Krsna Sadhak Guide For Sevaks

Bhakti Vriksha
User Guide
for Sevaks
Krsna Sadhak
Bhakti Vriksha User Guide - Krsna Sadhak Level
Contents
The Transcendental Gardeners ........................................................................................................... 3
Preface ................................................................................................................................................... 5
Bhakti vriksha - Summary ................................................................................................................... 6
Objective ................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Guidelines for Krsna Sadhak Level .......................................................................................................................................... 6
Vyuha ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 9
Suggested activities for Krsna Sadhak level ........................................................................................................................... 10
Follow-up table ....................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Bhakti Vriksha sevak’s assessment tool.................................................................................................................................. 12
Preparatory notes for Bhakti Vriksha Sevak ................................................................................... 13

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................ 13
Lesson 23: Kali’s four legs ...................................................................................................................................................... 14
Lesson 24:. Reasons for and places of sin .............................................................................................................................. 19
Lesson 25: False ego ............................................................................................................................................................... 22
Lesson 26: Mind, intelligence and soul .................................................................................................................................. 25
Lesson 27: Nature of the mind ............................................................................................................................................... 28
Lesson 28: Do we need to control the mind? ........................................................................................................................ 30
Lesson 29: Yoga....................................................................................................................................................................... 34
Lesson 30: Vyuha 4 – Yoga ladder ......................................................................................................................................... 39
Lesson 31: Topmost yoga ....................................................................................................................................................... 40
Lesson 32: Who begins? ......................................................................................................................................................... 43
Lesson 33: Ferris wheel .......................................................................................................................................................... 45
Lesson 34: Demigods .............................................................................................................................................................. 50
Lesson 35: Three modes of material nature ........................................................................................................................... 54
Lesson 36: Sublime way to cross the three modes of material nature .................................................................................. 56
Lesson 37: Vyuha 5 – Seminar on the three modes of material nature ................................................................................ 63
Annexure 1 - Commitment/Recommendation sheet for Krsna Sadhak ............................................................................. 64
Annexure 2 - Attendance Sheet ............................................................................................................................................ 65
Version 3.0
2|Page ISKCON New Rajapur Jagannatha Dham, Bengaluru

The Transcendental Gardeners

Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu says to all the people of the world
ekalä mäläkära ämi kähäì kähäì yäba
ekalä vä kata phala päòiyä viläba (CC Adi lila 9.34)
ataeva ämi äjïä diluì sabäkäre
yähäì tähäì prema-phala deha’ yäre täre (CC Adi lila 9.36)
ataeva saba phala deha’ yäre täre
khäiyä ha-uk loka ajara amare (CC Adi lila 9.39)
“I am the only gardener. How many places can I go? How many fruits can I pick and distribute? Therefore I order
every man within this universe to accept this Kåñëa consciousness movement and distribute it everywhere.
Distribute this Kåñëa consciousness movement all over the world. Let people eat these fruits and ultimately
become free from old age and death.”
Suno suno Nityananda, suno haridasa,
Sarvatra amara ajna koroha prakasa,
Prati ghare ghare giya koro ei bhiksa,
Bolo Krsna, bhaja Krsna, koro Krsna siksa
(Caitanya Bhagavata Madhya-lila 13.8-9)
“O hear Me, hear Me Nityananda! Hear Me Haridasa! Simply disseminate My order everywhere. Go from house to
house and beg the residents as follows: Speak about Krsna, worship Krsna and teach others about Krsna.”
In Sri Godruma-Kalpatavi, Bhakti Vinoda Thakura, one of the pioneering acaryas of our parampara, describes the
structure of the Nama Hatta. The spirit of his endeavor exactly matched the mood of Lord Nityananda, who was
personally ordered by Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Thakura established over five-hundred Nama Hatta sangas
(associations).
Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Sarasvati instructed his disciples to broadcast the glories of Sridham Mayapur and Navadvip
parikrama, to print books and establish Nama Hatta. Of these three activities, brhad mridanga, or the massive
distribution of books has been considered the primary method of expansion. But nowadays with ninety-eight
percent or more of our devotees being congregational members, Nama Hatta is more relevant to ISKCON today
than it was at the beginning of our movement.
In a letter Srila Prabhupada appreciates home preaching, “Your home to home preaching is very good. The
important thing is to make arrangements that they hear and chant. That will make your preaching successful. Once
they begin chanting then automatically they will want to follow the rules and regulations, attend arati, take
prasadam, etc.” (Letter to Tusta Krsna Maharaja, 9th January, 1976)
In the introduction to the translation of Sri Godruma Kalpatavi HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaja says that, “In this
modern age it is most practical to apply the Nama Hatta form of preaching - cultivating people through small
groups formed of the congregation. Nama Hatta groups can begin anywhere, without restrictions, whereas in a
temple there are so many restrictions, not only spiritual but also material, in the sense that so many expenses must
be met.
Today we have different kinds of Nama Hatta programs, such as counsellor groups, Bhakti Vrikshas and various
other groups, all of which are included in the broad category of the Nama Hatta.”
Implementation of Nama Hatta for the present time in the form of Bhakti Vriksha was introduced by HH Jayapataka
Swami Maharaja. The Bhakti Vriksha program’s structure follows the same format as Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s
Nama Hatta organization, adapted for the current times.
Inspired by Srila Prabhupada and HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaja a team of devotees in ISKCON New Rajapur
Jagannatha Dham (NRJD), Bengaluru have made an insignificant attempt in compiling this user guide for the
benefit of the devotee community.

This user guide has been produced to help Bhakti Vriksha sevaks to help their members to systematically advance
spiritually.
Devotees who have any queries, suggestions or would like to seek any clarification on this Bhakti Vriksha user
guide or congregational preaching may reach out to us on iskcon.nrjdblr@gmail.com.
Your servants,
Caitanya Avatari Das and Rasamayi Devi Dasi
(On behalf of the Editorial team, ISKCON - NRJD, Bengaluru)
P.S.: If you are interested in successfully implementing Bhakti Vriksha in your Yatra / area please contact the
Congregational Development Ministry (phone: +91 (3472) 245619, email: cdm@pamho.net)

Preface
In the introduction to the Bhagavad Gita As It Is, Srila Prabhupada writes
tasmat sarveshu kaleshu
mam anusmara yudhya ca
mayy arpita-mano-buddhir
mam evaishyasy asamsayah
“Therefore, Arjuna, you should always think of Me in the form of Krsna and at the same time carry out your
prescribed duty of fighting. With your activities dedicated to Me and your mind and intelligence fixed on Me, you
will attain Me without doubt.” (BG 8.7)
“He (Krsna) does not advise Arjuna simply to remember Him and give up his occupation. No, the Lord never
suggests anything impractical. In this material world, in order to maintain the body one has to work. Human
society is divided, according to work, into four divisions of social order – brahmana, kshatriya, vaishya and sudra.
The brahmana class or intelligent class is working in one way, the kshatriya or administrative class is working in
another way, and the mercantile class and the laborers are all tending to their specific duties. In the human society,
whether one is a laborer, merchant, administrator or farmer, or even if one belongs to the highest class and is a
literary man, a scientist or a theologian, he has to work in order to maintain his existence . The Lord therefore tells
Arjuna that he need not give up his occupation, but while he is engaged in his occupation he should remember
Krsna (mam anusmara) (BG 8.7). If he doesn’t practice remembering Krsna while he is struggling for existence,
then it will not be possible for him to remember Krsna at the time of death. Lord Caitanya also advises this.
Therefore we have to practice remembering the Lord always, twenty four hours a day, by chanting His names and
moulding our life’s activities in such a way that we can remember Him always.”
The commitment level to practice Krsna consciousness varies depending upon the involvement of the practitioner
and also the help/guidance given by the Bhakti Vriksha sevak /Bhakti Vriksha sector sevak. Whatever may be the
level of commitment Krsna Himself promises in the Bhagavad Gita, “There is no loss or diminution in this
endeavor and even a little advancement on this path can protect one from the most fearful type of danger.” (BG
2.40)
In order to encourage the members to systematically advance spiritually, different siksha-levels of commitment and
standards of devotional service are recognized by ISKCON. These standards are prescribed for the devotees who
are practicing Krsna consciousness from home. The siksha program helps the congregational devotees to
consolidate and increase their spiritual practises.
The different siksha-levels of commitment and standards prescribed are:
 Shraddhavan
 Krsna / Gauranga Sevak
 Krsna / Gauranga Sadhak
 Srila Prabhupada Ashraya
 Sri Guru Charana Ashraya
 Diksha
This implementation guide covers the requirements and standards of devotional service for Krsna Sadhak level.

Bhakti vriksha - Summary

Objective
Everyone has a natural tendency to love Krsna. In a lecture dated May 1st, 1973 at Mumbai, Srila Prabhupda has
said “…natural tendency for, to love Krsna is there in everyone's heart. So our Krsna consciousness movement is
how to invoke that natural tendency to love Krsna. That is our business…”. The objective of the Bhakti Vriksha
program is to invoke this natural tendency.
This Bhakti Vriksha user guide focuses on how the Bhakti Vriksha sevak can conduct the various Bhakti Vriksha
sessions to systematically helping the members’ spiritual growth. It lists the preparatory activities to be carried out
upfront by the Bhakti Vriksha sevak, typical Bhakti Vriksha program structure and time to be allocated for each
component, activities to be included within each component and how the progress of the participants could be
tracked on an ongoing basis.
Introduction
Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu predicted that His sankirtana movement would spread to every town and village and
that the whole world would be flooded with Love of Godhead. prithvite ache yata nagaradi grama / sarvatra pracara
haibe mora nama (Caitanya Bhagavata Antya 4.126). Srila Prabhupada wanted to carry out the instructions of his
spiritual master to preach in the English speaking world and he was the one empowered to accomplish Lord
Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s prediction that His holy name would spread all over the world..
Srila Prabhupada published many Krsna conscious books. Millions of his books were distributed yet there were not
as many devotees to match the number of books that had been distributed. Srila Prabhupada says, “Now just like
we are selling millions of copies of these books, they are reading, and how many of them coming forward? So it
requires training. Training is essential to make them Krsna Conscious.” (Srila Prabhupada, evening darsana,
Bombay, 14th August, 1976)
This Bhakti Vriksha user guide is a humble effort by Bhakti Vriksha practitioners to systematically spread Krsna
consciousness by empowerment. The whole subject is logically presented for a fresher to start his Krsna
consciousness path and progressively advance by regular guidance and mentoring by the Bhakti Vriksha sevak.
Towards this, these logical topics presented would help the new member to be more committed and fixed up in
Krsna consciousness in a very informal/friendly environment.
Guidelines for Krsna Sadhak Level

Ambience
The Bhakti Vriksha sevak/host has to create the ambience and mood for devotion before the members start coming
in for the weekly program. A simple yet attractive altar could be setup in a place where everyone can have darshan.
It would be nice if the program could be held in the same room where the altar is. This would bring a nice spiritual
atmosphere and facilitate the members to offer ārati(ghee lamp, incense/ agarbatti) to Their Lordships while kirtan
is going on.
The altar could have deities of Their Lordships Gaura-Nitai and Jagannath-Baladev-Subhadramayi. If deities are not
there, photos of Radha-Madhav, Panchatattva, Narasimhadev and Guru-Parampara could be setup.
Soft kirtan of Srila Prabhupada can be played in the background. Srila Prabhupada’s kirtan is preferable because we
have seen how powerfully it influences the new members’ consciousness. The whole environment gets
spiritualized. The strong vibration in this environment is experienced and appreciated even by newcomers.
A few Krsna conscious materials like ‘Back to Godhead’ magazine, handouts, etc may be kept for those members
who come early to browse through. The MOST IMPORTANT THING is to start the program ON TIME –start at
the TIME COMMITTED. This is very important because the members also realize that we respect and value their
time.

