s service.” civil engineer, accountant, doctor, housewife, or student – one can
render help to the temple devotees in promoting Krishna
Charity Is A Must For Householders
consciousness.
‘yajna dana tapas caiva pavanani maneesinam’: One y There are grhasthas who make art and craft to preach
becomes purified by performing penance, giving charity and Krishna consciousness, stitch clothes for the Lord, make
conducting sacrifice. Anything you give to anyone is not charity. ornaments for the Lord, help manage temple funds, do gardening
A wrong thing given to a wrong person at the wrong time, place or in the temple, sing during temple programs, and help in publishing
circumstance is charity in the mode of ignorance. Giving the right books, construction work, etc. All these activities become
thing in the right place, but with a wrong motive is in the mode of completely spiritual as they are meant for promoting Krishna
passion. For example, some people give charity with the desire, consciousness.
“Let the whole world know how great I am”. But Jesus said, How Can We Make Our Home into A Temple?
“When the right hand gives charity, the left hand should not come
to know about it”. Charity in the mode of goodness is given with 9 By establishing an altar,
the thought, “The brahmanas don’t need it. But I need to give 9 By offering bhoga (food) to the Deity,
charity for my purification.” 9 By offering arati to the Deity, and
9 By inviting family members to participate
Give Charity to the right person at the right time, place and The aforementioned items as well as the ones given below are
circumstances explained elaborately in the book ‘A Beginner’s Guide To Krishna
Transcendental charity directly or indirectly helps others to get Consciousness’ by His Holiness Bhakti Vikas Swami Maharaj.
Krishna. How To Remain In Proper Consciousness Always?
y For example, if a millionaire’s son is wandering like a
beggar in the street, giving him food, clothing, medicine, etc., is 9 Japa (chanting Hare Krishna)
not real help. One should take him back to his father, who can 9 Reading of scriptures
fulfil all his needs with love. 9 Hearing from advanced devotees
y For example, we should save the drowning man, not just 9 Regularly visiting the temple
the coat. Similarly, we should save the suffering souls by giving
them Krishna consciousness and take them back to Godhead, not
just save their bodies by giving food and facilities. Krishna
considers this as the greatest charity.
 Art Of Living 291 292 Victory Over Death

What If One Does Not Take Diksha?

Guru And Disciple
Unless one is initiated by a bona fide guru, all his devotional
Qualifications Of A Bona Fide Spiritual Master activities are useless. One can descend again into the animal
(Please refer to Chapter 3 of our book ‘Your Best Friend’) species.
9 Well versed with the science of Krishna (‘yei krsna tattva vetta To Carry The Supreme Personality Of Godhead Within
sei guru haya’) One’s Heart, One Must Be Initiated By Another Person
9 Has heard the knowledge in one of the four paramparas
9 An acharya (one who sets his own example) 9 Krishna was transferred from the mind of Vasudeva to the mind
9 Following guru, sadhu and sastra of Devaki.
9 Has controlled the six urges—speech, mind, anger, tongue, 9 Devaki, being thus initiated by Vasudeva, became beautiful by
belly and genitals carrying Lord Krishna.
9 Has realised the conclusion of scriptures by deliberation 9 Unless one is initiated by the right person, who always carries
9 Fixed in devotional service to the Supreme Lord the Supreme Personality of Godhead within his heart, one
Contribution of such an acarya is the establishment of true cannot acquire the power to carry the Supreme Personality of
temples that are colleges of higher education where one is Godhead within the core of one’s own heart. The Lord’s
systematically educated and trained to perfect one’s life. presence is awakened through initiation by guru.
Qualifications Of A Disciple Initiation Changes A Disciple’s Life
(Please refer to our publication, ‘Your Best Friend’) When Narada was impregnated with spiritual knowledge by
9 Inquisitiveness to know the Absolute Truth the grace of the great sages, there was a tangible change in his life,
9 Submissive spirit although he was only a boy of 5 years. This is an important
9 Service attitude symptom visible after initiation by the bona fide guru.

Diksha (Initiation) At The Time Of Initiation, The Disciple:

9 Agrees to give up sinful activity, and
What Happens By Diksha? 9 Agrees to execute the order of the spiritual master
Diksha is a process by which Once, Narada muni met a hunter, Mrigari, who was half
9 One can awaken his transcendental knowledge and killing animals in the forest. By Narada muni’s mercy, his heart
9 Vanquish all reactions caused by sinful activity. transformed and he surrendered to him. As soon as Mrigari fell at
‘divyam jnanam yato dadyat kuryat papasya sankshayam’ the feet of Narada and said, “My dear sir, whatever you say I shall
Diksha actually means initiating a disciple with transcendental do”, Narada immediately ordered him, “First of all, break your
knowledge by which he becomes freed from all material bow. Then I shall tell you what is to be done.” Just as the sinful
contamination. (Cc. Madhya. 4.111) act of half-killing animals with the bow was Mrigari’s business,
the general people also indulge in the sinful acts of meat eating,
 Art Of Living 293 294 Victory Over Death

When a person is serious about accepting diksha, he must be

gambling, intoxication and illicit sex. At the time of initiation, the
prepared to practice austerity, celibacy and control of the mind
disciple promises the spiritual master that he/she will not commit
and body. If one is so prepared and is desirous of receiving
these four sinful acts again. He promises to execute the order of
spiritual enlightenment (divyam jnanam), he is fit for being
guru. The spiritual master takes care of him and elevates him to
initiated.
spiritual emancipation.
Divyam jnanam is technically called tad-vijnana, or
Who Is Qualified? knowledge about the Supreme. Tad-vijïänärthaà sa gurum
9 One who is prepared to practice austerity, celibacy, control eväbhigacchet: (MU 1.2.12) When one is interested in the
of mind and body, and transcendental subject matter of the Absolute Truth, he should be
9 One who is eager to receive ‘divya jnana’ - enlightenment initiated. Such a person should approach a spiritual master in order
One should follow the four regulative principles and chant 16 to take diksha.
rounds of the Hare Krishna maha mantra every day. The disciple Who Is Not Qualified?
must also be eager to hear spiritual subject matter to make further
progress in Krishna consciousness. One should not accept a spiritual master without following his
Diksha, or spiritual initiation, is explained in the Bhakti- instructions. Nor should one accept a spiritual master just to make
sandarbha (868) by Srila Jiva Gosvami: a fashionable show of spiritual life. One must be jijnasu, very
much inquisitive to learn from the bona fide spiritual master. The
divyaà jïänaà yato dadyät kuryät päpasya saìkñayam inquiries one makes should strictly pertain to transcendental
tasmäd dékñeti sä proktä deçikais tattva-kovidaiù science (jijïäsuù çreya uttamam). The word uttamam refers to
“By diksha, one gradually becomes disinterested in material that which is above material knowledge. Tama means “the
enjoyment and gradually becomes interested in spiritual life.” darkness of this material world,” and ut means “transcendental.”
In Europe and America, many students who come to ISKCON Generally people are very interested in inquiring about mundane
from rich and respectable families quickly lose all interest in subject matters, but when one has lost such interest and is simply
material enjoyment, and become very eager to enter into spiritual interested in transcendental subject matters, he is quite fit for
life. Although they come from very wealthy families, many of being initiated.
them accept living conditions that are not very comfortable.
Indeed, for Krishna’s sake they are prepared to accept any living Choosing The Spiritual Master
condition as long as they can live in the temple and associate with His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada is
the Vaishnavas. the Founder Acarya of ISKCON, as well as the pre-eminent siksha
When one becomes so disinterested in material enjoyment, he guru for every one within ISKCON. Srila Prabhupada established
becomes fit for initiation by the spiritual master. the Governing Body Commission (GBC) in 1970 for managing
For the advancement of spiritual life Srimad-Bhagavatam and running ISKCON. There are gurus or spiritual masters who
(6.1.13) prescribes: tapasä brahmacaryeëa çamena ca damena ca. are selected amongst highly qualified devotees and have been
endorsed by the GBC. The guru vows to guide his disciples by his
 Art Of Living 295 296 Victory Over Death

Still, even if we grant that Lord Caitanya is Krishna, we may

own exemplary conduct according to Srila Prabhupada’s
ask, “Why did Lord Krishna appear in this form?” The answer is:
teachings, as well as GBC authority. One may choose one of these
Lord Krishna in His form of Lord Caitanya most generously
authorised spiritual masters and accept diksha after deliberation.
distributes love of God to the fallen people of the age of Kali.
More details can be obtained from the book, ‘The Spiritual Master
When Lord Krishna appeared on the earth five thousand years
and The Disciple’, which is a compilation from Srila Prabhupada’s
ago, He blessed the world with His loving pastimes in Vrindavana
books. (Bhaktivedanta Book Trust)
and with His teachings in the Bhagavad-gita. But with the passage
The Golden Incarnation For The Iron Age of time, it became more and more difficult for people to fully
appreciate and take advantage of that blessing. The present age,
Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu is Krishna Himself, who appeared the age of Kali, is characterized by the deterioration of spiritual
500 years ago on this planet earth as the Kali Yuga Avatar, values and understanding. In the course of time, therefore, people
specifically for the purpose of preaching Krishna-Bhakti, love of became confused about Lord Krishna’s teachings in the Gita.
Krishna, through congregational chanting of the Holy Names: Also, the unfortunate people of this age are unable to practice
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare / Hare austerities for self purification in spiritual life. To rescue these
Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. In other words, He is fallen souls, therefore, Lord Krishna again appeared, but this time
Lord Krishna Himself, teaching the living entities the proper way as His own pure devotee, Lord Caitanya.
to approach Krishna. He is like a teacher who, seeing a student The chanting of the holy names of God as delivered by Lord
doing poorly, takes up a pencil and writes, saying, “Do it like this: Caitanya is not only an easy practice, but it is also the topmost
A, B, C”. By this, one must not think that the teacher is learning method for achieving spiritual perfection. No one but the Supreme
his ABCs. Although He appears in the guise of a devotee, we Lord Himself could distribute the highest form of devotional
should always remember that Lord Caitanya is Krishna (God) service, and thus Lord Krishna Himself appeared as a devotee.
Himself teaching us how to become Krishna conscious. That is Lord Caitanya.
Although Lord Caitanya Himself never declared that He was Lord Caitanya is Lord Krishna in His most merciful feature.
Krishna, the Vedic literature reveals that He was. The Srimad- Therefore, even if one doesn’t understand Lord Caitanya’s identity
Bhagavatam (11.5.32), for instance, not only identifies Lord as the Supreme Lord, but accepts Him as a saintly person or as a
Caitanya but also describes His mission: social reformer and philosopher, one can still derive the highest
krsna-varnam tvisakrsnam sangopangastra-parsadam benefit by chanting the names of God. Without knowing anything
yajnaih sankirtana-prayair yajanti hi sumedhasah at all about Lord Caitanya, people throughout the world have
enthusiastically participated in Lord Caitanya’s sankirtana
“In the age of Kali, intelligent persons perform congregational movement of chanting, dancing and partaking of spiritual food
chanting to worship the incarnation of Godhead who constantly (prasadam). Through the growing Hare Krishna movement, Lord
sings the name of Krishna. Although His complexion is not Caitanya’s prediction that His name would be chanted in every
blackish, He is Krishna Himself. He is accompanied by His town and village of the world is quickly coming to pass, and
associates, servants, weapons, and confidential companions”.
 Art Of Living 297 298 Victory Over Death

This fervent call will attract the attention of the Lord and bring
people all over the world are coming to know the holy name of
mercy upon the sincere devotee.
Krishna.
Srila Prabhupada speaks about the nature of the Hare Krishna
Chanting The Holy Name: maha mantra in his world-renowned audiotape: “In the material
Meditation For The Modern Age concept of life, we are busy in the matter of sense gratification, as
if we were in the lower animal stage. A little elevated from this
There are various methods for God realisation. In this age of status of sense gratification, one is engaged in mental speculation
Kali yuga, according to all the revealed Vedic literatures, the for the purpose of getting out of the material clutches. A little
chanting of the Holy names: elevated from this speculative status, when one is intelligent
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare enough, one tries to find out the supreme cause of all causes—
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare within and without. And when one is factually on the plane of
spiritual understanding surpassing the stages of sense, mind and
is prescribed as the most sublime method for reviving our intelligence, he is then on the transcendental plane. This chanting
transcendental consciousness. of the Hare Krishna mantra is enacted from the spiritual platform,
“It is the nature of the Hare Krishna maha mantra that anyone and thus this sound vibration surpasses all lower strata of
who chants it immediately develops his loving ecstasy for consciousness—namely sensual, mental, and intellectual. There is
Krishna.” (Caitanya Caritamrta, Adi lila 7.83) no need, therefore, to understand the language of the mantra, nor
Chanting of the Hare Krishna maha mantra is essential for is there any need for mental speculation, nor any intellectual
every serious devotee of Krishna. We should make it a habit to adjustment for chanting this maha mantra. It is automatic, from the
chant a prescribed number of rounds everyday. Japa is best spiritual platform, and as such, anyone can take part in the
chanted on a japa mala, so as to keep count of the number of times chanting, without any previous qualification.
we are chanting. His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami The word Hara is the form of addressing the energy of the
Prabhupada, Founder Acarya of ISKCON and empowered Lord, and the words Krishna and Rama are forms of addressing
propagator of the holy name in the present age, fixed sixteen the Lord Himself. Both Krishna and Rama mean “the supreme
“rounds” (16 x 108 chants of the Hare Krishna mantra) as the pleasure”, and Hara is the supreme pleasure energy of the Lord,
minimum for initiated devotees. One may start by chanting one changed to Hare in the vocative.
round and gradually increase to two, four, eight and in this way The material energy, called maya, is also one of the
come to the standard of sixteen rounds daily. Never decrease the multifarious energies of the Lord. We, the living entities, are also
number of rounds chanted daily. This is all the more important for the energy (marginal energy) of the Lord. The living entities are
initiated devotees. described as superior to material energy. When the superior
While chanting a fixed number of rounds, we should focus on energy is in contact with the inferior energy, an incompatible
improving the quality of chanting. One should attentively hear situation arises; but when the superior marginal energy is in
every syllable of the maha mantra and call upon the name of the contact with the superior energy, Hara, it is established in its
Lord in the same mood of a child calling helplessly for its mother. happy, normal condition.
 Art Of Living 299 300 Victory Over Death

of chanting Vedic mantras can invoke fire automatically without

These three words, namely Hara, Krishna and Rama, are the
the use of matchsticks.
transcendental seeds of the maha mantra. The chanting is a
Elaborate temple worship requires strict rules and regulations
spiritual call for the Lord and His energy, to give protection to the
for deity worship. If a brahmana has to follow all the rules given
conditioned soul. The chanting is exactly like the genuine cry of a
in Pancaratrika system completely, then probably he will never
child for its mother’s presence. Mother Hara helps the devotee
come out of the bathroom. Such a high degree of purity is
achieve the Lord Father’s grace, and the Lord reveals Himself to
required.
the devotee who chants this mantra sincerely. No other means of
Chanting of the Holy Name or Nama sankirtana is the most
spiritual realisation is as effective in this age of quarrel and
merciful and easiest process prescribed for Kali yuga. Chanting
hypocrisy as the chanting of the maha mantra:
can be done at any place, any time, by anybody (even by the most
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare fallen) without any restriction. In Kali yuga, chanting is prescribed
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare” as the only yuga dharma as confirmed by the following scriptural
quotes:
Different Yugas – Different Prescribed Methods
There are different techniques of God realisation taught for kaler doña-nidhe räjann asti hy eko mahän guëaù
different ages. For example, in kértanäd eva kåñëasya mukta-saìgaù paraà vrajet
Satya yuga : Dhyana yoga, or Astanga yoga “My dear King, although Kali-yuga is an ocean of faults, there
Treta yuga : Yajna – fire sacrifices is still one good quality about this age: Simply by chanting the
Dvapara yuga : Elaborate temple deity worship Hare Krishna maha-mantra, one can become free from material
Kali yuga : Nama sankirtan or chanting of the holy name bondage and be promoted to the transcendental kingdom.”(SB
Dhyana yoga involves many austerities. One has to be a 12.3.51)
celibate and cannot perform this in a fashionable city. One has to kali-käle näma-rüpe kåñëa-avatära
go to the forest, and eat only dry leaves and roots. One has to näma haite haya sarva-jagat-nistära
control the breathing process through pranayama and control the
“In this Age of Kali, the holy name of the Lord, the Hare
mind and senses through pratyahara. One has to make a seat
Krishna maha-mantra, is the incarnation of Lord Krishna. Simply
neither too high nor too low, lay kusa grass, sit on it and meditate
by chanting the holy name, one associates with the Lord directly.
on the Vishnu murti form in the heart. Since this method is so
Anyone who does this is certainly delivered.” (CC.Adi.17.22)
difficult that even Arjuna rejected it, it is certainly impossible to
perform in the jet age of Kali yuga. harer näma harer näma harer nämaiva kevalam
Yajna, or fire sacrifices, involve enormous expenditures for kalau nästy eva nästy eva nästy eva gatir anyathä
the ingredients like ghee, silk, grains, gold, etc. Even if one has a “In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy the only means of
lot of wealth, one may not get qualified brahmanas whose power deliverance is chanting the holy name of the Lord. There is no
other way. There is no other way. There is no other way.” (Brhan-
naradiya Purana 3.8.126)
 Art Of Living 301 302 Victory Over Death

If somebody argues that there is no greatness in simply

hare kåñëa hare kåñëa kåñëa kåñëa hare hare repeating some name for a few hours per day life long, then we
hare räma hare räma räma räma hare hare can ask him to utter ‘Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola,…’, for a
iti ñoòaçakaà nämnäà kali-kalmaña-näçanaà couple of hours every day for at least a year. One will get fed up
nätaù parataropäyaù sarva-vedeñu dåçyate within a day. It is not possible because it is an ordinary mundane
sound vibration, whereas the Hare Krishna chanting is a spiritual
“After searching through all the Vedic literature, one cannot
sound vibration. If one chants Hare Krishna sincerely, it increases
find a method of religion more sublime for this age than the
one’s ecstasy of chanting.
chanting of Hare Krishna.” (Kali Santaran Upanishad 5, 6)
Just as a child cannot differentiate between a Rs.500/-
Spiritual Sound & Material Sound currency note and a newspaper, a layman cannot understand the
In the Padma Purana, it is mentioned: difference between ordinary sound vibration and spiritual sound
vibration. The Hare Krishna chant is a spiritual sound vibration
nama cintamani krishnas caitanya rasa vigraha and its results can be perceived by a sincere chanter.
purna suddho nitya mukto abhinnatvam nama naminah Thus, amongst all the activities performed by a devotee, the
“The Holy name of Krishna is transcendentally blissful. It is foremost activity is the chanting of Hare Krishna everyday. A
Krishna Himself and bestows all benedictions. It is not devotee of the Lord chants a prescribed number of rounds
contaminated by material qualities and is always liberated, everyday. In ISKCON, Srila Prabhupada has given 16 rounds of
because the name of Krishna and Krishna Himself are identical.” chanting the Hare Krishna maha mantra on an everyday basis, and
In the material world, names have no significance. Some following the regulative principles of no meat eating, no
beggar may possess the name ‘Lakshmipati’, and an ugly man gambling, no intoxication and no illicit sex. Anyone who chants in
may possess the name ‘Sundergopal’. Their names have no this way can maintain a proper consciousness and further engage
connection to their characteristics. Similarly, the name and the in various services to Krishna by utilizing all his energies.
very object are different in the material world.
For example, no one can quench his thirst by repeatedly
Four Regulative Principles
shouting ‘Water, water, water…’ This is because the substance With the progression of the age of Kali, people are becoming
water and the word ‘water’ is not the same. This is not true about very proud, and attached to women and intoxication. By the
things on the Absolute plane. The sound vibration ‘Krishna’ and influence of the age of Kali, even a pauper is proud of his penny.
the Personality Krishna are non-different. This is the reason why The women are always dressed in an overly attractive fashion to
devotees of the Lord perceive the presence of Krishna as soon as victimize the minds of men, and the man is addicted to drinking
they chant the holy names of Krishna. And they can go on wine, smoking, drinking tea and chewing tobacco, etc.
chanting hours and hours for many, many years and even life long. All these habits, or so-called advancement of civilization, are
They will never get bored. the root causes of all irreligiosities, and therefore it is not possible
to check corruption, bribery and nepotism. Man cannot check all
these evils simply by statutory acts and police vigilance, but he
 Art Of Living 303 304 Victory Over Death

religion have been achieved. Sticking to the dogmas and formulas

can cure the disease of the mind by the proper medicine, namely
without attaining the real principles is not good. A secular state
advocating the principles of brahminical culture, or the principles
may be impartial to any particular type of faith, but the state
of austerity, cleanliness, mercy and truthfulness.
cannot be indifferent to the principles of religion as mentioned
The principles of religion do not
above.
stand on some dogmas or man-made
It is the duty of all leaders to see that the principles of religion,
formulas, but they stand on four primary
namely austerity, cleanliness, mercy and truthfulness, are
regulative observances, namely Austerity,
established in the state, and that the principles of irreligion,
Cleanliness, Mercy and Truthfulness. The
namely pride, illicit female association or prostitution, intoxication
mass of people must be taught to practice
and falsity, are checked by all means. Those who are addicted to
these principles from childhood.
these irreligious habits may be regulated by the injunctions of the
Austerity means to accept voluntarily
scripture.
things which may not be very
comfortable for the body, but are 1) No Meat Eating
conducive for spiritual realisation, for Most people in today’s society eat meat, fish and eggs without
example, fasting for spiritual realisation. giving it a thought. Now health professionals are discovering that
Cleanliness is necessary both for the meat eating is not good for one’s health. It leads to diseases like
mind and for the body. Simply bodily cancer. Meat-eating is meant for carnivorous animals like the tiger
cleanliness may help to some extent, but cleanliness of the mind is or dog because:
necessary, and it is effected by glorifying the Supreme Lord. No • The gastric juice for digestion is 20 times more concentrated
one can cleanse the accumulated mental dust without glorifying than in our stomach; they can digest 20 times faster than human
the Supreme Lord. beings. But if human beings eat meat, due to indigestion, it
• By pride (artificial / real), the resultant action of austerity is leads to various complicated diseases.
spoiled; (intoxication) • Their intestines are small and so meat quickly passes through.
• By too much affection for female association, cleanliness is Human beings have intestines 30 feet long and meat takes a
spoiled; (illicit sex) long time to pass through. During this period, it can undergo
• By addiction to meat-eating, mercy is spoiled; and (meat- organic decay and lead to diseases.
eating) • Carnivorous animals sweat through their tongues (dog or tiger),
• By too much lying propaganda, truthfulness is spoiled. whereas herbivorous beings (like cows, elephants, human
(gambling) beings) sweat through body pores.
The principles of religion, namely austerity, cleanliness, mercy By economic consideration, health consideration, religious
and truthfulness, may be followed by the follower of any faith. consideration – meat-eating is bad. So we should give up meat
The principles of religion are not the dogmas or regulative eating. The principle of not eating meat includes fish and eggs too.
principles of a certain faith. One has to see whether the aims of Fish are living beings, like other animals who have consciousness
 Art Of Living 305 306 Victory Over Death

parts, and six parts distributed to the poor people and the
and feel pain. Eggs are a very unclean food and not fit to be
remainder could be eaten by oneself. Only then it can be classed
offered to the Lord or eaten.
as ‘halal’ or lawful meat, otherwise it is ‘haram’ or unlawful. The
Eating meat means violence. To eat meat, you must kill and
result of following this procedure is that lusty desires for flesh
most of the time, the killing is done in very cruel and painful
eating will diminish, and a person will then start eating only pure
ways. As one gets used to killing and violence, his heart becomes
foodstuff like fruits, grains and vegetables, which are actually
hard and it no longer seems cruel or wrong. A hard-hearted person
intended for humans by God.
is not likely to be merciful.
Allah allowed sacrificial meat, but not the opening of slaughter
Mercy is important in spiritual life. The qualities of
houses where thousands of innocent animals are killed just to
forgiveness, pity, kindness and compassion are all aspects of
satisfy the tongue. For example, we can find the following ‘ayats’
mercy. Without these qualities, can one be very religious? No,
in the Holy Quran (5.3): “Forbidden to you are meat of dead
without mercy, one cannot develop his spiritual life very far.
animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and… That which has been
The Vedic scriptures contain many verses in regard to eating
killed by strangling, or by a violent blow, that which has been
meat and protecting animals. Don’t the following verses indicate
eaten by a wild animal; unless ye are able to slaughter it in due
that vegetarianism is recommended?
form; that which is sacrificed on stone altars...” Besides that, it is
You must not use your God-given body for killing God’s
mentioned that within the limits of the most holy place, Mecca,
creatures, whether they are human, animal, or whatever. (Yajur
slaughtering of animals is prohibited. (Quran 5.1)
Veda, 12.32)
By not killing any living being, one becomes fit for salvation. You Become What You Eat
(Manu Smrti, 6.60) You can compare the qualities of the three animals to
Those who are ignorant of real dharma and, though wicked understand how we become what we eat.
and haughty, consider themselves as virtuous, kill animals without • Elephant – mode of goodness: Eats only fresh vegetarian food;
any feeling of remorse or fear of punishment. Further, in their next large, strong and gentle; due to its intelligence, it learns to
lives, such sinful persons will be eaten by the same creatures they work well with humans.
have killed in this world. (SB 11.5.14)
• Tiger – mode of passion: Kills and eats flesh of other animals;
The Muslim religion also allows animal slaughter only as a
fierce, aggressive nature; very restless.
‘qurban’ or sacrifice. Such a sacrifice must be performed near the
• Jackal – mode of ignorance: Rather than seek its own food, it
mosque. Islam does not allow animal slaughter in slaughterhouses.
eats whatever is leftover after another animal has eaten; tends
It is mentioned in the Quran, that when Allah created the earth, He
to be fearful; lazy animal, nocturnal, shuns daylight.
‘produced fruits as food for mankind.’ (2.35). For those who are
Some people are proud of being vegetarians, but the goal of
really attached to eating meat, Allah allowed the sacrifice of
life is not to become just vegetarians. For that matter, even
animals such as sheep, goats and camels. Such animals could be
monkeys and elephants are vegetarians. They don’t have any
sacrificed at the proper place, by proper persons and in the proper
spiritual acumen to understand higher truths of life. Prabhupada
way. Then the body of the animal should be divided into seven
 Art Of Living 307 308 Victory Over Death

2) No Intoxication
would say, “We are not vegetarians, we are Krishna-tarians! We
eat food that is first offered to Krishna.” Intoxication means “to make drunk, as with an alcoholic liquor
Sometimes the question is put before us, “You ask us not to or a drug”. There are many, many forms of intoxication. Alcohol,
eat meat, but you are eating vegetables. Do you think that is not drugs, nicotine and caffeine are some of the most common means
violence?” The answer is that eating vegetables is also violence, of intoxication. To learn about Krishna and to reach the spiritual
and vegetarians are also committing violence against other living world, one must be very clear-headed.
entities because vegetables also have life. Non-devotees are killing Intoxication makes us forget and makes us lose our good
cows, goats and so many other animals for eating purposes, and a sense. These are two reasons why people WANT to drink or take
devotee, who is vegetarian, is also killing. But here, significantly, drugs. For a short time, while intoxicated, a person can forget his
it is stated that every living entity has to live by killing another troubles. The problem is that the troubles haven’t gone away, and
entity. That is the law of nature. Jévo jévasya jévanam: one living the good time is over when the intoxication wears off.
entity is the life for another living entity. But for a human being, Using alcohol and drugs weakens the principle of austerity. It
takes away self control and allows the drugs or alcohol to control
that violence should be committed only as much as necessary.
you. Your mind is not your own anymore, and the intoxicant can
Also, the nervous system of plants is not as developed as animals.
When we kill a plant, an animal and a human being, the proportion make you do foolish things that you will regret later. Intoxication
of intensity of pain increases in the same order. Still, there is some neither benefits the one who indulges in it, nor others around him.
It gives immediate flickering gratification without caring for the
sin associated with killing plants also. That is why devotees of the
Lord offer the food as a sacrifice to Krishna before they consume most dangerous (sometimes even death) consequences.
For spiritual life, we must have the strength to give up some
it. Once it is offered to Krishna in love and devotion, it becomes a
seemingly pleasurable things to attain a higher goal. Is it not true
‘karma free diet’.
even for a successful material life, too? Intoxication robs us of that
By performance of yajnas, offering food to the Lord, all
strength. It robs us of good intelligence and wise judgment.
activities become purified, as it is stated in the Vedas: ähära-
Caffeine (in tea and coffee) and nicotine (in cigarettes and
çuddhau sattva-çuddhiù sattva-çuddhau dhruvä småtiù småti- chewing tobacco) are both highly addictive substances. Both cause
lambhe sarvagranthénäà vipramokñaù. By performance of yajna, many health problems. When one is addicted to anything, it means
one’s eatables become sanctified, and by eating sanctified that his senses are not under his control. He is being controlled by
foodstuffs, one’s very existence becomes purified. By the something else. In Krishna consciousness, we want to be free to
purification of existence finer tissues in the memory become serve Krishna fully with our senses and our mind, but being under
sanctified, and when memory is sanctified, one can think of the the control of an addiction hampers that ability. If we become
path of liberation, and all these combined together lead to Krishna addicted to Krishna, that will lead us to the ultimate goal of
consciousness, the great necessity of present-day society. reaching Krishna in the spiritual world.
All drug addictive substances initially give a feeling of elation,
but very soon make a person glide down to the stage of
depression. In depression, one may again take further intoxication
 Art Of Living 309 310 Victory Over Death