Seating arrangement
The Bhakti Vriksha sevak/host could layout the mats or carpets for people to be seated. Chairs could be kept for
those people who cannot sit on the floor. The idea is that everybody should feel comfortable and wanted, so that
they look forward to the weekly programs enthusiastically.
The Bhakti Vriksha sevak could request the members to be seated in a circular fashion. This helps in interacting
with everyone.
Program schedule
The program schedule could be explained to all members before the program starts. Based on the convenience of
the members the components of the program could be interchanged except ice-breaker. The purpose of having
these interactive programs is to make the members participate and get involved. Keeping this in mind the program
components can be interchanged.
Recommended Program Schedule
Activity Description Time spent
Kirtan & ārati 15 Min
Ice breaker 15 Min
Interactive session 60 Min
Japa 15 Min
Importance of preaching 15 Min
Prasadam 15 Min
Total 2 Hr 15 Min
Kirtan
Kirtan, like in any ISKCON program, involves a lead singer and the group singing responsively. We could sing the
invocation prayers to Srila Prabhupada, Panchatattva mantra and Hare Krsna maha-mantra.
The sheets having Srila Prabhupada’s pranam mantra, Panchatattva mantra and Hare Krsna maha-mantra should be
circulated in the language which the members are comfortable in reading. The tune should be simple for everyone
to follow. During kirtan the members could be encouraged to offer incense / agarbatti to the photos/deities in the
altar.
Icebreaker
Icebreakers could be questions, games or anything which reveals interesting details about people’s history, thought
process, life and values, and can sometimes provide insights into their personality. This would help the Bhakti
Vriksha sevak to assess how much a member can absorb and therefore mentally plan the interactive session
accordingly. It is advised when members share their thoughts on the icebreaker topic, other members present may
maintain silence and observe them speak and not to join them in giving their opinion. The facilitator has to
emphasize at the beginning of the icebreaker session that during this time only one member should speak and all
others listen to them till the time they get their turn to speak. Every icebreaker should have a conclusion and
interface with the topic for the week’s discussion. For further details, ‘The Book of Icebreakers published by
ISKCON Congregational Development Ministry could be referred.
Sample icebreakers for each week for this level have been provided for reference.
Interactive Session
The interactive session is based on the passage which is generally from Srila Prabhupada’s books and his teachings.
The content for discussion in the interactive session has been compiled in the book Bhakti Vriksha Lessons for
Members.
The Bhakti Vriksha sevak has to circulate the lesson sheet, consisting of a passage for the week with lead questions,
excerpts from the books ‘Sri Namamrta’ and ‘Preaching is the essence’ book. . This has to be in the language in
which the member is comfortable in reading. The discussion should be in the language which all the members
understand.
The members could be asked to read one paragraph each. After which they could be given 5 minutes to read the
whole passage by themselves before starting the interaction. The questions given under Discovery, Understanding
and Application are lead questions for better facilitation. They could be broken down into smaller questions based
on the passage for better interaction with the members. As a take away the Bhakti Vriksha sevak has to summarise
the right Krsna conscious message.
The Bhakti Vriksha sevak could start the session by requesting the participants to share what was discussed in the
previous week. The revision of what was covered in the previous week could also be used as the topic for the ice
breaker session.
The Bhakti Vriksha sevak could also suggest that the members read any particular section from Srila Prabhupada’s
books and share the important points during the session.
Application part of the interactive session is an important component of Bhakti Vriksha. During this session
members learn to practically implement the topic they discussed in their day to day life. The Bhakti Vriksha sevak
should inspire every participant to share his/her views in response to the Application questions. The Bhakti Vriksha
sevak can provide a tailor made solution for each member’s practical application. If required, the tailor made
solution could be discussed with the members individually.
It is prudent to follow a prescribed flow of activities in each Bhakti Vriksha session. Given the varied kinds of
persons (with different tastes, attitudes and levels of understanding) who attend these sessions, it is important that
the topics follow a pre-defined flow. Also, it must be ensured that not too many new subjects are introduced or
sought to be discussed in each session, otherwise it would make it difficult for the participants to absorb and thus
feel left behind.
As one looks through the topics covered in the lessons across various weeks, it is clear that almost every week new
action items will be introduced. These action items include increasing the number of rounds of chanting, Srila
Prabhupada’s books to be read, offering bhoga to the Lord, and teaching how to cook ekadasi items, etc.
For every lesson the most relevant teachings of Srila Prabhupada have been included. This would facilitate the
Bhakti Vriksha sevak to prepare for the program.
Japa
Before the Japa Session, the Bhakti Vriksha sevak could read the excerpts from the book Sri Namamrta which is
included in the lesson.This would help the devotees appreciate the importance of chanting the Lord’s holy name.
Before chanting the Hare Krsna maha-mantra together first they could repeat Srila Prabhupada’s pranam mantra
once and Pancha-tattva mantra three times after the Bhakti Vriksha sevak.
Importance of Preaching
An extract from the book “Preaching is the essence” has been included in the lesson. The Bhakti Vriksha sevak
should read this aloud during the session so that from the very beginning the members get to appreciate the glories
of preaching. By this the members feel enthused to share their knowledge in Krsna consciousness with others,
inspire them and bring them to the programs.
Prasadam
Prasadam could be planned depending on what time the program is held. If it is held in the afternoon or early
evening, then simple prasadam, like fruit salad or mayapur khaja or anything simple but not heavy, could be
offered. In case it is a late evening program, and people need to travel far after the program, a light but sumptuous
dinner could be planned. It’s better not to have a high standard of providing an elaborate dinner. People may
hesitate to host the program in their house if they think they may need to maintain that standard.

Attendance Sheet
The Bhakti Vriksha sevak has to fill the attendance sheet for the week immediately after the members leave. During
the week the Bhakti Vriksha sevak has to update the Sector sevak about the program. The Sector sevak would guide
appropriately.
(Refer to Annexure 2 for a sample of the Attendance Sheet)
Follow-Up
It is suggested that during the week, the Bhakti Vriksha sevak could be in touch with the members in order to build
a friendly relationship with them. It could be either on phone or meeting them personally. When a good rapport is
established, it is easy for the Bhakti Vriksha sevak to guide them in their spiritual journey. Whenever the Bhakti
Vriksha sevak plans his visit, he should carry some Gaura Nitai maha prasadam.
Vyuha
A vyuha program involves the participation of two or three Bhakti Vriksha groups together in a combined program.
This program is a break in the format from the regular Bhakti Vriksha programs. The members need to have
something different and relaxing periodically. This would also encourage them to be more participative and
involved in the Bhakti Vriksha meetings.
Here we actually try to put all our past several weeks of spiritual learning into practice. We are a part of the Lord
and our constitutional position is to serve Him-to put this into practice, the Bhakti Vriksha sevaks need to provide
an opportunity for all their members to serve the Lord to the best of their capacity. For example some members
could be engaged in inviting people for the program, some could be involved in purchasing, some in altar
decoration, some in cleaning the area and so on. The Bhakti Vriksha sevak has to assess their capability, take
directions from the Sector sevak and allot them services accordingly. A meeting should be arranged a week before
the program to discuss and allot responsibilities and services based on the members’ skills and interests.
By doing this the members could be inspired to participate in all the Bhakti Vriksha programs and actively be
involved in the discussions.
Certificates could be issued to those members who are regularly chanting at least eight rounds of the Hare Krsna
maha-mantra, attending the programs regularly and reading Srila Prabhupada’s books. Please refer to Annexure 1
– ‘Sample of the Commitment / Recommendation sheet for Krsna Sadhak level’ for the requirements.
The Bhakti Vriksha sevak should speak to the members individually to share the importance of consolidating and
committing to the Siksha standards. Thus he should encourage them to take-up these spiritual
commitments.Cultural activities could also be planned for the vyuha to drive home some scriptural points.
Vyuha Schedule
Description Duration
Tulasi Aarti and/or Kirtan 15 minutes
Gaura Aarti/Maha Aarti 30 minutes
Lecture by Yatra 45 minutes
Sevak/Sector Sevak
Siksha Ceremony 15 minutes
Culturals 30 minutes
Prasadam 45 minutes
Total timing 3hrs

Tulasi ārati and /or kirtan

Since most of the members would be familiar with Tulasi arati and kirtan you can set this agenda as a part of your
program.
Gaura ārati/Maha ārati

If you can train the members in Gaura arati then you can circulate the Gaura arati sheet and sing Gaura arati as a
part of this program else you can sing ISKCON standard kirtan.
Lecture
Yatra sevak or the most senior member of the yatra can deliver the lecture. The members’ details could be provided
to them so that they can appropriately help them.
Siksha Ceremony
The most important part of this program is to encourage the members to commit to the spiritual standard for
Krsna Sadhak Level. Brief them on the importance of taking such spiritual commitments and the benefits they
would reap by making such commitments. Ensure the recommendation sheet is filled once the member commits
to the spiritual standard. In recognition of their commitment a certificate is awarded during the vyuha (certificate
templates are available with ISKCON CDM office).
(Refer Annexure 1 for a sample of the Commitment/Recommendation sheet for Krsna Sadhak Level)
Culturals
It is suggested that members and their families be involved in some role plays, drama etc with a Krsna conscious
theme. This is a wonderful service through which a nice Krsna conscious relationship can be developed between
members and their families.
Suggested activities for Krsna Sadhak level

The prime objective at Krsna Sadhak level is
1. Members should be chanting at least eight rounds every day
2. Stop gambling, avoid taking any intoxicants (such as smoking, chewing pan, drinking tea or coffee or
alcoholic drinks, etc) and avoid meat eating
3. Attend Sunday feast program to take more association
4. Attend mangala arati atleast once a week
5. Every week hear atleast one lecture of Srila Prabhupada
Complete reading the following books
1. Bhagavad Gita Chapters 1 to 6
2. Krsna Consciousness: The Topmost Yoga
3. Perfect Questions & Perfect Answers
4. Teachings of Queen Kunti
5. The Perfection of Yoga
6. The Path of Perfection
7. The Science of Self Realisation
8. Transcendental Teachings of Prahalad Maharaja
The following books could be suggested to members who show more interest to read:
 Teachings of Lord Kapila – Son of Devahuti
 The Journey of Self Discovery
 Coming Back
 Dharma : The Way of Transcendence (Indian Edition)
 Civilization and Transcendence
The Bhakti Vriksha sevak needs to constantly inspire and follow-up with members in this stage to help them
overcome gross anarthas and follow the regulative principles. This level can be broken down into stages based on
the members’ intake and practice as well.
10 | P a g e ISKCON New Rajapur Jagannatha Dham, Bengaluru
Follow-up table
The appended follow-up table would help the Bhakti Vriksha sevak assess his members against the expected siksha
standards. It would also reflect where the member needs to focus. Accordingly the Bhakti Vriksha sevak could
tailor-make a Krsna conscious solution for them.
Attached is a matrix that captures the gist of the various components that the Bhakti Vriksha sevak may follow up
on with each of the Bhakti Vriksha members. Along the X-axis (horizontal plane) is the listing of each week’s
session. On the Y-axis (vertical plane), the components of the follow up are listed.
As one looks through the sheet across various weeks, it is clear that almost every week new topics will be
introduced. This sheet will thus help the Bhakti Vriksha sevak in preparing for each session and following up with
the members.
Topics ↓ \ Weeks → 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37
Shiksha level Krishna Sadhak
Chanting (number of rounds) 8 8 8 8 10 10 10 10 10 12 12 12 12 12 12
Follow up with members               

Encourage members to bring a Relative/Friend               
House visitation with Gaura Nitai prasad               
KC E-mail/SMS/Phone/FB/twitter               
Srila Prabhupada's books to be read Refer list below
Attend atleast one more program in addition to Bhakti
Vriksha (Sunday feast program or Tulasi arati)               
Offering to the Lord               
Observing fasting on ekadasi and other vaishnava
festivals (Teach Ekadesi cooking)               
Offering water and circumambulating Tulasi               
Read SP's books after the weekly Tulasi arati program               
Follow up with members that they are wearing Tilaka
and chanting the mantra               
Follow up to ensure members have set up travelling or
basic altar               
Follow up with members that they are chanting Lord
Narasimha prayers and learning the Tulasi arati song               
Inspire members to do Tulasi arati at home, atleast
once a week               
Inspire members to attend mangala arati every ekadasi
or on week ends               
Teach Guruvandana on a non-bhakti vriksha program
day (provide printout of Guruvandana song)            
Inspire members to do Tulasi arati at home, atleast 2
times a week               
Teach members to sing Gaura arati on a non- bhakti
vriksha program day (provide printout of Gaura arati
song)               
Inspire members to stop smoking, drinking, chewing
pan and give up other forms of intoxication               
Suggest / inspire members to stop eating meat (incl
eggs)               
Provide printout of Handout on demigods               
Ensure that members atleast have a theoretical
understandingthat Krsna is the Supreme Personality of
Godhead and the postion of Devatas               

Complete reading the following books by Srila Prabhupada

1. Bhagavad Gita Chapters 1 to 6
2. Krsna Consciousness: The Topmost Yoga
3. Perfect Questions & Perfect Answers
4. Teachings of Queen Kunti
5. The Perfection of Yoga
6. The Path of Perfection
7. The Science of Self Realisation
8. Transcendental Teachings of Prahalad Maharaja
Bhakti Vriksha sevak’s assessment tool

The following table helps to assess the quality of the Bhakti Vriksha program conducted and in the identification
of areas for improvement. This assessment tool can be used by the Bhakti Vriksha sevak for self-assessment or it
can be used during the Train the Trainers’ program.
Assessment of the Bhakti Vriksha sevak

No. Criteria Demonstrated Partially Not
demonstrated demonstrated
5 Points 2.5 Points 0 point
1 Enthusiasm
2 Confidence
3 Established norms of behavior
4 Eagerness to learn from members
5 Fair & respectful treatment of everyone
6 Acknowledged and valued the members contribution
7 Allowed the members to speak & waited for their
response
8 Made members think and answer the questions
9 Questions were clear and concise
10 All the members participated
11 Managed the unacceptable views well
12 Heard the members points carefully
13 Body language was pleasing
14 Paid equal attention to all members and gave
opportunity for all members to speak
15 Kept the discussion on track
16 Members followed the norms
17 Maintained the timelines at every stage
18 Aovided unwanted discussions
19 Key take aways were discussed
20 The members left enthusiastically after learning new
topic
Total score

Preparatory notes for Bhakti Vriksha Sevak

Introduction
This chapter provides the lesson plans for the Bhakti Vriksha sevak’s reference for each week’s program.
The ‘Flow of the Program’ defines the topic for the week and also the topics already discussed in the previous
sessions. It includes the Aim (what message is sought to be conveyed to the participants), the Icebreaker
question followed by the topic for the week and direction of the discussion.
Further, the chapter also includes a set of teachings by Srila Prabhupada relevant to the topic being discussed for
that week.
The Bhakti Vriksha sevak could use these plans in preparing for the said week’s session. It lays out the boundary
of issues and topics that need to be touched upon for the respective week. It is strongly recommended that the
week’s discussions are centered on the points listed under “Points and flow’ for each lesson detailed in this
chapter. If the discussion is found to be meandering beyond these points, the Bhakti Vriksha sevak should re-
direct the same and bring back the focus to the key points suggested herein.
It is suggested that the Bhakti Vriksha sevak should print these lesson plans prior to the respective week’s session,
read the materials a number of times to assimilate his thoughts and thus mentally be prepared as to how he
would want to facilitate the Bhakti Vriksha session. The Bhakti Vriksha sevak could make his own notes which
would include examples, stories and realizations that will strongly drive home the message and topics for the
week among the participants.
These lesson plans are meant only for the Bhakti Vriksha sevak and need not be shared with the participants.

Lesson 23: Kali’s four legs

Flow of the Program
Link
In the previous weeks we discussed and understood how bhakti is karma free and sadhana bhakti vanquishes
sins. Today we shall discuss the four major sins.
Aim
The aim of this week is to make the participants understand the four major sins in Kali yuga. The objective is
to make the members understand the importance of following the four regulative principles.
Icebreaker
Question: Have you ever lied and were you caught? What happened?
Summary: Bad activities always land us in trouble and unhappiness. This week we will see the four major
causes of trouble in this age.
Points and flow

• The four major sins and how Maharaj Parikshit gave permission to Kali to reside where these major sins
were being committed.
• Sins make us identify with the body and cover us in ignorance.
• Animal slaughter kills mercy, gambling kills truthfullness, prostitution kills austerity and intoxication
kills cleanliness (both internal and external).
• A brahmana is one who avoids all these four sins.
• With chanting and determination we can overcome all these four sins.
• It is very troublesome to go to hell as these four sins require major endeavours.
• We are so determined to get material things why not be determined for spiritual advancement?
• Krsna consciousness is simple and needs very little effort.
Note: Depending on the acceptance level of the members the Bhakti Vriksha sevak may help the members
individually in addressing their concerns in following the regulative principles
Action items for Bhakti Vriksha Sevak

1. Ensure members wear tilaka and chant appropriate mantras, continue follow up for a few weeks till
members are following regularly.
2. Inspire members to do Tulasi ārati at home at least once a week

Srila Prabhupada Lectures

padair nyunam socasi maika-padam
atmanam va vrsalair bhoksyamanam
aho suradin hrta-yajna-bhagan
praja uta svin maghavaty avarsati
"I have lost my three legs and am now standing on one leg only. Are you lamenting for my state of existence?
Or are you in great anxiety because henceforward the unlawful meat-eaters will exploit you? Or are you in a
sorry plight because the demigods are now bereft of their share of sacrificial offerings because no sacrifices are
being performed at present? Or are you grieving for living beings because of their sufferings due to famine and
drought?"
Prabhupada: These are the symptoms of this Kali-yuga. The first thing is that "I have lost my three legs, now
standing on one leg only." At the present moment in the Kali-yuga practically there is no religion. So the bull is
the representative of religious ceremony, so he is saying that "Now I have lost my three legs. I am standing,
only one leg."
So in the Satya-yuga people were very religious, full, four parts full. In the Dvapara-yuga, then one part was
missing, only three parts. Then Treta-yuga. Satya, Treta, then Dvapara. But in the Kali-yuga the one part of
religiosity, that is also diminishing. This is one of the symptoms. And another symptom: "Or are you in great
anxiety because henceforward the unlawful meat-eaters will exploit you?" The unlawful meat-eaters, they will
eat cows and bulls. This is predicted in this verse. The Srimad-Bhagavatam was written five thousand years
ago. So at that time the prediction is there that in the Kali-yuga the meat-eaters will be unlawful and they will
especially eat cows and bulls.
So what is the unlawful and lawful? Lawful means so those who eat meat under the religious regulation. Just
like lawful sex. In the Bhagavad-gita it is said dharma aviruddhah kamo 'smi. Sex life, which is not illicit,
according to the regulative principle of Vedic literature, that kind of sex life, Krsna says, "I am that." That
means that is pious, that is not sinful. Illicit sex life is sinful, but, I mean to say, marriage, that is also one of
the function of religiosity. Just like we perform marriage ceremony under fire sacrifice, mantra. So that is
legalized. Similarly, meat-eating also... First of all, the first-class men, second-class men and third-class men,
means the brahmana, ksatriya and vaisya, they were not interested in meat-eating. Only the fourth-class men
and fifth-class men, they were allowed or they were eating meat. Nobody is allowed. But the first-class, second-
class men, they have got sense. They voluntarily give up. But the third-class fourth-class, fifth-class men, they
do not. Up to fourth-class, they also abide. From the fifth-class men -- they are called pancama -- they are very
irregular. They don't care for any rules and regulation or any sastra, scripture. They do whatever they like, fifth
class. So what is legal meat-eating? Legal meat-eating is that you sacrifice one animal before the goddess, deity
Kali, Goddess Kali, and there are so many rules and regulation. Under regulative principle one was allowed to
eat meat. Not that maintain big, big slaughterhouse and purchase from the butcher shop and eat meat. This is
illegal.
Now, sometimes, in..., the Christians, they say the Lord Jesus Christ sometimes ate fish. Is not that? But...
Might have done so. One thing is Christ is powerful. Under certain circumstances, even if he had eaten some
fish, that is not fault for him. Tejiyasam na dosaya. In the sastra (it) says, those who are very powerful, if they
sometimes do something which is prohibited for common man, that is special case. But even if you accept that
Christ ate fish, "Therefore we shall eat meat and maintain big, big slaughterhouse, although in the Bible it is
clearly said ‘Thou shalt not kill,' " this is not Christianity. This is against, violating the rules and regulation of
Christianity. Factually, one should not kill. But under some pressure or under certain condition, if it is needed,
that is another thing. But generally, one should not kill.
So here it is mentioned that "Or are you in great anxiety because henceforward..." Henceforward means from
that time the Kali-yuga has begun. Since these four principles of unlawful activities -- illicit sex, meat-eating,
gambling and intoxication -- is freely allowed, that is Kali-yuga. So in this age, in this Kali-yuga, it is very, very
difficult for persons who are interested in self-realization to remain free from sinful activities. It is very, very
difficult. Maya, or the influence of nature, in this age especially, it is very, very strong, and majority of people
are therefore addicted to this sinful life: illicit sex, meat-eating, gambling and intoxication. But those who are
interested in the matter of self-realization, they should voluntarily give up these sinful activities. Then, "Their
sacrifices will be stopped. Demigods, they will not get their share."

This is another... Formerly, people used to offer big, big sacrifices. Tons of grains, tons of ghee was being
offered in the fire sacrifice, and there was no want. There was no want. If you perform rituals according to the
Vedic system, there will be no want. Just like taxpayer, if they avoid tax-paying, then the... This is a crude
example. Then the government will have no money to manage the state very nicely. One should not avoid tax-
paying. Similarly, as it is enjoined in the Vedic literature, yajna-sistasinah santo mucyante sarva-kilbisaih.
Yajnarthe karmano 'nyatra loko 'yam karma-bandhanah [Bg. 3.9]. Everyone is working very hard. That is
called karma-jivana. Karmis. Karmis, jnanis, yogis and bhaktas. There are four classes of men. Karmis means
those who are working day and night very hard for getting some material benefit so that he can enjoy sense
pleasure. These are called karmis. The karmis also, not only they want to enjoy in this life... Next life also they
want to go to the heavenly planet.
Just like this morning we were talking, that dead body in Egypt and some other places. They keep the body so
their body will go to the heavenly planet and he will enjoy. But clearly it is the bodily concept of life. The sane
man will see that "The body is lying there. When he has gone to the heavenly planet?" If he accepts that the
body is there, then something has gone to the heavenly planet. Then you will have to accept soul. Otherwise,
how you can say that he has gone to heaven or some...? No. If you mean "he" means this body, the body is in
the coffin, so how it has gone to heaven? Then you have to accept that the living entity who was within the
body, he has gone to heaven. That is reasonable. So that means you have to accept next birth. So if you think
that he has gone to heaven, then he may go to hell also. Because if the soul is departed from the body, now
according to his karma... That is right philosophy. That is Vedic philosophy. Krsna says, dehantara-praptih.
Tatha dehantara-praptih. You have to change this body. As you have changed already several times, similarly,
after death you will also get another body. So this is a fact, that soul is there, and soul is changing the body,
and therefore the question of hell and heaven or something else may come. This is sane. Not that the body is
going to the heaven. No, no. This is foolishness. Anyone can, any man with common sense can understand,
"Where the body has gone? It is rotting here."
So yajna is required. Human life is meant for performing yajna. Karma, yajnah karma-samudbhavah. In the
Bhagavad-gita it is clearly said. Karma... Karma means activity. There must be activity. It is not that because we
are interested in self-realization, in the elevation of the soul to the spiritual world, that does not mean we shall
be idle and lazy. No. You cannot be idle and lazy because if you become idle and lazy, you cannot even
maintain your body. That is advised in Bhagavad-gita. You have to become busy and active. That is required.
Even if you want to go to heaven, then also you have to become busy and active. If you want to go back to
home, back to Godhead, that also will require your business and activity. And if you want to remain here in
this material world, that also required. Activity you cannot stop, but we have to consider the quality of activity.
Quality of activity is bhakti. You have to work. You cannot remain inactive or lazy. You have to work. So Krsna
advises in the Bhagavad-gita that "Work for Me." That is intelligence. Yat karosi yaj juhosi yad asnasi yat
tapasyasi kurusva tad mad-arpanam. This is life. Yat karosi, whatever you do. Everyone has to do something.
Krsna says, "Yes, you have to work. But work for Me." Just like Arjuna was advised. He is a military man. He
used to fight. His occupation is, when there there is danger he must fight. A ksatriya, ksatriya's business is that.
So Arjuna was advised that "You fight for Me, not for your sense gratification." That kind of fight and war is
not allowed. Only for the satisfaction of the Supreme Lord you can fight.
So any field of activities, if we act for Krsna, that is called yajna. Yajna means to act for the satisfaction of the
Supreme Personality of Godhead or the supreme authority. Just like a good citizen. A good citizen means who
is acting exactly to the regulative laws. He is good citizen. Even in ordinary driving car, if you exactly follow
the rules and regulation of traffic transaction, if you stop when there is red light, if you start when there is
green light, you don't go to the left, if you follow these rules and regulation, then there is no question of your
being a criminal. But as soon as you do not follow, immediately you are criminal. You will get a ticket.
Therefore the regulative life means... That is religious life, when you execute your occupational duty just
according to the law. There are state laws and there are laws also. So actually, we should perform the divine
laws. State law is subordinate. That is legal. Otherwise illegal. But unfortunately, the whole state at the present
moment, they are also illegal. Therefore what about the citizens? They are also illegal. And because both of
them illegal, these illegal, illegitimate acts are being done, so many slaughterhouses are maintained, and people
are eating meat illegally and becoming subjected to the sinful life. That is warned here. So read the purport.
Nitai: "With the progress of the age of Kali, four things particularly, namely, the duration of life, mercy, the
power of recollection, and moral or religious principles will gradually diminish."