“She is a spirit soul. I wonder how she likes to serve the Lord”, or
to elate oneself, and in this way one becomes more and more
“He is Krishna’s servant”.
depressed, losing one’s proper state of consciousness. This is the
The attraction between men and women is the strongest
result of intoxicating oneself with tea, wine or cigarettes.
attraction in the material world. Because of romance, men have
We read in the story of Nalakuvara and Manigriva, how
been killed, families have been broken, and wars have been
Narada muni was disgusted when he saw the shameful behaviour
fought. In this day and age, a lot of emphasis is put on how to
of the two demigods. How foolish they looked with their rolling
make oneself more attractive to the opposite sex. But this
eyes and drunken smiles, not even realising that they were not
attraction and desire is simply a distraction for spiritual life.
properly dressed! Narada wanted to stop their degrading
The scriptures warn us about engaging in illicit sex. That
behaviour. He wanted them to be able to see Krishna face to face.
means sex outside of marriage. In Vedic life, having boyfriends or
So he cursed them in a way that would accomplish both of these
girlfriends before marriage or after marriage, is not considered
wishes. They became two tall yamala-arjuna trees. When the
natural, and not at all beneficial for progressive Krishna
grinding mortar tied to Krishna’s hip got stuck between the trees,
consciousness.
the two trees cracked and fell on the ground. Out of the broken,
Chastity and modesty are two highly esteemed qualities that
fallen trees came the two great demigods, shining like blazing fire.
are not often practiced these days. To be chaste means to be pure,
The two purified brothers came before Krishna and bowed down
decent and modest in your behaviour. Modesty means to behave in
to offer their respects and prayers. In this way, Manigriva and
a way that is considered proper and reserved. Modesty and
Nalakuvara were released from their curse and were able to
chastity can be practiced in the way we speak, act and dress.
personally see Krishna. They had learned a valuable lesson about
The temple is a good example of chastity and modesty in
the dangers of intoxication.
practice. We come to the temple to concentrate on Krishna. We
3) No Illicit Sex are not there to become attracted to the opposite sex. That is why
One of the basic principles of spiritual life is realizing that we the men and women are generally on different sides of the temple
are not the body, we are spirit soul. Yet the natural attraction room. It is easier to focus on Krishna if you are not thinking about
between men and women is one thing that makes us forget that. A the cute guy or the pretty girl sitting next to you.
man sees a woman and immediately thinks, “Oh, what a pretty Women wear saris that cover their bodies decently and don’t
girl! And I am a handsome man. I wonder if I can impress her so distract the men. Men wear dhotis and kurtas, loose and
that she will notice me!” A woman sees a man and thinks, “How comfortable, which are not made to be dashing and stylish. Would
can I dress myself to make myself more attractive to that man? I anyone be looking at Krishna on the altar if all the people in the
wonder if he thinks I am pretty. Do I look good enough for him, I temple room were dressed in skirts and boxer shorts? Behaving in
wonder?” Both are thinking of themselves as man and woman, a chaste and modest manner frees our mind, so that we can bring
attractive or ugly, desirable or undesirable. In other words, they ourselves to a higher level, one beyond this material body.
are thinking of themselves as their bodies. They are not thinking, The power of man is brahmacarya or celibacy and the power
of women is chastity. Chaste women like Savitri, Gandhari and
Kunti had great powers. That is why in the Vedic lifestyle, a boy
 Art Of Living 311 312 Victory Over Death

strong, brave and heroic. If wasted, it leaves him effeminate, weak

would be trained in gurukula at the residence of a guru without
and physically debilitated and prone to sexual irritation and
discrimination—whether one is son of a king or the son of a poor
disordered function, a wretched nervous system, epilepsy, and
man. After learning austerity, self-control, service attitude,
various other diseases and death. The suspension of the use of the
simplicity, honesty, etc., one was allowed to enter into the next
generative organs is attended with a notable increase of bodily and
stage of life, namely ‘grhastha’ ashrama – married life.
mental and spiritual vigour.”
The Value Of Semen Dr. E. P. Miller says, “All waste of spermatic secretions,
The vital energy, the Veerya which supports your life, which is whether voluntary or involuntary, is a direct waste of the life-
the Prana of the Pranas, which shines in your sparkling eyes, force. It is almost universally conceded that the choicest element
which glows in your shining cheeks, is a great treasure for you. of the blood enters into the composition of the spermatic secretion.
Veerya is the quintessence of blood. One drop of semen is If these conclusions are correct, then it follows that a chaste life is
manufactured out of 40 drops of blood. Note here how valuable essential to man’s well being.”
this fluid is! Glory Of Brahmacarya
According to Ayurveda, semen is the last dhatu that is formed
Brahmacarya is the shield for waging war against the internal
out of food. Out of food is manufactured chyle. Out of chyle
asuras – lust, anger and greed. It serves as a gateway to the bliss
comes blood. Out of blood comes flesh. Out of flesh comes fat.
beyond. It opens the door to the spiritual world if added to
Out of fat comes bone. Out of bones comes marrow. Out of
devotional service. Even Rishis, Devas, Gandharvas and Kinnaras
marrow comes semen. These are the Sapta dhatus that support this
serve at the feet of a true Brahmacari.
life and body. Semen is the last essence. It is the essence of all
essences. ‘brahmacaryena tapasa deva mrityum upagnataa’ The Vedas
Just as sugar is all-pervading in sugarcane, butter in milk, so declare that by Brahmacarya and penance, the Devas have
also semen is pervading the whole body. Just as butter milk is thin conquered death. The great Hanuman, Bhisma, Lakshmana are
after the butter is removed, so also, semen is thinned by its practical examples. Just as the oil comes up in a wick and burns
wastage. The more the wastage of semen the more is the with glowing light, so also, the Veerya or semen flows up by the
practice of Sadhana and is converted into Tejas or Ojas. The
weakness. In the Yoga Sastras it is said: “maranam bindu patanat
brahmacari shines with Brahmic aura in his face. Brahmacarya is
jivanam bindu raksanat” Falling of semen brings death; the blossomed flower of life around which the bees of strength,
preservation of semen gives life. It is the hidden treasure in man. It patience, knowledge, and purity wander about humming hither
imparts Brahma-Tejas to the face and strength to the intellect. and thither. By the practice of Brahmacarya longevity, glory,
Modern Medical Opinion strength, vigour, knowledge, wealth, undying fame, virtues and
devotion to the truth increase.
Eminent European medical men also support the statements of
After Dhanvantari had taught all the details about Ayurveda to
the Yogis of India. Dr. Nicole says: “This vital fluid of man
his disciples, they enquired about the keynote of this medical
carried back and diffused through his system makes him manly,
science. The Master replied, “I tell you that Brahmacarya is truly a
 Art Of Living 313 314 Victory Over Death

Thus, the sastras instruct one to see everyone as our mother

precious jewel. It is the one most effective medicine—nectar
except one’s own wife. If this system is followed, one can lead a
indeed—which destroys diseases, decay and death. For attaining
pure life and be able to focus one’s mind on God peacefully.
peace, brightness, memory, knowledge, health and self-realisation,
Illicit sex destroys the pillar of cleanliness. Many diseases are
one should observe Brahmacarya which is the highest dharma.
associated with illicit sex which destroys the cleanliness of the
Brahmacarya is the highest knowledge; Brahmacarya is the
body. It also destroys the cleanliness of the mind, for one whose
greatest strength. Brahmacarya can undo all inauspicious signs”.
mind dwells on these thoughts loses his purity of mind.
When there is purity, the rays of the mind are not dissipated.
Focussing of the mind becomes easy. Concentration and purity go 4) No Gambling
together. Although a sage talks a few words only, a deep Gambling is to play games of chance for money, or to take a
impression is produced in the minds of the hearers. This is due to risk in order to gain some advantage. Card games, horse racing,
his Ojas Shakti which is conserved by the preservation of semen dog racing, lotteries and casino games are some common types of
and its transmutation. gambling.
A true brahmacari in thought, word and deed has wonderful In gambling, generally the odds are against you. That means
thought-power. He can move the world. If you develop strict that there is a greater chance that you will lose than win. When
celibacy, vichara shakti (power of enquiry) and dharana shakti someone gambles, naturally he wants to win, and he may think up
(power of grasping and holding the truth) will develop. ways of how he can cheat in order to beat the odds. Gambling
Continence increases infinitely the power of retentive memory. encourages cheating and it destroys the pillar of truthfulness.
The strict celibate has keen and acute memory even in old age. The whole principle of gambling is based on cheating people
Lakshmana followed Sri Rama for the long period of 14 years, and taking advantage of them. By gambling, one becomes more
though he was perfectly aware of the dangers of the forest. and more greedy to accumulate money. In order to accomplish
Lakshmana was pure in thought, word and deed. He led the life of this, one may beg, borrow, steal or even go to the extent of
an ideal brahmacari during the 14 years of exile. He never looked murder.
at the face or body of Sita. His eyes were ever directed towards Whose money is being gambled away? If everything is to be
her lotus feet only. When Sugriva brought Sita’s cloak and jewels, used in Krishna’s service, how is gambling a proper use of
which she had allowed to fall on the earth while she was being money? That money can be used, rather than misused, for very
carried away, Rama showed them to Lakshmana and asked beneficial things.
whether he recognised them. Lakshmana said: Gambling, like intoxication, easily becomes an addiction. The
naham janami keyure naham janami kankane gambler gets the fever of desire for the “big win” and “easy
nupura eva janami nityam padabhi vandanat money”. This fever is impossible to extinguish. Once again, self
“I do not recognise the bracelets or ear-rings; I know only the control is lost and gambling controls the gambler.
anklets, for I worshiped her feet alone”. See how Lakshmana
revered Goddess Sita as mother!
 Art Of Living 315 316 Victory Over Death

If we say “yes” to the following A B C D aspects of Krishna

Controlling The Senses
consciousness, saying “no” to the harmful things that attract us
All of these habits, eating meat, illicit sex, intoxication and will not be so difficult.
gambling, interfere with spiritual life and material life. And only
one thing is needed to avoid them forever: self-control. Self Association…
control means that the senses are controlled by good intelligence. “Birds of the same feather flock together” is a common saying.
This sounds simple, but must really be very difficult if we The people whom we associate with will also have an influence on
examine the number of people who are hooked by these habits and us. By associating with devotees, we get strength and support.
cannot stop. The Bhagavad-gita also warns of this loss of self- Having friends among people with the same morals and spiritual
control in the second chapter (2.58-61, 2.64, 2.68). goals will help immensely.
Over and over again, Krishna tells Arjuna about the Two parrots were brothers. They were sold in the
importance of controlling the senses. We see what can happen if market. One was bought by a king. Another one was
the senses are allowed to run wild: alcoholism, drug addiction, bought by a butcher. Once, a sadhu was passing by the
compulsive gambling, cancer, venereal disease, AIDS, etc. butcher’s shop and happened to hear the parrot calling
How do we control the senses? Is our religion a denying out vulgar words. The sadhu plugged his fingers into his
religion, in which we must always be saying, “No, I can’t do ears and escaped from there. He went to the king’s court
that…or that either…sorry, I can’t do that…?” Does following where he heard the other parrot speaking sweet words,
these principles mean that you must grit your teeth and say “no” “Hare Krishna! Please come in sir! Would you like to
even though you feel that you are missing out on something and it have some water? Please take your seat. The king will
takes all your will power to resist? No, controlling the senses does arrive in a few minutes. Hare Krishna!” Hearing this,
not have to be so difficult. the sadhu expressed his surprise, “How is it that your
Society recognizes that addictions are almost impossible to brother is speaking harsh words and you are speaking
overcome without God’s help. There are some well known nectarine words?” The parrot spoke a verse:
successful programs that help individuals beat their addictions: gau aashanena vaakyam shrunoti aham ca rajan
Alcoholics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous and Narcotics vacananam muneenam
Anonymous are examples. They rely on a 12 step program which
nasty asya dosho na ca mad guno va samsargajaa
emphasizes the power and control of the Lord. The recovering
addict MUST surrender himself to a higher power (God) and dosha guna bhavanti
always rely on His help to overcome the addiction that has control “My brother hears the words of the cow-eating
over him. Only with the Lord’s help can we control our senses. On butcher. I am hearing the divine vibration of the sages
our own, we are very small and weak. visiting the king. My brother has no fault, nor am I
greater in any way. It’s all a result of association that
one gets good or bad qualities.”
 Art Of Living 317 318 Victory Over Death

eaten a plate full of mahaprasadam feels a great taste in the

Thus by the association of sincere devotees we can also think,
tongue, satisfaction, and strength to perform services.
speak and do Krishna conscious things and we can easily control
our senses. In ISKCON temples, Srila Prabhupada has organized Diet: Eating Krishna Prasadam…
the early morning program of Mangal aratik, Nrsimha arati, Tulasi By accepting prasadam, food offered to Krishna, our desire to
arati, Shringar darshan, Guru puja, Srimad-Bhagavatam class and eat meat and similar things goes away. Prasadam purifies one’s
Bhagavad-gita class in the evening. Any one who regularly attends consciousness and helps one to advance quickly.
these programs, discusses Krishna katha with devotees and In the Third Chapter, verse thirteen, Sri Krishna explains that
develops loving relationships in the devotional community, will only the remains of sacrifice are purified and fit for consumption
never hanker for the false mirage love promised by the material by those who are seeking advancement in life and release from the
world. clutches of the material entanglement. Those who do not make an
Book Reading… offering of their food, He says in the same verse, are eating only
sin. In other words, their every mouthful is simply deepening their
Srila Prabhupada mercifully has left behind a rich volume of
involvement in the complexities of material nature. But preparing
devotional literature that can keep us completely absorbed in
nice, simple vegetable dishes, offering them before the picture or
Krishna consciousness 24 hours a day. By reading the scriptures
Deity of Lord Krishna and bowing down and praying for Him to
like the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam, we learn about
accept such a humble offering enables one to advance steadily in
an eternal blissful life awaiting us when we become purified. We
life, to purify the body, and to create fine brain tissues which will
come to know that there is something much better than the ‘high’
lead to clear thinking. Above all, the offering should be made with
you can get from drugs, sex or alcohol. This gives us an incentive
an attitude of love. Krishna has no need of food, since He already
to control our senses. This will be discussed more in the 8th
possesses everything that be, yet He will accept the offering of one
chapter, ‘Cultivating Remembrance of Krishna’.
who desires to please Him in that way. The important element, in
Chanting… preparation, in serving and in offering, is to act with love for
Chanting the maha mantra helps very much. Chanting Hare Krishna.
Krishna is the recommended method in this age for self In actuality, Krishna, the Supreme Godhead, has senses, and it
realisation. If we take to this process on a daily basis, our material is stated that His senses are interchangeable; in other words, one
urges will subside. In fact, the real key to spiritual progress lies in sense can perform the function of any other. This is what it means
chanting Hare Krishna attentively everyday. As one progresses, to say that Krishna is absolute. Lacking senses, He could hardly be
one should focus attention on improving the quality of utterance of considered full in all opulences. In the Seventh Chapter, Krishna
the holy name. When quality improves, three things happen – one has explained that He impregnates the living entities into material
gets a taste for more chanting, one feels thoroughly contended and nature. This is done by His looking upon material nature. And so
satisfied, and one feels powerful and eager to preach the glories of in this instance, Krishna’s hearing the devotee’s words of love in
the Lord and His divine name, exactly as a hungry man who has offering foodstuffs is wholly identical with His eating and actually
tasting. This point should be emphasized: because of His absolute
 Art Of Living 319 320 Victory Over Death

position, His hearing is wholly identical with His eating and

tasting. Thus, whoever eats the remnants of food offered to
Krishna becomes purified at heart.
Let us say “YES” to the ABCD of Krishna consciousness and
“NO” to the four vices and achieve the ultimate goal of life.
 322 Victory Over Death

This chapter, we can say, is the cream of this book as it

focuses on the most essential aspects of devotional service. After

Chapter 8 establishing the authenticity of devotional service as the only

means for uprooting ignorance and concomitant misgivings, this
chapter further elaborates on hearing, chanting and remembering
Sri Krishna. The simple illustrations given about how one can
remember Krishna always, and the histories of various
personalities who were in total absorption of Krishna in various
moods, bring out the essential theme of how one should actually
cultivate remembering Krishna in order to prepare himself, or
herself, for returning to Krishna after death.
Understanding The Supreme Position Of Krishna
At the end of the sixth chapter of the Bhagavad-gita, Lord
Krishna declared that one who abides in Him with great faith and

Cultivating
thinks of Him within himself and renders transcendental loving
service to Him, is most intimately connected to Him, and is the
highest yogi. In the seventh chapter of the Bhagavad-gita, Lord
Remembrance Of Krishna teaches how by hearing about Krishna and His Supreme
position, one can develop firm attachment to Krishna and always
Krishna think of Him. Srila Prabhupada writes (BG 7.4):
It is not possible for the Brahman-realized impersonalist or the
Paramatma-realized yogi to understand Krishna, the Supreme
Personality of Godhead, as the son of mother Yashoda or the
charioteer of Arjuna.
• Even the great demigods are sometimes confused about
Krishna – ‘muhyanti yat sürayaù’ (SB 1.1.1)
• Mäà tu veda na kaçcana: The Lord says, “No one knows Me
as I am.” (BG 7.26)
• And if one does know Him, then sa mahätmä su-durlabhaù:
“Such a great soul is very rare.” (BG 7.19)
 Cultivating Remembrance Of Krishna 323 324 Victory Over Death

Therefore, unless one practices devotional service to the Lord, diffused as the all-pervading Supersoul in all the universes and is
one cannot know Krishna as He is (tattvatah), even though one is a known as Paramatma. He is present even within the atoms.
great scholar or philosopher. Only the pure devotees can know Anyone who knows these three Visnus can be liberated from
something of the inconceivable transcendental qualities in material entanglement.”
Krishna—His being the cause of all causes, His omnipotence and Krishna’s Superior Spiritual Energy
opulence, and His wealth, fame, strength, beauty, knowledge and
renunciation—because Krishna is benevolently inclined to His The inferior energy is matter manifested in different elements,
devotees. He is the last word in Brahman realization, and the namely earth, water, fire, air, ether, mind, intelligence and false
devotees alone can realize Him as He is. ego. Both forms of material nature, namely gross (earth, etc.) and
subtle (mind, etc.), are products of the inferior energy. The living
Krishna’s Inferior Material Energy entities, who are exploiting these inferior energies for different
Material energy consists of eight elements – earth, water, fire, purposes, are the superior energy of the Supreme Lord, and it is
air, ether, mind, intelligence and false ego. Generally, one who due to this energy that the entire material world functions.
does not know the science of God (Krishna), assumes that this Energies are always controlled by the energetic, and therefore the
material world is for the enjoyment of the living entities and that living entities are always controlled by the Lord—they have no
the living entities are the purusas—the causes, controllers and independent existence. They are never equally powerful, as some
enjoyers of the material energy. Material nature is inferior energy unintelligent men think. Just like behind the drama actors and
and the jiva souls are superior energy; both of them are drama rehearsal, there is a director; behind the family members
categorised under ‘prakriti’, which means that they belong to Lord and maintenance of home, there is father who fulfils all their
Krishna and are meant for His enjoyment. necessities. Similarly all the living entities – small and big – as
This material world is a temporary manifestation of one of the well as material nature are maintained by Krishna.
energies of the Lord. All the activities of the material world are
directed by these three Visnu expansions of Lord Krishna. These Krishna Is The Cause Of Everything - There Is No Truth
purusas are called incarnations and described in the Satvata-tantra: Beyond Krishna
viñëos tu tréëi rüpäëi puruñäkhyäny atho viduù Superior to both matter and spirit, however, is Krishna – the
ekaà tu mahataù srañöå dvitéyaà tv aëòa-saàsthitam origin of both. Krishna, however, has no origin. As Brahma
tåtéyaà sarva-bhüta-sthaà täni jïätvä vimucyate confirms in Brahma Samhita (1.1), ‘iswarah parama krsna sac-
“For material creation, Lord Krishna’s plenary expansion cid-ananda vigrahah, anadir adir govindah sarva karana
assumes three Visnus. The first one, Maha-Visnu, creates the total karanam’, Krishna has a transcendental form that is full of
material energy, known as the mahat-tattva. The second, eternity, knowledge and bliss; He has no beginning, yet He is the
Garbhodakasayi Visnu, enters into all the universes to create source of everything; indeed, He is the cause of all causes.
diversities in each of them. The third, Ksirodakasayi Visnu, is Nothing is equal to Him or superior to Him. He cannot be
controlled by anyone or anything. He has no fear from any
 Cultivating Remembrance Of Krishna 325 326 Victory Over Death

enemies as no one can harm His sac-cid-ananda body. Many everything, that is due to their being illusioned by maya, external
living entities who considered themselves His enemies such as energy.
Kamsa, Sisupal, Hiranyakasipu, Ravana, etc., have earned the Krishna Is The Essence Of Everything
consequence of their own misdeeds, but Lord Krishna has no
enmity with anyone. No one can do any favour to Him as Krishna is not only the cause of everything, but He has entered
everything in the creation belongs to Him. into everything as their very essence. For example, Krishna is the
As mentioned in the verse, ‘yam brahma varunendra rudra source of water as well as its taste. That taste which quenches our
marutah…’ “Unto that personality whom Brahma, Varuna, Indra, thirst is Krishna. No one likes to drink sea water, because the pure
Rudra and the Marutas praise by chanting transcendental hymns taste of water is mixed with salt. Attraction for water depends on
and reciting the Vedas with all their corollaries, pada-kramas and the purity of the taste, and this pure taste is one of the energies of
Upanisads, to whom the chanters of the Sama Veda always sing, the Lord. The impersonalist perceives the presence of the Lord in
whom the perfected yogis see within their minds after fixing water by its taste, and the personalist also glorifies the Lord for
themselves in trance and absorbing themselves within Him, and His kindly supplying tasty water to quench man’s thirst.
whose limit can never be found by any demigod or demon—unto Everything in the material world has a certain flavour or
that Supreme Personality of Godhead I offer my humble fragrance, as the flavour and fragrance in a flower, or in the earth,
obeisances.” (SB 12.13.1), all the demigods and the singers of the in water, in fire, in air, etc. The uncontaminated flavour, the
Sama Veda glorify Lord Krishna and the perfected yogis always original flavour, which permeates everything, is Krishna.
meditate upon Him in their hearts in trance; in fact, no demigod or Similarly, everything has a particular original taste, and this taste
demon can find any limit in knowing Him. can be changed by the mixture of chemicals. So everything
A fragmental part and parcel of the Lord, namely the living original has some smell, some fragrance, and some taste. That is
entity, may be the cause of a big skyscraper, a big factory, or even the way of perceiving Krishna
a big city, but he cannot be the cause of a big universe. The cause The same manure, same water, the same gardener, but
of the big universe is the big soul, or the Supersoul. And Krishna, according to different flowers, the fragrance is different. How is
the Supreme, is the cause of both the big and small souls. this done? Can any scientist answer? How is it coming differently?
Therefore, He is the original cause of all causes. And why there are differences? If it is nature, and the ingredients
Everything in the world depends on Him, as the existence of a are the same, why is nature not producing the same quality or the
pearl necklace depends upon its thread. When you remove the same kind of flower or trees or fruits? Why? Therefore, it is
underlying nylon thread from a pearl necklace, then all pearls answered in the Bhagavad-gita that nature is not all in all. Nature
would get scattered. Similarly, without the presence, supervision cannot work independently. There is superintendence of the
and sanction of Krishna, nothing can move or act within the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna: “This kind of bija, or
material creation. As all energies sprout from Him, nothing can the seed, will produce this kind of flower and this kind of flavour.”
exist separate from Him. Thus, if the foolish living entities do not So Krishna is giving us intelligence that “If you do not go to the
see Him as the resting place or support or as the source of temple or do not listen to the acarya, you can at least try to
understand My presence when you see a flower or smell a flower.”
 Cultivating Remembrance Of Krishna 327 328 Victory Over Death

of My splendour… With a single fragment of Myself I pervade

Group work for students: Recite the verses BG 7.8-12 from and support this entire universe.” (BG 10.41-42)
‘Bhagavad-gita As It Is’ with the translations and make a list of the
Group work for students: From the verses BG.10.19-42 from
items, for example, ‘Krishna is the taste in water’, etc. without
‘Bhagavad-gita As It Is’, make a list of the opulences that indicate
seeing the one below and check the list given below with your
Krishna as the best of everything and check the list given below
answers. If any item is missing in the list given below, you can
with your answers. If any item is missing below, you can add it to
add it on a separate sheet of paper.
the list on a separate sheet of paper. In all, Krishna speaks of 82
opulences.
Krishna is…the essence of everything
The taste in water; the intelligence of the intelligent; Krishna is…the very best of everything
The sound in ether; the prowess of all powerful men; Among Adityas………………… Vishnu
The ability in man; the original fragrance of the earth; Of the Vedas…………………….the Sama Veda
The heat in fire; the light of the sun and the moon; Of lights…………………………the radiant sun
The life of all that lives; the strength of the strong. Of immovable things……………the Himalayas
Among stars……………………..the moon
Krishna Is The Very Best Of Everything Of wielders of weapons…………Lord Rama
We all have experienced that opulences such as outstanding Of the sages…………………….. Vyasa
beauty, outstanding intelligence, outstanding musical talent, etc. Of those seeking victory……….. morality
are observable in this world. Such people endowed with such Of the senses…… ………………the mind
talent themselves do not know how they got it; they are only Of the demigods…………………Indra
happy that they have it. These opulences make them attractive for Of vibrations…… ……………... transcendental Om
sometime till they possess it; but time destroys everything in this Of secret things…..……………...silence
world. By observing these opulences we can get an indication that Of sacrifices……………………. chanting japa
they exist in their completeness in the Absolute Truth, Sri Krishna. Of flowing rivers……………….. the Ganges
In the tenth chapter of the Bhagavad-gita, Krishna gives a partial Among men…………………….. the monarch
list of His unlimited opulences (BG 10.19), revealing Him to be Among law keepers……………..Yamaraj
the cause of everything. In BG 10.21-38, we understand how Of science……………………….science of the Self
Krishna is the chief of all qualities and personalities. Thus, Among the demons…………….. Prahlada
nothing great or small can exist without Krishna. There is no end Among logicians……………….. the conclusive truth
to Krishna’s opulences. Lord Krishna Himself reveals the truth Among subduers……………….. time
about Himself very kindly for us insignificant souls, as we cannot Of seasons……………………….flower-bearing spring
fathom it with our limited sensory perception: “Know that all Among beasts……………………the Lion
opulent, beautiful and glorious creations spring from but a spark Of weapons………………………the thunderbolt
Among birds………………………Garuda
 Cultivating Remembrance Of Krishna 329 330 Victory Over Death

Among cows…………………… the surabhi feet. Thus, one may think of Krishna as greater than the greatest
Of creators……………………… Brahma (mahato mahiyan).
Of fishes…………………………the shark The form described below is a highly conceptualised form
Of all Rudras…………………… Siva originally intended for impersonalists and is a different Virat-Rupa
Of bodies of water……………… the ocean to the one shown to Arjuna on the battlefield. It is explained in the
Of Yaksas and Raksasas….……. Kuvera Srimad-Bhagavatam that this Virat rupa is a material form while
Krishna’s original spiritual form is made up of sac-cid-ananda,
Krishna’s Virat Rupa Or Universal Form eternity, knowledge and bliss. That spiritual form has no veins or
bones.
Krishna is within and He is also without. Thus Krishna
showed Arjuna His external feature as the visva-rupa, the gigantic Hills/Mountains………………... Stacks of His bones
cosmic manifestation. The air………………….………. His breath
This external body of Krishna is described in the Srimad- Physical sound…………………. His sense of hearing
Bhagavatam. There the hills and mountains are described as the The ten directions……………… His ears
bones of the Lord. Similarly, the great oceans have been described Material aroma…………………. His sense of smell
as different holes in the Lord’s universal body, and the planet The blazing fire………………….His mouth
known as Brahmaloka has been described as the upper portion of Trees……………………………. The hairs of His body
His skull. Those who cannot see God have thus been advised to The sun & moon……………….. His eyes
see Him in many ways in terms of the material cosmic Clouds………………….………. Hairs on His head
manifestation, according to the instructions given in the Vedic Alluring material energy……….. His smile
literature. Day and night…………………... His eye lids
There are those who can simply think of God as being great The passing ages……………….. His movements
but do not know how great He is. When they think of greatness, Religion………………………… His breast
they think of very high mountains, the sky, and other planets. The horse, mule, camel………… His nails
Therefore, the Lord has been described in terms of such material Irreligion………………….……. His back
manifestations so that while thinking of these different Varieties of birds………………. His artistry
manifestations, one can think of the Lord. That is also Krishna The Ocean……………………… His waist
consciousness. If one thinks, “This mountain is the bone of The brahmanas…………………. His face
Krishna,” or if one thinks of the vast Pacific Ocean as Krishna’s Rivers………………….……….. His veins
navel, one is in Krishna consciousness. Similarly, one may think The ksatriyas…………………… His arms
of the trees and plants as the hairs on Krishna’s body, one may Twilight…………………….…... His dress
think of Brahmaloka as the top of Krishna’s skull, and one may The vaisyas……………………...His thighs
think of the Patalaloka planetary system as the soles of Krishna’s The sudras………………….…... Under His feet
 Cultivating Remembrance Of Krishna 331 332 Victory Over Death

Knowing Krishna’s Unique Supremacy Aside from supporting the creation by His energies, Sri
Krishna is also the intelligence who has set up the system which
Lord Krishna Does Not Lose His Personal Existence By governs its workings (BG 9.7-10). The universe runs at a set cycle
Being All-Pervading of creation, maintenance and destruction. It is Lord Krishna who
controls this process as the Purusha avatars. Maha Vishnu is the
The Lord supports and pervades the entire universe through
resting place of all material energies, for they enter into His nature
His energies. The all pervading aspect of the Lord is described as
after annihilation.
‘avyakta murtina’, His unmanifest form. The Lord is unmanifest
One should not think, in this connection, that the Supreme
to material senses, but can be perceived by one whose senses are
Personality of Godhead has no engagement. In His spiritual world,
purified from desire for independent enjoyment, through the
He is always engaged. In the Brahma-samhita (5.6) it is stated,
practice of devotional service. Thus, although Lord Krishna is
everywhere in the material world, still He does not lose His own ätmärämasya tasyästi prakåtyä na samägamaù: “He is always
personal existence. involved in His eternal, blissful, spiritual activities, but He has
The pantheists think that “God is everywhere. Therefore, there nothing to do with these material activities.” Material activities are
being carried on by His different potencies. The Lord is always
is no personal God.” Maya tatam idam sarvam: “By Me”...Maya
neutral in the material activities of the created world. Although He
means, “by me.” “By Me, or by My energy, I am expanded
has control over every minute detail of material activities, He is
everywhere.” If you see in the morning, how the sun rises in from
sitting as if neutral.
the sea. Immediately, within a second, the whole world becomes
The example can be given of a high-court judge sitting on his
illuminated. The illumination is the expansion of the sunshine. But
bench. By his order so many things are happening—someone is
because the expansion is there, it does not mean the sun globe is
being hanged, someone is being put into jail, someone is awarded
finished.
a huge amount of wealth—but still he is neutral. He has nothing to
Relationship Between Krishna And Material Energy do with all that gain and loss. Similarly, the Lord is always
Krishna has simultaneous connectedness and non- neutral, although He has His hand in every sphere of activity.
connectedness with matter. The material world rests on His The whole cosmic order goes on under Krishna’s will. He does
energy, but He is aloof. He is the source of the material world and not Himself create or destroy, but the material nature acts by His
He maintains it, but He does not directly associate with it. desire. Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura gives an analogous
Although everything rests in Krishna, that does not present even example to explain how Krishna has no duty to perform. Krishna
the smallest of burden to Him. He is not personally connected with says in the Bhagavad-gita that the material nature works under His
the creation. In this way, the Lord’s will is executed by His direction: ‘maya adhyakshena prakritih’. ‘maya’ means ‘by My’
energies without His having to take direct involvement. He ‘adhi’ means ‘from above’ and ‘aksha’ means ‘eyes’. Everything
maintains all that exists while remaining completely separate and is done under Krishna’s supervision.
detached from the material world. For example “The governmental business of a king, like
Ambarisa Maharaja, is carried out by his ministers (prakritis),
 Cultivating Remembrance Of Krishna 333 334 Victory Over Death

while the uninvolved king merely remains present. All the same, sky, blows freely and independently. The sky restricts only the
unless the king is present on his throne, the ministers are incapable area of movement, not the movement itself. Similarly, Krishna
of doing anything. In the same way, unless I give My support as limits the activities of the conditioned living entities, regardless of
the supervisor, material nature (prakriti) cannot do anything.” the extent of their power, to the circumference of the material
Because He glances over material nature, there is undoubtedly world. Within the material sphere they are free, and Krishna is
activity on the part of the Supreme Lord, but He has nothing to do detached from their independently enacted activities under the
with the manifestation of the material world directly. He is free three modes and from the reactions their activities generate. The
from material nature, but material nature is not free from Him. living entities are thus simultaneously fully dependent on Krishna
Thus although Krishna says, “I am the essence and origin of and independent of Him.
everything like taste, strength, sex, etc., in the three modes of Srila Visvanath Cakravarti Thakura raises a question: Because
material nature” still Krishna is not under the three modes. He is Krishna has described, by an analogous example, His acintya-
beyond. shakti, or inconceivable mystic power, hasn’t His explanation
made the inconceivable conceivable?
Relationship Between Krishna And The Living He then answers: “The sky is non-attached to the wind, which
Entities In The Material World is contained within it, because the sky and wind are unconscious
matter [and matter does not form attachments]. However, only in
Although all living entities are within Krishna, are dependent one case does living spirit remain non-attached while living in this
on Krishna and are supported by Krishna, they nevertheless act world and controlling it, and that is in the case of the supreme
independently owing to their materialistic desires. How can one controller. In this way, the inconceivability [of the supreme
who is completely dependent act controller’s being non-attached] is established. The example of the
independently? This is an non-attached sky is nonetheless offered in order to give ordinary
inconceivable feature of the people an opportunity to begin to understand this subject.”
relationship between the living Because He is not personally attached to the activities of the
entities and Krishna. creation, the Lord is neutral. Lord uses the word, ‘udasinavat’: ‘as
Krishna provides an analogy to if neutral’ (BG 9.9). The Lord must have some reason for the
help us understand. The sky, like an world, however, as He is the one who has created it and who
upside-down bowl, contains the ultimately controls it. He cannot therefore be completely neutral.
wind. In the same way, “all created He is neutral in the sense that He has no selfish interests at stake in
beings rest in Me.” Just as the sky is the events of the material world. It can be said that He creates the
detached from the wind, Krishna is material world to give an opportunity to the independently minded
detached from the independently living entities to be separate from Him as long as they wish to, just
enacted activities of the living like the master of a dog sometimes takes his dog for a walk while
entities. The wind, though in the the dog is smelling this and that and is looking for some filth to
 Cultivating Remembrance Of Krishna 335 336 Victory Over Death

eat. Unless the living entity surrenders to Krishna, he may go on A devotee sees the hand of Krishna and feels the presence and
continuing the cycle of action and reaction under the three modes connection of Krishna when he sees the material nature or His
of material nature. Even by great endeavour, great jnanis and part-and-parcel living entities. Just like when a child sees the
yogis have failed to cross over the ocean of material existence shoes of the father at the doorstep and the coat and tie on the
because of refusing to surrender to the lotus feet of the Lord. hanger and his suitcase nearby, it immediately reminds the child
of his father and he is confident that the father has returned from
The Most Confidential Instruction Of Sri Krishna
the office. Similarly, observing the opulences of the creation
Is Everything in Creation God?
should remind us of the Master of these opulences, Sri Krishna,
A Mayavadi considers all created energies as God; such who is their cause and essence of them.
people argue that you can meditate on anything for getting
Sri Krishna’s form is fully spiritual, beyond a doubt (BG
concentration, a monkey, a tree, a point or anything. That’s why
9.11)
they say that one can worship any object as a stepping stone to
reach the impersonal brahman, because everything is God. This is Lord Krishna cannot have a material body. A material body
not the way that Krishna wants us to understand Him. confines the pure spirit to limiting conditions. The material body
The Lord says, “These are all my energies. I am not in them. I is a product of the three modes of material nature. Lord Krishna
am aloof.” ‘goloka eva nivasati akhilatma bhuto’ - Lord eternally has declared in BG 7.12 and BG 7.14 that the three modes are His
resides in Goloka, aloof from material creation. Thus, although energy and that one can gain freedom from them by taking shelter
Lord is present in every part of His creation, He is still not lost or of Him. Therefore, how can He be encaged in a material body
He does not become impersonal. Just like a big rich man, through composed of the modes of material nature?
his agents, is dismantling so many big houses and again Although the Lord appeared on the planet like an ordinary
constructing skyscrapers. His agents are doing. He has got money human, He is not ordinary. His transcendental body has many
power to spend and he is sitting nicely in an air-conditioned cabin forms, some of which more clearly show His position as God. He
or playing golf. He has to take no trouble; his energies do exists eternally in a humanlike form to enjoy loving relationships
everything for him. with His devotees. Sometimes people feel more reverence for
By seeing the energy, we are reminded of the energetic Person Virat-rupa form or Visnu form as they look different than normal
behind the energy. For example, if you see a stone flung into your human being with two hands. Imagine the Vishva-rupa Personality
window that goes straight and breaks the TV screen, what would coming with His millions of hands, legs, bellies and faces to
you do? You would immediately look out of the window to look embrace you and develop loving relationships with you! That
who was the energetic who supplied energy to this dead stone to would be a nightmare. Thus, Lord Krishna eternally remains in
come through the window inside the house. In the same way, all His beautiful ‘saumya’ two-handed form that Arjuna and other
energies – spiritual and material – are under Krishna, who is the devotees love the most. That should not make one consider Him
Supreme Energetic Personality of Godhead. foolishly to be like an ordinary human being. It is like considering
the President of India to be another thief when he is coming to
supervise the jail.
 Cultivating Remembrance Of Krishna 337 338 Victory Over Death