Prabhupada: This is the symptom of Kali-yuga. We have got our practical experience. When I first came in
New York, one boy, Nelson, he told me that "Here, even in your front, somebody is being killed. Nobody will
take care." I was surprised, how is that? Is that a fact? You say yes?
Devotees: Yes.
Prabhupada: Ah, just see. So that is predicted, that the moral or religious principle will gradually diminish.
With the progress of this age Kali, four things particularly, namely duration of life, duration of life. Everyone
knows. The actually standard of duration of life in this age is hundred years. But no. Who is living hundred
years? Gradually decreasing. And it will decrease so much, as I have several times said, that when at the end of
Kali-yuga or in the middle of Kali-yuga, the duration of life will be twenty to thirty years. Now it is sixty,
seventy or fifty or... It is going on. But gradually, it will diminish. That is stated here.
And the memory, memory also reduced. Formerly, people were so sharp in memory that once heard from the
spiritual master, he will remember. He will not forget. There was no need of books. Book is required because
our memory is now, the power of recollection, is very poor. Just like one who cannot memorize, he has to take
note down. Formerly, five thousand years ago, there was no need of books. The students will go to the spiritual
master or teacher and... Therefore it is called sruti. The Vedic language is called sruti. Sruti means hearing. It is
not reading. Simply, pious students will hear from the right source. Evam parampara praptam imam rajarsayo
viduh [Bg. 4.2]. Simply by hearing, they will understand everything. They will never forget. But in the Kali-
yuga it is not possible. Therefore Vyasadeva, the whole Vedic understanding, knowledge, he recorded into
books. Otherwise before that there was no need of books. The power of recollection will diminish. And mercy.
Mercy will reduce. Even in your, in somebody's, in our front, somebody is killed. Nobody will try to help him.
What to speak of others, when there is difficulty. Or there are so many. People should cooperate.
There was a very good example of our Krsna conscious men in Melbourne. That was published. There was a
fire in one building, and they were, I mean to say, stranded. They were crying. So our girls went there and
saved them. Nobody came. Therefore it is said, yasyasti bhaktir bhagavaty akincana sarvair gunais tatra
samasate surah. If one is God conscious, Krsna conscious, then other material good qualities will automatically
develop. These girls in our Melbourne temple, they were not asked by me or their president, "You go and save
them," but out of their good will they went and saved them, and some of the girls jumped from three story and
they captured in this, what is called, canopy. So it was published and very much appreciated by the public. So
the idea is that one cannot be merciful unless he is a devotee. The so-called mercifulness showed by the
philanthropists, humanitarians, that is all false. They are humanitarian, but they maintain slaughterhouse.
What is this humanitarian? It does not appeal to you that animals are being killed? So the real fact is that
without becoming a devotee of Krsna or God, nobody can be qualified with good attributes. It is not possible.
Therefore sastra says that "Make people devotee." Then automatically, all the good qualities will come in.
Next.
Nitai: "Since dharma, or the principles of religion, will be lost in the proportion of three out of four, the
symbolic bull was standing on one leg only. When three-fourths of the population of the whole world become
irreligious, the situation is converted into hell for the animals. In the age of Kali godless civilizations will create
so many so-called religious societies in which the Personality of Godhead will be directly or indirectly defied.
And thus faithless societies of man will make the world uninhabitable for the saner section of people. There are
gradations of human beings in terms of the proportionate faith in the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The
first-class faithful men are the Vaisnavas and the brahmanas, then the ksatriyas, then the vaisyas, then the
sudras, then the mlecchas, the yavanas and at last the candalas. The gradation of human instincts begins from
the mlecchas, and the candala state of life is the last word in the human degradation. All the above terms
mentioned in the Vedic literatures are never meant for any particular community or birth. They are different
qualifications of human beings in general. There is no question of birthright or community. One can acquire
the respective qualifications by one's own efforts, and thus the son of a Vaisnava can become a mleccha or the
son of a candala can become more than a brahmana, all in terms of their association and intimate relation with
the Supreme Lord."
Prabhupada: Yes. So if we qualify ourself as Vaisnava and devotee, then all other good qualities will
automatically manifest in the body. That is the purpose of the Krsna consciousness movement, that you accept
this movement... For example... There are many examples. This is also one practical example. In your state the
government has spent millions and millions of dollars to stop the intoxication habit, but it was failure. But as

soon as the same person comes to Krsna consciousness camp, he immediately gives up. This is practical. And
there cannot be any comparison of the qualities of our students with any religious institution or any school,
college. You cannot have. Because they are devotee. As soon as you become devotee, all good qualities...
Therefore if the government takes this movement seriously, they make everyone a devotee, then everything
will be solved. There will be no need of criminal court or jail or... Everything will be finished. Or, what is
called, liquor house and slaughterhouse and manufacturing cigarette and advertising them two sides of the
road. Although (chuckles) it is written there it is dangerous, still it is highly advertised and people smoke.
These contradiction things are going on on account of godlessness.
Thank you very much. (end)
Lecture on Çrémad-Bhägavatam 1.16.20 at Los Angeles on July 10, 1974

Lesson 24:. Reasons for and places of sin

Flow of the Program
Link
Last week we discussed about the four major sins and how they are the cause of trouble in this age. Today
we will discuss the reasons why we engage in sinful activities and the sitting places of lust.
Aim
The aim of this week is to make the participants understand that lust is the cause of sinful activities and that
the sitting places of lust are the senses, the mind and the intelligence.
Icebreaker
Question: In the recent past have you had an obsession that you could not fulfil?
Summary: We are always pushed by our obsessions to do something we don’t want to and even if we get
them we are never satisfied.
Points and flow

• Love transforms to lust when it comes in contact with the modes
• Lust turns into wrath and wrath turns into illusion
• Illusion is the cause of bondage /sins
• Misuse of independence makes one fall under lust
• Material world is there to satisfy lust and when one is baffled by lust he begins to think about his real
position
• Lust sits in the senses, the mind and intelligence
• Mind is the first strategic position where lust sits, and then the intelligence
• Intelligence is the capital of lustful propensities
• Lusty intellingence influences the spirit soul to acquire false ego


"The senses, the mind and the intelligence are the sitting places of this lust, which veils the real knowledge of
the living entity and bewilders him [Bg. 3.40]."
Prabhupada: Yes. This is very important. "The senses, the mind, and the intelligence are the sitting places of
this lust." If somebody is lusty, and if one has to search out where that enemy, lust, is there, so Krsna is giving
you direct information, "Here is your enemy." Where? Senses, mind, intelligence -- there is lust. So if you can
understand, "Here is the enemy," and if you try to drive out the enemy, you take precaution.
What is that precaution? You engage your senses in Krsna conscious activities. The lust will have no more
place to attack your senses or sit on your senses. You engage your mind in Krsna. Immediately the lust from
the mind will go away. Similarly, you apply your intelligence, how to work on Krsna consciousness. These are
the processes.
The Krsna consciousness movement is like that. Apply your intelligence, apply your mind, apply your senses
only for Krsna, and there is no more lust. You are free. There is no sitting place. Just like this glass. There is
water. So how you can put in ink? Because there is no sitting place. Similarly, if you place Krsna in your mind,
so lust will automatically go away. Just like if you place light in this room, the darkness automatically will go
away. There is no place for darkness. Krsna is light. The sun is light. As soon as there is sun rising, the whole
darkness of night automatically disappears. So try to place Krsna in your mind, in your sensual activities, in
your intelligence. Then there will be no more lust. It will be finished. Go on.
Tamala Krsna: Forty-one: "Therefore, O Arjuna, best of the Bharatas, in the very beginning, curb the great
symbol of sin, lust, by regulating the senses and slay this destroyer of knowledge and self-realization [Bg.
3.41]."
Prabhupada: Yes. Regulating, how can you regulate the senses? Not by artificial means. The yoga practice, of
course, is meant for controlling the senses but nobody can practice in this age perfectly yoga, neither one can
control the senses. But this is practically. Just like our sense, tongue. We want to taste very palatable dishes.
Now you supply palatable Krsna prasadam. You forget going to hotel immediately. This sort of process is in
Krsna consciousness. We don't simply prohibit that "You don't do this," but we supply something which is
engaged by the senses and the mind, the intelligence, so that you do not require to be engaged otherwise.
Positive and negative. Simply negative is no good unless there is positive engagement. So there is no question
of negative. Negative is already there. If you taking nice foodstuff, automatically you give up obnoxious and
nonsense foodstuff. But if I say, "Don't take this foodstuff. This is not good," and if I don't supply you nice
foodstuff, naturally you are hungry; you will have to take whatever is there.
Just like sometimes you have seen the dogs? They are eating stool, their own stool. So I was talking this. One
of my students told me that in the last war in the concentrated camp, the human being, they also ate their stool
out of hunger. You see? There was no food, so they ate their own stool. So when there is no opportunity of
good occupation, one must be satisfied with nonsense occupation. So this Krsna consciousness is so nice that
one who is occupied with this movement, he cannot go any more to so-called lusty and other nonsense
occupation. Go on.
Tamala Krsna: Forty-two: "The working senses are superior to dull matter. Mind is higher than the senses.
Intelligence is still higher than the mind, and he, the soul, is even higher than intelligence [Bg. 3.42]."
Prabhupada: So we have to come to the platform of soul. Generally, we are on the dull, material platform of
this body, and this body means senses. And the center of all the senses is the mind. And the mind is also
controlled by intelligence. And when you go above the platform intelligence, then you come to the platform of
spiritual soul or Krsna consciousness. That is your position. So one has to try to transcend all these three
stages of material platform and then come to the spiritual platform. Yes.
Tamala Krsna: Forty-three: "Thus knowing oneself to be transcendental to material senses, mind, and
intelligence, one should control the lower self by the higher self, and thus, by spiritual strength, conquer this
insatiable enemy known as lust [Bg. 3.43]."
Purport: "This third chapter of the Bhagavad-gita is conclusively directed to Krsna consciousness through
knowing oneself as the eternal servitor of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, without considering
impersonal voidness as the ultimate end. In the material existence of life, one is certainly influenced by
propensities of lust and desire for dominating the resources of material nature. Such desire for overlording and
sense gratification are the greatest enemies of the conditioned soul, but by the..."
Prabhupada: Generally, those who are under the bodily concept of life, they are struggling day and night.
Why? Now, to have overlordship of this material nature. This is material activities. And those who are on the
mental platform, they are trying to philosophize, mental speculation. Those who are still intelligent, they are
taking to this yoga practice by intelligently trying to controlling the senses. But as soon as you come to the
spiritual platform, automatically these things are done because all your senses, mind, and intelligence are
occupied by Krsna consciousness
Lecture on Bhagavad Gita 3.31 - 43 at Los Angeles on Jan 1, 1969

Lesson 25: False ego

Flow of the Program
Link
Last week we saw the reasons for sin and the sitting places of lust and how lusty intelligence influences the
spirit soul to acquire false ego. Today we will discuss about false ego.
Aim
The aim of this week is to make the participants understand what false ego is and how it traps us in this
material world.
Icebreaker
Question: Who is the first person you can think of to whom you would like to apologize, but do not want
to? Why?
Summary: The reason we generally don’t apologize is that we are always covered by false ego. We think we
are always correct and others are wrong.
Points and flow
• Subtle and gross body
• The subtle body consists of the mind, intelligence and false ego
• False ego makes us believe we are the doer, makes us forget Krsna is the controller and pushes us to take
credit for everything
• Gross and subtle body are created by material nature under Krsna hence should be used for his service
but the false ego makes us forget Hrishikesa
• One who knows the Absolute knows he is trapped in the material nature
• He knows he has to serve the Lord as he is a part and parcel of the Absolute
• He knows this material world is temporary and unnatural for him
• When situated in the correct ego he knows the Lord in His Brahman, Paramatma and Bhagavan features


Prabhupada: ...karmani sarvasah, ahankara-vimudhatma kartaham iti manyate [Bg. 3.27]. We are preaching
Krsna consciousness all over the world, and we are getting good response because we are preaching Bhagavad-
gita as it is. This book is... Here it is written, Bhagavad-gita As It Is. We do not make any false interpretation so
that the reader also spoil and the listener is also spoiled.
So, so many people, sometimes they come forward to give me some credit that I have done very wonderful
thing. So I reply that "I do not know how to do something wonderful. I cannot manufacture gold, I cannot
show any jugglery, but if there is any credit, then the only credit is I don't adulterate. That's all. The pure milk,
I don't show my expert service by adding water in it. That I do not do. So we present Bhagavad-gita as it is. In
the Bhagavad-gita, Krsna is the Supreme Lord. In the, all the Vedic literature, Krsna is accepted as the Supreme
Lord, person, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
isvarah paramah krsnah
sac-cid-ananda-vigrahah
anadir adir govindah
sarva-karana-karanam [BS. 5.1]
In the Vedanta-sutra it is inquired, athato brahma jijnasa. What is Brahman? This human life is meant for
understanding Brahman. Aham brahmasmi. This is real education. So that Parabrahman... We are Brahman,
but Krsna is Parabrahman. Nityo nityanam cetanas cetananam (Katha Upanisad 2.2.13). He is the supreme
nitya, eternal. Krsna is also eternal; we are also eternal. Na hanyate hanyamane sarire [Bg. 2.20]. So Krsna is...
[break] ...not a dead stone and we are also living being. Nityo nityanam cetanas cetananam. And where is the
difference between Krsna and me? The difference is eko yo bahunam vidadhati kaman. Krsna maintains all
these plural number. He is singular number. Nityo nityanam. He is singular number. Then this singular
number or plural number, what is the difference? Difference is that Krsna is the maintainer and we are the
maintained. Krsna is the predominator; we are predominated. This is difference.
So our preaching, is this Krsna consciousness, that people are searching after God, speculating throughout the
whole life, but here Krsna is canvassing, "Here I am." "No." Avajananti mam mudhah [Bg. 9.11]. God is
canvassing, "Here I am," and these people are searching after God. Just see. Why? That is explained here,
ahankara-vimudhatma, false egoism. Ahankara-vimudhatma kartaham iti manyate [Bg. 3.27]. He is fully under
the control of prakrti, and still, he is thinking independent. That is vimudhatma, bewildered. So
prakrteh kriyamanani
gunaih karmani sarvasah
ahankara-vimudhatma
kartaham iti manyate [BG. 3.27]
The material world, especially in this age, everyone is thinking, "I am the greatest. Who can become more
than me?" Ahankara-vimudhatma. This material world is like that. Everyone is thinking like that. Asuric
pravrtti. Kah adhyo 'sti mama samah: "Who is greater than me?" There is a struggle for this vimudhatma
competition.
But at the end he is under the control of nature -- everyone knows it -- because ultimately the death will come
and all ahankaras will be taken away. "I don't care for God. I am independent. I am God" -- all these ahankara,
false egotism, on account of bewildered, being bewildered, these things will be finished when Krsna will come
as death. Everything will be finished. Mrtyuh sarva-haras caham [Bg. 10.34]. Krsna has described Himself that
"I am death. I am death, and I take away all your possession, that's all, as death." It will be taken away.
However intelligent we may be, however proud we may be for our possession, but the death is sure. "As sure as
death." And when death comes -- the death is also another form of Krsna -- then He will take everything.
Just like Hiranyakasipu. He was very, very proud of his possession. He was controlling over the three worlds.
He was chastising his Vaisnava son, Prahlada Maharaja. In this way he was very, very proud. But when Krsna
came as Nrsimhadeva, everything was finished within a second. So we should not mistake this, I mean to say,
fact.
Krsna therefore presents that "Your real problem is birth, death, old age, and disease, your real problem. You
are making solution of all the problems by scientific advancement, by education, by so on, so on, political
maneuver, everything. It is all right, but how you are going to solve this problem -- janma-mrtyu-jara-vyadhi-

duhkha-dosanudarsanam [Bg. 13.9]? How you'll solve this problem?" Actually human life is meant for solving
this problem, not this temporary problem. Temporary problem will go on. If you don't solve this problem,
janma-mrtyu-jara-vyadhi, then any form of life, there will be problems. Even if you are elevated to the
heavenly planets, there are also problems. Indra is not very happy there, the king of heavenly planet. Although
the higher planets, the duration of life, the standard of civilization, standard of comforts many, many thousand
times greater than here, but the same problem -- janma-mrtyu-jara-vyadhi -- is there. You cannot avoid it.
Lecture on the Bhagavad-gita 3.27 on Jan 1st, 1976 in Madras, India

Lesson 26: Mind, intelligence and soul

Flow of the Program
Link
Last week we saw the thought process of a person in false ego and the thought process of one who is not in
false ego. Today we will be discussing how the mind and intelligence can be engaged in higher activities by
understanding the constitutional position of the soul.
Aim
The aim of this week is to make the participants understand what are the mind, intelligence and soul, and
how to overcome lust.
Icebreaker
Question: Who is the first person that comes to your mind to whom you would like to be grateful to? Why?
Summary: Generally we forget the good deeds that others have done to us but we remember what good
deeds we have done. In the previous week we saw how false ego makes us forgetful. So today we will see
how if we can purify our senses, mind and intelligence, it will be helpful to us.
Points and flow

• Recap regarding the sitting places of lust (as discussed earlier)
• Senses are an outlet for lust hence senses are higher than the body
• Mind controls the senses hence mind is superior to senses and intelligence guides the mind hence it is
more superior. Soul is above all of these
• Material sense gratification is our greatest enemy
• Even if we don’t use our senses still the mind will be active, example dreaming. Hence artificially we
cannot stop our senses
• We should use intelligence to understand our constitutional state and engage our mind in service
• By steady service with the power of Krsna consciousness, the senses will lose their strength like serpents
without fangs
• Through steady intelligence we realize our natural position and overcome lust


Tamala Krsna: Purport: "There are three degrees of covering of the pure living entity, and thereby the pure
consciousness of the living entity, or Krsna consciousness, is embarrassed by nonmanifestation. This covering
is but lust under different manifestations, like smoke in the fire, dust on the mirror, and the womb about the
embryo. When lust is compared to smoke, it is understood that the fire of the living spark can be a little
perceived. In other words, when the living entity exhibits his Krsna consciousness slightly, he may be likened
to the fire covered by smoke. Although fire is necessary when there is smoke, there is no overt manifestation of
fire in the early stage. This stage can be compared with the beginning of Krsna consciousness. The comparison
of the dust of the mirror refers to the cleansing process of the mirror of the mind by so many spiritual
methods. The best process is to chant the holy names of the Lord. The comparison of the embryo being
covered by the womb is an analogy illustrating the most awkward position, for the child in the womb is so
helpless that it cannot even move. This stage of living condition can be compared also to the trees. The trees
are living entities, but they have been put into that condition of life by such a great exhibition of lust that they
are almost devoid of all consciousness."
Prabhupada: Yes, these trees... We should know that the trees, they are also living entities, but they have been
put in such awkward position that they are standing up in a position for thousands of years. They cannot move
even. If somebody is cutting, it cannot protest. They have been put into such conditional life. If somebody is
coming to do some harm, they cannot go away. So the most abominable condition of life is the trees. Go on.
Tamala Krsna: "The covered mirror is compared to the birds and beasts, and smoke-covered fire is compared
to the human being."
Prabhupada: Yes. The birds and beasts, they can move. They can protect themselves from somebody who is
coming to harm, but still, they have no knowledge. The same... A little better than the trees. Go on.
Tamala Krsna: "In the form of a human being, the living entity can perceive a little Krsna consciousness, and if
he makes further development the fire of spiritual life can be kindled in the human form. By careful handling
of the smoke in the fire, the fire can be made to blaze."
Prabhupada: Yes. When the fire is covered by the smoke, if you little fan over it, then immediately there is
blazing fire; immediately smoke is gone. Similarly, Krsna consciousness, or God consciousness, in every living
entity, especially human being, there is, even in the aborigines, those who are called uncivilized. They are also
offering some respect to the seas, to the thunderbolt, to a big mountain. Something wonderful, they offer. They
bow down. That means there is Krsna consciousness, so, just like a fire covered with smoke. Now, if you fan it,
if you just try to eradicate the smoke, the fire will come out.
So we should take advantage. We have got now this consciousness, God consciousness. Therefore in every
human society there is some sort of religious propaganda: "Try to understand God." So we should take
advantage of this. But instead of taking advantage of this opportunity, we have declared, "God is dead. I am
God. This God, that God." You see? So we are not fanning. We are, rather, going more and more away from
God. This should not be done. Go on.
Tamala Krsna: "Therefore the human form of life is a chance for the living entity to escape the entanglement of
material existence. In the human form of life one can conquer the enemy, lust, by culture of Krsna
consciousness under able guidance."
Thirty-nine: "Thus a man's pure consciousness is covered by his eternal enemy in the form of lust, which is
never satisfied and which burns like fire [Bg. 3.39]."
Forty: "The senses, the mind and the intelligence are the sitting places of this lust, which veils the real
knowledge of the living entity and bewilders him [Bg. 3.40]."
Prabhupada: Yes. This is very important. "The senses, the mind, and the intelligence are the sitting places of
this lust." If somebody is lusty, and if one has to search out where that enemy, lust, is there, so Krsna is giving
you direct information, "Here is your enemy." Where? Senses, mind, intelligence -- there is lust. So if you can
understand, "Here is the enemy," and if you try to drive out the enemy, you take precaution.
What is that precaution? You engage your senses in Krsna conscious activities. The lust will have no more
place to attack your senses or sit on your senses. You engage your mind in Krsna. Immediately the lust from

the mind will go away. Similarly, you apply your intelligence, how to work on Krsna consciousness. These are
the processes.
The Krsna consciousness movement is like that. Apply your intelligence, apply your mind, apply your senses
only for Krsna, and there is no more lust. You are free. There is no sitting place. Just like this glass. There is
water. So how you can put in ink? Because there is no sitting place. Similarly, if you place Krsna in your mind,
so lust will automatically go away. Just like if you place light in this room, the darkness automatically will go
away. There is no place for darkness. Krsna is light. The sun is light. As soon as there is sun rising, the whole
darkness of night automatically disappears. So try to place Krsna in your mind, in your sensual activities, in
your intelligence. Then there will be no more lust. It will be finished. Go on.
Tamala Krsna: Forty-one: "Therefore, O Arjuna, best of the Bharatas, in the very beginning, curb the great
symbol of sin, lust, by regulating the senses and slay this destroyer of knowledge and self-realization [Bg.
3.41]."
Prabhupada: Yes. Regulating, how can you regulate the senses? Not by artificial means. The yoga practice, of
course, is meant for controlling the senses but nobody can practice in this age perfectly yoga, neither one can
control the senses. But this is practically. Just like our sense, tongue. We want to taste very palatable dishes.
Now you supply palatable Krsna prasadam. You forget going to hotel immediately. This sort of process is in
Krsna consciousness. We don't simply prohibit that "You don't do this," but we supply something which is
engaged by the senses and the mind, the intelligence, so that you do not require to be engaged otherwise.
Lecture on Bhagavad-gita 3.41-43 on Jan 1st, 1969 in Los Angeles

Lesson 27: Nature of the mind

Flow of the Program
Link
Last week we understood what is the mind and intelligence and how to purify our senses to overcome lust.
Today we will understand the nature of the mind and how to purify the intelligence.
Aim
The aim of this week is to make the participants understand the nature of the mind and how to purify the
intelligence.
Icebreaker
Question: Ask one or two of the members to hold a glass of water in their hand for as long as they want and
share their experience or thought process.
Summary: We want to show them how most of the time the mind is restless.
Points and flow

• Recap regarding the intelligence (as discussed earlier)
• Mind should work under intelligence. A chariot (body) with horses (senses) should be controlled by the
driver (intelligence) using the driving instrument (mind). When the driving instrument is not controlled
by the driver then the chariot will not reach its destination
• In the conditioned state of life the mind usually does not work under intelligence
• It is very difficult to control the mind; it is like controlling the wind
• Krsna says only through practice and detachment (vairagya) we can control the mind
• Practice means engaging in the nine processes of devotional service, most importantly chanting
• Detachment comes when we do activites related to Krsna. Hence we should engage in Krsna
consciousness by which one automatically becomes attached to the Supreme Spirit – pareshanubhava
• Hence chanting is the medicine and eating whatever has been offered to Krsna is the diet. This treatment
is the process of Krsna consciousness