The Essence Of The Essence Of The Essence Of The sarva-guhyatamaà bhüyaù çåëu me paramaà vacaù
Bhagavad-Gita iñöo ‘si me dåòham iti tato vakñyämi te hitam
“Because you are My very dear friend, I am speaking to you
How does a Devotee See and Remember Krishna?
My supreme instruction, the most confidential knowledge of all.
Pure devotees, therefore, concentrate their minds directly on Hear this from Me, for it is for your benefit.” (BG 18.64)
the form of Krishna.
man-manä bhava mad-bhakto mad-yäjé mäà namaskuru
In BG 9.34, Krishna gives four confidential instructions:
mäm evaiñyasi satyaà te pratijäne priyo ‘si me
(1) man manah: always think of Me
(2) bhava mad-bhaktah: become My devotee “Always think of Me, become My devotee, worship Me and
offer your homage unto Me. Thus you will come to Me without
(3) mad-yaji: worship Me and
fail. I promise you this because you are My very dear friend.” (BG
(4) mam namaskuru: offer obeisances to Me 18.65)
The Bhagavad-gita is the essence of all Vedic literature. The
sarva-dharmän parityajya mäm ekaà çaraëaà vraja
first six and that last six chapters can be compared to the cover of
the book, the middle six chapters ahaà tväà sarva-päpebhyo mokñayiñyämi mä çucaù
being the essence of the Gita. “Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me.
The Ninth and Tenth chapters I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.” (BG
are the essence of the middle six 18.66)
chapters. Just like the sweet jam In BG 18.64, Krishna states, ‘sarva guhyatamam bhuyah srnu
placed between two slices of me paramam vacah’: ‘sarva guhyatamam’ means ‘the most
bread, this essential middle confidential of all’. ‘bhuyah’ means ‘again’. Krishna speaks the
portion provides the essential verse in text 9.34 and again as text 18.65. Krishna also says that
wisdom of Gita. Finally, the last these verses, 18.65 and 18.66, are the most confidential
verse of the Ninth chapter, which knowledge of all and are His supreme instruction.
is exactly in the middle of the Verse 18.65 explains the components of surrender.
Gita and which is repeated Verse 18.66 expresses Krishna’s desire that Arjuna surrender.
practically verbatim at the end of The Supreme Instruction is to Always Remember the Form of
the Gita, is the most confidential Krishna.
and essential sloka. It is the
essence of the essence of the Think and Act for Krishna
essence and the most confidential of all knowledge: Become a The most confidential part of knowledge is that one should
pure devotee of Lord Krishna. become a pure devotee of Krishna and always think of Him and
act for Him. One should not become an official meditator. Life
 Cultivating Remembrance Of Krishna 339 340 Victory Over Death

should be so moulded that one will always have the chance to his mind on the form that was present before Arjuna.
think of Krishna. One should always act in such a way that all his Concentration of the mind on the form of Krishna constitutes the
daily activities are in connection with Krishna. He should arrange most confidential part of knowledge, and this is disclosed to
his life in such a way that throughout the twenty-four hours he Arjuna because Arjuna is the most dear friend of Krishna’s.”
cannot but think of Krishna. And the Lord’s promise is that
anyone who is in such pure Krishna consciousness will certainly
Getting The Vision To See Krishna
return to the abode of Krishna, where he will be engaged in the Srimati Kunti said: O Krishna, I offer my obeisances unto You
association of Krishna face to face. This most confidential part of because You are the original personality and are unaffected by the
knowledge is spoken to Arjuna because he is the dear friend of qualities of the material world. You are existing both within and
Krishna. Everyone who follows the path of Arjuna can become a without everything, yet You are invisible to all.
dear friend to Krishna and obtain the same perfection as Arjuna. -Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.8.18
The first instruction of Krishna for us is to always think of Srimati Kuntidevi was quite aware that Krishna is the original
Him. It is not sufficient to work hard for Krishna while our minds Personality of Godhead, although He was playing the part of her
wander. Srila Baladeva Vidyabhushana comments that here nephew. Such an enlightened lady could not commit a mistake by
Krishna says to Arjuna: “A so-called ‘devotee’ of a king, the offering obeisances unto her nephew. Therefore, she addressed
king’s servant, is actually thinking about his own wife and so on. Him as the original purusa beyond the material cosmos. Although
His thoughts are not fixed upon the king. Thus he is not actually all living entities are also transcendental, they are neither original
the king’s devotee. You, however, in contrast with such a person, nor infallible. The living entities are apt to fall down under the
should be absorbed in thinking of Me and should be My devotee. clutches of material nature, but the Lord is never like that. In the
Your mind should always be fixed, like an uninterrupted flow of Vedas, therefore, He is described as the chief among all living
honey, on Me, the son of Vasudeva. You should think of Me as
entities (nityo nityänäà cetanaç cetanänäm (Katha Upanisad
your own master and as the very goal of your life”.
2.2.13)).
Concentrate the Mind upon Krishna’s Form Then again He is addressed as isvara, or the controller. The
Srila Prabhupada mercifully reveals the most confidential part living entities or the demigods like Candra and Surya are also to
of knowledge as below: “One should concentrate his mind upon some extent isvara, but none of them is the supreme isvara, or the
Krishna—the very form with two hands carrying a flute, the bluish ultimate controller. Krishna is the paramesvara, or the Supersoul.
boy with a beautiful face and peacock feathers in His hair. There He is both within and without. Although He was present before
are descriptions of Krishna found in the Brahma-samhita and other Srimati Kunti as her nephew, He was also within her and everyone
literatures. One should fix his mind on this original form of else. In the Bhagavad-gita (15.15) the Lord says, “I am situated in
Godhead, Krishna. One should not even divert his attention to everyone’s heart, and only due to Me one remembers, forgets, and
other forms of the Lord. The Lord has multiforms as Visnu, is cognizant, etc. Through all the Vedas I am to be known because
Narayana, Rama, Varaha, etc., but a devotee should concentrate I am the compiler of the Vedas, and I am the teacher of the
Vedanta.”
 Cultivating Remembrance Of Krishna 341 342 Victory Over Death

Queen Kunti affirms that the Lord, although both within and • Similarly, He lifted the Govardhana Hill, just as a boy picks
without all living beings, is still invisible. The Lord is, so to speak, up a frog’s umbrella, and stood several days continuously just
a puzzle for the common man. Queen Kunti experienced to give protection to the residents of Vrindavana. These are
personally that Lord Krishna was present before her, yet He some of the superhuman activities of the Lord described in the
entered within the womb of Uttara to save her embryo from the authoritative Vedic literatures like the Puranas, Itihasas
attack of Asvatthama’s brahmastra. Kunti herself was puzzled (histories), and Upanisads.
about whether Sri Krishna is all-pervasive or localized. In fact, He
• He has delivered wonderful instructions in the shape of the
is both, but He reserves the right of not being exposed to persons
Bhagavad-gita. He has shown marvellous capacities as a hero,
who are not surrendered souls. This checking curtain is called the
as a householder, as a teacher, and as a renouncer.
maya energy of the Supreme Lord, and it controls the limited
vision of the rebellious soul. • He is accepted as the Supreme Personality of Godhead by
such authoritative personalities as Vyasa, Devala, Asita,
Brainstorm Quiz: Dear students, foolish people deride Narada, Madhva, Sankara, Ramanuja, Sri Caitanya
Krishna, thinking of Him to be an ordinary human being. Mahaprabhu, Jiva Gosvami, Visvanatha Cakravarti,
Now tell me, what makes us convinced that Krishna is the Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, and all other authorities of the line.
Supreme Personality of Godhead?
• He Himself has declared as much in many places of the
authentic literatures.
In the Bhagavad-gita, Lord Sri Krishna affirms that less
And yet there is a class of men with demoniac mentality who
intelligent persons mistake Him to be an ordinary man like us, and
are always reluctant to accept the Lord as the Supreme Absolute
thus they deride Him. The less intelligent persons are those who
Truth. This is partially due to their poor fund of knowledge and
rebel against the authority of the Lord. Such persons are known as
partially due to their stubborn obstinacy, which results from
asuras. The asuras cannot recognize the Lord’s authority.
various misdeeds in the past and present. Such persons could not
• When the Lord Himself appears among us, as Rama, recognize Lord Sri Krishna even when He was present before
Nrsimha, Varaha, or in His original form as Krishna, He them.
performs many wonderful acts which are humanly impossible. Another difficulty is that those who depend more on their
imperfect senses cannot realize Him as the Supreme Lord. Such
• As we shall find in the Tenth Canto of this great literature,
persons are like the modern scientist. They want to know
Lord Sri Krishna exhibited His humanly impossible activities
everything by their experimental knowledge. But it is not possible
even from the days of His lying on the lap of His mother. He
to know the Supreme Person by imperfect experimental
killed the Putana witch, although she smeared her breast with
knowledge. He is described herein as adhoksaja, or beyond the
poison just to kill the Lord. The Lord sucked her breast like a
range of experimental knowledge.
natural baby, and He sucked out her very life also.
The process of understanding Krishna is sevonmukha—by
rendering service. Sevonmukhe hi jihvadau (Brs. 1.2.234)
 Cultivating Remembrance Of Krishna 343 344 Victory Over Death

Realization of Vasudeva is possible by rendering service, elders. When elderly persons give the proper answers to the
beginning with the tongue. The tongue has two functions—to questions of the youngsters, civilization makes progress, one step
vibrate and to taste. So if one repeatedly hears and vibrates the after another. The most intelligent man, however, inquires about
Hare Krishna mantra and tastes prasada, food offered to Krishna, what happens after death. The less intelligent make lesser
by this very simple method one will realize Vasudeva, Krishna. inquiries, but the questions of those who are more intelligent go
Krishna will reveal Himself. It is not that by our endeavour alone higher and still higher.
we can understand Krishna, but our endeavour in loving service Hearing Material Subject Matters
will make us qualified, and then Krishna will reveal Himself
(svayam eva sphuraty adaù). In the revealed scriptures, there are two nomenclatures for the
householder’s life. One is grhastha, and the other is grhamedhi.
Becoming Fearless Through The grhasthas are those who live together with wife and children
Hearing, Chanting And Remembering but live transcendentally for realizing the ultimate truth. The
grhamedhis, however, are those who live only for the benefit of
Man Is Born To Make Inquiries the family members, and are jealous of one another because they
A small child walking with his father goes on inquiring are blind to the knowledge of ultimate truth. They have many
constantly. He asks his father so many odd things, and the father subject matters for hearing—political, scientific, social, economic,
has to satisfy him with proper answers. When Prabhupada was a and so on—but due to a poor fund of knowledge, they set aside the
young father in his householder life, he was over flooded with question of the ultimate miseries of life, namely miseries of birth,
hundreds of questions from his second son, who was his constant death, old age and disease.
companion. One day it so happened that a bridegroom’s party was The process of going back home, back to Godhead, is to hear
passing their tramcar, and the four-year-old boy, as usual, inquired about the Supreme Lord and His name, form, attributes, pastimes,
what the big procession was. He was given all possible answers to paraphernalia and variegatedness. Foolish people do not know
his thousand and one questions regarding the marriage party, and this. They want to hear something about the name, form, etc., of
finally he asked whether his own father was married! This everything temporary like cricket stars, cinema heroes and
question gave rise to loud laughter from all the elderly gentlemen heroines, political situations, etc., and they do not know how to
present, although the boy was perplexed as to why they were utilize this propensity of hearing for the ultimate good. Misguided
laughing. Anyway, the boy was somehow satisfied by his married as they are, they also create some false literatures about the name,
father. form, attributes, etc., of the ultimate truth.
The lesson from this incident is that, since a human being is a There are different kinds of literature for different types of
rational animal, he is born to make inquiries. The greater the men of different mentality. Mostly the market literatures which
number of questions, the greater the advancement of knowledge attract ordinary men are literatures containing refused remnants of
and science. The whole of material civilization is based on this sensuous topics like affairs between cinema actors and actresses,
originally large volume of questions put by young men to their poetry describing the sweetness of mundane relationships between
man and woman, children, nature, politics, communism, etc., in
 Cultivating Remembrance Of Krishna 345 346 Victory Over Death

relation with the gross body and subtle mind. They are full of used for vibrating some mundane nonsense then it is considered a
subject matter described in decorative language, mundane similes prostitute.
and metaphorical arrangements. Yet, with all that, they do not Similarly, the people of the world should be taught to hear the
glorify the Lord. transcendental topics of the Lord, and the devotee of the Lord
Sometimes, great mundane poets write poetry that may must speak loudly so that they can hear. If the ear is not engaged
impress mundane intellectuals— ‘even the window of a rich in the service of the Lord by hearing about Him from the
man’s house wears dress, but the poor slum child is naked amidst Bhagavad-gita or Srimad-Bhagavatam, certainly the holes of the
the mess’. Such poems can hardly impress a devotee of the Lord ear will be filled with some rubbish. Such useless ears holes are
because they do not glorify the all powerful Supreme Personality compared to snake holes.
of Godhead, who can bring all good to the suffering soul. Such From Whom Should One Not Hear?
poetry and prose, on any subject matter, is considered decoration
for a dead body. Spiritually advanced men, who are compared to Now, there are some who apparently put up a garb of religion
swans, do not take pleasure in such dead literatures, which are and recite from Vedic literatures. Can we hear from them? It is
sources of pleasure for men who are spiritually dead. These said:
literatures, in the modes of passion and ignorance, are distributed avaishnava mukodgeerno putam hari kathamritam
under different labels, but they can hardly help the spiritual urge sravanam naiva karthavyam sarpoc cishta yatha payah
of the human being. If one hears even messages connected to the Lord from the
Frog’s Tongue And Snake’s Hole mouth of non-devotees – Mayavadis and professional reciters or
pretenders – then one’s inclination to love and serve Krishna
Devotional service to the Lord is rendered by all the limbs or
becomes stunted exactly as a person who drinks milk mixed with
parts of the body. The senses and the action of the senses are to be
snake poison dies. Thus, although one can freely distribute the
considered impure or materialistic as long as they are employed
message of Krishna consciousness to everyone, one should be
only in sense gratification. The purified senses are engaged in the
very careful in choosing the right representative of God to hear
service of the Lord in toto. In the impure state of a living being,
about God.
the various senses are fully engaged in mundane affairs. Many
When Prahlada told his father Hiranyakashipu of devotional
want to speak something to others, but because they are not
service, he said: ‘sravanam kirtananm vishnoh smaranam…’ and
trained to speak on the subject matter of Vedic wisdom, they are
not ‘sravanam kirtanam kali’ or ‘sravanam kirtanam shiva’. One
speaking all nonsense, and people are receiving them with no
should always hear and chant about Krishna, not about the
sense. The frogs croak loudly, with the result that they invite the
demigods. The Mayavadis (impersonalists) say that one may chant
snakes to eat them. The human tongue is especially given for
any name, either that of Krishna or those of the demigods, and the
chanting the Vedic hymns and not for croaking like frogs. All our
result will be the same. But actually this is not a fact. According to
senses are awarded to us by the Lord and are meant to be used in
the authorized version of Srimad-Bhagavatam, one has to hear and
His service. The tongue is supposed to glorify the Lord, but if it is
chant about Lord Vishnu (Krishna) only. Thus, Mayavadis chant
 Cultivating Remembrance Of Krishna 347 348 Victory Over Death

and hear about all demigods, treating them all equal. Neither is state of devotional service to the Lord. As doctors differ, so also
their worship intense and focussed on Lord Krishna, sages differ in their different prescriptions…” Thus, no one could
understanding Him to be the One Supreme above all other gods, give him proper direction.
nor is the worship offered without ulterior motives. Then how can Sukadeva Gosvami, son of Vyasadeva, who had heard Srimad-
one expect to develop pure loving sentiments towards the Lord Bhagavatam directly from his father and spiritual master, came
and return back to the spiritual world? there and gave this direction to him as follows: “My dear King, if
The other category, the professional reciters of Bhagavatam, you want to be fearless in meeting your death next week (for
are more interested in making money by entertaining the rich men actually everyone is afraid at the point of death), then you must
by reciting intimate pastimes of the Lord with His topmost immediately begin the process of hearing and chanting and
devotees, the gopis, as delineated in the tenth canto. These remembering Lord Hari.” If one can chant and hear Hare Krishna
pastimes cannot be understood or appreciated genuinely by a and always remember Lord Krishna, then he is sure to become
conditioned soul as much as a four year old girl cannot understand fearless of death, which may come at any moment.
pregnancy. They can be understood only when they are heard The beginning of Krishna consciousness and devotional
from the lips of an unmotivated pure devotee. By hearing from service is hearing, ‘sravanam’, which is very important for
such professional reciters, instead of advancing in devotional life, progressing in Krishna consciousness. When one links his ears to
one falls prey to sahajiyaism and illicit sex relations. One should give aural reception to the transcendental vibrations, he can
carefully avoid hearing from anybody except a pure devotee or quickly become purified and cleansed in the heart. Lord Caitanya
devotees being guided by acaryas coming in a disciplic has affirmed that this hearing cleanses the heart of the
succession. contaminated soul so that he becomes quickly qualified to enter
into devotional service and understand Krishna consciousness.
Coming Back To Life By Hearing
In the Garuda Purana, the stress on hearing is expressed very
When Maharaja Parikshit came to know of his impending nicely. It is said there, “The state of conditioned life in the
death which was to occur in a week, he went to the banks of the material world is just like that of a man lying unconscious, having
Ganges and decided to fast until death. Many great saintly persons been bitten by a snake. This is because both such unconscious
from all over the world had assembled for this occasion. Maharaja states can be ended by the sound of a mantra.” When a man is
Parikshit placed two questions to them: What is the duty of snake-bitten, he does not die immediately, but first becomes
everyone in all circumstances, and what is the specific duty of one unconscious and remains in a comatose condition. Anyone who is
who is to die very shortly? Srila Prabhupada mentions in his in the material world is also sleeping, as he is ignorant of his
purport: “…It appears that upon the inquiry of Maharaja Parikshit, actual self, or his actual duty, and his relationship with God. So
the great sages were not unanimous in their decision as to what materialistic life means that one is bitten by the snake of maya,
was to be done. For spiritual salvation, there were many illusion, and thus, without any Krishna consciousness, is almost
prescriptions according to the different modes of different persons. dead. Now, the so-called dead man bitten by a snake can be
But the ultimate aim of life is to attain the highest perfectional brought back to life by the chanting of some mantra. There are
 Cultivating Remembrance Of Krishna 349 350 Victory Over Death

expert chanters of these mantras who can perform this feat. later thrown away, and the reader then looks for a different taste in
Similarly, one can be brought back into Krishna consciousness some other new novel. On the other hand, transcendental literature
from the deadly unconscious state of material life by the hearing for a sincere seeker of truth is like grains for a starving man.
of the maha-mantra: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Those who are not sincere in their attempt to engage in devotional
Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare service cannot unlock the meaning of scriptures.
Hare. Although the Bhagavad-gita is an open book, Lord Sri Krishna
One should stay at a place where the great acaryas [holy calls it a secret, because it can be understood thoroughly only by
teachers] speak about the transcendental activities of the Lord. If devotees. Sometimes, a shop owner, in the midst of twenty people,
someone eagerly continues to hear such transcendental sounds, may tell his brother something simply by winking and his brother
then certainly he will become freed from all material hunger, will understand the meaning of that gesture immediately. He may
thirst, fear and lamentation, as well as all illusions of material go and get some fruits and milk for the guests. This was possible
existence. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu also recommended this for his brother owing to his relationship with his elder brother. In
process of hearing as a means of self-realization in the present age the same way, Lord Krishna reveals Himself to whomever He
of Kali. In this age, it is very difficult to follow thoroughly the chooses. Nobody can force their way into the mysteries of His
regulative principles and studies of the Vedas which were understanding on the pretext of mere scholarship. The actual fact
formerly recommended. However, if one gives aural reception to is that even the least educated person can understand the highest
the sound vibrated by great devotees and acaryas, that alone will philosophical truths, provided they have the right attitude.
give him relief from all material contamination. Story Of A Humble Devotee
The Art Of Reading Transcendental Literature There was once a brahmana in South India who was advised
Srila Prabhupada’s books are also recorded sound vibration by his guru to read the Bhagavad-gita every day. So the man went
and thus, are a form of hearing. One should always remember that to the local Krishna temple of Ranganath and began his daily
books like the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam, along with recitation. Neither his linguistic ability nor his erudition was very
the purports of great acaryas like Srila Prabhupada, are spiritual great, and so he often made mistakes. People made fun of him, yet
sound. The message is non-different from that of Lord Krishna he did not care because he felt very happy as he attended to his
and the previous acaryas. Thus, if anyone reads them with guru’s order. In fact, as he read, tears would sometimes well up in
reverence and assimilates them, then they can once again manifest his eyes and his body trembled due to ecstatic emotion.
their full potency. Lord Caitanya once came that way and asked, “Excuse Me,
My dear Sir, but how have you developed such ecstatic love?
Mundane Scholarship Is No Qualification To Understand
What portion of the Bhagavad-gita gives you so much bliss?” The
Krishna
man shyly replied, “I am illiterate and therefore do not know the
Reading transcendental literature is different from reading meaning of the words. Sometimes I read correctly and sometimes
mundane literature. Mundane novels are read for passing time and incorrectly, but in any case, I just picture Lord Krishna as
Arjuna’s charioteer. When I think how the Supreme Lord so
 Cultivating Remembrance Of Krishna 351 352 Victory Over Death

humbly serves His devotee, I cannot help but cry.” Lord Caitanya softly or loudly, the paths to liberation and even heavenly
then declared, “You are the actual authority in the reading of the happiness are at once open.”
Bhagavad-gita. Whatever you know constitutes the real meaning.” In the Padma Purana it is also stated, “The chanting of the
This fortunate person not only possessed humility and faith in Hare Krishna mantra is present only on the lips of a person who
his guru’s words, he also had faith in the scripture itself. In his has, for many births, worshiped Vasudeva.” It is further said in the
commentary on the Bhagavad-gita, Srila Prabhupada says that to Padma Purana, “There is no difference between the holy name of
understand the Gita one must, at least theoretically, accept Lord the Lord and the Lord Himself. As such, the holy name is as
Krishna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Unless we do, perfect as the Lord Himself in fullness, purity and eternity. The
how can we take His statements seriously? holy name is not a material sound vibration, nor has it any
material contamination.” The materialistic senses cannot properly
Treating Scriptures With Reverence
chant the holy names of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. But by
To help us develop the necessary reverence towards the sastra, adopting this chanting process, one is given a chance to actually
we can keep our books in a special place. In Burma, there are purify himself, so that he may very soon chant offencelessly.
temples in which the main murti, or form of God on the altar, is People sometimes ask, “What is the point of counting how
the Srimad-Bhagavatam. Imagine a complete set of Srimad- many mantras we chant? Surely the main thing is to chant with
Bhagavatam installed in your home! Once, one of Srila feeling. If we are trying to get a certain number done, we may end
Prabhupada’s disciples asked if he and his wife could worship up thinking of numbers more than Krishna.” There is an element
small deities as they travelled and preached. Srila Prabhupada of truth in this. Sometimes, devotees do have the prime motivation
advised them to worship his books. of ‘getting rounds done’. Sometimes, one chants when one does
Chanting Krishna’s Names Or not feel like it, and often a neophyte devotee chants mechanically,
Discussing Glories Of The Lord, ‘Kirtanam’ without much feeling for Lord Krishna. Still, according to the
Padma Purana, it is better to chant imperfectly, or offensively,
Chanting a mantra or hymn softly and slowly is called japa, than not at all, because by regular practice, we will learn to
and chanting the same mantra loudly is called kirtana. For improve. Krishna sees our attempt and helps us according to our
example, uttering the maha-mantra (Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, sincerity of purpose.
Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama The Srimad-Bhagavatam says that one, whose heart does not
Rama, Hare Hare) very softly, only for one’s own hearing, is melt upon chanting the holy names of the Lord, is steel framed. If
called japa. Chanting the same mantra loudly for being heard by our chanting is not done with feeling, we should have the desire to
all others is called kirtana. The maha-mantra can be used for japa at least chant regularly. Any devotee would want the steel-like
and kirtana also. When japa is practiced, it is for the personal heart to melt. How else will it be possible to melt it than by the
benefit of the chanter, but when kirtana is performed, it is for the heat of Krishna’s radiance? And what better way to contact
benefit of all others who may hear. In the Padma Purana, there is a Krishna than by chanting His names? Thus, chanting the Hare
statement: “For any person who is chanting the holy names either
 Cultivating Remembrance Of Krishna 353 354 Victory Over Death

Krishna maha mantra on an everyday basis, a fixed number of with Me. And I may tell you frankly that for such a devotee I
rounds, is the only way to link with Krishna on a daily basis. become easily purchased.”
Srila Prabhupada says that chanting is a spiritual call to the Caitanya Mahaprabhu has recommended that everyone chant
Lord and His energy (Hare or Radha) to give us protection. He the Hare Krishna maha mantra just to cleanse the dust from the
further says that chanting is exactly like the genuine cry of a child heart. If the dust of the heart is cleansed away, then one can
for its mother’s presence. The maha mantra simply means, “My actually understand the importance of the holy name. For persons
dear Lord, please accept me”, or when further elaborated, “My who are not inclined to clean the dust from their hearts and who
dear Lord, forgetting You, I have fallen into this material world want to keep things as they are, it is not possible to derive the
and have wandered through various species of life for so long. transcendental result of chanting the Hare Krishna mantra. One
Please be merciful to me. Please pick me up and engage me once should, therefore, be encouraged to develop his service attitude
again in Your service”. toward the Lord, because this will help him to chant without any
As we chant, we try to focus our minds on the sound of the offence. And so, under the guidance of a spiritual master, the
holy name. Lord Krishna says that we should practice controlling disciple is trained to render service and at the same time chant the
our restless mind by bringing it back from wherever it has strayed. Hare Krishna mantra.
When we chant we are also asking Lord Krishna to please be Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati also includes memorising and
present. If He kindly comes, He is our guest. And if we ignore repeating verses from such literatures as Srimad-Bhagavatam and
Him by allowing our minds to wander away, how long will our Bhagavad-gita as kirtanam. Emperor Parikshit attained the
special guest want to stay? Thus, endeavouring to chant attentively spiritual platform simply by hearing from such an authority as Sri
is pleasing to the Lord, and by chanting regularly, the name, form, Sukadeva Gosvami about the glories of Krishna. Sri Sukadeva
qualities, pastimes, etc., of the Lord is gradually revealed in the Gosvami attained the same simply by recitation, verbatim, of the
mind of the devotee. transcendental message which he received from his great father,
When a person loudly chants the glories of the Lord’s Sri Vyasadeva.
activities, qualities, form, etc., his chanting is called sankirtana. Remembering Krishna
Sankirtana also refers to the congregational chanting of the holy
name of the Lord. Remembering Krishna is a direct result of our absorption in
In the Vishnu-dharma, there is a statement glorifying this hearing and chanting. If we are sufficiently stimulated
process of congregational chanting: “My dear King, this word philosophically and purified by the chanting of the holy name, we
Krishna is so auspicious that anyone who chants this holy name will naturally think of Krishna at every step of our lives. Krishna
immediately gets rid of the resultant actions of sinful activities consciousness is in many ways the art of adding Krishna to every
from many, many births.” In the Adi Purana, Lord Krishna while aspect of our existence. It is said, “Always remember Krishna,
addressing Arjuna says, “Anyone who is engaged in chanting My never forget Him. All the rules and regulations of the scriptures
transcendental name must be considered to be always associating are but servants to this one, essential principle.”
Lord Sri Krishna, throughout the Bhagavad-gita, has described
various kinds of knowledge and processes of religion—knowledge
 Cultivating Remembrance Of Krishna 355 356 Victory Over Death

of the Supreme Brahman, knowledge of the Supersoul, knowledge Devotional service is not a sentimental activity. The essence of
of the different types of orders and statuses of social life Vedic knowledge is devotional service, as confirmed in the
(brahmana, ksatriya, etc.), knowledge of the renounced order of Bhagavad-gita (15.15): vedaiç ca sarvair aham eva vedyaù. All the
life, knowledge of nonattachment, sense and mind control, Vedic literature aims at understanding Krishna. The six Gosvamis,
meditation, etc. He has described in so many ways different types under the direction of Srila Rupa Gosvami and Srila Sanatana
of religion. Now, in the summarizing verse 18.66 of the Gosvami, studied various Vedic literatures and picked up the
Bhagavad-gita, the Lord says that Arjuna should give up all the essence of them, the devotional service of the Lord.
processes that have been explained to him; he should simply Devotional service is not imaginative ecstasy. In the material
surrender to Krishna. That surrender will save him from all kinds world, so-called devotees sometimes exhibit emotional symptoms.
of sinful reactions, for the Lord personally promises to protect Such exhibitions do not continue for very long. They are
him. temporary. We actually see that some emotional imitators exhibit
Thus, surrendering to Krishna and concentrating the mind on certain symptoms of wearing sarees imitating gopis, crying, falling
the form of Krishna constitutes the most confidential part of unconscious, etc., but immediately after their exhibition, they are
knowledge, and this is disclosed to Arjuna because Arjuna is the attracted to smoking, woman-hunting and other things.
most dear friend of Krishna.
What Is Bhakti Or Pure Devotional Service?
Pure Devotional Service
Pure Devotional Service is an Active Engagement
The ‘Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu’ (1.1.11) defines pure devotion Devotion is not passive. When you love someone, you DO
thus: something to please your beloved. Thus, devotional service is
anyäbhiläñitä-çünyaà jïäna-karmädy-anävåtam always filled with activities directed towards Krishna. Devotional
änukülyena kåñëänu-çélanaà bhaktir uttamä service is a sort of cultivation. This activity can be divided into
three categories: bodily activity (kaya), mental activity
“Uttama bhakti, or unalloyed devotion unto the Supreme
(manaseeya), vocal activity (vaak). All activities may be divided
Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna, involves the rendering of
into two classes: one class may be for achieving a certain goal,
devotional service in a way that is favourable to the Lord. This
and the other may be for avoiding some unfavourable
devotional service should be free from any extraneous motive and
circumstance. In Sanskrit, these activities are called pravrtti and
devoid of fruitive karma, impersonal jnana and all other selfish
nivrtti - positive and negative action. For instance, a diseased
desires.” (BRS 1.1.11, Cc.19.167)
person has to take positive steps to cure a disease by taking
What Is Not Bhakti? medicines, at the same time be cautious to not eat any items that
Devotional service is not a matter of sentimental speculation will aggravate the disease. For example, a typhoid patient has to
or imaginative ecstasy. avoid eating any oily items like puris or pakoras. Thus, the bodily,
mental and vocal activities can be further subdivided into two
categories:
 Cultivating Remembrance Of Krishna 357 358 Victory Over Death

Pravrtti – Engaging in activity that pleases Krishna. Material desires are those that one wants selfishly for one’s
For example, speaking Krishna’s glories is Vocal Pravrtti. own enjoyment.
Nivrtti – Avoiding activities that displease Krishna. Spiritual desires are those that one wants for the pleasure of
For example, avoiding envious thoughts is Mental Nivrtti. Lord.
The nine processes of devotional service are as follows: While material desires bring us suffering, spiritual desires
1. Hearing the name and glories of the Supreme Personality of bring us freedom from suffering.
Godhead Jnanis and Yogis make futile attempts to give up all material
2. Chanting His glories desires to become free from suffering. But it is like creating a
3. Remembering the Lord vacuum in a bulb. It is very difficult. The bulb may explode at
4. Serving the Lord’s feet anytime. The Bhaktas or devotees of the Lord easily remove all
5. Worshiping the Deity material desires in their hearts by replacing them with spiritual
6. Offering obeisances unto the Lord desires. There is a very easy way to do this. Instead of engaging
7. Acting as the Lord’s servant the mind and senses in chasing after the glittering objects of this
8. Making friends with the Lord world, we should engage them in serving the master of the senses.
9. Surrendering oneself fully to the Lord Hear the story of Nalakuvara and Manigriva from your teacher,
how they brought suffering to themselves by engaging senses in
Pure Devotional Service is Free from Motives
sinful activities and later by the mercy of Narada, engaged their
The underlying principle of devotional service is unalloyed senses in Lord’s service.
love for Krishna. This means one should worship the Lord without
Pure Devotional Service follows the Disciplic Succession
any motivation. Sometimes people come to a temple, give a
donation, and bow down before the Deity, intending to please the Knowing which words, thoughts and actions please Krishna is
Lord. Are they engaged in pure devotional service? It depends not a speculative affair. One should learn how to please Krishna
upon their motive. Do they want to please Krishna so that He will from the spiritual master. By acting under the order of the spiritual
grant them a benediction? Do they want something selfish in master, all one’s activities remain under the shelter of the spiritual,
return? Although they ARE engaged in devotional service, as long internal potency of the Lord.
as they maintain that ulterior motive, they are not engaged in Pure Devotional Service is for Krishna
PURE devotional service. Pure devotional service has no ulterior We can love and serve Krishna either directly, or by loving
motive. A pure devotee engages in Krishna’s service simply for and serving those persons and things that are explicitly connected
the sake of pleasing guru and Krishna. to Him. By serving Krishna’s expansions, His pure devotees, or
By absorbing our senses in activities centred around Krishna, His places of pastimes or His paraphernalia, we engage in pure
we cultivate attachment to Krishna, which will gradually develop devotional service.
into love. At the same time, all our attachment to the activities that
degrade us to sinful life and bring us suffering will be gone.
 Cultivating Remembrance Of Krishna 359 360 Victory Over Death

Pure Devotional Service is Performed when the Devotee Examples Of Liberation Through Constant
Intends to Please Krishna Remembrance Of Krishna
The fact that an activity pleases Krishna does not
automatically mean it is pure devotional service. Sometimes even A devotee undoubtedly worships the Lord with rapt attention.
demons sent by Kamsa to fight with Krishna gave the Lord the Similarly, even if an enemy always thinks of Krishna, he also
chance to relish a good fight and to protect His dear devotees – becomes a purified devotee. Such is the absolute nature of
both of which brought Him great pleasure. If we say that pure Krishna. For example, a grass worm becomes bee-like because of
devotional service is activity that pleases Krishna, we would have constantly thinking of the bee that forces it to enter a hole. By
to include demons like Kamsa as pure devotees. This is obviously always thinking of the bee in fear, the grass worm starts to become
unacceptable. a bee. Lord Krishna appears within this material world for two
Consider the example of mother Yashoda leaving Krishna on purposes— to protect the devotees and annihilate the demons. The
the ground from her lap and going to kitchen to stop the boiling sadhus and devotees certainly think of the Lord always, but the
milk from overflowing. Although she made Krishna cry loudly, demons like Kamsa and Sishupala, also think of Krishna in terms
still she went to kitchen to look after the padma gandha milk. She of killing Him. By thinking of Krishna, both the demons and
had been boiling it for Krishna’s pleasure. Here, Yashoda devotees attain liberation from the clutches of material maya.
apparently displeased Krishna, but Krishna knows her good Narada muni, in his discussion with Yudhisthira, mentions
intentions to serve Him; thus, Yashoda’s devotion falls in the how different persons achieve different types of mukti – sayujya,
category of pure devotional service. salokya, sarupya, samipya and sarsti – according to their own
Pure Devotional Service must not be covered by Karma, intense desire which is called bhava:
Jnana, Yoga, etc. gopyaù kämäd bhayät kaàso dveñäc caidyädayo nåpäù
Developing knowledge of Krishna, our relationship with Him sambandhäd våñëayaù snehäd yüyaà bhaktyä vayaà vibho
and the process of pure devotional service is favourable. Any
“My dear King Yudhisthira, the gopis by their lusty desires,
knowledge that ultimately arrives at voidistic or impersonal
Kamsa by his fear, Sishupala and other kings by envy, the Yadus
conclusion is useless and should be avoided.
by their familial relationship with Krishna, you Pandavas by your
Karma refers to activities done with some material motive or
great affection for Krishna, and we, the general devotees, by our
involving rituals without proper understanding of Krishna’s
devotional service, have obtained the mercy of Krishna.” (SB
supremacy and devotional service. Such Karma should be
7.1.31)
avoided.
One might wonder how one could achieve liberation with such
Non-devotional renunciation, yoga, study of non-devotional
wrong attitudes as lust, fear, envy etc. But it is important to
topics like atheistic sankhya philosophy, etc. should be avoided.
consider what the object on which such emotions are focussed is.
Since Krishna is absolute, anyone who remembers Krishna
constantly with any of the attitudes mentioned above, becomes
 Cultivating Remembrance Of Krishna 361 362 Victory Over Death

purified and achieves liberation. When the mind is somehow or As stated in Srimad-Bhagavatam (10.33.39):
other fully absorbed in Krishna, the material part is very soon vikréòitaà vraja-vadhübhir idaà ca viñëoù
vanquished, and the spiritual part—attraction to Krishna —
çraddhänvito ‘nuçåëuyäd atha varëayed yaù
becomes manifest. If one thinks of Krishna enviously, simply
because of thinking of Krishna, he becomes free from all sinful bhaktià paräà bhagavati pratilabhya kämaà
reactions and thus becomes a pure devotee. Narada muni håd-rogam äçv apahinoty acireëa dhéraù
recommends that one somehow or other be absorbed in thoughts
of Krishna, for that will save one from all the dangers of material
existence. Full absorption in thought of Krishna is the highest
platform of bhakti-yoga.
Gopis Obtained Krishna’s Mercy By Their Intense Love
The gopis’ desire to serve Krishna is so intense that their
attraction cannot be easily explained in ordinary terms.
Sometimes, a young boy and a young girl feel great attraction for
one another, but that attraction is mundane lust, which sprouts
from the desire to enjoy and exploit one another. A boy feels that
by the association of the opposite sex, he can get sense
gratification and the girl feels that by the association of the boy,
she can fulfil all her needs like house, garments, jewellery and
protection.
But the gopis’ attraction for Krishna is owing to their desire to
love and serve Him. This love is selfless; it does not seek any
reward in return. It is spontaneous; it springs from the heart and
manifests as uninterrupted service to the Lord. The gopis are
extolled by the greatest saints like Sukadeva Gosvami, If a bona fide listener hears of Krishna’s pastimes with the
Sankaracarya, Caitanya Mahaprabhu and the six Gosvamis, as gopis, which seem to be lusty affairs, the lusty desires in his heart,
having achieved the pinnacle of pure devotion. The Caitanya which constitute the heart disease of the conditioned soul, will be
Caritamrta compares the desires of the spiritual and material world vanquished, and he will become a most exalted devotee of the
to gold and iron. The lusty desires of the gopis for Krishna are Lord. Thus, hearing about Krishna’s pastimes with the gopis
compared to gold, and material lusty desires are compared to iron. purifies us, while hearing about lusty affairs of man and woman of
this world putrefies us. Thus, they have the opposite effects.
It is also confirmed in the Bhagavad-gita that anyone who is
always absorbed in the thought of Krishna is the topmost of all
 Cultivating Remembrance Of Krishna 363 364 Victory Over Death

yogis. Thus, persons who are constantly engaged in the Krishna, worship His transcendental form and discuss His
transcendental meditation of seeing Krishna, internally and transcendental teachings, His pastimes, His qualities and His
externally, by thinking of Him playing the flute, entering the entourage. That will enrich the devotees to the highest devotional
Vrindavana forest and tending the cows with the cowherd boys, perfection. Feeling constant separation while engaged in the
have really attained the perfection of samadhi. Samadhi (trance) service of the Lord is the perfection of Krishna consciousness.
means absorption of all the activities of the senses in a particular Chapter 21, ‘The Gopis Attracted by the Flute’, Chapter 31,
object, and the gopis who are absorbed in remembrance of ‘Songs by the Gopis’ and Chapter 34, ‘The Gopis Feelings of
Krishna always have achieved the perfection of samadhi. Separation’ from Prabhupada’s book, ‘Krishna, The Supreme
When Krishna went to the forest with His cowherd boyfriends Personality of Godhead’ will give a deeper understanding of the
and cows, the gopis did not physically take part, but their hearts pure love of the gopis for Krishna.
went with Him. And because their hearts went, they were able to Kamsa Obtained Krishna’s Mercy By Fear
enjoy His company through strong feelings of separation. To
acquire this strong feeling of separation is the teaching of Lord Kamsa was an uncle of Krishna. According to the prophecy,
Caitanya and His direct disciplic succession of Gosvamis. When he was supposed to be killed by the eighth son of Devaki. Out of
we are not in physical contact with Krishna, we can associate with fear of death, he imprisoned Devaki and Vasudeva and killed all
Him like the gopis, through feelings of separation. Krishna’s their children one by one. By divine arrangement, He could not
transcendental form, qualities, pastimes and entourage are all kill the eighth son, Krishna. Later, when Kamsa came to know that
identical with Him. Devotional service to Krishna in feelings of Krishna is going to be the cause of his death, he made a plot to kill
separation elevates the devotee to the highest perfectional level, to Krishna by inviting Him for a wrestling match.
the level of the gopis. When Krishna visited Mathura, Kamsa was restless the entire
It is stated in Srinivasa Acarya’s prayer to the six Gosvamis previous night. Thinking of his imminent death at the hands of
that they left the material opulences of government service and Krishna, he began to have many inauspicious visions, and he
princely status of life, and went to Vrindavana, where they lived could understand that Krishna and Balarama, who had approached
just like ordinary mendicants, begging from door to door. But they the precincts of the city, were his messengers of death. Kamsa saw
were so enriched with the gopis’ feelings of separation that they various kinds of inauspicious signs while both awake and
enjoyed transcendental pleasure at every moment. Similarly, when dreaming, like when he looked in the mirror, he could not see his
Lord Caitanya was at Jagannatha Puri, He was in the role of head, although the head was actually present.
Radharani, feeling separation from Krishna. Lord Caitanya would Kamsa was completely absorbed in thought of Krishna and
run after a sand dune calling, ‘Govardhana!’ thinking it to be the Balarama out of great fear. When his two wives came inside his
Govardhana mountain. He would jump into the Ganges by seeing room, he leapt to his feet and screamed, “Krishna Balarama!”
the blackish water, being reminded of the Yamuna. Those who are Wherever he turned around, he saw Krishna with the discus
in the disciplic succession of the Madhva-Gaudiya-sampradaya, Sudarshan in his hand, coming to kill him. Thus, Kamsa could not
followers of Lord Caitanya, should always feel separation from rest that night. Just after the night expired, he busily arranged for
the wrestling match.
 Cultivating Remembrance Of Krishna 365 366 Victory Over Death

In the wrestling match, Krishna and Balarama defeated Canura thoughts of Krishna? Even an enemy killed by Krishna gets
and Mustika very easily. Although everyone cheered, Kamsa liberation and is placed in the impersonal brahmajyoti.
became morose and wanted to drive Krishna and Balarama out of Sishupala Obtained Krishna’s Mercy By Envy
Mathura. He ordered that Nanda Maharaja, Vasudeva and his
father Ugrasena should all be killed without delay. Hearing this, Sishupala, the king of Chedi, had been born with three eyes
Lord Krishna became angry and jumped on Kamsa, dragged him and four arms. As soon as he took birth, he screamed and brayed
to the wrestling dais and threw him down. Simply from the strokes like an ass. An invisible voice from the heavens prophesied that he
of His fist, Kamsa lost his vital force. To assure His parents that would grow up powerful and fearless, but that one day he would
Kamsa was dead, Lord Krishna dragged him just as a lion drags an be killed by a great hero. When Sishupala’s mother asked the
elephant after killing it. When people saw this, there was a great voice who that hero would be, the voice replied that the child’s
roaring sound from all sides as some spectators expressed their extra arms and third eye would disappear when he was placed
jubilation and others cried in lamentation. upon the lap of the person who would one day kill him. This came
From the day Kamsa heard he would be killed by the eighth to pass when young Sishupala was placed upon Krishna’s lap.
son of Devaki, he was always thinking of Krishna with His wheel Horrified when she realised that Krishna would kill her son,
in hand, and because he was very much afraid of his death, he was Sishupala’s mother begged, “Please grant me a boon, O Krishna.
thinking of Krishna in that form twenty-four hours a day, without Pardon my son for the offences he may commit against You. I
stopping—even while eating, while walking and while desire his welfare and long life.”
breathing—and naturally he got the blessing of liberation. In the Krishna replied, “O blessed lady, even when Sishupala
Bhagavad-gita, it is stated, sadä tad-bhäva-bhävitaù: (Bg. 8.6) a deserves to be killed, I will forgive him. Indeed, I shall tolerate
person gets his next life according to the thoughts in which he is one hundred offences from him.”
always absorbed. Kamsa was thinking of Krishna with His wheel, King Yudhisthira arranged to perform the Rajasuya sacrifice.
which means Narayana, who holds a wheel, conch-shell, lotus He invited all the
flower and club. qualified brahmanas
According to the opinion of authorities, Kamsa attained and sages to take part
sarupya-mukti after death; that is to say, he attained the same form and appointed them to
as Narayana (Vishnu). On the Vaikuntha planets, all the different positions as
inhabitants have the same bodily features as Narayana. After his priests in charge of the
death, Kamsa attained liberation and was promoted to sacrificial arena.
Vaikunthaloka. From this instance, we can understand that even a Present by the
person who thinks of the Supreme Personality of Godhead as an invitation of King
enemy gets liberation or a place in a Vaikuntha planet, so what to Yudhisthira to
speak of the pure devotees, who are always absorbed in favourable participate in the great
sacrifice were all the
exalted demigods like
 Cultivating Remembrance Of Krishna 367 368 Victory Over Death

Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva and Indra, the King of heaven, First of all, King Yudhisthira, along with his brothers, wives,
accompanied by their associates, as well as the predominating children, other relatives and ministers, washed the lotus feet of
deities of higher planetary systems like Gandharvaloka, Lord Krishna and sprinkled the water on their heads. After this, he
Siddhaloka, Janoloka, Tapoloka, Nagaloka, Yaksaloka, offered Lord Krishna various kinds of yellow silken garments and
Raksasaloka, Paksiloka and Caranaloka, as well as famous kings presented heaps of jewellery and ornaments before Him for His
and their queens. use. King Yudhisthira felt such ecstasy by honouring Krishna, his
After all arrangements were made for Yudhisthira’s sacrifice, only lovable object, that tears glided down from his eyes, and
the next consideration was who should be worshiped first in the although he wanted to, he could not see Lord Krishna very well.
ceremony. This particular ceremony is called Agra-puja. Agra When Lord Krishna was thus worshiped by King Yudhisthira, all
means “first,” and puja means “worship.” This Agra-puja is the members present in the assembly stood up with folded hands
similar to the election of a president. In the sacrificial assembly, and began to chant, “Jaya! Jaya! Namah! Namah!” All joined
all the members were very exalted. together to offer their respectful obeisances to Krishna, and there
Yudhisthira asked his counsellors who they felt was fit to were showers of flowers from the sky.
receive the worship. There was some uncertainty. Some suggested In that meeting, King Sishupala was also present. He was an
Brahma, while others Shiva and some Vyasadeva. Yudhisthira avowed enemy of Krishna for many reasons, especially because of
then asked Bhisma, “O Kuru chief, who do you consider to be the Krishna’s having stolen Rukmini from the marriage ceremony.
best of all those present here today? Who should receive the first Therefore, he could not tolerate such honour to Krishna and
worship, the Agra puja?” glorification of His qualities. Instead of being happy to hear the
Bhisma replied, “As the sun shines among the luminous glories of the Lord, he became very angry. When everyone offered
objects, so Krishna shines among all kings. He is without doubt respect to Krishna by standing up, Sishupala remained in his seat,
the most worthy of the first offering.” and became angrier at Krishna’s being honoured. He suddenly
Sahadeva, on Bhisma’s command, stood up and announced to leapt to his feet and began to roar angrily.
the assembly: “Emperor Yudhisthira would like to offer the Agra “Surely destiny is supreme. Otherwise how could this injustice
puja to Krishna. Even though the principal gods are present, they have occurred? How could those present have been influenced by
are all subordinate to Krishna. He is the ultimate goal of all yogis the words of a foolish boy? There are many personalities here
and ascetics who aim for self realisation. But what need is there much more worthy of worship than Krishna. The great rishis, the
for me to speak of His glories? All you exalted personalities are gods and all the earth’s kings are present.”
well aware of Krishna’s position. Indeed, Krishna is the Supersoul “Krishna is not even a king. He is nothing but the son of a
of all. Therefore, by satisfying Him, we will satisfy all created cowherd man. We cannot even ascertain His caste or social
beings.” Sahadeva continued to glorify Krishna for several more position. He seems to care nothing for Vedic injunctions and
minutes. When he stopped speaking, the rishis, celestials and principles. How then can He be worshipped in this assembly?”
assembled kings resoundingly approved. Sishupala frowned. His coppery eyes challenged those in the
assembly. “Krishna is neither the eldest, nor the wisest, nor the
 Cultivating Remembrance Of Krishna 369 370 Victory Over Death

most powerful person present. There are many others present who Narada then spoke, “Those men who will not worship Krishna
are more qualified than Krishna in every way. Yudhisthira could should be considered dead even though breathing. They should not
have worshipped any one of them before selecting Krishna.” He even be gazed upon.”
admonished Yudhisthira for insulting him by worshipping Sishupala became even angrier. He turned towards his
Krishna. supporters and shouted, “Here I am, ready to lead you. Let us
Sishupala turned to address Krishna, “As for You, Krishna, stand in battle against the Yadus and the Pandavas. Let us act
why have You allowed Yourself to be worshipped like this? You quickly so that this sacrifice may not be concluded successfully.
are exactly like a dog that has stolen the offerings of ghee meant Everyone should know that we did not agree to Krishna being
for a sacrifice and is licking them up in solitude. As a wife is to an worshipped.” Yudhisthira’s supporters also prepared themselves
impotent man, or a beautiful sight to a blind man, so is this for battle.
worship to You, who are not even a king.” Yudhisthira was alarmed to see his sacrifice about to be
Some left the assembly censuring Sishupala, while others took spoiled, even as it had almost reached its conclusion. He turned
up their swords and shields in order to fight with him. Bhisma at anxiously to Bhisma and said, “O grandsire, these kings are seized
once stood up and justified the selection of Krishna. “He who does by wrath and seem bent upon battle. What should I do to avoid my
not approve of the worship of Krishna, who is the oldest person in sacrifice being spoiled and my subjects being harmed?”
the universe, deserves no respect at all. O King of Chedi, we do Bhisma laughed and replied in a voice which Sishupala could
not worship Krishna out of material motivations. Krishna is the hear clearly, “O best of the Kurus, have no fear that Sishupala can
Supreme Person, in whom the universe itself is established. create any disturbance in Krishna’s presence. He and his
Foolish men like you can never understand this.” Bhisma gave supporters are like a pack of dogs barking at a sleeping lion. Only
numerous reasons why Krishna should be worshipped. He as long as Madhava does not act can they exhibit their valour. It
described the many wonderful feats Krishna had achieved. Even seems that Krishna now desires to take back to Himself the power
as a child, He had slain the many powerful demons Kamsa had He gave to Sishupala. That is why the Chedi king’s intelligence
sent to kill Him. In the end, He had even killed Kamsa himself. has become so perverse.”
Once, Krishna had lifted the Govardhan hill with one hand and Sishupala could not tolerate Bhisma’s words and he screamed
held it for a full week. No one could show more knowledge or in response, “O most infamous wretch of your race, are you not
wisdom than Krishna. afraid to speak such words in front of all these kings? With you as
When Bhisma stopped speaking, Sahadeva rose and lifted his their leader, the Kurus are like blind men being led by another
left foot. He was angry, and his voice boomed, “If there is any blind man. You have simply given us pain by describing the deeds
man here who feels Krishna should not be worshipped, then let of the powerless cowherd Krishna. Arrogant and foolish as you
him step forward. I shall place my left foot on his head. Who will are, it is a wonder that your tongue does not split into a hundred
give me a reply?” As Sahadeva spoke, the sky reverberated with parts.” Sishupala railed on, insulting both Bhisma and Krishna. “O
voices crying, “Excellent! Well spoken!” and showers of flowers wretch, although you pose as virtuous and learned, we can see
fell on his head. your real nature. You are sinful and ignorant. Only because you
 Cultivating Remembrance Of Krishna 371 372 Victory Over Death

are impotent have you taken your famous vow of celibacy. You the ground, a fearful effulgence was seen to leave his body and
deserve to die at the hands of these kings.” enter into Krishna.
Hearing his noble grandfather insulted so grievously, Bhima The merging of Sishupala’s soul into the transcendental body
became enraged. He stood up, appearing like Death, preparing to of Krishna reminds us of the story of Jaya and Vijaya, who fell to
swallow every creature at the end of the yuga. Being caught by the material world from the Vaikuntha planets upon being cursed
Bhisma, Bhima sat down, glaring at Sishupala like the ocean by the four Kumaras. For their return to the Vaikuntha world, it
unable to transgress its shores. was arranged that both Jaya and Vijaya, for three consecutive
Bhisma concluded, “This wretch is thus destined to be killed births, would act as deadly enemies of the Lord, and that at the
by Krishna. His time has come. Therefore, he roars like this, end of these lives, they would return to the Vaikuntha world and
caring nothing for ourselves or the infallible and unknowable serve the Lord as His associates.
Krishna. A man on the verge of death loses his senses and will say Although Sishupala acted as the enemy of Krishna, he was not
anything.” Sishupala delivered another harsh speech. for a single moment out of Krishna consciousness. He was always
Then Krishna spoke so that everyone could hear. “This cruel- absorbed in thought of Krishna, and thus, he first got the salvation
hearted man is My aunt’s son, yet he always wishes Me and My of sayujya-mukti, merging into the existence of the Supreme, and
relatives ill. Once, when I was away from Dwaraka, he came and was finally reinstated in his original position of personal service.
set light to My city. He killed many citizens and took away many The Bhagavad-gita corroborates the fact that one who is absorbed
more in chains. This wretch even stole saintly Akrura’s wife. On in the thought of the Supreme Lord at the time of death
another occasion, cunningly disguising himself, he ravished the immediately enters the kingdom of God after quitting his material
princess of Vishala, who was the intended bride of the Kurusha body. After the salvation of Sishupala, King Yudhisthira rewarded
king. Obviously desiring a speedy death, he even tried to possess all the members present in the sacrificial assembly.
the chaste Rukmini. I have tolerated these and numerous other Although Krishna is unaffected by favourable prayers or
insults at his hands, only because I made a promise to My aunt. unfavourable blasphemy, one should not think that he can
But I promised to bear only one hundred insults. That number has blaspheme the Supreme Lord like Sishupala. This is not the
now become full. I shall therefore slay Sishupala now in your regulative principle. Bhakti-yoga means änukülyena
presence.” kåñëänuçélanam: (Cc. Madhya 19.167) one should serve Krishna
Sishupala laughed derisively and continued to blaspheme. very favourably. This is the real injunction.
Krishna thought of His discus weapon, the Sudarshan chakra. It Sishupala’s achievement of oneness with the Supreme Lord
immediately appeared in His hand and Krishna released it. The was different because Jaya and Vijaya, from the very beginning of
chakra left Krishna’s hand and streaked toward Sishupala even as their material existence, were ordained to treat the Supreme Lord
he tried desperately to draw his sword to fend off the chakra, but as an enemy for three lives and then return home, back to
the powerful disc weapon was too swift. It caught him on the neck Godhead. Jaya and Vijaya inwardly knew that Krishna is the
and immediately severed his head from his body. As he dropped to Supreme Personality of Godhead, but they purposely became His
enemies to be delivered from material life. From the very
 Cultivating Remembrance Of Krishna 373 374 Victory Over Death

beginning of their lives, they thought of Lord Krishna as an descend with Lord Krishna in order to join in the transcendental
enemy, and even though blaspheming Lord Krishna, they chanted pastimes of the Lord. When the Supreme Lord returns to His
the holy name of Krishna constantly along with their inimical eternal abode, His associates return with Him to their respective
thoughts. Thus, they were purified because of chanting the holy places. As such, these ever-liberated Vaishnavas are not bound by
name of Krishna. It is to be understood that even if a blasphemer the material laws of birth and death.”
can be freed from sinful activities by chanting the holy name of Pandavas Obtained Krishna’s Mercy By Great Affection
the Lord, certainly, freedom is assured for a devotee who is
always favourable to the service of the Lord. When Maharaja Parikshit travelled to various parts of his
kingdom, he heard the glories of the devotion of his forefathers,
Yadus Obtained Krishna’s Mercy By Familial the Pandavas, and how Lord Krishna was very affectionate to
Relationship them. He heard that out of His causeless mercy, Lord Krishna,
All of the residents of Vrindavana and Dwaraka—namely, the Who is universally obeyed, rendered all kinds of service to the
cowherd men and the members of the Yadu family—are eternally Pandavas by accepting posts ranging from chariot driver to
perfect devotees of the Lord. As the Lord descends by His
causeless mercy upon this planet, so, in order to help in the
pastimes of the Lord, these devotees also come here. They are not
ordinary living entities or conditioned souls. They are ever-
liberated persons, associates of the Personality of Godhead. And
just as Lord Krishna behaves like an ordinary man when He
descends to this planet, so the
members of the Yadu dynasty and the
residents of Vrindavana execute
activities just like ordinary men. But
they are not ordinary men. They are
as liberated as Lord Krishna Himself.
In the Padma Purana, Uttara-
khanda section, it is stated, “Just as
Lord Ramacandra descends along
with Laksmana (an expansion of president, to messenger, friend, night watchman, etc., according to
Sankarsana) and Bharata (an the will of the Pandavas, obeying them like a servant and offering
expansion of Pradyumna), so the obeisances like one younger in years. When he heard this,
members of the Yadu dynasty and the Maharaja Parikshit became overwhelmed with devotion to the
cowherd men of Vrindavana also lotus feet of the Lord.
 Cultivating Remembrance Of Krishna 375 376 Victory Over Death

Lord Krishna is everything to the unalloyed devotees like the Thus, Lord Krishna was intimately associated with the
Pandavas. The Lord was for them the Supreme Lord, the spiritual Pandava family owing to their complete surrender to His lotus
master, the worshipable Deity, the guide, the chariot driver, the feet. The affection of Yudhisthira for Krishna is seen when he
friend, the servant, the messenger and everything they could renounced the world at once by giving up the throne as soon as he
conceive of. And thus, the Lord also reciprocated the feelings of came to know that Krishna had left the world to return to His own
the Pandavas. The Lord’s dealings with His devotees appear to be abode. Thus, the Pandavas conquered the heart of the Lord
ordinary human dealings, but one who knows them in truth through affection.
becomes at once eligible to go back home, back to Godhead. The Somehow Or Other One Should Think Of Krishna
Pandavas were so malleable to the will of the Lord that they could
sacrifice any amount of energy for the service of the Lord, and by katamo ‘pi na venaù syät païcänäà puruñaà prati
such unalloyed determination, they could secure the Lord’s mercy tasmät kenäpy upäyena manaù kåñëe niveçayet
in any shape they desired. Narada said: “Somehow or other, one must consider the form
Lord Krishna saved the Pandavas from various dangerous of Krishna very seriously. Then, by one of the five different
encounters. Devaki was once put into difficulty by her envious processes mentioned above, one can return home, back to
brother, otherwise she was well. But Kuntidevi and her sons were Godhead. Atheists like King Vena, however, being unable to think
put into one difficulty after another for years and years together. of Krishna’s form in any of these five ways, cannot attain
They were put into trouble by Duryodhana and his party due to the salvation. Therefore, one must somehow think of Krishna,
kingdom, and each and every time, the sons of Kunti were saved whether in a friendly way or inimically.” (SB 7.1.32)
by the Lord. Once, Bhima was administered poison in a cake. Impersonalists and atheists always try to circumvent the form
Another time, they were put into the house made of shellac and set of Krishna. Great politicians and philosophers of the modern age
afire. Draupadi was dragged out, and attempts were made to insult even try to banish Krishna from the Bhagavad-gita. Consequently,
her by stripping her naked in the vicious assembly of the Kurus. for them, there is no salvation. But Krishna’s enemies think, “Here
The Lord saved Draupadi by supplying an immeasurable length of is Krishna, my enemy. I have to kill Him.” They think of Krishna
cloth, and Duryodhana’s party failed to see her naked. Similarly, in His actual form, and thus, they attain salvation. Devotees,
when they were exiled in the forest, Bhima had to fight with the therefore, who constantly think of Krishna’s form favourably, are
man-eater demon Hidimbi Rakshasa, but the Lord saved him. It not only liberated, but achieve the personal association of the
was not finished there. After all these tribulations, there was the Lord.
great Battle of Kurukshetra, and Arjuna had to meet such great Yudhisthira as well as Nala, both were very pious kings.
generals as Drona, Bhisma and Karna, all powerful fighters. And Amongst them, Yudhisthira is more famous owing to being a
at last, even when everything was done away with, there was the devotee of Lord Krishna. Thus, without a relation with the Lord,
Brahmastra released by the son of Dronacharya to kill the child all piety, scholarship and prowess become null and void.
within the womb of Uttara, and so the Lord saved the only
surviving descendant of the Kurus, Maharaja Parikshit.
 Cultivating Remembrance Of Krishna 377 378 Victory Over Death

Results Of Favourable And His bodily effulgence are in the same way simultaneously one and
Unfavourable Devotional Service different.
Kamsa and Sishupala attained to the Absolute Truth, but they
The attraction of Kamsa to Krishna in fear and the attraction of
were not allowed to enter into the Goloka Vrindavana abode.
Sishupala in envy are not accepted as devotional service, however,
Impersonalists and the enemies of the Lord are, because of
because their attitudes are not favourable. Devotional service
attraction to God, allowed to enter into His kingdom, but they are
should be executed only in a favourable frame of mind. Therefore,
not allowed to enter into the Vaikuntha planets or the Goloka
according to Srila Rupa Gosvami, such attractions are not
Vrindavana planet of the Supreme Lord. To enter the kingdom and
considered to be in devotional service.
to enter the king’s palace are not the same thing.
There may be some difficulty in understanding that both the
Srila Rupa Gosvami describes the different achievements of
gopis and Kamsa achieved the same goal, so this point should be
the impersonalists and the personalists. Generally, those who are
clearly understood, because the attitudes of Kamsa and Sishupala
impersonalists and are inimical to the Supreme Personality of
were different from that of the gopis. Although in all these cases,
Godhead get entrance only into the impersonal Brahman, when
the focus is on the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and all of the
and if they reach spiritual perfection. The impersonalist
devotees are elevated to the spiritual world, there is still a
philosophers are in one sense like the enemies of the Lord,
distinction between these two classes of souls.
because the out-and-out enemies of the Lord and the
In the First Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam, it is said that the
impersonalists are both allowed to enter only into the impersonal
Absolute Truth is one and that He is manifested as impersonal
effulgence of the brahmajyoti.
Brahman, Paramatma (Supersoul) and Bhagavan (the Supreme
Sometimes, an impersonalist may gradually elevate himself to
Personality of Godhead). Here is a spiritual distinction. Although
the personal conception of the Lord. The Bhagavad-gita confirms
Brahman, Paramatma and Bhagavan are the same-and-one
this: “After many births and deaths, he who is actually in
Absolute Truth, devotees like Kamsa or Sishupala could attain
knowledge surrenders unto Me.” By such surrender, an
only to the Brahman effulgence. They could not have realization
impersonalist can be elevated to Vaikunthaloka (spiritual planet)
of Paramatma or Bhagavan. That is the distinction.
where, as a surrendered soul, he attains bodily features like those
An analogy can be given with the sun globe and the sunshine:
of the Lord.
to remain in the sunshine does not mean one has gone to the sun
globe. The temperature of the sun globe is different from the An Exemplary Journey To Vrindavana
temperature of the sunshine. One who has gone through the
sunshine in jet planes or in spaceships has not necessarily gone to Akrura was one of the descendants in the family of Yadu and
the sun globe. Although the sunshine and the sun globe are was a great devotee of Lord Krishna. Kamsa sent him to
actually one and the same, still there is a distinction, for one is the Vrindavana as a messenger to invite Krishna and Balarama for the
energy and one is the energetic source. The Absolute Truth and wrestling match. Akrura was completely absorbed in
remembrance of the Lord while travelling to Vrindavana as
explained below:
 Cultivating Remembrance Of Krishna 379 380 Victory Over Death

“Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is the spiritual danced with Krishna in the rasa-lila, it relieved all their fatigue of
master of all spiritual masters. He is the deliverer of all fallen dancing and they became refreshed immediately.”
souls and the proprietor of the three worlds. Anyone who is able to Thus, Akrura was expecting a benediction from that supreme
see Him by eyes smeared with love of Godhead enjoys a festival hand of Krishna. Krishna’s hand is capable of bestowing
of seeing. Today I shall be able to see the Supreme Personality of benedictions upon all kinds of men if they take to Krishna
Godhead, who, by His transcendental beauty, has attracted the consciousness. If one wants material happiness like the king of
goddess of fortune to live with Him perpetually. heaven, he can derive that benediction from the hand of Krishna;
if one wants liberation from the pangs of material existence, he
Aspiring For A Benediction From Krishna’s Hands
can also get that benediction from the hand of Krishna; and if one
As soon as I arrive in Vrindavana, I will get down from this in pure transcendental love for Krishna wants personal association
chariot and fall prostrate to offer my obeisances to the Supreme and the touch of His transcendental body, he can also gain that
Lord, the master of material nature and all living entities. The benediction from His hand.
lotus feet of Krishna are always worshiped by great mystic yogis,
Clearing Sins By Merciful Embrace
so I shall also worship His lotus feet and become one of His
friends in Vrindavana like the cowherd boys. When I bow down Although Akrura was trusted by the enemy of Krishna, his
before Lord Krishna in that way, certainly He will place His heart was clear. He was a pure devotee of Krishna. He risked
fearless lotus hand on my head. His hand is offered to all becoming Kamsa’s deputy just to meet Krishna. He was certain
conditioned souls who take shelter under His lotus feet. Krishna is that although he was going as a representative of Kamsa, Krishna
the ultimate goal of life for all would not accept him as an enemy. “Even though I am on a sinful
people who fear material mission, being deputed by Kamsa, when I approach the Supreme
existence, and certainly, when I Personality of Godhead, I shall stand before Him with all humility
see Him, He will give me the and folded hands. Surely He will be pleased with my devotional
shelter of His lotus feet. I am attitude, and maybe He will smile lovingly and look upon me and
aspiring for the touch of His thereby free me from all kinds of sinful reactions. Since Krishna
lotus-like hand on my head. knows my heart, certainly when I approach Him, He will embrace
When that hand touched the me. Not only am I a member of the Yadu dynasty, but I am His
presentations of King Indra and relative and an unalloyed, pure devotee. By His merciful embrace,
King Bali, they became surely my body, heart and soul will be completely cleansed of the
qualified to be lords of the actions and reactions of my past life. When our bodies touch, I
universe, and when that lotus- will immediately stand up with folded hands, with all humility.
like hand wiped the pearl-like Certainly Krishna and Balarama will call me “Akrura, Uncle,” and
drops of perspiration from the at that time, my whole life will be glorious. Unless one is
faces of the gopis as they recognized by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, his life cannot
be successful.”
 Cultivating Remembrance Of Krishna 381 382 Victory Over Death

It is clearly stated here that one should try to be recognized by ‘Akrura’s Arrival in Vrindavana’ from the book ‘Krishna, The
the Supreme Personality of Godhead by one’s service and Supreme Personality of Godhead’.
devotion, without which the human form of life is condemned.
Remembering And Praying To Krishna
Appropriate Mood For Entering Vrindavana
When Kunti was living in Hastinapura with her five children,
In this way, Akrura meditated on Sri Krishna on his journey
Krishna had sent Akrura to study the situation there. When Kunti
from Mathura. He reached Vrindavana by the end of the day.
met him, she especially inquired about Krishna and Balarama, her
Akrura passed the whole journey without knowing how long it
glorious nephews. She asked,
took. When he reached Vrindavana, the sun was setting. As soon
“Does Krishna, the Supreme
as he entered the boundary of Vrindavana, he saw the hoof prints
Personality of Godhead, Who
of the cows and Lord Krishna’s footprints, impressed with the
is very affectionate to His
signs of His soles—the flag, trident, thunderbolt and lotus flower.
devotees, remember my sons?
These symbols on the soles of the Lord’s transcendental lotus feet
Does Balarama remember us?”
are worshiped by all the demigods and other great personalities
She felt herself helpless
throughout the three worlds. Upon seeing the footprints of
and exclaimed, “My dear
Krishna, Akrura immediately jumped down from the chariot out of
Krishna, my dear Krishna! You
respect. He became overwhelmed with all the symptoms of
are the supreme mystic, the
ecstasy, he wept, and his body trembled. Out of extreme jubilation
Supersoul of the universe. You
upon seeing the dust touched by the lotus feet of Krishna, Akrura
are the real well-wisher of the
fell flat on his face and began to roll on the ground.
whole universe. My dear
Akrura’s journey to Vrindavana is exemplary. One who
Govinda, at this time You are
intends to visit Vrindavana should follow the ideal footsteps of
far away from me, yet I pray to
Akrura and always think of the pastimes and activities of the Lord.
surrender unto Your lotus feet.
As soon as one reaches the boundary of Vrindavana, he should
I am now grief-stricken with
immediately smear the dust of Vrindavana over his body without
my five fatherless sons. I can fully understand that but for Your
thinking of his material position and prestige. Srila Narottama
lotus feet, there is no shelter or protection. Your lotus feet can
dasa Thakura has sung in a celebrated song, viñaya chäòiyä kabe deliver all aggrieved souls because You are the Supreme
çuddha habe mana: “When my mind will be purified after leaving Personality of Godhead. One can be safe from the clutches of
the contamination of material sense enjoyment, I shall be able to repeated birth and death by Your mercy only. My dear Krishna,
visit Vrindavana.” Actually, one cannot go to Vrindavana by You are the supreme pure one, the Supersoul and the master of all
purchasing a ticket. The process of going to Vrindavana is shown yogis. What can I say? I can simply offer my respectful obeisances
by Akrura. For more information, please read Chapter 37, unto You. Accept me as Your fully surrendered devotee.”
 Cultivating Remembrance Of Krishna 383 384 Victory Over Death

Although Krishna was not present before her, Kunti offered

her prayers to Him as if she were in His presence face to face.
This is possible for anyone who cultivates remembrance of
Krishna by following in the footsteps of Kunti. Krishna does not
have to be physically present everywhere. He is actually present
everywhere by spiritual potency, and one simply has to surrender
unto Him sincerely. Then one can always remember Him.
 386 Victory Over Death

anta-käle ca mäm eva smaran muktvä kalevaram

yaù prayäti sa mad-bhävaà yäti nästy atra saàçayaù

Chapter 9 “And whoever, at the end of his life, quits his body,
remembering Me alone, at once attains My nature. Of this there is
no doubt.” (BG 8.5)
The Imperceptible Time Factor
In this material world, everyone is in ignorance. Even Brahma
was ignorant until he was given knowledge by Krishna. Therefore,
no one should be proud of his knowledge. Everyone in this
material world is busy making plans to enjoy as much as he can. A
particular living entity desires, “If I can get the opportunity to
obtain the post of Brahma, then I can create a big universe.” Thus,
he receives the body of Brahma. And the small insect thinks, “If I
can create a small hole within this room, then I can live very
Art Of Dying peacefully and eat.” Thus, Brahma desires to create a universe, we
desire to create a skyscraper, and an ant desires to create a hole in
a room, but the quality of the work is the same. We are all fools,
however, because we do not realize that because these things are
material, they will not last. Because of ignorance, we think, “This
will be very nice. That will be very nice.” We create some desire,
and then we work accordingly. This results in so many difficulties.
Time Devours Everything
Time turns clean faces into wrinkled ones, thus changing
young into old. It turns black hair to white and
sends the old to the graveyard. It makes all fond
events turn into mere photographic memories to
be seen and remembered in old age with a deep
sigh. With the rising and setting of the sun, one
day is removed from the calendar of our life
(SB 2.3.17). Only those who realise that, ‘I am
 Art Of Dying 387 388 Victory Over Death

not this perishable, decayable body, but pure unchanging spirit Every human being has a maximum duration of life of one
soul – eternal servant of the Lord’ can go beyond time. hundred years, but for one who cannot control his senses, half of
The world’s movements for freedom through political, those years are completely lost because at night he sleeps twelve
economic, social, and cultural propaganda can do no benefit to hours, being covered by ignorance. Therefore, such a person has a
anyone, for they are controlled by superior power. A conditioned lifetime of only fifty years. (SB 7.6.6)
living being is under the full control of material nature, In the tender age of childhood, when everyone is bewildered,
represented by eternal time, and acts under the dictation of the one passes ten years. Similarly, in boyhood, engaged in sporting
different modes of nature. There are three material modes of and playing, one passes another ten years. In this way, twenty
nature, namely goodness, passion and ignorance. Unless one is years are wasted. Similarly, in old age, when one is an invalid,
situated in the mode of goodness, one cannot see things as they unable to perform even material activities, one passes another
are. The passionate and the ignorant cannot even see things as they twenty years wastefully. (SB 7.6.7)
are. Therefore, a person who is passionate and ignorant cannot One whose mind and senses are uncontrolled becomes
direct his activities on the right path. Only the man in the quality increasingly attached to family life because of insatiable lusty
of goodness can help to a certain extent. desires and very strong illusion. In such a madman’s life, the
Most persons are passionate and ignorant, and therefore, their remaining years are also wasted because even during those years
plans and projects can hardly do any good to others. Above the he cannot engage himself in devotional service. (SB 7.6.8)
modes of nature is eternal time, which is called kala, because it Sankara also said: “balyavastha kridasakta, tarunavastha
changes the shape of everything in the material world. Even if we taruni sakta vriddhavastha cinta magna, para brahmani ko’pi na
are able to do something temporarily beneficial, time will see that sakta” “In childhood, one is attached to playing, in youth, one is
the good project is frustrated in due course of time. The only thing attached to beautiful women, in old age, one is absorbed in
possible to be done is to get rid of eternal time, kala, which is varieties of lamentation; Alas! No one realises the need of
compared to kala-sarpa, or the cobra snake, whose bite is always searching for that Supreme Truth which is the source of all bliss!”
lethal. No one can be saved from the bite of a cobra. The best Thus, youth is the best time for cultivation of spiritual
remedy for getting out of the clutches of the cobra-like kala or its knowledge. Unfortunately, in youth, the mind, body and senses
integrity, the modes of nature, is bhakti-yoga, as it is are very strong, but one is blinded by material attachment. In old
recommended in the Bhagavad-gita (14.26). The highest age, all one’s energy of the body is exhausted, the mind is filled
perfectional project of philanthropic activities is to engage with worries and is in turmoil, and the senses are worn out and
everyone in the act of preaching bhakti-yoga all over the world incapable. But one may have some wisdom about the world. How
because that alone can save the people from the control of maya, wonderful is the combination of wisdom of the old and
or the material nature represented by kala, karma and guna. youthfulness of the young. This miracle is possible if one gets the
Prahlada’s Analysis Of Life And Time company of a devotee in his early stage of life. Then he does not
have to undergo all the complications of material life to learn how
Prahlada, a great devotee of the Lord, has analysed how a man
dirty the material world is. He can learn that simply by hearing the
spends his valuable life:
sublime message of Srimad-Bhagavatam from a pure devotee.
 Art Of Dying 389 390 Victory Over Death

The Strong Knot Of Material Attachment The False Love That Charms Man
Family life within the kingdom of the illusory energy, maya, is
Real Family And Shadow Family just like a prison for the eternal living entity. In prison, a prisoner
It is said that it is is shackled by iron chains and iron bars. Similarly, a conditioned
easier to maintain a soul is shackled by the charming beauty of a woman, by her
great empire than a solitary embraces and talks of so-called love, and by the sweet
small family, especially words of his small children. Thus, he forgets his real identity.
in these days, when the Womanly love exists
influence of Kali-yuga just to agitate the mind of
is so strong that man. Actually, in the
everyone is harassed material world there is no
and full of anxieties love. Both the woman and
because of accepting the man are interested in
the false presentation of maya’s family. The family we maintain is their own sense-gratification.
created by maya. It is the perverted reflection of the family in For sense gratification, a
Krishnaloka. In Krishnaloka also, there are families, friends, woman creates an illusory
society, father, and mother; everything is there, but they are love, and the man becomes
eternal. Here, as we change bodies, our family relationships also enchanted by such false love
change. Sometimes we are in a family of human beings, and forgets his real duty.
sometimes in a family of demigods, and sometimes a family of When there are children as
cats or dogs. the result of such a
Family, society and friendship are flickering, and so they are combination, the next
called asat. It is said that as long as we are attached to this asat— attraction is to the sweet
this temporary, nonexistent society and family—we are always words of the children. The love of the woman at home and the talk
full of anxieties. The materialists do not know that the family, of the children make one a secure prisoner, and thus he cannot
society and friendship here in this material world are only leave his home. Such a person is termed, in Vedic language, a
shadows, and thus, they become attached. Naturally their hearts ‘grhamedi’, which means “one whose centre of attraction is
are always burning, but in spite of all inconveniences, they still home.” The word ‘grhastha’ refers to one who lives with family,
work to maintain such false families because they have no wife, and children but whose real purpose of living is to develop
information of the real family association with Krishna. Krishna consciousness. One is therefore advised to become a
‘grhastha’, not a ‘grhamedi’. The grhastha’s concern is to get out
of the family life created by illusion and enter into real family life
with Krishna, whereas the grhamedi’s business is to repeatedly
 Art Of Dying 391 392 Victory Over Death

chain himself to so-called family life, in one life after another, and form of human civilization, devoid of knowledge of difference
perpetually remain in the darkness of maya. between matter and spirit soul, is condemned by the Bhagavata
school.
The Cut-Throat Competition For Survival
This material world is called the world of death. Every living
In the Bhagavad-gita, the Personality of Godhead Himself being, beginning from Brahma, whose duration of life is some
certifies the material world as an impermanent place that is full of thousands of millions of years, down to the germs who live for a
miseries. There is no question of happiness in this material world, few seconds only, is struggling for existence. Therefore, this life is
either individually or in terms of family, society, or country. If a sort of fight with material nature, which imposes death upon all.
something is going on in the name of happiness, that is illusion. In the human form of life, a living being is competent enough to
Here in this material world, happiness means successful come to an understanding of this great struggle for existence, but
counteraction of distress. The material world is so made that being too attached to family members, society, country, etc., he
unless one becomes a clever diplomat, his life will be a failure. wants to win over the invincible material nature by the aid of
What to speak of human society, even in the society of lower bodily strength, children, wife, relatives, etc. Although he is
animals, the birds and beasts cleverly manage their bodily sufficiently experienced in the matter by dint of past experience
demands of eating, sleeping, mating, and defending. Human and previous examples of his deceased predecessors, he does not
society competes nationally or individually, and in the attempt to see that the so-called fighting soldiers like the children, relatives,
be successful, the entire human society becomes full of society members and countrymen are all fallible in the great
diplomacy. We should always remember that in spite of all struggle.
diplomacy and all intelligence in the struggle for existence, One should examine the fact that his father or his father’s
everything will end in a second by the supreme will. Therefore, all father has already died, and that he himself is therefore also sure
our attempts to become happy in this material world are simply a to die, and similarly, his children, who are the would-be fathers of
delusion offered by maya. their children, will also die in due course. No one will survive in
Material Attachment Makes One Blind this struggle with material nature. The history of human society
definitely proves it, yet the foolish people still suggest that in the
The present human civilization is primarily based on the future, they will be able to live perpetually, with the help of
principles of sleeping and sex indulgence at night, earning money material science. This poor fund of knowledge exhibited by
in the day and spending the same for family maintenance. Modern human society is certainly misleading, and it is all due to ignoring
man is busy finding out ways to send rockets to other planets, but the constitution of the living soul.
he has not sorted out the problems connected to his own aging This material world exists only as a dream, due to our
body that is destined to die. He knows nothing beyond money and attachment to it. Otherwise, the living soul is always different
sex. All other variegated activities like sports, movies, education, from the material nature. The great ocean of material nature is
welfare activities, and cultural, social, altruistic and philanthropic tossing with the waves of time, and the so-called living conditions
activities are all different forms of sense-gratification concocted are something like foaming bubbles, which appear before us as
by the conditioned soul to enjoy separately from Krishna. Such a bodily self, wife, children, society, countrymen, etc. Due to lack of
 Art Of Dying 393 394 Victory Over Death

knowledge of the self, we become victimized by the forces of and breaking the broom stick. He was upset and made a sound.
ignorance and thus, spoil the valuable energy of human life in a The son came running and thought that his father was about to die.
vain search after permanent living conditions, which are Probably he had something very important to say about some
impossible in this material world. hidden treasure somewhere. Now his father was practically
speechless. The son rushed and brought the doctor, who told him
No One Is Interested In You Except… that his father was at the verge of death and that it would cost Rs.
50,000/- ($1000) to revive him. The son had a tug of war going on
The Plight Of Old Age in his heart, “Will the treasure that my father reveals exceed this
A man who has spent all his life in Godlessness is sure to be amount? It should be at least double. Then it is worth reviving
caught up in a struggle, especially due to his greed for earning him, otherwise, to hell with this old man.” The son guessed that
more and enjoying more with his family. When he suffers reverses the treasure could be a huge ancestral property awaiting him from
in his occupation, he tries again and again to improve himself, but many generations. He paid $1000 to the doctor and asked him to
when he is baffled in all attempts and is ruined, he accepts money revive his father. When his father got up, he at once pointed to the
from others because of excessive greed. Thus, the unfortunate cat and shouted, “You foolish son, stop the cat from breaking the
man, unsuccessful in maintaining his family members, is bereft of broomstick. I have worked hard all my life to provide you all
all beauty. He always thinks of his failure, grieving very deeply. wonderful facilities like vehicles, vessels, furniture and this broom
Seeing him unable to support them, his wife and others do not stick. These are the valuables I am leaving behind for you. Take
treat him with the same respect as before, even as miserly farmers good care.” Saying this, the father fell back on the bed and died.
do not accord the same treatment to their old and worn-out oxen. The son lamented and felt like beating up his dead father.
Not only in the present age, but from time immemorial, no one Although the story appears to portray the worldly relationships
has liked an old man who is unable to earn in the family. Even in very badly, reality is not much far from what we read in this story.
the modern age, in some communities or states, the old men are People are quite selfish and they think only about themselves.
given poison so that they will die as soon as possible. In some It is judicious, therefore, to give up family attachment before
cannibalistic communities, the old grandfather is sportingly killed, one attains old age and take shelter of the Supreme Personality of
and a feast is held in which his body is eaten. Here, the example is Godhead. A person should employ himself in the Lord’s service
given that a farmer does not like an old ox that has ceased to work. so that the Supreme Lord can take charge of him and he will not
Similarly, when an attached person in family life becomes old and be neglected by his so-called kinsmen.
is unable to earn, he is no longer liked by his wife, sons, Family attraction is so strong that even if a person is neglected
daughters, and other kinsmen, and he is consequently neglected, by family members in his old age, he cannot give up family
what to speak of not being given respect. affection, and he remains at home just like a dog.
Once upon a time, an old man was counting his last days on There was once an old man who appointed his young son to
his death bed. His son got fed up of maintaining his old father and take care of his textile business. Being constantly interrupted and
he put him just outside the house and fed him some meagre food interrogated by his old father, the son wanted him to take
like a household dog. One day, the old man observed a cat biting vanaprastha and focus on God consciousness. He arranged for a
 Art Of Dying 395 396 Victory Over Death

Bhagavata saptah for seven days especially for his father. After it miserable conditions. Vedic literatures enjoin, therefore, that
got over, the son saw that his father had not changed even a bit, before the arrival of such miserable conditions, a man should
because he never attended the program. Rather, he was attending leave home and die without the knowledge of his family members.
to the business most of the time. The son sought the advice of If a man leaves home and dies without his family’s knowing, that
some wise men and decided to send his father on a holy is considered a glorious death. But an attached family man wants
pilgrimage to over twenty places. When the father returned, he his family members to carry him in a great procession even after
went straight to the shop to enquire about the business and give his his death, and although he will not be able to see how the
valuable suggestions, and asked the son to move out. The son was procession goes, he still desires that his body be taken gorgeously
surprised at the strong attachment of this old man. He made up his in procession. Thus, he is happy without even knowing where he
mind one day and took his old father to the graveyard to show him has to go when he leaves his body for the next life.
a dead body being burnt, so that he may get some detachment. Dhritarashtra exemplifies such attachment that was later
When the old father saw the flames and smoke emerging from the uprooted by his brother Vidura, the great Vaishnava devotee.
funeral pyre of a wealthy merchant, his face grew pale and After the battle of Kurukshetra, Yudhisthira and his four brothers
serious. The son became happy at this and asked his father, would go every day to offer their respects to their paternal uncle,
“Please tell me, what your realization is?” The old father replied, Dhritarashtra. Dhritarashtra had contrived of many plots to destroy
“My son, my heart is breaking to see that I have wasted all my life the Pandavas, finally declaring war on them, but the result was
in this cloth business. If only I had started sandalwood business that every one of his hundred sons died. Even after he lost the war,
and sold it for wealthy men’s funerals, how much money I could he still refused to welcome his nephews, the sons of his brother
have made? Come, it is not too late. We will wind up the cloth Pandu. This was a great insult to King Yudhisthira.
business and start a sandalwood business.” The old man’s son One day, Dhritarashtra’s younger brother, Vidura, a great
collapsed and almost fainted seeing the strong material attachment Vaishnava, went to Dhritarashtra and said, “My dear brother, you
of his old father. are so shameless that first you declare war against the Pandavas,
In the Vedic way of life, it is advised that before getting too and now that you are an old man, you still do not receive King
weak and being baffled in material activities, and before becoming Yudhisthira as your guest, yet you live in his house at his expense.
diseased, one should give up family life and engage oneself Are you so shameless, my dear brother?” Vidura spoke in this way
completely in the service of the Lord for the remaining days of his just to help Dhritarashtra break his attachment to family life.
life. Therefore, the Vedic scriptures enjoin that as soon as one Dhritarashtra was an old man, and all his sons were dead, but he
passes fifty years of age, he must give up family life and live alone still sat in his household arrangement, eating nicely prepared food.
in the forest. After preparing himself fully, he should become a From this we can understand that family attachment is very strong.
sannyasi, travel widely, and distribute the knowledge of spiritual Vidura chastised Dhritarashtra: “You are coughing up mucus
life to each and every home. because you are very old, and your liver is weak. You will die
Before meeting death, a man is sure to become a diseased very soon, yet you are still sitting in your comfortable chair, just
invalid, and when he is neglected by his family members, his life like a dog. Have you no more shame than a dog, which always sits
becomes less than a dog’s because he is put into so many waiting for his master to feed him?”
 Art Of Dying 397 398 Victory Over Death

Upon hearing Vidura’s harsh words, Dhritarashtra’s hard heart measures for protection. They may be beneficial temporarily, but
softened, and he replied, “Yes! My dear brother Vidura, please let they afford no permanent benefit. Despite the presence of a father
me know what I should do.” Vidura said, “Come with me and mother, a child cannot be protected from accidental death,
immediately to the forest. For the remaining days of your life, just disease and various other miseries. No one can help, including the
engage yourself in Krishna consciousness. Come with me.” So parents. Ultimately the shelter is the Lord, and one who takes
without telling anyone, Dhritarashtra left with Vidura, and shelter of the Lord is protected. This is guaranteed. As the Lord
Gandhari, Dhritarashtra’s faithful wife, followed. Together they says in the Bhagavad-gita (9.31), kaunteya pratijänéhi na me
went to the forest to end their lives in meditation on the Lord. bhaktaù praëaçyati: “O son of Kunti, declare it boldly that My
No One Can Protect Us Without The Lord’s Mercy devotee never perishes.” Therefore, unless one is protected by the
mercy of the Lord, no remedial measure can act effectively. One
Our friends, relatives and so-called wives and children are not should consequently depend fully on the causeless mercy of the
only fallible, but also bewildered by the outward glamour of Lord.
material existence. As such, A wealthy man may be administered with the costliest of
they cannot save us. Still we medicines by world-
think that we are safe within renowned doctors in the
the orbit of family, society or most famous hospital, and
country. Have you seen when yet can die pitiably
some near or dear relative surrounded by medicines
goes out of station, the if the Lord does not want
relatives go to send him off. to save him. A man
They wave their hands with drowning in an ocean may
tears brimming in their eyes, see a boat or ship passing
feeling separation for the by but may not be
relative. They await a phone rescued, as his loud shouts
call from them intimating for help may go unheard
their safe arrival. But they in the roaring sound of the
have no power to protect him during travel. Nowadays, there are waves. But if the Lord
accidents in trains, cars, buses, aeroplanes, and practically wants to give protection to these people, He may easily do so by
everywhere. His inconceivable potency.
Prahlada Maharaja describes (SB 7.9.20), how through “This gross material body made of five elements is already
parental care, through remedies for different kinds of diseases, and under the control of eternal time (kala), action (karma) and the
through means of protection on the water, in the air and on land, modes of material nature (guna). How, then, can it, being already
there is always an endeavour for relief from various kinds of in the jaws of the serpent, protect others?” (SB 1.13.46)
suffering in the material world, but none of them are guaranteed
 Art Of Dying 399 400 Victory Over Death

Imagine a frog whose rear is already in the mouth of a serpent, Thus, our whole life is a sort of preparation for achieving the next
trying to catch a fly to eat. Similarly, every one of us is already body.
being gradually devoured by imperceptible Time. Not realizing For example, before a building is constructed, a blue print of
this, in ignorance, we worry that we could not give protection to the building is made and various ingredients for its construction
someone very dear to us. When no one knows who will die first are brought together – cement, stones, lime, reinforcement bars,
and who will survive, where is the question of one giving bricks, glass, paint, cement mixer, etc. Eventually, construction
protection to the other? Both are fallible souls. Those who slept starts and the building comes up. In the same way, our activities
the night in Latur never had an idea that they won’t be alive to now are preparing a particular type of consciousness that will
wake up the next morning, and would be devoured by an decide the next body. It is said:
earthquake. This is the kind of dangerous world we have chosen to Watch your thoughts – they become words;
live in. Watch your words – they become actions
Nature (Prakriti) is so strong that no one can overcome her Watch your actions – they become habits;
stringent laws. So-called scientists, philosophers, religionists and Watch your habits – they become character
politicians should therefore conclude that they cannot offer Watch your character – it becomes your culture
facilities to the people in general. They should make vigorous Suppose I am a businessman. If I simply do business up till the
propaganda to awaken the populace and raise them to the platform point of death, naturally my mentality will be business-like. One
of Krishna consciousness. We can never be happy without the Calcutta businessman, at the time of death, asked about the
mercy of the Supreme Lord (tvad-upekñitänäm). If we keep management of his mill. He might have taken his next birth as a
displeasing our Supreme Father, we shall never be happy within rat in his mill. This is possible. At the time of death, whatever you
this material world, in either the upper or lower planetary systems. are thinking will carry you to your next body. Krishna is very
Persons who are devoid of the knowledge of atma-tattva are kind, and whatever mentality one is absorbed in at the time of
misguided, but those who are devotees of the Lord and have death, Krishna will provide an appropriate body: “All right, you
perfect realization of transcendental knowledge are not are thinking like a rat? Become a rat.” “You are thinking like a
bewildered. tiger? Become a tiger.” “You are thinking like My devotee? Come
to Me.”
Life Is A Preparation; Death Is The Final Exam
By chanting Hare Krishna, we can mould our thoughts so that
we are always thinking of Krishna. As Krishna recommends in the
Watch Your Thought, Word And Deed
Bhagavad-gita (6.47), yoginäm api sarveñäà mad-
As discussed in the earlier chapters, mental existence
gatenäntarätmanä: “The first-class yogi is he who always thinks
transforms into a tangible form as soon as there is an opportunity.
of Me within his heart.” The Krishna consciousness movement is
The subtle body is a body of desires based on which we get the
especially meant for helping the members of human society come
next gross body. Every thought, word and deed matters in
to this state of full Krishna consciousness. Then, at the end of life,
contributing the type of body that is awarded to us in the next life.
one will simply remember Krishna. Whatever you practice
 Art Of Dying 401 402 Victory Over Death

throughout your life will determine your consciousness at death. souls are never attracted by the false promises of maya. Therefore,
That is natural. One who properly prepares for the time of death is Bhaktivinoda Thakura says: kéöa-janma hao yathä tuyä däsa
really intelligent, while one who thinks he can remain at home bahirmukha brahma janme nähi äçä “Let me become an insect in
forever and enjoy the association of his wife and children is a fool. a place where Your devotee is present, because if I fall down in
Despite the onslaught of Western and other cultures, India has the dust of the feet of a devotee, my life will be successful. I
still some remnants of Vedic culture due to the deep roots created would not want to be a Brahma and not be a devotee of Krishna.”
by the life of people based on teachings of scriptures. Most of the To become Brahma is not a very easy thing. Brahma is such a big
rites and rituals, fasts and festivals, worship and pilgrimages are post, and it is given to a very qualified living entity who is highly
all continuing in form, but the sublime essence behind them – advanced in austerities and penance. But he is also a living entity
everything should be done for the Lord’s pleasure alone; we are like us. In America, there are many citizens, and President Ford is
all His servants -- is not often remembered. also a citizen, but by dint of his ardent labour and diplomacy, he
We have to understand the science of God – the sambandha captured the post. Still, he is an ordinary citizen. President Nixon,
jnana – who am I? Who is God? What is my relationship with for example, was dragged down and is no longer President. This is
Him? This should be systematically learnt from a practicing because he was an ordinary citizen. Similarly, if we like, we may
devotee and put into practice in our everyday life. Nothing also become Brahma. Because we are in ignorance, maya, at any
happens by chance. No progress happens without taking initiative. time we may forget Krishna. Therefore, we must always engage in
The best moment is the current moment. If I want a change, I have Krishna consciousness so that we shall not forget Him. If we
to act RIGHT NOW. Postponing spiritual life to tomorrow is not always think of Krishna, there is a chance that we shall remember
much different from postponing it to next life. We should feel the Krishna at the end of life (ante
need of a positive change and we should do the needful to bring
narayana-småtiù).
about that change by altering our lifestyle. This means cutting
Everything takes practice. For
down unwanted or unnecessary engagements that may seem too
example, if one wants to dance on
‘good’ to give up but will not benefit even a farthing in our eternal
the stage, one has to perform many
relation with God. This desire to understand God and achieve His
rehearsals to practice how to dance.
permanent shelter becomes strong by association with devotees
Then, if one becomes an expert
who are very serious about returning to God.
dancer, when one dances on stage,
Practice Make The Man Perfect one will receive acclaim, “Ah, a
One should be convinced that this material world is very good dancer.” But one cannot
temporary, that one has to wind up his activities and leave behind say, “I shall go immediately to the
car, computer, suitcase, cell phone, bungalow, family and friends stage and become a good dancer.”
for another destination. If this is forgotten, then one continues his That is not possible. One may say,
life in the chase behind the illusion of wealth, position, facilities, “No, no, no. I shall not attend the
fame, etc., that delude him, appearing to be substantial. The great rehearsal. Just give me the stage,
 Art Of Dying 403 404 Victory Over Death

and I shall perform.” But the director will not allow this, for one because of constantly thinking of Him, they will regain their
cannot become a good dancer without practice. The real purpose spiritual bodies. (SB 7.1.28-29)
of life is to remember Krishna when one’s life comes to an end There are two ways of constantly thinking of Krishna—as a
(ante narayana-småtiù). If at the time of death one can remember devotee and as an enemy. A devotee, of course, by his knowledge
Krishna, one’s life is successful. and tapasya, becomes free from fear and anger and becomes a
Sportsmen who go to the Olympics put their sweat and toil in pure devotee. Similarly, an enemy, although thinking of Krishna
net practice. The practice goes on for weeks, months and years inimically, thinks of Him constantly and also becomes purified.
together. Even after becoming perfect in their field they still do This is because Krishna is absolute. The acaryas have
not stop the practice. They know that if they have to make it in the recommended that one should think of Krishna favourably in the
Olympics, they have to rise early mood of a devotee and not enemy. Somehow or other if one can
morning and go for practice; they think of Krishna in any way, in terms of His name, form, qualities,
have to eat a particular type of diet paraphernalia or anything pertaining to Him, then it will make one
to keep good health; they have to pure, and he will become a devotee. Our Krishna consciousness
avoid bad habits to keep vigour and movement is, therefore, trying to introduce the system of
alertness. They are always eager to somehow or other letting everyone hear the holy names of Krishna
learn more tips from other and take Krishna’s prasada. Thus, one will gradually become a
experienced people to improve devotee, and his life will be successful.
themselves. A devotee should mould his or her life in such a way that one
If people are endeavouring to be so well prepared for just can take darshan of the deities, sing songs in glorification of the
bagging the gold medal in the Olympics which they will leave Lord, hear pastimes from Srimad-Bhagavatam and Caitanya
behind at death, how much more a devotee should practice Caritamrta, eat Krishna prasadam and call the Lord everyday by
Krishna consciousness seriously if he or she is keen to return back chanting His names. All these activities should absorb us totally in
to Godhead? It is said that a devotee should count the holy names remembrance of Krishna’s sac-cid-ananda form, so that one day,
like a business man happily counts his dollar notes or rupee notes; gradually, all our material coverings will be shed away and we
a devotee should never feel aversion for chanting. Similarly, a will revive our spiritual body to join the Lord in the spiritual world
devotee should accept all that is favourable for becoming more in His eternal service.
and more Krishna conscious very enthusiastically. The Golden Rule For Perfection
A grass-worm confined in a hole of a wall by a bee always
thinks of the bee in fear and enmity and later becomes a bee Krishna gives us the clue in the Bhagavad-gita, as to what
simply because of such remembrance. Similarly, if the conditioned should be our state of mind at the time of death, so that we may
souls somehow or other think of Krishna, who is sac-cid-änanda- return back to Him. Krishna says:
vigraha (Bs. 5.1), they will become free from their sins. Whether anta-kale ca mam eva smaran muktva kalevaram
thinking of Him as their worshipable Lord or as an enemy, yah prayati sa mad-bhavam yati nasty atra samsayah
 Art Of Dying 405 406 Victory Over Death