Devotee: Verse thirty-four: "For the mind is restless, turbulent, obstinate and very strong, O Krsna. And to
subdue it, it seems to me, more difficult than controlling the wind."
Prabhupada: Yes. Even if you can control the wind, that is not possible. Nobody can control the wind. But even
it is theoretically accepting that you can control the wind, but it is not possible to control the mind. It is very
difficult. Mind is so flickering and so turbulent. Go on.
Devotee: Purport: "Mind is so strong and obstinate, that sometimes it overcomes the intelligence. For a man in
the practical world who has to fight so many opposing elements, it is certainly very difficult to control the
mind. Artificially, one may establish a mental equilibrium toward both friend and enemy, but ultimately no
worldly man can do so, for this is more difficult than controlling the raging wind. In the Vedic literatures it is
said: ‘The individual is the passenger in the car of the material body and intelligence is the driver. Mind is the
driving instrument and the senses are the horses. The self is thus the enjoyer or sufferer in the association of
the body and senses. So it is understood by great thinkers.' Intelligence is supposed to direct the mind. But the
mind is so strong and obstinate that it surpasses even one's own intelligence as an acute infection may surpass
the efficacy of medicine. Such a strong mind is supposed to be controlled by the practice of yoga. But such
practice is never practical for a worldly person like Arjuna. And what can we say of modern man? The
difficulty is neatly expressed: ‘One cannot capture the blowing wind.' And it is even more difficult to capture
the agitated mind."
Prabhupada: Therefore this process, chanting Hare Krsna, it captures the mind immediately. Simply if you
chant, "Krsna" and if you hear, automatically your mind is fixed up in Krsna. That means the yoga system is
immediately attained. Because the whole yoga system is to concentrate your mind on the form of Visnu. And
Krsna is the original personality of expansion of Visnu forms. Krsna is just like here is a lamp. Now, from this
lamp, from this candle, you can bring another candle, you can kindle it. Then, another, another, another,
thousands of candle you can expand. In each candle is as powerful as this candle. There is no doubt about it.
But one has to take this candle as the original candle. Similarly, Krsna is expanding in millions of Visnu forms.
Each Visnu form is as good as Krsna, but Krsna is the original candle because from Krsna everything expands.
So one who has concentrated his mind, someway or other in Krsna, he has already attained the perfection of
yoga. This is the substance of Krsna consciousness movement.
Lecture on the Bhagavad-gita 6.30-34 on Feb 19th, 1969 in Los Angeles

Lesson 28: Do we need to control the mind?

Flow of the Program
Link
Last week we discussed about the nature of the mind. Today we will discuss why and how to control the
mind.
Aim
The aim of this week is to make the participants understand that a controlled mind is our friend and an
uncontrolled mind is our enemy.
Icebreaker
Question: Can you share with us one recent instance when someone tried controlling you. What was your
reaction?
Summary: Generally no one likes to be controlled. Our mind does not want to be controlled by anyone.
Points and flow

• Mind can elevate or degrade one. The mind is a friend as well as an enemy
• A mind tainted by false ego wants to enjoy this false material happiness
• The mind traps the soul in the material world due to its attraction to the material nature
• Mind is the cause of liberation and bondage
• A controlled mind is our friend and an uncontrolled mind is our worst enemy
• One who cannot control his mind lives always with the greatest enemy, and thus his life and its mission
are ruined
• An uncontrolled mind is under lust, avarice, illusion causing us to sin and trapping us in this material
world
• Yoga is the system to control our mind
• Real yoga practice entails meeting the paramatma within the heart and following His dictation. We will
discuss yoga in more detail next week


Devotee: Verse number five. "A man must elevate himself by his own mind. Not degrade himself. The mind is
the friend of the conditioned soul and his enemy as well." Purport: "The Sanskrit word atma, self, denotes
body, mind and soul, depending on different circumstances. In the yoga system, the mind and the conditioned
soul are especially important since the mind is the central point of yoga practice. Atma here refers to the mind.
The purpose of the yoga system is to control the mind and to draw it away from attachment to sense objects. It
is stressed herein that the mind must be so trained that it can deliver the conditioned soul from the mire of
nescience."
Prabhupada: In the astanga-yoga system, this eightfold yoga system, dhyana, dharana -- they are meant for
controlling the mind. (Don't make sound.) Mind, unless you control the mind, in the beginning it is said a
man must elevate himself by his own mind. Mind is the driver. The body is the chariot or car. So just like if
you call your, ask your driver, "Please get me into Krsna consciousness temple." The driver will bring you
here. And if you ask your driver, "Please get me in that liquor house." The driver will drive you there. The
driver's business is to drive you wherever you like. Similarly your mind is the driver. If you can control -- but if
the driver takes your license, that wherever he likes he will take you. Then you're gone. Then your driver is
your enemy. But if your driver acts on your order, then he's your friend. So actually the yoga system means to
control the mind in such a way that he will act as your friend, not as your enemy.
Actually the mind is acting as my, because I have got little independence, because I am part and parcel of the
Supreme who has got full independence, therefore I have got little independence. The mind is controlling that
independence. If mind says, "All right, let me go the Krsna conscious temple," and the mind can say, "Oh what
is that nonsense, Krsna, let us go to some club." so mind is driving you. Therefore our Krsna consciousness
movement is to fix up the mind in Krsna, that's all. He cannot but act as friend. You see? He has no scope to
give any one place. As soon as Krsna is seated on the mind, just like as soon as there is sunshine, the sun is on
the sky, there is no scope of darkness. There is no possibility. Darkness will never become before the sun.
Similarly Krsna is just like sun. You keep Krsna on the mind. The maya, darkness will never be able to come.
That is the first-class yoga system. That is the perfection of yoga system. One whose mind is so strong that
mind will not allow any nonsense to come in, then where is your falldown? The mind is strong, the driver is
strong. He cannot take you anywhere unless you desire.
So the whole yoga system means to make the mind strong. Not to deviate from the Supreme. That is perfection
of yoga system. Sa vai manah krsna-padaravindayoh. One should fix up, just like Ambarisa Maharaja fixed up
his mind only on Krsna. And there was a fight between a great yogi, astanga-yogi, Durvasa Muni. Maharaja
Ambarisa, he was a king, he was a householder, he was pound shilling man. Householder means he has to take
account of pound, shilling, pence. Dollars, cents. King, he was actually king. So Durvasa Muni was a great
yogi. He was envious of this king. That, "How is that, I am so great a yogi, I can travel in the space, and this
man is ordinary king, he cannot show such jugglery of yoga system, but still people honors him most. Why? I
shall teach him some lesson." So he picked up some quarrel with the king, that's a long story, I shall state it
some other day, so after all he was defeated. And he was directed by Narayana to take shelter of the feet of the
king, Maharaja Ambarisa. These instances we see from authoritative scripture. But he was simply keeping
Krsna in his mind. And he defeated the greatest yogi. Durvasa Muni, he was so perfect yogi, that within one
year he traveled all over this material space and beyond this material space in the spiritual space, went directly
to the abode of God, Vaikuntha, and saw the Personality of Godhead personally. Still he was so weak that he
has to come back and fall down on the feet of Maharaja Ambarisa. But Maharaja Ambarisa, he was ordinary
king, he was simply thinking of Krsna, that's all. These instances we'll see.
Therefore the highest perfectional yoga system is to control the mind. And you can control the mind very
easily if you keep the lotus feet of Krsna within you, that's all. Simply think of Krsna and you are conqueror.
You are victorious. You become topmost yogi. Because after all, the yoga system is, yoga indriya samyama.
Yoga means to control the senses. And above the sense, the mind. So if you control the mind, the senses are
controlled automatically. Your tongue wants to eat something nonsense, but if your mind is strong, mind says,
"No. You cannot eat. You cannot eat anything except krsna-prasada." Then tongue is controlled. So senses are
controlled by the mind. Indriyani parany ahur indriyebhyah param manah [Bg. 3.42]. My body means senses,
my activities means sensual activities, that's all. But above the senses is the mind. Above the mind is the
intelligence. And above the intelligence is the spirit soul. If one is on the spiritual platform, on the soul
platform, then his intelligence is spiritualized, his mind is spiritualized, his senses are spiritualized, he is

spiritualized. This is the process of Krsna consciousness. Because actually the spirit soul is working but he has
given his power of attorney to this nonsense mind. He is sleeping. But when he's awakened, the master is
awakened, the servant cannot do anything nonsense. Similarly if you are awakened in Krsna consciousness,
your intelligence, your mind, or your senses cannot act nonsensically. They must according to that. That is
spiritualization. That is called purification.
Hrsikena hrsikesa-sevanam bhaktir ucyate [Cc. Madhya 19.170]. Bhakti means to act spiritually. How you can
act? You have to act with your senses. Therefore you have to spiritualize your senses. Meditation, stopping
action means stopping nonsense but acting in Krsna consciousness is transcendental. Just like you have to stop
your senses acting nonsense but that is not perfection. You have to act nicely. Then it is perfection. Otherwise
if you don't train your senses to act nicely it will again fall down to the nonsense activities. So we have to give
engagement to the senses to act for Krsna. Then there is no chance of fall down. That is Krsna consciousness.
Go on.
Devotee: "In material existence, one is subjected to the influence of the mind and the senses. In fact, the pure
soul is entangled in the material world because of the mind's ego which desires to lord it over material nature.
Therefore the mind should be trained so that it will not be attracted by the glitter of material nature. In this
way the conditioned soul may be saved. One should not degrade oneself by attraction to sense objects. The
more one is attracted by sense objects, the more one becomes entangled in material existence. The best way to
disentangle oneself is always to engage the mind in Krsna's service. The Sanskrit word hi in this verse is used
for emphasizing this point, i.e., that one must do this. It is also said: ‘For man, mind is the cause of bondage
and mind is the cause of liberation. Mind absorbed in sense objects is the cause of bondage and mind detached
from the sense objects is the cause of liberation.' Therefore the mind which is always engaged in Krsna
consciousness is the cause of supreme liberation."
Prabhupada: Yes. There is no chance. Mind being engaged always in Krsna consciousness, there is no chance of
its being engaged in maya consciousness. The more we engage our mind in Krsna consciousness, the more you
keep yourself in the sunlight, there is no chance of getting into darkness. That is the process. If you like, you
are at liberty. You can keep yourself within the room in darkness, and you can come in the broad daylight.
That depends on your choice. But when you come in the broad sunlight, there is no chance of darkness.
Darkness can be eradicated by light, but light cannot be covered by darkness. Suppose you are in a dark room.
You bring one lamp. The darkness over. But you take something dark and go to the sunlight, it will fade away.
So krsna surya-sama maya haya andhakara. Krsna is just like sunlight. And maya is just like darkness. So what
darkness will do in sunlight? You keep yourself in sunlight. Darkness will fail to act upon you. This is the
whole philosophy of Krsna consciousness.
Keep always yourself engaged in Krsna consciousness activities. Maya will not be able to touch you. Because
there is no possibility of darkness becoming influential in light. That is stated in the Srimad-Bhagavatam. That
when Vyasadeva, under the instruction of his spiritual master, Narada, by bhakti-yoga: bhakti-yogena pranihite
samyak, pranihite 'male. Bhakti-yogena manasi. The same, mind, manasi means mind. When enlightened by
bhakti-yoga, bhakti-light, bhakti-yogena manasi samyak pranihite amale. When the mind becomes completely
freed from all contamination. That can be done by bhakti-yoga. Bhakti-yogena manasi samyak pranihite 'male
apasyat purusam purnam. He saw the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Mayam ca tad-apasrayam. And he saw
this maya just on the background. Apasrayam. Light and darkness, along with, just like here is light. There is
darkness also here, little darkness. So darkness remains under the shelter of light. But light does not remain
under the shelter of darkness. So Vyasadeva saw Krsna, the Supreme Lord, and this maya, darkness,
apasrayam, just under His shelter.
And who is this maya? That is explained. Yaya sammohito jiva. The same maya, the same illusory energy
which has covered these conditioned souls. And who are those conditioned? Yaya sammohito jiva atmanam
tri-gunatmakam. Although this spirit soul is as light as Krsna or God, although small. But he's identifying
himself with this material world. Yaya sammohitah, this is called illusion. When we identify ourself with this
matter, yaya sammohito jiva atmanam tri-gunatmakam, paro 'pi manute 'nartham. Although he is transcendental,
still he's engaged in nonsensical activities. Paro 'pi manute 'nartham tat-krtam cabhipadyate. And he acts
dictated by this maya. These are very nicely explained in Srimad-Bhagavatam in the First Canto you'll find,
Seventh Chapter.