“And whoever, at the end of his life, quits his body think of Krishna at the time of death? If one is always engaged in
remembering Me alone at once attains My nature. Of this there is thinking of Krishna and serving Krishna throughout one’s life,
no doubt.” (BG 8.5) then one can think of Krishna at the time of death. If one wants to
yam yam vapi smaran bhavam tyajaty ante kalevaram bag the first rank in the state board exam of 10th standard, he has
tam tam evaiti kaunteya sada tad-bhava-bhavitah to prepare throughout the year. Similarly, this life is a preparation
“Whatever state of being one remembers when he quits his period, to train our body and mind to love and serve Krishna.
body, O son of Kunti, that state he will attain without fail.” (BG The residents of Vrindavana like the gopis, gopas, cows,
8.6) calves, etc., were constantly immersed in thoughts about Krishna.
tasmat sarvesu kalesu mam anusmara yudhya ca They knew no one but Krishna. They wanted to please no one but
Krishna. So our ideal is to become like Vrajabasis or residents of
mayy arpita-mano-buddhir mam evaisyasy asamsayah
Vrindavana - simply doing all our activities for Krishna’s
“Therefore, Arjuna, you should always think of Me in the form
pleasure. The more a person develops a taste for hearing about
of Krishna and at the same time carry out your prescribed duty of
Krishna and serving Him with faith and devotion, the more is the
fighting. With your activities dedicated to Me and your mind and
guarantee for that person to return back to Godhead. The Padma
intelligence fixed on Me, you will attain Me without doubt.” (BG
Purana reminds us:
8.7)
ALWAYS THINK OF KRISHNA
These instructions of Lord Krishna to Arjuna are very
NEVER FORGET KRISHNA
important for all men. A person, who at the end of his life, quits
his body thinking of Krishna, attains the transcendental nature of This is the golden rule for achieving
the Supreme Lord, but it is not true that a person who thinks of perfection. The best way to remember
something other than Krishna (like impersonal brahman) attains Krishna is to regularly, on a daily basis,
the same transcendental state. chant a prescribed number of rounds of
It is absurd to think that ‘all paths lead to the same goal’. If I the maha mantra:
take a ticket to Calcutta, I cannot expect the train to take me to
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Madras. Similarly, unless one has aspired to love and serve
Krishna while being in this body, he cannot expect to go the Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Supreme abode of Goloka Vrindavana to join the Lord in His Hare Rama Hare Rama
eternal pastimes. If someone imagines the Lord to have no form or Rama Rama Hare Hare
attribute and desires to merge into brahman, he will have to go to As stated in Padma Purana,
brahmajyoti. So it is very important for everyone to know the smartavyaù satataà visnuù: we should
‘siddhanta’, meaning conclusion, about the ultimate destination of always remember Lord Vishnu. Vismartavyo na jätucit: we
the living entity to be achieved. should never forget the Lord. This is the perfection of life. (SB
So if one has to return to Krishna’s abode, one has to think of 6.16.53-54 purport)
Krishna and remember Krishna at the time of death. How can one
 Art Of Dying 407 408 Victory Over Death

A devotee should always be alert, keeping his mind in a The great politician-pandita Chanakya said that even one
sanguine state so that he can always remember Lord Sri Krishna. moment of time cannot be returned, even if one is prepared to pay
The sastras state, smartavyaù satataà visnuù: in devotional life, millions of dollars. One cannot calculate the amount of loss, in
one should always remember Lord Vishnu. (CC Adi 12.51 wasting valuable time. Whether material or spiritual, one should
purport) be very alert in utilizing the time which he has at his disposal. A
conditioned soul lives in a particular body for a fixed
Death: The Separating Sword Of Time measurement of time, and it is recommended in the scriptures that
within that small measurement of time, one has to finish Krishna
Time And Tide Wait For No One consciousness and thus gain release from the influence of the time
Lord Krishna exhibited His factor. But, unfortunately, those who are not in Krishna
Universal form to Arjuna, in consciousness are carried away by the strong power of time
which Arjuna could see many without their knowledge, as clouds are carried by the powerful
faces, eyes, arms, thighs, legs, wind.
bellies and many terrible teeth. Death Comes Without Announcement
Arjuna saw that even the great
demigods were disturbed at Do you know how death comes to a person? It is something
seeing the Lord’s Universal form. like a robber coming to you and keeping his pistol on the temple
Arjuna could see Bhisma, Drona, of your head! A robber keeps his pistol on your head, and
Karna and all the other soldiers demands all that you have. You cannot deny him. If you do so,
rushing into the Lord’s fearful you will be shot dead.
mouths and some were trapped with their heads smashed between Once, a lady in America had not paid the rent for her house.
the teeth. Arjuna saw the Lord devouring all people from all sides One fine morning, policemen came, broke open the house and
with His flaming mouths. Covering the entire universe with His removed all the furniture and things from the house. Only her bed
effulgence, He was manifest with scorching rays. in which she was lying was left. That also was carried like a
At that time, Arjuna asked, “O Lord of lords, so fierce of form, stretcher by two policemen on either side and thrown out. When
please tell me who You are...I want to know about You, for I do she woke up, she saw that all her things, along with herself, have
not know what Your mission is.” (BG 11.31) The Supreme been thrown out and the house has been sealed. She started crying
Personality of Godhead said: “Time I am, the great destroyer of and went to the nearby telephone booth to phone her husband, but
the worlds, and I have come here to destroy all people. With the in the mean time people came on bikes and trucks and started
exception of you (Pandavas), all the soldiers here on both sides stealing the fridge, TV and other equipments from her property.
will be slain.” (BG 11.32) Time is destruction and all This is how death comes to us. It is a fact! One not so fine
manifestations are to be vanquished by the desire of the Supreme morning we are going to be chucked out of this body for which we
Lord. This is the law of nature. are spending all our time! It is not pessimism as some people
think. It is harsh reality!
 Art Of Dying 409 410 Victory Over Death

Duty Of A Dying Man want to be freed from conditional existence, we must make
relevant inquiries about the Absolute Truth so that He may be
Among the most intelligent of men was Maharaja Parikshit,
pleased to bestow upon us perfect freedom in life.” (SB 2.1.5)
the great king of the entire world, who was accidentally cursed by
Thus, Maharaja Parikshit heard Srimad-Bhagavatam from Sri
a brahmana to meet death from the bite of a serpent within seven
Sukadeva Gosvami for seven days and seven nights without any
days. When the king was informed of the unfortunate curse, he at
food or water, with intense eagerness and successfully left his
once left his palatial home and went to the bank of the Ganges,
body remembering Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead
which was near his capital, to prepare for his impending death.
and went back to Godhead.
Because he was a great king, almost all the great sages and learned
This is an exemplary death. Thus, one should constantly hear
scholars assembled at the place where the king was fasting prior to
glorification about the name, form, pastimes and activities of the
leaving his mortal body. Sukadeva Gosvami was unanimously
Supreme Lord, and remember and discuss them constantly, so that
accepted to preside at that meeting, although his great father,
one may be able to think of Krishna at the hour of death.
Vyasadeva was also present. The King respectfully offered
One should not do anything, either good or bad, on his own
Sukadeva Gosvami the principal seat of esteem and asked him
account, but must execute everything on behalf of the Supreme
relevant questions regarding his passing from the mortal world,
Lord, the ultimate proprietor of everything that be. Therefore, one
which was to take place on the seventh day thenceforward.
should first of all hear about the Lord. When one has perfectly and
The great king, as a worthy descendant of the Pandavas, who
scrutinizingly heard, one must glorify His acts and deeds, and thus
were all great devotees, placed the following relevant inquiries
it will become possible to remember constantly the transcendental
before the great sage Sukadeva: “My dear Sir, you are the greatest
of the great transcendentalists, and therefore I submissively beg to nature of the Lord. Hearing about and glorifying the Lord are
identical with the transcendental nature of the Lord, and by so
ask you about my duties at this moment. What is the duty of
everyone in all circumstances? I am just on the verge of my death. doing, one will be always in the association of the Lord. This
Therefore, what should I do at this critical hour? What is the duty brings freedom from all sorts of fear.
of a dying man? Please kindly give me directions at this critical etävän säìkhya-yogäbhyäà sva-dharma-pariniñöhayä
hour.” janma-läbhaù paraù puàsäm ante narayana-småtiù
Sri Sukadeva Gosvami responded to the king’s relevant “The highest perfection of human life, achieved either by
inquiries by advising him as follows: complete knowledge of matter and spirit, by practice of mystic
tasmad bharata sarvatma bhagavan isvaro harih powers, or by perfect discharge of occupational duty, is to
srotavyah kirtitavyas ca smartavyas cecchatabhayam remember the Personality of Godhead at the end of life.” (SB
“O descendant of Bharata, it is the duty of mortal men to 2.1.6)
inquire about, hear about, glorify, and meditate upon the Narayana is the transcendental Personality of Godhead beyond
Personality of Godhead, who is the most attractive person because the material creation. Everything that is created, sustained, and at
of His fullness in opulence. He is called Hari because He alone the end annihilated is within the compass of the mahat-tattva
can undo the conditional existence of a living being. If we at all (material principle) and is known as the material world. The
 Art Of Dying 411 412 Victory Over Death

existence of Narayana, or the Personality of Godhead, is not inhaling he produces a sound like ghura-ghura, a rattling within
within the jurisdiction of this mahat-tattva, and as such, the name, the throat. In this way he comes under the clutches of death and
form, attributes, etc. of Narayana are beyond the jurisdiction of the lies down, surrounded by lamenting friends and relatives, and
material world. although he wants to speak with them, he no longer can because
One can achieve the highest perfection, provided one is able to he is under the control of time.” (SB 3.30.16-17)
reach the stage of Narayana-smriti, or constant remembrance of For formality’s sake, when a man is lying on his deathbed, his
the Personality of Godhead. This is possible only by the relatives come to him, and sometimes they cry very loudly,
association of a pure devotee, who can give a finishing touch to addressing the dying man, “O my father!”, “O my friend!” or “O
the transcendental activities of all jnanis, yogis or karmis, in terms my husband!” In that pitiable condition the dying man wants to
of prescribed duties defined in the scriptures. There are many speak with them and instruct them of his desires, but because he is
historical instances of the achievement of spiritual perfection, such fully under the control of the time factor, death, he cannot express
as that of the Sanakadi rishis, or the nine celebrated Yogendras, himself, and that causes him in-conceivable pain.
who attained perfection only after being situated in the devotional A person who had no idea other than to properly maintain his
service of the Lord. None of the devotees of the Lord ever family members must have family affairs in his last thoughts. That
deviated from the path of devotional service by taking to other is the natural sequence for a common man. The common man does
methods as adopted by the jnanis or yogis. Everyone is anxious to not know the destiny of his life. He is simply busy in this present
achieve the highest perfection of his particular activity, and it is flash of life, maintaining his family. At the last stage, no one is
indicated herein that such perfection is Narayana-smriti, for which satisfied with how he has improved the family economic
everyone must endeavour his best. In other words, life should be condition. Everyone thinks that he could not provide sufficiently.
moulded in such a manner that one is able to progressively Because of his deep family affection, he forgets his main duty of
remember the personality of Godhead in every step of life. controlling his senses and improving his spiritual consciousness.
Although King Parikshit was left only with seven days for his Sometimes a dying man entrusts the family affairs to either his
death, still Sukadeva Gosvami encouraged him by quoting the son, or some relative, saying, “I am going. Please look after the
example of King Khatvanga, who perfected his life in a few family.” He does not know where he is going, but even at the time
moments by taking shelter of the Supreme Lord. Thus, Sukadeva of death he is anxious about how his family will be maintained.
Gosvami spoke the Srimad-Bhagavata Purana that glorifies the Sometimes it is seen that a dying man requests the physician to
Supreme Personality of Godhead, and administered it as the increase his life at least for a few years so that the family
panacea for King Parikshit who transcended death within those maintenance plan which he has begun can be completed. These
seven days. are the material diseases of the conditioned soul. He completely
forgets his real engagement—to become Krishna conscious—and
At The Final Hour
is always serious about planning to maintain his family, although
“In that diseased condition, a man’s eyes bulge due to the he changes families one after another.
pressure of air from within, and his glands become congested with One’s mentality at the time of death is all-important. But if we
mucus. He has difficulty breathing, and upon exhaling and become complacent and think, “Oh, death takes place—what of
 Art Of Dying 413 414 Victory Over Death

it?” then we cannot advance on the spiritual path. Just as the air same mouth, but the perception of the mouse is different from that
carries fragrances, so a person’s mentality at the time of death will of the kitten.
carry him to his next life. If he has cultivated the mentality of a It is the same mouth, but the kittens are comfortable and safe,
Vaishnava, a pure devotee of Krishna, then he will immediately be whereas the rat is feeling the jaws of death. Similarly, at the time
transferred to Vaikuntha. But if he has cultivated the mentality of of death the devotees are transferred to the spiritual realm,
an ordinary karmi, a fruitive worker, then he will have to stay in Vaikuntha, whereas the ordinary sinful man is dragged down to
this material world to suffer the consequences of the kind of the hellish regions by the Yamadutas, the constables of Yamaraja.
mentality he has thus created. Thus, for a demon, Krishna comes as death and for a devotee
What happens after death? There are two kinds of death comes as Krishna.
transmigration of a living entity after passing away from the
Remembering Krishna At Death Is More Than A Mental
present body. One kind of transmigration is to go to the controller
Trick
of sinful activities, who is known as Yamaraja, and the other is to
go to the higher planets, up to Vaikuntha. For a sinful materialist, One may think, “After all, if I have to think of Krishna at the
the constables of Yamaraja are appointed to bind him and subject time of death, then why bother now in my youth? I will enjoy life
him to varieties of punishments. Further details about this can be in the way I want. And after everything is done, I will shoot
read from SB 3.30.19-34. myself shouting, ‘Hare Krishna’ and go back home, back to
Godhead. In this way, I don’t have to give up material enjoyment
Death Of A Devotee And A Demon and at the same time perform any austerities like the foolish
One may ask, “The devotees die, and the non-devotees also devotees. Thus, I will have the best of both worlds.” Such people
die. What is the difference?” think they are more intelligent than Krishna. But Krishna says in
For Devotees, Death Comes As Krishna; For Demons, Krishna the Gita that He is the best cheater of all cheaters. Who can cheat
Comes As Death. So there is a gulf of Krishna? A person who has led a materialistic life throughout
difference between a devotee and a cannot think of Krishna even if he endeavours to, at the time of his
materialist in their way of life as well death. How can a student who has not prepared anything for his
as their consciousness, which will exam get a distinction?
naturally reflect on how they face Actually, we have no power to think of Krishna at the time of
death. For a devotee there is no pain, death, because death is a very agonizing experience involving
pleasure or material perfection. One intense pain. When we cannot constantly think of Krishna in a
may argue that at the time of death a normal condition, how can we foolishly expect to think of Krishna
devotee also suffers because of giving in such a miserable condition? It is impossible. But Krishna can
up his material body. But in this make it possible, by showing His mercy upon us, if He is pleased
connection, the example may be by our sincerity in serving Him.
given that a cat carries a mouse in its mouth and also carries a Gajendra, the elephant, who offered several wonderful prayers
kitten in its mouth. Both the mouse and the kitten are carried in the in glorification of Lord Krishna, praised the Lord calling Him as,
 Art Of Dying 415 416 Victory Over Death

‘nama atma pradeepaya sakshine paramatmane’ which means A hand may grasp an object, but it cannot grasp the object
that the Lord is self-effulgent and is the witness in the heart of without the help of the eyes, but the hand is unaware of the help
every living entity. The sun is self-effulgent can be seen when it he takes from the eyes for grasping the object. Similarly, the living
manifests itself. entity thinks himself great in accomplishing his goals in life, but
A rich landlord, with his money power, wanted to summon the he does not know that the Supersoul, seated in his heart is the
sun in the sky at the dead of night and he was ready to pay his supervisor and sanctioner of all our pleasures and pains.
whole wealth in charity if somebody could help him. But no one Thus, at the time of death, it is only by the power of the Lord’s
could help him. In the same way, Lord Krishna cannot be forced mercy, one is fortunate to remember Him in love and thus attain
to appear by anybody, but He appears according to His will to a Him.
pure devotee who worships Him in love. The sun cannot be Waking Up To Reality
observed by a candle or torchlight. One observes the sun using the
light provided by the sun itself. Similarly, the Lord can be seen by Due to repeated birth and death in so many material bodies, we
His own mercy only and not by our mundane scholarship which is have all forgotten that we are part and parcel of God, that we have
like a candle in front of the sun. The Lord is present in the heart of an intimate relationship with Him, and that somehow or other we
every living entity and witnessing our thoughts, speech and have fallen into this material world. It is very difficult to exactly
actions at every moment whether we are able to know His pinpoint the origin of this forgetfulness. But even though we have
presence or not. forgotten Him since time immemorial, Krishna is so merciful that
One lady was on her death bed counting her last days. One of in order to remind us of our spiritual identity and our oneness with
our doctor devotees wanted to make her chant Hare Krishna Him as His parts, He comes personally and teaches us what we
before dying so that she may attain a better birth. When this doctor have forgotten. And when He departs He leaves behind the
devotee went close to her ears and said, “Please chant Hare scripture, especially the Bhagavad-gita, where He requests, sarva-
Krishna”, the old lady responded, “What is that?” Again the dharmän parityajya mäm ekaà çaraëaà vraja: “Please give up
doctor devotee requested her to say, “Hare Krishna”. The old lady all your nonsense and surrender unto Me. I shall give you all
replied, “What is it?” This went on several times. Somebody came protection.” (Bhagavad-gita 18.66)
and told her that her son has called from America. The old lady Krishna is the father of all living entities. He is not happy that
jumped off from her bed and rushed to attend to the phone call all these souls in the material world are rotting like hogs.
although she was terribly sick. She shouted on the phone, “You Therefore He sends His representatives. But if the conditioned
foolish son, I may die at anytime. Why didn’t you turn up to settle souls insist on staying here, what can Krishna or His servant do?
the property, the bank balance and the shops that we own in the They allow us to go on with our materialistic activities, because
city?” She went on and on and later that afternoon, she passed the first condition for getting out of the material prison house is
away. Just see how, if someone has not practiced chanting Hare that we must desire to get out. When we finally become disgusted
Krishna regularly throughout their life, they just cannot do it at the with our predicament, we pray, “My dear Lord, I have served lust,
end. One needs the blessings, permission and mercy of the Lord to anger, and greed for so long, but they are still unsatisfied, and now
be able to invoke the holy name on the tongue at the time of death. I have become disgusted with serving them. Now, my dear Lord
 Art Of Dying 417 418 Victory Over Death

Krishna, my intelligence is awakened, and I have come to You. original, constitutional position as eternal servants of Krishna. The
Please engage me in Your service.” first prescription is ‘sravanam’, hearing about Krishna. If we
The living entity is the marginal energy (tatastha shakti) of the simply hear about Krishna, we will automatically wake up. The
Lord, which means he can choose to be controlled by Krishna’s injunction of the Vedas is uttiñöhata jägrata präpya varän
inferior, material energy or His superior, spiritual energy. We nibodhata: “Wake up! Get up! We have to understand the great
devotees have chosen to come to Krishna consciousness. In other benediction that we have in this human form of life. Now it is high
words, we have agreed to surrender to Krishna and submit to the time to utilize it and get free from the clutches of the material
protection of His internal, spiritual energy. Surrender to Krishna modes of nature.” This is the only business in the human form of
begins with chanting the Hare Krishna mantra: Hare Krishna, Hare life.
Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama,
Rama Rama, Hare Hare. The word Hare indicates the devotional The following story illustrates the power of the Holy Names of
energy of Krishna, Krishna means “the all-attractive Supreme Krishna, how a brahmana falls prey to vices and is at the verge of
Personality of Godhead,” and Rama means “the Supreme being taken by the Yamadutas, but was saved by the Vishnudutas
Enjoyer.” because of his reciting the holy name. Read the history carefully,
But there are many who will not come, because they do not form groups and come up with a minimum of 10 essential
agree to come under the control of Krishna’s spiritual energy. But concepts that you learnt from it.
Krishna does not interfere. He says, “You may remain in the
material world or come to Me—whatever you like.” We have been Story: Visitors From Beyond
given minute independence and the intelligence to discriminate Whatever state of being one remembers when he quits his
between what to do and what not to do. body, that state he will attain without fail.
The ear is the most important organ for learning what is to be —Bhagavad-gita 8.6
done and what is not to be done for our ultimate benefit. We must As the soul sets out on its mysterious journey after death, it
hear from the superior authority. At night we sleep peacefully, may, according to the traditions of the world’s great religions,
unaware that someone might be coming to chop off our head. meet with beings from other levels of reality—angels who help it,
However, our sense of hearing is acute, even in the sleeping state. or judges who weigh its good and evil deeds on the scales of
If someone cries out, “Wake up! Wake up! Someone is coming to cosmic justice. A variety of religious art objects, spanning the
kill you!” we can be saved. Similarly, we are sleeping under the entire range of man’s cultural history, depict such scenes. A
influence of material nature. We seem to be awake and acting, but painting on a fragment of Etruscan pottery shows an angelic figure
Prakriti (material nature) is doing the acting—not us. We are attending a fallen warrior. A Christian mosaic from the Middle
being forced to act according to our association with the different Ages shows a grim St. Michael, the scales of justice in his hands.
modes of material nature. Although we are in the sleeping Many people who have had near-death experiences often report
condition, our ear does not sleep, and it helps us to rise out of encountering such beings.
ignorance. If we hear from the right person—the spiritual In the Vedic scriptures of India, we learn of the servants of
master—and from the Vedic scriptures, we can awaken to our Lord Vishnu, who appear at the time of death to accompany the
 Art Of Dying 419 420 Victory Over Death

pious soul on its way to the spiritual world. The Vedas also tell of decorated with garlands of sapphire and milk-white lotuses. They
the fearsome agents of Yamaraja, the lord of death, who forcefully appeared fresh and youthful, and their dazzling effulgence
arrest the soul of a sinful man and prepare it for its next illuminated the darkness of the death chamber. In their hands they
incarnation in the prison of a material body. In this historical held bows, arrows, swords, conch-shells, clubs, discs, and lotus
account, the servants of Vishnu and the servants of Yamaraja flowers.
dispute the fate of the soul of Ajamila, deciding whether he should The Vishnudutas saw the servants of Yamaraja, the
be liberated or reincarnated. Yamadutas, snatching Ajamila’s soul from the core of his heart,
In the city of Kanyakubja, there once lived a young saintly and with resounding
brahmana priest named Ajamila, who fell from the path of voices they cried, “Stop!”
spiritual life and lost all of his good qualities when he fell in love The Yamadutas, who
with a prostitute. Giving up his priestly duties, Ajamila now made had never before
his living through robbery and gambling and passed his life in encountered any
debauchery. opposition, trembled upon
By the time he was eighty-eight years old, Ajamila had hearing the Vishnudutas’
fathered ten sons by the prostitute. The youngest, a baby, was harsh command. “Who are
named Narayana—one of the names of the Supreme Lord, Vishnu. you? Why are you trying
Ajamila was very attached to his young son and derived great to stop us?” they asked.
pleasure watching the child’s early attempts to walk and talk. “We are the servants of
One day, without warning, the time of death arrived for the Yamaraja, the lord of
foolish Ajamila. Terrified, the old man saw before him gruesome death.”
figures with fierce, twisted faces. These subtle beings, with ropes The agents of Vishnu
in their hands, had come to forcibly escort him to the court of smiled and spoke in
Yamaraja, the lord of death. Seeing these ghoulish creatures, voices as deep as the
Ajamila became bewildered, and out of affection for his beloved rumbling of rain clouds,
child, who was playing a short distance away, he began to cry “If you are truly the
loudly, “Narayana! Narayana!” With tears in his eyes, weeping for servants of Yamaraja, you
his young son, the great sinner Ajamila unconsciously chanted the must explain to us the meaning of the cycle of birth and death.
holy name of the Lord. Tell us: Who must enter this cycle, and who must not?”
Hearing their master’s name chanted with great feeling by the The Yamadutas replied, “The sun, fire, sky, air, demigods,
dying Ajamila, the order carriers of Vishnu, the Vishnudutas, moon, evening, day, night, the directions, water, land, and the
arrived within a second. They appeared just like Lord Vishnu Supersoul, or the Lord within the heart, all witness the activities of
Himself. Their eyes were exactly like the petals of a lotus flower; everyone. The candidates for punishment in the cycle of birth and
they wore helmets of burnished gold, glimmering silk garments death are those who are confirmed by these witnesses to have
the colour of topaz, and their perfectly formed bodies were deviated from their religious duties. In proportion to the extent of
 Art Of Dying 421 422 Victory Over Death

one’s religious or irreligious actions in this life, one must enjoy or own saliva to create a cocoon and then becomes trapped in it. The
suffer the corresponding reactions of karma in the next.” living entity traps himself in a network of his own fruitive
Originally the living beings exist in the spiritual world as activities and then can find no way to free himself. Thus he is
eternal servants of God. But when they give up the service of the always bewildered and repeatedly dies and is reborn.
Lord, they must enter the material universe, comprised of the three “Because of his intense material desires,” said the Yamadutas,
modes of nature—goodness, passion, and ignorance. The “a living entity takes birth in a particular family and receives a
Yamadutas explained that the living beings who desire to enjoy body like that of either the mother or the father. That body is an
this material world come under the control of the modes and, indication of his past and future bodies, just as one spring-time is
according to their specific relationship with these modes, acquire an indication of past and future spring-times.”
suitable material bodies. A being in the mode of goodness obtains The human form of life is especially valuable, because only a
the body of a demigod, one in the mode of passion takes birth as a human can understand the transcendental knowledge that can free
human, and one in the mode of ignorance enters the lower species. him from the cycle of birth and death. But Ajamila had wasted his
All of these bodies are like the bodies we experience in human life.
dreams. When a man goes to sleep, he forgets his real identity and “In the beginning,” the Yamadutas said, “Ajamila studied all
may dream that he has become a king. He cannot remember what the Vedic literatures. He was a reservoir of good character and
he was doing before he went to sleep, nor can he imagine what he conduct. He was very mild and gentle, and he kept his mind and
will do upon waking. In the same way, when a soul identifies with senses under control. He was always truthful, knew how to chant
a temporary, material body, he forgets his real, spiritual identity, the Vedic mantras, and was very pure. Ajamila always showed
as well as any previous lives in the material world, although most proper respect to his spiritual master, guests, and the elderly
souls in a human body have already transmigrated through all members of his household—indeed, he was free from false
8,400,000 species of life. prestige. He was benevolent to all living beings and never envied
“The living entity thus transmigrates from one material body anyone.
to another in human life, animal life, and life as a demigod,” the “But once, Ajamila, following the order of his father, went to
Yamadutas said. “When the living entity gets the body of a the forest to collect fruits and flowers. On the way home, he came
demigod, he is very happy. When he gets a human body, he is upon a very lusty, low-class man shamelessly embracing and
sometimes happy and sometimes sad. And when he gets the body kissing a prostitute. The man was smiling, singing, and enjoying
of an animal, he is always fearful. In all conditions, however, he himself as if this were proper behaviour. Both the man and the
suffers terribly, experiencing birth, death, disease, and old age. His prostitute were drunk. The prostitute’s eyes were rolling in
miserable condition is called samsara, or transmigration of the intoxication, and her dress had become loose, partially exposing
soul through different species of material life. her body. When Ajamila saw this prostitute, the dormant lusty
“The foolish embodied living entity,” the Yamadutas desires in his heart awakened, and in illusion, he fell under their
continued, “unable to control his senses or his mind, is forced to control. He tried to remember the instructions of the scriptures,
act according to the influence of the modes of material nature, and with the help of his knowledge and intellect he tried to control
even against his own desires. He is like a silkworm that uses its his lust. But because of the force of Cupid within his heart, he was
 Art Of Dying 423 424 Victory Over Death

unable to control his mind. After that, he always thought of the this man has chanted My holy name, it is My duty to give him
prostitute, and within a short time he took her in as a servant in his protection.’ ”
house. In this present age of quarrel and hypocrisy, one who wants
“Ajamila then gave up all of his spiritual practices. He spent liberation from reincarnation should chant the Hare Krishna maha-
the money he had inherited from his father for presents for the mantra, the great mantra of deliverance, because it completely
prostitute and even rejected his beautiful young wife, who came cleanses the heart of all material desires that keep one trapped in
from a respectable brahmana family. the cycle of birth and death.
“This rascal Ajamila got money any way he could, legally or The Vishnudutas said, “One who chants the holy name of the
illegally, and used it to maintain the prostitute’s sons and Lord is immediately freed from the reactions of unlimited sins,
daughters. Before death, he did not undergo atonement. Therefore, even if he chants jokingly or for musical entertainment. This is
because of his sinful life, we must take him to the court of accepted in the scriptures and by all learned scholars.
Yamaraja. There, according to the extent of his sinful acts, he will “If one chants the holy name of Lord Krishna and then dies in
be punished and then returned to the material world in a suitable an accident or is killed by a deadly animal, from disease, or by a
body.” weapon, one is immediately freed from having to take birth again.
After hearing the statements of the Yamadutas, the servants of As a fire burns dry grass to ashes, the holy name of Krishna burns
Lord Vishnu, who are always expert in logic and argument, to ashes all of one’s karmic reactions.”
replied, “How painful it is to see that those in charge of upholding The Vishnudutas then said, “If a person unaware of the
religious principles are needlessly punishing an innocent person. potency of a medicine takes that medicine, or is forced to take it, it
Ajamila has already atoned for all of his sins. Indeed, he has will act even without his knowledge. Even if one does not know
atoned not only for sins performed in this life, but for those the value of chanting the holy name of the Lord, the chanting will
performed in millions of previous lives as well, because he still be effective in liberating one from reincarnation.
chanted the holy name of Narayana in a helpless state of mind at “At the time of death,” said the Vishnudutas, “Ajamila
the time of death. Therefore, he is now pure and eligible for helplessly and very loudly chanted the holy name of the Lord,
liberation from the cycle of reincarnation. Narayana. That chanting alone has already freed him from having
“The chanting of the holy name of Lord Vishnu,” the to take birth again for his sinful life. Therefore, do not try to take
Vishnudutas said, “is the best process of atonement for a thief or a him to your master for punishment by another term of
drunkard, for one who betrays a friend or relative, for one who imprisonment in a material body.”
kills a priest, or for one who indulges in sex with the wife of his The Vishnudutas then released Ajamila from the ropes of the
guru or another superior. It is also the best method of atonement servants of the lord of death. Ajamila came to his senses and, free
for one who murders women, the king, or his father, for one who from fear, paid his heartfelt respects to the Vishnudutas by bowing
slaughters cows, and for all other sinful men. Simply by chanting his head at their feet. But when the Vishnudutas saw that Ajamila
the holy name of Lord Vishnu, such sinful persons may attract the was trying to say something to them, they disappeared.
attention of the Supreme Lord, who therefore considers, ‘Because “Was this a dream I saw?” Ajamila wondered. “Or was it
reality? I saw fearsome men with ropes in their hands coming to
 Art Of Dying 425 426 Victory Over Death

drag me away. Where have they gone? And where are those four
radiant persons who saved me?”
Ajamila then began to reflect on his life. “Being a servant of
my senses, how degraded I became! I fell down from my position
as a saintly brahmana and begot children in the womb of a
prostitute. Indeed, I gave up my chaste and beautiful young wife.
What’s more, my father and mother were old and had no other
friend or son to look after them. Because I did not take care of
them, they lived with great pain and difficulty. It is now clear that
a sinful person like myself should have been forced in his next life
to suffer hellishly.
“I am such an unfortunate person,” said Ajamila, “but now that
I have another chance, I must try to become free from the vicious
cycle of birth and death.”
Ajamila immediately renounced his prostitute wife and
journeyed to Haridwar, a place of pilgrimage in the Himalaya
Mountains. There he took shelter at a Vishnu temple, where he
practiced bhakti-yoga, the yoga of devotional service to the
Supreme Lord. When his mind and intelligence were fixed in
perfect meditation on the form of the Lord, Ajamila again saw
before him four celestial beings. Recognizing them as the same
Vishnudutas who had saved him from the agents of death, he
bowed down before them.
There at Haridwar, on the banks of the Ganges, Ajamila gave
up his temporary, material body and regained his eternal, spiritual
form. Accompanied by the Vishnudutas, he boarded a golden
aircraft and, passing through the airways, went directly to the
abode of Lord Vishnu, never again to reincarnate in this material
world.
 428 Victory Over Death

What Does It Mean To Pass

The Final Exam Of Death?

Chapter 10 Death: The Ultimate King Of The Material World

There are people who say that they do not want to surrender to
anyone. They claim that they need no support or shelter to
surrender to. In spite of their illusory sense of independence, in
due course of time, they are forced to embrace the feet of death
personified and surrender to Him. So death is the ultimate
controller or the king in the material world. No one else can be
considered as a king. There are so many kings who have come and
gone like Napoleon Bonaparte, Hitler, Alexander, etc. Where are
they all now? No beautiful woman can charm death, no wealthy
man can bribe death and no scholar can debate with death. When
death comes, everyone has to salute, whether they like it or not.

Passing The Final Desire For Eternal Life Is Natural

Fear of death is implicitly present in every conditioned living
Exam entity. Why is it that all of us have a deep rooted desire to live
eternally in a blissful consciousness? What is it within us that
constantly impels us to seek pleasure? Who are we? Most people
designate themselves as, “I am an Indian or American or
European.” However, today a person claiming to be an Indian may
soon become an American citizen, if he obtains a green card.
Rapidly advancing modern science has made the sex of a human
also a temporary designation! Today, a male can clinically and
legally become a female, and vice versa, through surgery. In spite
of all these temporary designations and labels that we apply to
ourselves, we inherently remain the same persons through the
various changes. If we are not this body, then who are we?
The Supreme Lord, Sri Krishna, explains about the real
identity of every one of us. We are in fact tiny parts and parcels of
the Supreme whole possessing the same qualities of God in
 Passing The Final Exam 429 430 Victory Over Death

minuteness – sac-cid-ananda. The material body is like a dress absorbing oneself in TV, movies, or tranquilizers. But the fact is a
superimposed on the soul to wander in the material world. Due to fact. Death is considered a nuisance in one’s busy planning and
our constitutional nature, we seek eternity by trying to avoid happy life.
death. Even a tiny insect will display its best talents to escape But how does one conquer death? A materialist who does not
death. All animals, birds and insects have their techniques to surrender to God would want to conquer death by fighting against
escape from their enemies. Humans spend a major portion of the the natural laws that have been created by God. Many people in
country’s earning for defence. We all seek knowledge by going to the past had a desire to go on living in this world and they tried
schools and colleges. We seek pleasure by searching for it in many different methods for survival. It is not possible for anyone
things and relationships of this world. to live within this body forever and enjoy. This is not the meaning
of conquering death. The real meaning of conquering death is:
What Is The Meaning Of Conquering Death?
• To realize the fact that, ‘I am not this body. I am pure spirit
Actually, the soul never dies even at the time of death. It just soul, part and parcel of God. I am servant of God.’
goes from one body to another, similar to a person moving from a • To recognize that since time immemorial, we have been
scooter into a car. But owing to our identification with the material wandering within this material world in search of happiness,
body, we imagine that, ‘everything is going to be finished’. So only obtaining more and more suffering.
foolish people try to preserve the material body, hoping to keep • To be able to perceive our entanglement in the complicated
this decaying rotting material body eternal. This is avidya or network of action and reaction that has grown like a huge
ignorance. banyan tree whose roots spread far and wide and are difficult
Sometimes, people foolishly attempt to create artificial to cut.
methods by which they can postpone old age (like hair-dyes or • To sever that tree that has sprouted by association of the three
face-lifts) or overcome death (artificial respiration). Their idea is modes through the sword of detachment and pure loving
to somehow or other continue their existence in this world and attachment to Sri Krishna, and become eligible to return back
undergo the cycle of happiness and distress. There are some home, back to Godhead.
people who want to be in happiness always and there are others,
who being harassed and embarrassed by various miseries, claim, Defeated By Death
“Well, if there were no miseries then where is the spice to enjoy
the sweet moments of life?” Is it necessary to have miseries to Cruel Death: The Least Expected, But The Most Sure
appreciate happiness, or one can experience absolute happiness Since the creation of the material world, everyone has been
continuously and be satisfied always? Would any student want to trying to attain a permanent life, but the laws of nature are so cruel
get fail marks in at least one or two papers in order to be able to that no one has been able to avoid the hand of death. No one wants
taste the sweetness of getting a distinction in other papers? It is to die, nor does anyone want to become old or diseased. The laws
obvious that no one wants old age or disease or death. Because of nature, however, do not allow anyone immunity from old age,
these things happen inevitably, somebody may artificially pose to disease or death. Nor has the advancement of material knowledge
have no problem or may try to forget the real problems by solved these problems. Material science can discover the nuclear
 Passing The Final Exam 431 432 Victory Over Death

bomb to accelerate the process of death, but it cannot discover The whole point here is that even Hiranyakashipu, the most
anything that can protect man from the cruel hands of old age, powerful of materialists, could not become deathless by his
disease and death. various plans. What, then, can be accomplished by the tiny
From the Puranas we learn of the activities of Hiranyakashipu, Hiranyakashipus of today, whose plans are thwarted from moment
a king who was very much advanced materially. Wanting to to moment?
conquer cruel death by his material acquisitions and the strength Sri Isopanishad instructs us not to make one-sided attempts to
of his nescience, he underwent a type of meditation so severe that win the struggle for existence. Everyone is struggling hard for
the inhabitants of all the planetary systems became disturbed by existence, but the laws of material nature are so hard and fast that
his mystic powers. He forced the creator of the universe, the they do not allow anyone to surpass them. In order to attain a
demigod Brahma, to come down to him. He then asked Brahma permanent life, one must be prepared to go back to Godhead.
for the benediction of becoming amara, by which one does not die. The process by which one goes back to Godhead is a different
Brahma said that he could not award the benediction because even branch of knowledge, and it has to be learned from revealed Vedic
he, the material creator who rules all planets, is not amara. As scriptures such as the Upanishads, Vedanta-sutra, Bhagavad-gita
confirmed in the Bhagavad-gita (8.17), Brahma lives for a long and Srimad-Bhagavatam. To become happy in this life and attain a
time, but that does not mean he is immortal. permanent blissful life after leaving this material body, one must
Hiranya means “gold,” and kashipu means “soft bed.” This study this sacred literature and obtain transcendental knowledge.
cunning gentleman Hiranyakashipu was interested in these two The conditioned living being has forgotten his eternal relationship
things—money and women—and he wanted to enjoy them by with God and has mistakenly accepted the temporary place of his
becoming immortal. He asked many benedictions from Brahma in birth as all in all. The Lord has kindly delivered the above-
the hope of indirectly fulfilling his desire to become immortal. mentioned scriptures in India, and other scriptures in other
Since Brahma told him that he could not grant the gift of countries to remind the forgetful human being that his home is not
immortality, Hiranyakashipu requested that he not be killed by any here in this material world. The living being is a spiritual entity,
man, animal, god or any other living being within the 8,400,000 and he can be happy only by returning to his spiritual home.
species. He also asked that he not die on land, in the air or water,
Has Science Progressed At Least An Inch Towards
or by any weapon. In this way, Hiranyakashipu foolishly thought
Stopping Aging Or Attaining Immortality?
these guarantees would save him from death. Ultimately, however,
although Brahma granted him all these benedictions, he was killed Even in these days of so-called advancement of knowledge,
by the Personality of Godhead in the form of Nrsimha, the Lord’s there is no conclusive remedial measure either for old age or for
half-lion, half-man incarnation, and no weapon was used to kill death. Old age is the notice of the arrival of death and no one can
him, for he was killed by the Lord’s nails. Nor was he killed on refuse the supreme judgment of eternal time.
the land, in the air or in the water, for he was killed on the lap of The famous president of the United States, John F. Kennedy,
that wonderful living being, Nrsimha, who was beyond his busy in his plan-making business, was also called by invincible,
conception. eternal Time. At the spur of the moment, he had to helplessly
surrender his life, wife, children, wealth, position, etc.
 Passing The Final Exam 433 434 Victory Over Death

Since time immemorial, the attempts made by many demoniac means imagining something evil about anything unnecessarily. In
persons to overcome death by artificial means have been shattered the case of death, we are not imagining anything. Death is a
by supremely powerful Time. A Texan oil millionaire, Miller reality. One has to talk of death, realize its evil and make
Quarles, at the ripe old age of 81, has proclaimed in the wholehearted efforts to overcome it.
newspapers, “I want to live forever.” So he has ploughed his As long as a man is in the full vigour of life, he forgets the
fortune of millions of dollars into the scientific quest for naked truth of death, which he has to meet. Thus, a foolish man
immortality. Modern man has spent enormous time, energy, makes no relevant inquiry about the real problems of life.
wealth and resources to find out the mechanism of aging. All he Everyone thinks that he will never die, although he sees evidence
has researched out now is that, ‘we know the mechanism of how of death before
we are aging, but we have no power to stop it’. The attempt to stop his eyes at every
aging is not much different from trying to control the movement second. Here is
of the sun or the moon by artificial means! the distinction
There are people who give huge amounts of money to doctors between
and then they die. They say, “After I die, preserve my body and animalism and
some day if you find out a method to revive the dead, please humanity. An
revive me also. I have got so much important business left to do. I animal, like a
have many plans to expand my business, but it seems that I cannot goat, has no
live more.” Good business, not for those who pay, but who are on sense of its
the receiving end! impending death.
One Dr. Ansari, a heart surgeon, experienced a severe pain in Although its
his chest while travelling in a train. Very soon, the pain intensified brother goat is
and he died on the spot, crying, “My mother, father, brother, being
sister, grandmother, grandfather, all of them are doctors. I myself slaughtered, the
am a heart surgeon. But I cannot be saved at this moment. Just see goat, being allured by the green grass offered to it, will stand
my plight!” peacefully waiting to be slaughtered next. On the other hand, if a
human being sees his fellow man being killed by an enemy, he
Die Before You Die: The Formula Of The Wise either fights to save his brother or leaves, if possible, to save his
own life. That is the difference between a man and a goat.
Are Discussions On Death Not Pessimism? An intelligent man knows that death is born along with his
Somebody may argue, “You are very pessimistic. Why are you own birth. He knows that he is dying at every second and that the
thinking of death so much? Talk about life.” However, discussion final touch will be given as soon as his term of life is finished. He
about the subject matter of death is not pessimistic talk, because therefore prepares himself for the next life, or for liberation from
death is not an imagination. Death is the ultimate reality which the disease of repeated birth and death.
every one of us will have to face in our own lives. Pessimism
 Passing The Final Exam 435 436 Victory Over Death

It is ignorance of death and life that distinguishes an animal 50 years of age to take vanaprastha, owing to prior training. Thus,
from a man. The modern setup of human civilization is a risky one he can proceed to sannyasa ashram smoothly and simply live for
because it offers no education about relevant inquiries into the the welfare of the masses.
essential principles of life. Like animals, people do not know that In the Bhagavatam, we find the reference of Dhruva Maharaja
they are going to be slaughtered by the laws of nature. They are who went to the jungle to perform severe penances to attain a
satisfied with a bunch of green grass, or a so-called jolly life, like kingdom greater than his father’s. After Dhruva Maharaja
the waiting goat in a slaughterhouse. achieved the darshan of the Lord, he returned and took up the
charge of the kingdom. Very soon, after consulting with all the
Achieving Freedom Through Detachment
ministers, King Uttanapada enthroned Dhruva as the king and
In a public vehicle like a railway carriage, we meet and sit quickly retired from his kingly duties, to dedicate the rest of his
down together with some unknown friends and become members life for self realization.
of the same vehicle for a short time, but in due course we separate, This was not new in those days. In Vedic life, cultivating God
never to meet again. Similarly, in a long sojourn of life, we get a consciousness was very natural for everyone, because people
temporary sitting accommodation in a so-called family, country, knew that after revolving through many, many species of life, one
or society, but when the time is up, we are unwillingly separated attains this rare human form. People knew that this rare human
from one another, never to meet again. body should not be wasted in futile attempts to enjoy one’s senses;
Thus, in Vedic life, a boy is sent to the gurukula, where he rather, one should prepare his consciousness for returning back to
learns to: Godhead.
• Respect and serve guru and elders
How To Die Before You Die
• Control the mind and senses for a higher purpose
• Perform austerities like fasting on special days, rising early in In fact, one is supposed to kill all his temporary attachments to
the morning, etc. this world just before dying. His only attachment should be to the
• Maintain cleanliness, internal and external lotus feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri
• Render menial services like cooking, cleaning, washing, Krishna. That is why it is said, ‘die before you die’. Either we
gardening, etc. voluntarily give up enjoying and surrender to the Lord, or the
• Worship the Lord and chant the mantras material nature will forcibly strip away all that we have
accumulated and dispatch us to the next destination with empty
• Lead a simple life of not overly depending on others for every
hands.
small thing; rather, learn to do things oneself with limited
When King Pracinabarhishat was preached to by Sri Narada
facilities that are naturally available
muni about how materialistic way of life ultimately leads to
• Cultivate loving relationships with friends based on spiritual
suffering, he became so anxious to go and practice spiritual life
understanding
that he did not even wait for his sons, the Pracetas, to come back
By living a pure life aimed at returning to God, one develops a
and take care of his kingdom. This kind of desperateness is
taste for spiritual subject matter. After this training even if one
enters into grhastha ashram, he can very easily detach himself at
 Passing The Final Exam 437 438 Victory Over Death

required to take up to spiritual life seriously and immediately When this meditation arose in his heart, the brahmana could
because death can come at any moment. understand that the Supreme Lord Sri Hari had somehow become
satisfied with him. He felt that only because the Lord was pleased
Heroes Who Conquered Death with him had the apparently unfavourable turn of events in his life
occurred. He was grateful that a sense of detachment had arisen in
Fearless Attitude By Taking Refuge Of One Whom Fear his heart and considered it the factual means for delivering his
Fears soul.
The Conviction Of Avanti Brahmana In this condition, he determined to engage the duration of his
The eleventh canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam presents the story life in the worship of Lord Hari and thus accepted the mendicant
of a mendicant sannyasi from the Avanti country as an example of order of tridandi-sannyasa. Subsequently, he would enter different
how one should tolerate the disturbances and offences created by villages to beg charity, but the people would harass and disturb
evil persons. This is a practical illustration of how one has to die him. He simply tolerated all this, remaining firm as a mountain.
before dying if one wants to be purified. All this is possible when He remained fixed in his chosen spiritual practice and sang a song
one takes shelter of Lord Mukunda. renowned as the Bhikshu-gita.
Harsh words pierce one’s heart even more severely than The Avanti brahmana, therefore, became determined to cross
arrows. Yet, a mendicant brahmana from the city of Avanti, even over the insurmountable ocean of material existence by rendering
while being attacked by wicked men, considered this trouble to be service to the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord, Mukunda, with the
simply the consequence of his own past deeds and tolerated it with same perfect faith in the Lord, as exhibited by the great devotees
utmost sobriety. Previously, the brahmana had been an of the past.
agriculturalist and merchant. He had been extremely greedy, etam sa asthaya paratma-nishöham
miserly and prone to anger. As a result, his wife, sons, daughters, adhyasitam pürvatamair maharshibhiù
relatives and servants were all deprived of every kind of aham tarishyami duranta-param
enjoyment and gradually came to behave unaffectionately toward tamo mukundaìghri-nishevayaiva
him. In due course of time, thieves, family members and
providence took away the sum total of his wealth. Finding himself “I shall cross over the insurmountable ocean of nescience by
without any property and abandoned by everyone, the brahmana being firmly fixed in the service of the lotus feet of Krishna. This
developed a deep sense of renunciation. was approved by the previous acaryas, who were fixed in firm
He considered how the earning and preservation of wealth devotion to the Lord, Paramatma, the Supreme Personality of
involve great effort, fear, anxiety and confusion. Because of Godhead.” (SB 11.23.57)
wealth, there arise fifteen unwanted items—thievery, violence, Only when one can focus his intelligence on the lotus feet of
lying, deception, lust, anger, pride, feverishness, disagreement, the Supreme Personality of Godhead can the mind be completely
hatred, distrust, conflict, attachment to women, gambling and subdued. This is the essence of all practical prescriptions for
intoxication. spiritual advancement. When one comes to the platform where one
is more humbler than a blade of grass, more tolerant than a tree,
 Passing The Final Exam 439 440 Victory Over Death

devoid of all sense of false prestige and expects no respect in When Hiranyakashipu heard from his son about devotional
return, then one can chant the holy names of the Lord constantly service, he decided that this small boy had been polluted by some
and remember Him. This means one has already passed the final friend in school. Thus, he advised the teachers to take care of the
exam. Such pure souls cannot be separated from the Lord for even boy so that he would not become a Krishna conscious devotee.
one moment. However, when the teachers inquired from Prahlada Maharaja
why he was going against their teachings, Prahlada Maharaja
The Fearless Unconquerable Prahlada Pacifies Anger
taught the teachers that the mentality of ownership is false and that
Personified, Nrsimhadeva
he was therefore trying to become an unalloyed devotee of Lord
Hiranyakashipu, by dint of his austerities, became a ruler of all Vishnu. The teachers, being very angry at this answer, chastised
the three worlds and demanded everyone to accept him as the and threatened the boy with many fearful conditions. They taught
supreme. To his great surprise, although no one could raise any him to the best of their ability and then brought him before his
opposition to his voice, his own tender son Prahlada always father.
glorified Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu considered Vishnu his Hiranyakashipu affectionately took his son Prahlada on his lap
sworn enemy as Vishnu had killed his brother, Hiranyaksha. Now and then inquired from him what the best thing was that he had
he could not tolerate his own son siding with Vishnu. He ordered learned from his teachers. As usual, Prahlada Maharaja began
the teachers to teach him materialistic subjects. praising the nine processes of devotional service, such as
Prahlada Maharaja did not carry out the orders of his teachers, sravanam and kirtanam. Thus the King of the demons,
for he was always engaged in worshiping Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu, being extremely angry, chastised the teachers,
Hiranyakashipu tried to kill Prahlada Maharaja, even by having a Shanda and Amarka, for having wrongly trained Prahlada
snake bite him and by putting him under the feet of elephants, yet Maharaja. The so-called teachers informed the King that Prahlada
he was unsuccessful. Maharaja was automatically a devotee and did not listen to their
Although the teachers tried to educate the boy Prahlada in instructions. When they proved themselves innocent,
politics, economics and other material activities, he did not care Hiranyakashipu inquired from Prahlada where he had learned
for their instructions. Instead, he continued to be a pure devotee. Vishnu-bhakti. Prahlada Maharaja replied that those who are
Prahlada Maharaja never liked the idea of discriminating between attached to family life do not develop Krishna consciousness,
one’s friends and enemies. Because he was spiritually inclined, he either personally or collectively. Instead, they suffer repeated birth
was equal toward everyone. and death in this material world and continue simply chewing the
Once, Hiranyakashipu inquired from his son what the best chewed. Prahlada explained that the duty of every man is to take
thing was that he had learned from his teachers. Prahlada shelter of a pure devotee and thus become eligible to understand
Maharaja replied that a man engrossed in the material Krishna consciousness.
consciousness of duality, thinking, “This is mine, and that belongs Enraged at this answer, Hiranyakashipu threw Prahlada
to my enemy,” should give up his householder life and go to the Maharaja from his lap. Since Prahlada was so treacherous that he
forest to worship the Supreme Lord. had become a devotee of Vishnu, who had killed his uncle
Hiranyaksha, Hiranyakashipu asked his assistants to kill him. The
 Passing The Final Exam 441 442 Victory Over Death

assistants of Hiranyakashipu struck Prahlada with sharp weapons, forms. Conditioned life in the material world is actually extremely
threw him under the feet of elephants, subjected him to hellish fearful. Indeed, a devotee is not afraid of anything else. Fear of
conditions, threw him from the peak of a mountain and tried to kill material existence is due to false ego.
him in thousands of other ways, but they were unsuccessful.
Not Captured By Death But Conquered Death
Hiranyakashipu therefore became increasingly afraid of his son
Dhruva Climbing On The Head Of Death
Prahlada Maharaja and arrested him. The sons of
Hiranyakashipu’s spiritual master, Sukracharya, began teaching Dhruva, as a young child, went to the forest for six months,
Prahlada in their own way, but Prahlada Maharaja did not accept practiced penance and achieved the blessed darshan of the
their instructions. While the teachers were absent from the Supreme Lord. Thus, he became a pure devotee. After he ruled the
classroom, Prahlada Maharaja began to preach Krishna kingdom for many years, he left his kingdom, and retired to
consciousness in the school, and by his instructions all his class Badrikasrama. There he performed intense devotional service with
friends, the sons of the demons, became devotees like him. his body and mind, exhibiting
Thus, the small boy devotee Prahlad never feared anybody symptoms of ecstatic love. As
owing to his unflinching devotion to the Supreme Personality of soon as the symptoms of his
Godhead. Although so many attempts were made to put him to liberation were manifest, he
death, death could never touch him. Even today, in the assembly saw a very beautiful airplane
of great Vaishnavas, the pastimes of Prahlada are glorified over coming down from the sky, as
and over again owing to the fearless unalloyed devotion of if the brilliant full moon were
Prahlada. coming down. He saw two
After Hiranyakashipu was killed, the Lord continued to be beautiful associates of Lord
very angry, and the demigods, headed by Lord Brahma, could not Vishnu who had similar forms
pacify Him. Even mother Lakshmi, the goddess of fortune, the like Vishnu. Dhruva offered
constant companion of Narayana, could not dare come before obeisances and chanted the
Lord Nrsimhadeva. Then Lord Brahma asked Prahlada Maharaja Lord’s glories. They had come
to go forward and pacify the Lord’s anger. Prahlada Maharaja, to take Dhruva to the
being confident of the affection of his master, Lord Nrsimhadeva, Vaikuntha planet.
was not afraid at all. He very gravely appeared before the Lord’s “Before getting aboard,
lotus feet and offered Him respectful obeisances. Lord Dhruva Maharaja worshiped the airplane, circumambulated it, and
Nrsimhadeva, being very much affectionate toward Prahlada also offered obeisances to the associates of Vishnu. In the
Maharaja, put His hand on Prahlada’s head and smiled. meantime he became as brilliant and illuminating as molten gold.
Lord Nrsimhadeva appeared for the benefit of all human He was thus completely prepared to board the transcendental
society, not only for Prahlada’s personal benefit. The fierce form plane.” (SB 4.12.29)
of Lord Nrsimhadeva may appear most awful to a non-devotee, “When Dhruva Maharaja was attempting to get on the
but to the devotee the Lord is always affectionate as He is in other transcendental plane, he saw death personified approach him. Not
 Passing The Final Exam 443 444 Victory Over Death

caring for death, however, he took advantage of the opportunity to

put his feet on the head of death, and thus he got up on the “O brahmanas, just accept me as a completely surrendered
airplane, which was as big as a house.” (SB 4.12.30) soul, and let mother Ganges, the representative of the Lord, also
When Dhruva Maharaja boarded the airplane, he took
advantage of the arrival of death personified, who came to offer
him obeisances. Putting his feet on the head of death, he got up on
the unique airplane. This is a fitting example of how a devotee
conquers death. Far from mourning or lamenting, a devotee is so
absorbed in the remembrance of the Lord, that he has nothing to
worry about death. Rather, death personified feels blessed to have
the lotus feet of the devotee on his head.
Parikshit Prepared For Facing Death
Among the most intelligent of men was Maharaja Parikshit,
the great king of the entire world, who was accidentally cursed by
a brahmana to meet death from the bite of a serpent within seven
days. When the king was informed of the unfortunate curse, he at
once left his palatial home and went to the bank of the Ganges,
which was near his capital, to prepare for his impending death.
Because he was a great king, almost all the great sages and learned accept me in that way, for I have already taken the lotus feet of the
scholars assembled at the place where the king was fasting prior to Lord into my heart. Let the snake-bird—or whatever magical thing
leaving his mortal body. Being a descendent of the lineage of great the brahmana created—bite me at once. I only desire that you all
devotees – the Pandavas, and having had a personal encounter continue singing the deeds of Lord Vishnu.” (SB 1.19.15)
with Lord Sri Krishna in the womb of his mother, King Parikshit This fearlessness of death comes only when one has found the
was a great devotee. He took the curse as a benediction from the shelter of Lord Sri Nanda nandan, whose lotus feet are called as
Lord to detach himself from all worldly engagements and retire to ‘abhaya charanaravinda’ ‘the lotus feet that bestow fearlessness’.
the bank of the Ganges and hear the glories of the Lord. His words
One Moment Of Divine Thought Is Superior To Million
show that he is hardly afraid of death:
Years Of Prolonged Life
taà mopayataà pratiyantu vipra
King Khatvanga Cuts Bondage In A Moment
gaìga ca devi dhåta-cittam içe
The materialists want to prolong life as much as possible
dvijopasåñöaù kuhakas takñako va
because they have no information of the next life. They want to
daçatv alaà gayata viñnu-gathaù get the maximum comforts in this present life because they think
conclusively that there is no life after death. This ignorance about
 Passing The Final Exam 445 446 Victory Over Death

the eternity of the living being and the change of covering in the There is a story of a great king named Maharaja Khatvanga,
material world has played havoc in the structure of modern human who was a great devotee of Lord Krishna. He was invited by the
society. Consequently, there are many problems, multiplied by demigods in the higher planets to fight demons, and as a king, he
various plans of modernized man. The plans for solving the fought the battles to the full satisfaction of the demigods. The
problems of society have only aggravated the troubles. demigods, being fully satisfied with him, wanted to give him some
Even if it is possible to prolong life more than one hundred benediction for material enjoyment, but Maharaja Khatvanga,
years, advancement of human civilization does not necessarily being very much alert to his prime duty, inquired from the
follow. The Bhagavatam says that certain trees live for hundreds demigods about his remaining duration of life. This means that he
and thousands of years. At Vrindavana, there is a tamarind tree was not as anxious to accumulate some material benediction from
(the place is known as Imlitala) which is said to have existed since the demigods as he was to prepare himself for the next life. He
the time of Lord Krishna. In the Calcutta Botanical Garden, there was informed by the demigods, however, that his life would last
is a banyan tree said to be older than five hundred years, and there only a moment longer. The king at once left the heavenly
are many such trees all over the world. kingdom, which is always full of material enjoyment of the
Swami Sankaracarya lived only for thirty-two years, and Lord highest standard, and coming down to this earth, took ultimate
Caitanya lived for forty-eight years. Does it mean that the shelter of the all-safe Personality of Godhead. He was successful
prolonged lives of the abovementioned trees are more important in his great attempt and achieved liberation. This attempt, even for
than Sankara or Caitanya? Prolonged life without spiritual value is a moment, by the saintly king, was successful because he was
not very important. One may doubt that trees have life because always alert to his prime duty.
they do not breathe. But modern scientists like Bose have already khaövaìgo nama rajarñir jïatveyattam ihayuñaù
proved that there is life in plants, so breathing is no sign of actual
muhürtat sarvam utsåjya gatavan abhayaà harim
life. The Bhagavatam says that the bellows of the blacksmith
breathes very soundly, but that does not mean that the bellows has “The saintly King Khatvanga, after being informed that the
life. The materialist will argue that life in the tree and life in man duration of his life would be only a moment more, at once freed
cannot be compared because the tree cannot enjoy life by eating himself from all material activities and took shelter of the supreme
palatable dishes or by enjoying sexual intercourse. In reply to this, safety, the Personality of Godhead.” (SB 2.1.13)
the Bhagavatam asks whether other animals like the dogs and A fully responsible man should always be conscious of the
hogs, living in the same village with human beings, do not eat and prime duty of the present human form of life. The activities to
enjoy sexual life. The specific utterance of Srimad-Bhagavatam in meet the immediate necessities of material life are not everything.
regard to “other animals” means that persons who are simply One should always be alert in his duty for attainment of the best
engaged in planning a better type of animal life consisting of situation in the next life. Human life is meant for preparing
eating, breathing and mating are also animals in the shape of ourselves for that prime duty. Maharaja Khatvanga is mentioned
human beings. A society of such polished animals cannot benefit herein as a saintly king because even with the responsibility of
suffering humanity, for an animal can easily harm another animal state management, he was not at all forgetful of the prime duty of
but rarely do good. life. Such was the case with other rajarshis (saintly kings), like
 Passing The Final Exam 447 448 Victory Over Death