So our position is that. That we are spiritual sparks, lightning spark. But now we are covered by this illusory
energy, maya. And we are being dictated by maya and acting and becoming entangled more and more in
material energy. You have to get out from this entanglement by this yoga, or perfect yoga of Krsna
consciousness. That is yoga system.
Lecture on the Bhagavad-gita 6.2-5 on Feb 14th, 1969 in Los Angeles

Lesson 29: Yoga

Flow of the Program
Link
Last week we saw that yoga helps us control the mind. Today we will discuss about yoga in detail.
Aim
The aim of this week is to make the participants understand the real meaning of yoga.
Icebreaker
Question: Have you tried re-establishing any of your past relationships (long lost relationships) or
How do you keep in touch with your old friends?
Summary: Today we will see what a truly long lasting relationship is and how to re-establish it.
Points and flow

• Yoga means to join. We are part of the Supreme and yoga is to re establish that relationship with the
Supreme
• Because we have moved away from God we avoid him
• Sense gratification takes us away from God. Through sense control we can become a yogi
• Yoga means to concentrate the mind upon the Supreme by controlling the ever-disturbing senses.The
yoga process necessitates controlling the senses. ‘Yoga indriya-saàyamaù’
• The position of the yogi is that he is not allowed to indulge in sex life, intoxication, meat-eating or
gambling and sporting
• That can be achieved by becoming a servant of Krsna, or a servant of the servant of Krsna
• Attempt to artificially stop the activities of the senses will be a failure
• Non-devotees fall down from their position of imagined superiority because they have no regard for the
Lord’s lotus feet (SB 10.2.32)
• Therefore the highest perfectional yoga system is to control the mind. And you can control the mind very
easily if you keep the lotus feet of Krsna in mind


Prabhupada: Atmaupamyena sarvatra samam pasyati yo 'rjuna. Please come forward. Sukham va yadi va
duhkham sa yogi paramo matah. Now, we have been discussing for the last few days about the perfect form of
yoga. Lord Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, He is teaching Arjuna directly the perfect form of yoga.
If you actually want to perform the yoga system, then here is authoritative statement by the Supreme
Personality of Godhead. So we have discussed in details. Now, after hearing the system, Arjuna is replying. Just
mind that, that the whole thing was being described in the battlefield, in the battlefield. This whole Bhagavad-
gita was taught to Arjuna in the battlefield. And when Arjuna was just going to release his arms on the
opposite party, on the enemy's party, he thought... He got a sentiment: "So why this fighting with my own
kinsmen?" That was his illusion, and to eradicate that illusion of Arjuna's, this Bhagavad-gita was explained by
Lord Krsna.
Now, you can understand how much time could be, I mean to say, allowed for this discussion. That was a
battlefield. Immediately has to be fight. Everyone is ready. And utmost, one hour... I don't think... That is
utmost. So within this one hour the whole Bhagavad-gita was discussed, and Arjuna changed his decision and
he fought. Now, within that time He is also instructing Arjuna about the yoga system. Now, after hearing the
details of yoga system, how to sit down, how to keep the body straight, how to keep the eyes half-closed and
how to see the uppermost part of the nose without diverting your attention, and in secluded place, in a sacred
place, alone -- all this paraphernalia is described for performing perfect yoga system. Now, Arjuna, after
hearing everything from Krsna, he is replying.
arjuna uvaca
yo 'yam yogas tvaya proktah
samyena madhusudana
etasyaham na pasyami
cancalatvat sthitim sthiram
Now, Arjuna said, "My dear Krsna, the details which You have..., not very details, but a summary of yoga
system which You have prescribed and You ask me to follow, I think it is very difficult for me on account of
my agitated mind." Cancalatvat. Cancalatvat means agitated mind. We must always remember that we are in a
circumstances, material circumstances, where every time, every moment, our mind is agitated. We are not in a
very comfortable situation. We are thinking that "This situation will save me for further anxieties of my mind,"
but when I reach to that point I feel that the anxieties have increased. It has not decreased, because the nature
of the material world is like that, you cannot be free from anxiety. That is the nature. So we are simply trying
to make a solution of our anxieties by different method, but the place is that, that it is not possible to make a
solution of anxieties.
Now, Arjuna, he cannot be a false pretender. He frankly says, "My dear Arjuna, the system of yoga which you
have prescribed," yo 'yam yogas tvaya proktah, "the summary description of yoga system which You have
described," samyena madhusudana... Krsna's another name is Madhusudana. Madhusudana means He killed
one demon whose name was Madhu. Therefore God's names are different according to different activities of
God. God has got innumerable names because He has got innumerable activities. Suppose we are part and
parcel of God. We have got innumerable... We cannot remember how many activities, how much activities we
are engaged in, that, from our childhood up to this time. So just think about God. He is unlimited; therefore
His activities are also unlimited. So He has got unlimited names also. Krsna, of course, is the chief name, but
He has got many other unlimited names also. So one of the names of Madhusudana. Madhusudana means He
killed a demon, a very great demon. Therefore since then, His name is Madhusudana. So what is the purpose of
"Madhusudana"? Why he is addressing... He could address, "Krsna," directly because he is more known to
Krsna as friend, Krsna and Arjuna. Why he is asking, why he is saying, "Madhusudana"? That means this mind
is as a big demon, just like Madhu. If it is possible to kill the demon, then we can attain yoga. You see? That,
the particular purpose of Madhusudana, that "You are a killer of Madhu demon. Now I think my mind is
stronger than this Madhu demon. So if You can kill it, then it is possible for me to accept this yoga system."
The mind is so agitated.
cancalam hi manah krsna
pramathi balavad drdham
tasyaham nigraham manye
vayor iva suduskaram
He is describing his deficiencies that "My dear Krsna, my mind is so much restless, agitated," cancala...
Cancala means restless. Cancalam hi manah krsna pramathi. Pramathi means just like a madman, pramathi,
without any brain, pramathi, and balavat, and very strong. Oh, my mind is dragging to somewhere else. I am
trying: "No, mind, don't go there." Oh, no, mind says, "No. I must go. I must go." And sometimes we agree.
"All right, let me go." So it is very strong. So Arjuna is saying, tasyaham nigraham. Now, you have... The whole
process of your yoga system is, the sum and substance of yoga system is, to control the mind. The agitated
mind should be controlled, and the mind has to be focused on the Supersoul. That is the whole purpose of
yoga. Now, Arjuna says that tasyaham nigraham manye. The mind is so agitated that to cut down the mind is
as impossible as you want to stop a hurricane. Suppose there is hurricane. It is blowing so strongly, and if one
stands before the hurricane and spreading his han..., "No, I will stop it," is it possible? No. Just see.
Now, you can just imagine Arjuna, five thousand years before, and he was understanding Bhagavad-gita from
Krsna his friend. Just imagine what is his qualification. He is direct friend of Krsna, and he is a great warrior.
He has got administrative capacity, and at the same time his knowledge... Comparing his knowledge, this
Bhagavad-gita he understood within one hour. This Bhagavad-gita, which is not understood in one life at the
present moment, he understood this Bhagavad-gita in one hour. So how much intelligent he was. And he
belong to the royal family. All facilities were there. And he... He is accepting that "It is not possible for me."
But do you think what was impossible for Arjuna five thousand years before in such favorable circumstances,
is it possible for you to discharge? Do you belong to the Arjuna category? No. We are thousand times lower
than Arjuna's category. And what was impossible for Arjuna, do you think it is possible for you? Any sane man
will do that thing, that, what was... In a Bengal, Bengali payar(?) (proverb?) there is a very nice comparison
like this, that bara bara ghonai gela rasatal beta gonra bale kata jala.(?) That means... You know. The animals,
they can swim over the river. So there was a big, overflowing river. So at that time there was no such carrying
boats and ships, so everyone had to cross river either by small boats or by swimming. So generally the animals
were allowed to swim over, to cross over the other part, other bank, and men, they took small boats and they
would... Now, there was very good current, so many horses, they swept away by the current. And one lean and
thin horse came. He is asking, "Let me know how much water this is?" You see? So similarly, if what was
impossible for Arjuna, such a stalwart, such an advanced and, I mean to say, in every respect, and directly a
friend of Krsna, he is admitting that "Krsna, this process is not possible for me. Oh, I am a military man. I have
to look after the administrative affairs. So how can I concentrate my mind in that way which you have
prescribed? So it is not possible for me." He flatly denied. He flatly denied.
And he never attempted it also because from the history of Mahabharata we don't find that Arjuna ever went
for meditation of the yoga system. No, never. But still, he was certified by Krsna that "You are the only man to
understand Bhagavad-gita. You are the only man." Why? Bhakto 'si: "Because you are My devotee." Priyo 'si:
"You are My very dear friend." So with such a nice certificate and such favorable condition, still, he refused.
cancalam hi manah krsna
pramathi balavad drdham
tasyaham nigraham many
vayor iva suduskaram

Vayor iva: "Just it is impossible to control the hurricane wind, similarly, it is impossible for me to control my
mind. It is not possible." Then? How to control the mind? That, the same thing, Krsna consciousness. You can
control the mind if you fix up your mind always in Krsna. That is the only remedy. Sa vai manah krsna-
padaravindayor vacamsi vaikuntha-gunanuvarnane. That is the only perfect yoga. Our subject matter for
today's lecture is perfect yoga. This Krsna consciousness is the perfect form of yoga system. That is admitted
five thousand years before. At that time there was all circumstances, very good. And in the sastra also, it is said
that
krte yad dhyayato visnum
tretayam yajato makhaih
dvapare paricaryayam
kalau tad dhari-kirtanat
You'll find in the Srimad-Bhagavatam, Twelfth Canto, Sukadeva Gosvami is recommending to Maharaja
Pariksit that krte yad dhyayato visnum. In the Satya-yuga when people used to live for ten millions of years, at
that time this yoga system was nice, for that time. Krte yad dhyayato visnum. What was achieved, the success

which was achieved in the Satya-yuga by this yoga process of meditation was achieved in the next yuga, Treta-
yuga, yajato makhaih, by offering great sacrifices, and the same success was achieved in the next yuga,
Dvapara-yuga, by worshiping, temple worship. And the same success you can achieve simply by chanting hari-
kirtanam. So this is the perfect form of yoga.
krte yad dhyayato visnum
tretayam yajato makhaih
dvapare paricaryayam
kalau tad dhari-kirtanat
So, now, Arjuna flatly says that "My dear Krsna, the process which You have described is very nice process. But
so far I am concerned, I admit that it is not possible for me. It is not possible." Now, we have to think that
"What was not possible for Arjuna in such favorable conditions, and five thousand years before, how it is
possible for me, a tiny living entity and disturbed by so many things at the present moment. My..." Krte yad
dhyayato visnum. They used to live for ten millions of years, and it is very difficult to live for fifty years or
sixty years at the present moment. Utmost, a man lives eighty years. That's all. Then again, we are not such
much advanced. We are always disturbed in our circumstances. There is disease; there is war; there is
pestilence; there is famine -- so many disturbances. So our duration of life is smaller, and at the same time, we
are disturbed, and we are not intelligent, and we are unfortunate at the same time. At the present moment, you
will find, 80% people, they are unfortunate. If we compare what is fortune or misfortune, then we'll find, in
every country, 80% people, they are unfortunate, and therefore this world is getting to Communism because
they are fighting. They are fighting. So this is the condition of the present day.
How can you perform this such difficult process of yoga which was refused by Arjuna? That is my proposal. It
is not possible. If you are attempting such difficult process in a pseudo way, then you can be satisfied in your
own way, but you will never achieve success of the yoga system. You must know it clearly. So yoga system is
not possible in this age. If you want to prosecute any yoga system, this bhakti-yoga, Krsna consciousness, and
chanting Hare Krsna... That is recommended in Vedic scripture, that is introduced by great authority like
Caitanya Mahaprabhu, and you will find in the Bhagavad-gita,
mahatmanas tu mam partha
daivim prakrtim asritah
bhajanty ananya-manaso
jnatva bhutadim avyayam [Bg. 9.13]
satatam kirtayanto mam