Maharaja Yudhisthira and Maharaja Parikshit. They were all while the giant vulture gouged Ravana with his taloned feet.
exemplary personalities on account of their being alert in Although many powerful arrows pierced Jatayu, the sight of Sita
discharging their prime duty. crying upon Ravana’s chariot enabled him to tolerate the pain.
It Is Not The Triumph But The Struggle That Determines Jatayu warded off the onslaught of arrows with his wings and
Victory managed to break Ravana’s bow with his feet. Gaining this
advantage, Jatayu quickly cut off Ravana’s armour, and with his
It Is Not The Victory That Matters, But To Have Fought sharp claws he killed the mules yoked to the chariot. He smashed
Well the chariot to pieces while simultaneously decapitating Ravana’s
Often, success in this world is estimated by whether or not one driver with his beak. His chariot broken, Ravana fell to the ground
achieves the victory flag at the end. In spiritual mathematics, the while tightly clasping Sita in his arms. As they exhibited this
Lord appreciates the devotee’s sincere efforts even if the devotee wonderful display of prowess, all the creatures watching
does not succeed in his attempt. After all, the real victory is the applauded Jatayu’s valour.
Lord’s satisfaction and pleasure. What is the use of a victory that However, Jatayu was old,
does not please the Lord? and soon became exhausted.
Jatayu’s Sacrifice Ravana rose up into the sky,
holding Sita with one hand, and
When mother Sita was being carried by the demon Ravana, bearing a sword in another.
she called out to the trees, the rivers, birds and animals, begging Condemning Ravana, Jatayu
them to inform Rama that she had been abducted. Just then, Sita suddenly swooped upon his
saw Jatayu, sleeping while perched atop a tree. Sita called out to back and began pulling his hairs
him, “Jatayu, please help me. Please go now and tell Rama that I so hard that the Raksasa king’s
have been kidnapped by the evil Ravana!” lip quivered with indignation.
Hearing Sita’s cries, Jatayu awakened, and seeing how she Pressing Sita tightly to his left
was being roughly handled by Ravana, he challenged the king of thigh, Ravana struck back at
the Raksasas, saying “O Ravana, I am Jatayu, the king of the Jatayu with the palm of his
vultures. How can you dare to lay your hands on the wife of hand. Jatayu, however, dodged
another? Beware, for you are carrying a poisonous snake in your the blow and then tore off
arms! I am now 60,000 years old and without weapons, but I will Ravana’s ten left arms with his
not allow you to carry away Sita. I warn you, give up your evil powerful beak. Ravana’s arms,
intentions, or else prepare to be thrown from your chariot like a however, were replaced by new arms. Leaving Sita aside, the king
ripe fruit from a tree!” of the Raksasas began beating Jatayu with his fists and feet.
Thus challenged, Ravana angrily rushed towards Jatayu. As The fighting continued for nearly an hour. Finally, in
the fighting began, it appeared that two great mountains were desperation, Ravana took up his sword and cut off Jatayu’s wings,
striking one another. Ravana threw many weapons towards Jatayu, feet and flanks, causing him to fall mortally wounded to the
 Passing The Final Exam 449 450 Victory Over Death

ground. Greatly distressed, Sita rushed to where Jatayu lay, From a material view point, one may say that after all, Jatayu
embracing him with tears in her eyes. However, Ravana quickly could not save mother Sita and he lost the battle with Ravana. But
grabbed Sita by the hair and carried her off, as she cried out in Lord Rama valued the service rendered by Jatayu for His sake,
grief, “Rama! Rama!” despite his old age. What is especially very important is the
Thereafter, while combing the forest, Rama and Laksmana determination of Jatayu to lay down everything, including his life,
came upon the fallen Jatayu, lying in a pool of blood. Rama for the sake of Lord Rama. Thus his death was glorious. For a
thought he was a Raksasa disguised as a bird, who had devoured ksatriya, laying down his life in the battle is considered more
Sita and was now resting. Thus, as Rama approached, He fitted an glorious, rather than running away. A ksatriya who leaves his
arrow to his bow, ready to release it. However, upon drawing near, body in the battle will ascend to heaven. But if someone lays
Rama understood that it was Jatayu, and that he had been fatally down his life for the sake of the Lord, then they will ascend to
wounded while trying to rescue Sita from the clutches of Ravana. Vaikuntha.
Understanding the situation, Rama threw his bow aside and It is said, ‘Do your best and leave the rest to God.’ Jatayu did
embraced Jatayu. Seeing the plight of his servant, Rama became whatever best he could do to save Sita. And at the end, at the time
doubly aggrieved. of leaving his body, he was instrumental in giving valuable
Rama anxiously asked, “O Jatayu, please tell me everything information to Rama regarding Ravana.
you know about Sita and her abductor.” Often, people plan to come to Vrindavana in their old age to
The dying Jatayu related all that had happened and leave their bodies. But as far as Srila Prabhupada was concerned,
commented, “Ravana took Sita at the time of day known as vinda. he once said that if he has to leave his body preaching in America,
If a person looses something at that time, he will surely reclaim it he would not mind. He was ready to die preaching the Lord’s
very soon. My dear Rama, do not be overly aggrieved because of message. But the Lord arranges everything for His pure devotee.
Sita, for you shall certainly regain her after killing the Raksasa He brought Prabhupada to His own vicinity, Vrindavana, before
king in the battle.” Then, as Jatayu described Ravana’s exalted he ascended to the spiritual world. Similarly, Jatayu was accepted
lineage, he gasped his last breath, uttering, “Rama! Rama!” as father by Rama. This was proved when Rama performed the
Rama told Laksmana, “I am more saddened by the death of final funeral rites for him. What could be a greater blessing?
Jatayu, who gave his life for My sake, than the kidnapping of Sita.
Quitting At Will With Eyes On The Lord’s Form Still
Go and bring some wood so that We can cremate his body. Let it
be known that Jatayu will attain the highest destination as a The Chivalrous Bhisma
reward for his service to Me.” In the Mahabharata, Bhisma’s role is very unique, as he was
Laksmana prepared the funeral pyre, and Rama placed Krishna’s devotee, but fought on the opposite side of the Pandavas
Jatayu’s body upon it and lit the fire. The brothers made the for esoteric reasons. Although it is well known that he had made a
offerings for the benefit of Jatayu’s departed soul and chanted promise to always side with whoever was in rule in the Kuru
Vedic mantras. Rama and Laksmana then went to the banks of the dynasty, and though he had, once, out of humility, proclaimed that
river Godavari to offer oblation of waters, and then took bath. he was siding with the Kauravas due to having eaten their salt, the
actual reason Bhisma fought on the side of Duryodhana was to
 Passing The Final Exam 451 452 Victory Over Death

give pleasure to Sri Krishna in Veerya rasa (chivalrous mood). For to kill an elephant. He
a devotee of the calibre of Bhisma, opinion of worldly people or dropped His covering cloth
criticism of moralists is immaterial, because for the sake of the on the way, and out of great
Lord, a devotee would do anything and everything. Thus, he anger, He did not know that
increased the transcendental pleasure of the Lord by fighting with He had dropped it.
Him. Sri Bhismadeva is a great devotee of the Lord in the relation Bhismadeva at once gave up
of servitorship. Thus, his throwing of sharp arrows at the his weapons and stood to be
transcendental body of the Lord is as good as the worship of killed by Krishna, his
another devotee who throws soft roses upon Him. beloved Lord. The fighting
The Battle of Kurukshetra was fought on military principles, of the day was thus ended at
but at the same time, in a sporting spirit, like a friend’s fight with that very moment, and
another friend. Duryodhana criticized Bhismadeva, alleging that Arjuna was saved. Of course there was no possibility of Arjuna’s
he was reluctant to kill Arjuna because of paternal affection. A death because the Lord Himself was on the chariot, but because
ksatriya cannot tolerate insults on the principle of fighting. Bhismadeva wanted to see Lord Krishna take up some weapon to
Bhismadeva therefore promised that the next day he would kill all save His friend, the Lord created this situation, making Arjuna’s
the five Pandavas with special arrows made for the purpose. death imminent. He stood before Bhismadeva to show him that his
Duryodhana was satisfied, and he kept the arrows with him to be promise was fulfilled and that He had taken up the wheel.
delivered the next day during the fight. By trickery, Arjuna took The dealings of Lord Krishna and Bhismadeva on the
the arrows from Duryodhana, and Bhismadeva could understand Battlefield of Kurukshetra are interesting because the activities of
that this was the trick of Lord Krishna. Lord Sri Krishna appeared to be partial to Arjuna and at enmity
So he took a vow that the next day Krishna would have to take with Bhismadeva, but factually, all this was especially meant to
up weapons Himself, otherwise His friend Arjuna would die. In show special favour to Bhismadeva, a great devotee of the Lord.
the next day’s fighting, Bhismadeva fought so violently that both The astounding feature of such dealings is that a devotee can
Arjuna and Krishna were in trouble. Arjuna was almost defeated. please the Lord by playing the part of an enemy. The Lord, being
The situation was so tense that he was about to be killed by absolute, can accept service from His pure devotee even in the
Bhismadeva the very next moment. garb of an enemy. The Supreme Lord cannot have any enemy, nor
At that time, Lord Krishna wanted to please His devotee, can a so-called enemy harm Him because He is ajita, or
Bhisma, by keeping Bhisma’s promise, which was more important unconquerable. But still He takes pleasure when His pure devotee
than His own. Seemingly He broke His own promise. He had beats Him like an enemy or rebukes Him from a superior position,
promised before the beginning of the Battle of Kurukshetra that although no one can be superior to the Lord. These are some of the
He would remain without weapons, and would not use His transcendental reciprocatory dealings of the devotee with the
strength for either of the parties. But to protect Arjuna, He got Lord. And those who have no information of pure devotional
down from the chariot, took up the wheel of the chariot and service cannot penetrate into the mystery of such dealings.
hurriedly rushed at Bhismadeva in an angry mood, as a lion goes
 Passing The Final Exam 453 454 Victory Over Death

Knowing the time of Bhisma’s passing, Lord Krishna being completely freed from all bondage, withdrew his mind from
appeared in front of him for the pleasure of His own devotee. The everything else and fixed his wide-open eyes upon the original
appearance of Lord Krishna at the deathbed of Bhisma is due to Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna, who stood before him, four-
Bhisma’s being an unflinching devotee of the Lord. Arjuna had handed, dressed in yellow garments that glittered and shined.” (SB
some bodily relation with Krishna because the Lord happened to 1.9.30)
be his maternal cousin. But Bhisma had no such bodily relation. In the momentous hour
Therefore, the cause of attraction was due to the intimate relation of leaving his material
of the soul. body, Bhismadeva set the
Although it was cent percent certain that Bhismadeva was glorious example
approaching Vaikuntha-dhama just after leaving his material body, concerning the important
still, as a humble Vaishnava, he desired to see the beautiful face of function of the human form
the Lord, for after quitting the present body, he might not be in a of life. The subject matter
position to see the Lord any more. A Vaishnava is not puffed up, which attracts the dying
although the Lord guarantees His pure devotee entrance into His man becomes the beginning
abode. of his next life. Therefore,
Bhismadeva had the ability to quit his body by his own will. if one is absorbed in
He was not being forced by the laws of nature. He was so thoughts of the Supreme
powerful that he could stay in his body as long as he desired. He Lord Sri Krishna, he is sure to go back to Godhead without any
got this benediction from his father. He desired that the Lord doubt. Thus, Bhismadeva, the great devotee and General, attained
appear before him in His four-handed Narayana feature so that he the Vaikuntha-dhama at his own will.
might concentrate upon Him and thus be in trance in that The passing away of the great devotee, Namacarya Haridas
meditation. Then his mind might be sanctified with thinking of the Thakura is explained in Antya lila 11.1-57 by Srila Prabhupada.
Lord. Thus he did not mind wherever he might go. A pure devotee Seeing the wonderful death of Haridas Thakura by his own will,
is never very anxious to go back to the kingdom of God. He which was just like a great mystic yogi’s, everyone remembered
entirely depends on the good will of the Lord. He is equally the passing away of Bhisma.
satisfied even if the Lord desires him to go to hell. The only desire
The Man Who Built A House In Which
that a pure devotee entertains is that he may always be in rapt
The Whole World Can Live
attention, thinking of the lotus feet of the Lord. Bhismadeva
wanted this much only: that his mind be absorbed in thinking of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
the Lord and that he pass away thus. That is the highest ambition travelled to America at the advanced age of seventy, and created
of a pure devotee. the miracle of a Krishna conscious explosion all over the world
“Thereupon that man who spoke on different subjects with within twelve short years in the form of temples, deity worship,
thousands of meanings and who fought on thousands of farm communities, book distribution, harinam sankirtana, ratha
battlefields and protected thousands of men, stopped speaking and, yatras, gurukulas, BTG magazines and many, many more
 Passing The Final Exam 455 456 Victory Over Death

activities. He travelled over fourteen times around the globe in Prabhupada has departed, but we are still here. We will carry on in
twelve years, untiringly preaching the message of Krishna. our youthful way after his departure.” But the same thing is going
Just as Bhisma saw Krishna at the end, Srila Prabhupada also to happen to us! He underwent what everyone has to undergo—
saw Krishna. As Bhisma gave instructions from a bed of arrows, death, which is so fearful --- in a way that was perfect and
Srila Prabhupada also gave instructions from a position that was glorious. When we have to go, we can cling to the memory of how
so painful and difficult that it seemed a humanly impossible feat. a great soul left his body—always thinking of Krishna,
Srila Prabhupada had eaten almost nothing for six months, and his surrounding himself with the medicine of chanting Hare Krishna,
body was so emaciated. According to the doctors, his body was in wanting to hear about Krishna, and being very detached from the
such a condition that he was in intense pain. But Prabhupada misery of the material condition.
remained completely collected and noble and grave. And he was When Bhisma was about to pass away, all the great souls in
teaching…until the end. He was teaching Svarupa Damodara that the universe, namely the rishis amongst demigods, brahmanas and
life comes from life, not from matter. He was preaching and kings, all situated in goodness were assembled there. We can just
giving instructions to so many devotees. He was showing us that imagine such a great assembly of important personalities from all
one should preach with every breath he has. And he was teaching over the universe. Certainly everyone there would have had his
us how to die. own idea of spiritual life. So if someone were to appeal to them
The time of death, as King Kulashekhara prays, is very all, he would have to know the ultimate universal principles of
difficult. Death means that the soul cannot stand to live in the religion. He would have to speak in such a way that everyone
body any more. Everything collapses. Whatever the cause is— would be willing to give up sectarian beliefs or would see that all
heart failure, electric sectarian beliefs were included within his teachings. This was
shock, wearing out of the Bhisma’s greatness as a Mahajan, a leading authority in spiritual
body – it means that the knowledge, and Srila Prabhupada was also qualified in that way—
situation has become to teach Sanatana dharma so expertly that it could be accepted by
unbearable for the soul. all people all over the world. Srila Prabhupada’s expertise was that
Srila Prabhupada he knew exactly how to preach—to hippies, or Indians, or women,
taught us how it is or anybody. Srila Prabhupada had a compassionate, expert,
possible to go step by step philosophical, humorous, tolerant, completely non-sectarian
to death in Krishna temperament. What he did cannot be appreciated enough. And
consciousness. On one of whatever anyone does after him should never be thought to be
his last days, he told independent of what Srila Prabhupada has done.
Shatadhanya Maharaja, Srila Prabhupada taught by his life and in his books. Whatever
“Don’t think that this is Srila Prabhupada did was instructive: the way he ate, the way he
not going to happen to walked, the way he dressed, the way he lay down, the way he
you.” Because one may breathed, the way he moved. Everything a great soul does should
tend to think, “Yes, be carefully studied—not imitated, but understood and followed.
 Passing The Final Exam 457 458 Victory Over Death

Bhisma was a great soul, and the particular details of his Caitanya has introduced the nama sankirtana of the holy name that
passing away are instructive for everyone. This is real education: is easy for anyone and everyone.
learning how to die. The dog dies, the cat dies, the human being In the history of Ajamila,
dies. When the cat and the dog die, there is no meaning, but a Yamaraja specifically advises
human being is supposed to understand the process for going back his servants who should be
to the spiritual world at the time of death. ‘Ante narayana smriti’: brought to him for punishment
“The ultimate test is whether at the time of death you are able to and who should not be
remember Narayana or Krishna.” brought to him. He ordered
them not to bring the
The Holy Name: The Only Medicine To Save One devotees, who always lick the
From The Jaws Of Death honey at the lotus feet of the
Lord, who are equal to
Earlier we had mentioned about the Vedic system of life. Now everyone, and who try to
comparing that with the modern educational system and lifestyle, preach Krishna consciousness
we can easily see that a modern child is moulded in the following because of sympathy for all
way: living entities. Devotees are
• No respect for elders, neglectful, sarcastic, rebellious, not liable to punishment by
opposing, arguing Yamaraja, but persons who have no information of Krishna
• Uncontrolled mind exhibits itself from the external behaviour, consciousness cannot be protected by their material life of so-
eating anything anywhere and behaving in many irregular called family enjoyment. He specifically advises the Yamadutas to
ways, unprincipled lifestyle bring him the materialistic persons who are attached to household
• Late nights and late mornings, bad habits like eating late at life merely for sex.
night, drinking, smoking, etc. Yamaraja ordered his messengers to bring to him those who
• All menial services done by machines or servants; one just neglect to chant the holy name:
eats and sleeps, leading to lack of humility
jihva na vakti bhagavad-guëa-namadheyaà
• No systematic education on science of God; no proper
understanding of meaning and purpose of life. Consequently, cetaç ca na smarati tac-caraëaravindam
one is not inspired to learn about worshiping the Lord. krishnaya no namati yac-chira ekadapi
• Luxurious life with accumulated commodities and broken or tan anayadhvam asato ’kåta-viñëu-kåtyan
no relationship, depending more and more on machines that “My dear servants, please bring to me only those sinful
make life complicated. persons who do not use their tongues to chant the holy name and
Thus, the people of Kali yuga work hard for a livelihood and qualities of Krishna, whose hearts do not remember the lotus feet
are constantly tormented by a variety of bad association that keep of Krishna even once, and whose heads do not bow down even
them as weaklings in spiritual life. But the movement of Lord once before Lord Krishna. Send me those who do not perform
 Passing The Final Exam 459 460 Victory Over Death

their duties toward Vishnu, which are the only duties in human qualities, there is no question of its being involved with maya.
life. Please bring me all such fools and rascals.” (SB 6.3.29) Krishna’s name is always liberated and spiritual; it is never
conditioned by the laws of material nature. This is because the
Glories Of The Holy Name name of Krishna and Krishna Himself are identical.” (Cc. Madhya
17.133)
The scriptures glorify the holy name in many different ways
by emphasizing different aspects as given below. We request the etävän eva loke ’smin
reader to take out time and go through the references from the puàsäà dharmaù paraù småtaù
books of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami bhakti-yogo bhagavati
Prabhupada and the books on the holy name by his disciples like tan-näma-grahaëädibhiù
H.H. Satsvarupa das Gosvami (Japa Reform Notebook), H.H.
“Devotional service, beginning with the chanting of the holy
Sacinandan Swami (Nectarean Ocean of the Holy Name), H.H.
name of the Lord, is the ultimate religious principle for the living
Mahanidhi Swami (Art of Chanting Hare Krishna), etc.
entity in human society.” (SB 6.3.22)
Authoritative Nature Of The Holy Name etan nirvidyamänänäm
harer näma harer näma icchatäm akuto-bhayam
harer nämaiva kevalam yoginäà nåpa nirëétaà
kalau nästy eva nästy eva harer nämänukértanam
nästy eva gatir anyathä “O King, constant chanting of the holy name of the Lord after
the ways of the great authorities is the doubtless and fearless way
“In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy the only means of
of success for all, including those who are free from all material
deliverance is chanting the holy name of the Lord. There is no
desires, those who are desirous of all material enjoyment, and also
other way. There is no other way. There is no other way.” (Cc.
those who are self-satisfied by dint of transcendental knowledge.”
Adi 17.21)
(SB 2.1.11)
näma cintämaëiù kåñëaç Ocean Of Bliss
caitanya-rasa-vigrahaù
pürëaù çuddho nitya-mukto tuëòe täëòaviné ratià vitanute tuëòävalé-labdhaye
’bhinnatvän näma-näminoù karëa-kroòa-kaòambiné ghaöayate karëärbudebhyaù spåhäm
“The holy name of Krishna is transcendentally blissful. It cetaù-präìgaëa-saìginé vijayate sarvendriyäëäà kåtià
bestows all spiritual benedictions, for it is Krishna Himself, the no jäne janitä kiyadbhir amåtaiù kåñëeti varëa-dvayé
reservoir of all pleasure. Krishna’s name is complete, and it is the “I do not know how much nectar the two syllables ‘Krish-na’
form of all transcendental mellows. It is not a material name under have produced. When the holy name of Krishna is chanted, it
any condition, and it is no less powerful than Krishna Himself. appears to dance within the mouth. We then desire many, many
Since Krishna’s name is not contaminated by the material mouths. When that name enters the holes of the ears, we desire
 Passing The Final Exam 461 462 Victory Over Death

many millions of ears. And when the holy name dances in the “Oh, how glorious are they whose tongues are chanting Your
courtyard of the heart, it conquers the activities of the mind, and holy name! Even if born in the families of dog-eaters, such
therefore all the senses become inert.” (Cc. Antya 1.99) persons are worshipable. Persons who chant the holy name of
ceto-darpaëa-märjanaà bhava-mahä-dävägni-nirväpaëaà Your Lordship must have executed all kinds of austerities and fire
sacrifices and achieved all the good manners of the Aryans. To be
çreyaù-kairava-candrikä-vitaraëaà vidyä-vadhü-jévanam
chanting the holy name of Your Lordship, they must have bathed
änandämbudhi-vardhanaà prati-padaà pürëämåtäsvädanaà at holy places of pilgrimage, studied the Vedas and fulfilled
sarvätma-snapanaà paraà vijayate çré-kåñëa-saìkértanam everything required.” (SB 3.33.7)
“Glory to the Sri Krishna sankirtana, which cleanses the heart avaçenäpi yan-nämni
of all the dust accumulated for years and extinguishes the fire of
kértite sarva-pätakaiù
conditional life, of repeated birth and death. This sankirtana
movement is the prime benediction for humanity at large because pumän vimucyate sadyaù
it spreads the rays of the benediction moon. It is the life of all siàha-trastair mågair iva
transcendental knowledge. It increases the ocean of transcendental “If one chants the holy name of the Lord, even in a helpless
bliss, and it enables us to fully taste the nectar for which we are condition or without desiring to do so, all the reactions of his
always anxious.” (Siksastaka 1) sinful life depart, just as when a lion roars, all the small animals
flee in fear.” (Garuda Purana)
The Holy Name Vanquishes Sins
nämno hi yävaté çaktiù
tasmät saìkértanaà viñëor päpa-nirharaëe hareù
jagan-maìgalam aàhasäm tävat kartuà na çaknoti
mahatäm api kauravya pätakaà pätaké naraù
viddhy aikäntika-niñkåtam “Simply by chanting one holy name of Hari, a sinful man can
“Sukadeva Gosvami continued: My dear King, the chanting of counteract the reactions to more sins than he is able to commit.”
the holy name of the Lord is able to uproot even the reactions of (Brhad-visnu Purana)
the greatest sins. Therefore the chanting of the sankirtana
movement is the most auspicious activity in the entire universe. Goal Of Life And Ultimate Success Is To Remember The
Please try to understand this so that others will take it seriously.” Holy Name At Death
(SB 6.3.31) etävän säìkhya-yogäbhyäà
aho bata çva-paco ’to garéyän sva-dharma-pariniñöhayä
yaj-jihvägre vartate näma tubhyam janma-läbhaù paraù puàsäm
tepus tapas te juhuvuù sasnur äryä ante näräyaëa-småtiù
brahmänücur näma gåëanti ye te
 Passing The Final Exam 463 464 Victory Over Death

“The highest perfection of human life, achieved either by But when Your Lordship’s holy name is chanted, everything
complete knowledge of matter and spirit, by practice of mystic becomes faultless.” (SB 8.23.16)
powers, or by perfect discharge of occupational duty, is to Holy name is the way; but it is also the goal, Krishna Himself
remember the Personality of Godhead at the end of life.” (SB (King’s treasury, Nectarean Ocean… page 34)
2.1.6)
Chanting Hare Krishna - Some Practical Tips
kåñëa tvadéya-pada-paìkaja-païjaräntam
adyaiva me viçatu mänasa-räja-haàsaù The following tips are given with the idea that the reader is
präëa-prayäëa-samaye kapha-väta-pittaiù already knowledgeable about chanting Hare Krishna, probably 16
kaëöhävarodhana-vidhau smaraëaà kutas te rounds a day and is eager to know some tips for improving the
quality of his/her chanting.
“O Lord Krishna, at this moment let the royal swan of my
mind enter the tangled stems of the lotus of Your feet. How will it Mood Of Chanting
be possible for me to remember You at the time of death, when The chanting is a spiritual call for the Lord and His energy, to
my throat will be choked up with mucus, bile, and air?” (MM 33) give protection to the conditioned soul. The chanting is exactly
nämoccäraëa-mähätmyaà like the genuine cry of a child for its mother’s presence. Mother
hareù paçyata putrakäù Hara helps the devotee achieve the Lord Father’s grace, and the
ajämilo ’pi yenaiva Lord reveals Himself to the devotee who chants this mantra
måtyu-päçäd amucyata sincerely. No other means of spiritual realisation is as effective in
this age of quarrel and hypocrisy as the chanting of the maha
“My dear servants, who are as good as my sons, just see how mantra.
glorious is the chanting of the holy name of the Lord. The greatly
sinful Ajamila chanted only to call his son, not knowing that he Three Stages Of Chanting Hare Krishna
was chanting the Lord’s holy name. Nevertheless, by chanting the Nama-aparadha: Chanting with ten offences against the Holy
holy name of the Lord, he remembered Narayana, and thus he was Name. As long as the chanting is performed with offences, it is
immediately saved from the ropes of death.” (SB 6.3.23) absolutely impossible to attain love of God. Nothing else should
Everything Becomes Faultless By Chanting The Holy be aspired than to progress to the next stage as quickly as possible.
Name Offences have to be given up.
Nama-abhasa: ‘Abhasa’ means reflection. This is chanting on
mantratas tantrataç chidraà deça-kalarha-vastutaù the clearing stage with the deliberate endeavour to avoid offences
sarvaà karoti niçchidram anusaìkértanaà tava and to hear the holy name with full attention. At this stage, pure
“There may be discrepancies in pronouncing the mantras and love of God will not manifest immediately—it is only attained by
observing the regulative principles, and, moreover, there may be Suddha-nama. By serving the spiritual master with full attention
discrepancies in regard to time, place, person and paraphernalia. while chanting in Namabhasa, one gradually rises to the platform
of Suddha-nama and thus attains the final goal - pure love of God.
 Passing The Final Exam 465 466 Victory Over Death

Suddha-nama: This is the pure stage of chanting where Obstacles In Chanting Hare Krishna And Remedies
Krishna fully reveals Himself, together with the entirety of His
innumerable potencies. Inattentiveness
Krishna says in the Bhagavad-gita ‘anta kale ca mam eva…’ During chanting, instead of concentrating on the holy name,
(BG 8.5) that anybody who remembers Him at the time of death one may tend to become inattentive due to varieties of thoughts
will certainly attain Him. One should chant Hare Krishna in such a entering the mind:
way that, at the last point of life, one will be able to remember
Krishna without fail, so that one can return back home, back to • Abominable grossly sinful thoughts like sex enjoyment, etc.,
Godhead. • Contemplation on the day’s prasadam menu,
Why aren’t we able to appreciate the sweetness of the holy • Lamentation of some past unfortunate event,
name as described in the scriptures? • Misunderstanding and quarrel that took place with someone,
Srila Rupa Gosvami in Vidagdha Madhava says: I do not • Unfulfilled plans and modifications to fulfil them,
know how much nectar the two syllables “Krish-na” have • Detailed analysis of day to day plans for projects,
produced. When the holy name of Krishna is chanted, it appears to • Thoughts about the welfare of relatives, friends or
dance within the mouth. We then desire many, many mouths. dependants, and
When that name enters the holes of the ears, we desire many • Spiritual ideas for development in our area of devotional
millions of ears. And when the holy name dances in the courtyard service.
of the heart, it conquers the activities of the mind, and therefore all
the senses become inert. Overcoming Inattentiveness
Why are we not able to feel the taste like that? The reason is
1. Remember DEATH
that we are in a diseased state of conditioned life. It is just like the
condition of a jaundiced person drinking sugarcane juice. King Kulasekhara says: “Now that I am chanting in good
Although the sugarcane juice is naturally sweet, still a jaundiced health, let me die thinking of Krishna”. (‘krsna tvadiya pada
person finds it bitter due to his disease. Similarly, although the pankaja...’)
holy name is naturally sweet, we feel it is bitter due to our Bhismadeva also drove all other thoughts out at the time of
conditioned consciousness. But the remedy for a jaundiced person passing away. At the time of death, you will be forced to give up
is to go on drinking sugarcane juice until he becomes cured. all these thoughts. But do it now to save yourself for chanting.
Similarly, if we go on chanting Hare Krishna, one day, the taste A suitable meditation before one starts chanting is:
for the holy name will arise in our heart. “At the time of death, your body will simply be placed upon a
funeral stretcher, lifted on the shoulder by four persons and carried
to the cremation grounds. Alas! The cremation fire will then enter
your mouth and totally consume your tongue. There will be
nothing you can do to save yourself, for at that time, it will be too
late—you will be unable to speak anymore. Refrain: Oh, why does
 Passing The Final Exam 467 468 Victory Over Death

my heart not weep from chanting the holy names Hare Krishna?” 3. Have a prayerful mood
(Bhaktivinoda Thakura) Be troubled. Be bothered. Then you can reform chanting. Even
Although the mind may stubbornly want us to obey it, we can in the material world, reform comes out of intolerance at injustice.
make a bold statement: “I will certainly attend to all those things To be concerned about improving one’s deficiencies in japa is the
as per your desire – but NOT NOW. Now let everything else wait. first requirement. Otherwise, if we just absent-mindedly go on
Now my only business is to cry out Hare Krishna exactly like a chanting without even stopping to think that our chanting NEEDS
child crying for his mother. I have no other business for the IMPROVEMENT, then where is the question of actually
coming two hours”. We should announce this policy and stick to it improving?
with determination without letting loose. LET EVERYTHING Read ‘Siksastakam’ prayers: ‘namnam akari bahuda…’
ELSE WAIT!!! Read sections of scriptures where the Holy name is glorified:
We can also COMPLETELY AVOID talking, socializing, Ajamila pastime, Haridas Thakura’s instructions about the holy
attending phone calls, gesturing, joking, etc. during chanting. name, Lord Caitanya’s descriptions in Adi lila, chapter 7, about
There are other times for that. chanting the holy name under the direction of Isvara Puri.
2. Remember SUFFERING Appreciate them and try to pray in a similar mood.
Generally we don’t cry out unless we are devastated. When we We should sing devotional songs like mangala arati ‘samsara
hear of accidents, dangerous and deadly diseases, pains and davanala…’ or Nrsimha arati attentively, knowing the meaning of
inabilities in old age, then we become fearful. Otherwise when we the song while imbibing the appropriate mood of the prayer. The
are youthful and full of vigour, we unfortunately fail to call the morning program should not be performed as a mere ritual in a
Lord helplessly. machine-like way. Such robot like ritualistic performance will
(e.g.) Once, in one of our temples in the early morning hours, gradually become a bad habit and we will become unconscious to
there was a brief earthquake. All the devotees and gurukula what we are singing, speaking or chanting. This inattentiveness is
children who were fast asleep were jolted out of their beds. The very dangerous in the long run. It makes a devotee dull and devoid
earth appeared to be shaking terribly and devotees were hurled to of any spiritual consciousness.
and fro. Some devotees became fearful that the earth might break We have in the past been victims of uncontrolled senses. We
open and suck everyone into it. In great fear every one cried out should pray to Krishna when we chant: “Please save me from
the Holy name: ‘Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna…’. The Maya. Please save me from my raging senses. Please, Lord,
earthquake subsided in a few minutes. Later in the Bhagavatam engage my senses in Your service. Please let me chant Hare
class, one sannyasi commented about it: “I wish the earthquake Krishna sincerely. Please do not let me go away from Your lotus
would have continued eternally...” Everyone was stunned, feet into the jaws of maya”. This prayerful attitude as we chant,
wondering why Maharaja was speaking like this. Maharaja realizing our dangerous position, will be more effective than just
continued, “...because devotees were calling out to Krishna in touching the tongue to the upper portion of the palate while
such a helpless attitude together…” Everyone burst into laughter. muttering some sound.
The devotee should chant feeling a personal connection with
his spiritual master. We should always remember that we
 Passing The Final Exam 469 470 Victory Over Death

promised our spiritual master to chant Hare Krishna without by strictly following the regulative principles as taught by Srila
offences, including the offence of inattentive chanting. It is a Prabhupada in his books, and fervently calling the Lord at the time
personal obligation, and one should chant keeping the order of the of death, one can surely reach the lotus feet of Krishna. Be
spiritual master in mind and therefore keeping the personal conscious of the Final exam. Our prayers to the acaryas for their
connection. best wishes upon us. Let us be well prepared from now, before
that final moment—the final exam approaches us. That is real
Poor Clarity
victory over death!
Of course, the mind is sometimes thinking of other things
besides the sound of Krishna’s names. Then at least we should
maintain the virtue of pronouncing the names clearly and of
staying alert.
Poor clarity is produced due to several reasons:
• Mumbling the words due to feeling sleepy
• Missing one ‘Hare’ regularly due to chanting too fast
• Inattentiveness in hearing
• Haste to finish 16 rounds and go for some other
‘important’ business
• Lack of interest in chanting
In order to test our clarity we can chant, record our chanting
on a tape and later check it. Especially after 2 or 3 rounds, one
may observe some loss of clarity or mumbling of words. This
defect needs immediate attention. Otherwise, in the long run, it
becomes a habit and one finds it difficult to give up this bad habit.
Improving Clarity
Chanting in japa circles, in the association of other family
members or devotees is very useful. Devotees can help one
another when they find someone loosing clarity or dozing during
chanting.
It is essential for everyone to learn the most essential item of
devotional service – chanting Hare Krishna on a regular basis, to
save oneself from earning the wrath of Yama and to develop
loving attraction for Sri Krishna. In this age of Kali yuga, by being
dedicated to the service of Lord Krishna throughout his/her life,