yatantas ca drdha-vratah
namasyantas ca mam bhaktyanitya-yukta upasate [Bg. 9.14]
Satatam kirtayanto mam. Always glorifying, they are mahatmas. They are great souls. If you want to be great
soul in terms of the Vedic literature, in terms of Bhagavad-gita, in terms of great saints and sages, then you
have to adopt this Krsna consciousness and chanting of Hare Krsna. No other process will be possible. It is not
impossible. Just imagine. A personality like Arjuna, with all facilities of life and five thousand years before the
circumstances were different, and still, he denied. So yoga system... Actually, if you simply making a show,
showbottle of meditation, if you are satisfied, oh, that is a different thing. Make yourself a showbottle. But
showbottle demonstration will not make you successful. It is clearly according to Bhagavad-gita. Showbottle
demonstration will not make you successful. You have to be really bottle of medicine. Then it will cure. You
know... Of course I... Here is not...
In India we have got some showbottles in the medicine shop. Some red water put into the big bottle and with
electric light. That means advertisement: "Here is a bottle of medicine." But that is a showbottle, red water. So
red water will not cure the disease. You must have really, actually, a mixture, fever mixture. But that fever
mixture is very difficult.
Now, Krsna says... Krsna does not say, "Oh, you are My friend. You are so favorably situated. How you deny
it? No, no. You cannot deny it." Now, He gave so much stress on the fighting -- "Oh, you are ksatriya. You
must fight" -- but so far the yoga system, He gave him the idea -- "This is the yoga system" -- but He is not
stressing. He says,

asamsayam maha-baho
mano durnigraham calam
abhyasena tu kaunteyavairagyena ca grhyate
"Yes, I admit. It is very difficult." He also said, "Yes, My dear Arjuna, it is very difficult." Asamsayam maha-
baho: "Oh, you are mighty-armed, mighty soldier. But still I think it is... What you are saying, it is nice. It is
really fact." Asamsayam maha..., mano durnigraham calam: "Mind is very difficult to control. Yes, what you are
saying... But it can be controlled." How? Abhyasena tu kaunteya: "If you practice, the mind can be controlled."
So the controlling of the mind by practice... Vairagyena. Vairagyena means by renunciation. Vairagya means
renunciation. And what is that renunciation? Oh, I cannot renounce even smoking. I cannot renounce even
drinking so many things. I cannot renounce so many things, but still, I am going to yoga class for practice. Is it
possible? So many rules and regulations are there, and I am unable to give up even the small thing, smoking.
Here it is said, vairagyena. There is a, I mean to say, big list of vairagya: "You cannot do this, you cannot do
this, you cannot do this, you cannot do this..." And the whole list is summarized that "You cannot have any
illicit connection with woman, you cannot eat any nonvegetarian dish, you cannot be addicted, any kind of
intoxication, and you cannot take part in any kind of gambling." At least these four things... These four things
include everything, all kinds of vairagya. So we have to test how much we have been able to discard these
things. Then vairagya. Then I can control my mind. Controlling mind is not so easy thing that I go to the store
and purchase something. No.
Abhyasena tu kaunteya vairagyena ca grhyate. So this vairagya can be very easily practiced when you are in
Krsna consciousness. We are practically seeing. These four things our students have very easily given up
because they are serious about Krsna consciousness. This is not advertisement. You can ask. There are many
students here who have taken up this, I mean to say, philosophy very seriously, and they find it easy. Oh, they
find it easy. Vairagya automatically becomes. It is such a nice thing. It is such a nice thing that easily you
become detestful to all these things. We do not discourage, I mean to say, sex life, but we discourage illicit
connection with man and woman. Sex life cannot be discouraged. Because you have got this body, material
body, sex desire is a demand. We have to satisfy; otherwise we shall go ill. As we have to eat something, as we
have to sleep for some time, so sex life is also required. So we cannot discourage it, neither all the Vedic
literatures discourage. But Vedic literatures cannot allow you... If you actually serious about advancement of
spiritual life, then you cannot encourage illicit connection, no. I request all my young students that "You get
yourself married." And recently I have performed myself one marriage ceremony. Two of my students, they
have been married actually. So we don't discourage what is necessity, but we cannot allow illicit things. So
these are called vairagya.
So vairagya means we have to regulate our life. Unless you regulate your mind... The mind is always agitated,
and if we be addicted to all these things, then more agitation will come. If you have got illicit connection with
woman, oh, the mind will be always agitated. If we are intoxicated, oh, mind will be more agitated. If you don't
take, I mean to say, foodstuff in the goodness, very strong and pungent and animal foodstuff, then our mind
will be more agitated. And so far gambling is concerned, oh, sometimes we have to commit suicide. There are
history of gambling clubs that when a person loses everything he commits suicide and he is thrown away. I
have heard that in Europe there are many clubs. They go for gambling, and they lose everything, whatever, and
they commit suicide. And the club proprietor throws him in the street. There is no law. I have heard. Of
course, I do not know. You may know better than me.
So if we want to control the mind, then we have to adopt these regulative principles of life. Not that we have to
give up, but we have to make regulated. Vairagya. Then it will be possible to adopt. And the best thing is that
engage your mind always in Krsna consciousness. We are trying to engage our students twenty-four hours
either in this way or that way, this way or that way, in Krsna consciousness. That is samadhi, trance,
transcendental situation. You can eat, you can enjoy, you can dance, you can see, you can work -- all things for
Krsna consciousness. That will automatically make you renounced order of life. But if you try to follow this
yoga system which was possible in the Satya-yuga some millions of years before, and if you want to adopt that,
oh, it is not possible. If you want to be satisfied becoming a showbottle, then that is a different thing. Remain a
showbottle. But if you want really actual success, then you cannot adopt that process. (Lecture on the
Bhagavad-gita 6.32-40 on Sept 14th, 1966 in Los Angeles)

Lesson 30: Vyuha 4 – Yoga ladder
Action items for the Bhakti Vriksha sevak

1. Ensure that members have the understanding that Krsna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead and
regarding the position of the devatas
2. Teach Guruvandana prayers (sri guru carana padma...) on a non-Bhakti Vriksha program day. Provide a
copy of the Guruvandana prayer song to members - please refer to Vaisnava song book for a copy of the
song.

Lesson 31: Topmost yoga

Flow of the Program
Link
Last week we discussed what yoga is. Today we will discuss what the topmost yoga system is.
Aim
The aim of this week is to make the participants understand that bhakti is the topmost yoga system.
Ice Breaker
Question: What is the best thing you have ever aqcuired?
Summary: We always desire to acquire the best of everything and we cherish that which is the best. Similarly
of all yoga,we will see which one is the best.
Points and flow

• Bhajate – Means to serve. Worship can mean only adoring or giving respect but to serve with love and
faith is different
• Worship can be for demigods but bhajate or bhakti is only for the Supreme because we are a part of Him
• Goal of all other yoga is to come to bhakti
• When karma yoga matures it gives knowledge and realisation which is jnana yoga
• When jnana yoga increases in meditation it results in ashtanga yoga
• And when we come to the stage of understanding Krsna in astanga yoga we achieve bhakti
• This is a long path. But if we can come to bhakti directly we are very fortunate. It also means we have
surpassed all these stages
• One who has attained the highest perfection of yoga perceives Him in His Shyamasundara or Bhagavan
feature
Action item for Bhakti Vriksha sevak

Inspire members to perform Tulasi arati at home atleast two times a week.


Devotee: "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."
Prabhupada: Yogi, that is the highest perfectional material condition of life. There are different grades of life
within this material world, but if one establishes himself in the yoga principle, especially in this bhakti-yoga
principle, that means he's living in the most perfectional stage of life. So Krsna is recommending Arjuna, "My
dear friend Arjuna, in all circumstances, you be a yogi, remain a yogi." Yes, go on.
Devotee: "And of all yogis, he who always abides in Me with great faith, worshiping Me in transcendental
loving service, is most intimately united with Me in yoga and is the highest of all."
Prabhupada: Now, here it is clearly stated that of all yogis, there are different kinds of yogis. Ashtanga-yogi,
hatha-yogi, jnana-yogi, karma-yogi, bhakti-yogi. So bhakti-yoga is the highest platform of yoga principles. So
Krsna says here, "And of all yogis." There are different kinds of yogis. "Of all yogis he who always abides in
Me," in Krsna. Me means Krsna says "in Me." That means one who is keeping always in Krsna consciousness,
"abides in Me with great faith, worshiping Me in transcendental loving service is most intimately united with
Me in yoga, and is the highest of all." This is the prime instruction of this chapter, Sankhya-yoga, that if you
want to become perfect yogi of the highest platform, then keep yourself in Krsna consciousness and you
become the first-class yogi.
Devotee: "The Sanskrit word, bhajate, is significant here."
Prabhupada: This word bhajate appears in the original Sanskrit verse,
yoginam api sarvesam
mad-gatenantar-atmana
sraddhavan bhajate yo mam
sa me yuktatamo matah[Bg. 6.47]
This bhajate, this bhajate, this word, Sanskrit word, it comes from the root bhaj, bhaj-dhatu. It is a verb, bhaj-
dhatu. Bhaj means to render service. Bhaja. So this very word is used in this verse, bhaj-dhatu. That means one
who is devotee. Who renders service to Krsna unless he is devotee? Suppose you are rendering service here.
Why? You can render service anywhere, you get thousand dollars or two thousand dollars every month. But
here you come and give your service without any payment. Why? Because out of love of Krsna. Therefore this
bhaj, this service, loving service, is based on love of Godhead. Otherwise why one should waste his time for
nothing? Here these students, they are engaged in so many things. Somebody is gardening, somebody is
typing, somebody is cooking, somebody is cooking, somebody is doing something else, everything. But it is in
connection with Krsna. Therefore the Krsna consciousness is prevailing, always, twenty-four hours. That is the
highest type of yoga. Yoga means to keep your consciousness intact with Visnu or Krsna, the Supreme Lord.
That is the perfection of yoga. Here it is automatically, even the child can do it. The child is coming along with
his mother and bowing down, "Krsna, I bow down." So he is also Krsna conscious. A small child, he's
clapping. Why? "Hey Krsna." So anyway, everyone is remembering always Krsna. Keeping Krsna
consciousness. Even a child here is the highest yogi. It is not our boastfulness. It is stated in authorized
scripture like Bhagavad-gita. We don't say that we have created these words for our boastful. No, it is a fact.
Even a child can keep in the highest platform of yoga practice in this temple. That is the highest gift of this
Krsna consciousness movement. Go on.
Devotee: "Bhajate has its root in the verb bhaj which is used when there is need of service. The English word
"worship" cannot be used in the same sense as bhaja. Worship means to adore, or to show respect and honor
to the worthy one. But service with love and faith is especially meant for the Supreme Personality of Godhead."
Prabhupada: Yes. Worship and rendering service, they are different. Worship means there is some motive. I
worship some friend or some big man. I have some motive, that this big man is a very big businessman and if I
can please him then he may give me some business, I'll derive some profit. So the worship of demigods is like
that. They worship different demigods for some particular purpose. That is condemned in the Bhagavad-gita,
you'll find it in the Eighth Chapter. Kamais tais tair hrta-jnanah prapadyante 'nya devatah [Bg. 7.20]. Those who
have lost their sense, bewildered by lust, they go to worship demigods with a motive. So when we speak of
worship, there is motive. But when we speak of service, there is no motive. Service is love. Just like mother
renders service to the child. There is no motive. It is love only. Everyone can neglect that child, that mother

cannot. Because there is love. Similarly bhaj-dhatu, where there is question of service, there is no question of
motive. That is perfection of Krsna consciousness.
And that is recommended in the Srimad-Bhagavatam. First-class religious principle. What is that? Sa vai
pumsam paro dharmo yato bhaktir adhoksaje [SB 1.2.6]. This bhakti, this bhaja, the same root, that system of
religious principle is first-class. What is that? Yato bhaktir adhoksaje. By performing which one can develop his
God consciousness or love of God. That's all. If you can develop your love of God, you follow any religious
principle, doesn't matter. But the test is how much you are developing your love for God. But if you have got
some motive that by practicing this system of religious system, my material necessities will be fulfilled, that is
not first-class religion. That is third-class religion. The first-class religion is that by which you can develop
your love of Godhead. Ahaituky apratihata. Without any cause and without any impediment. That is first-class.
That is being recommended. This yoga system, Krsna consciousness, even you take it from religious side, this
is first-class. Because there is no motive. They are not serving Krsna to supply them this or that. There may be
this or that, that doesn't matter. They are engaged in—but there is no scarcity of this and that. They get
everything. Don't think that becoming Krsna conscious one becomes poor. No. If Krsna is there, everything is
there, because Krsna is everything. But we should not make any business with Krsna, "Krsna give me this, give
me that." Krsna knows better than you. Just like a child does not demand from the parents, "My dear father,
my dear mother, give me this or give me that." The father knows what is the necessity of the child. So this is
not very good business to ask God, "Give me this, give me that." Why shall I ask? If God is all-powerful, He
knows my wants, He knows my necessities and that is also confirmed in the Vedas. Eko bahuna? vidadhati
kaman. That single one God is supplying all necessities of millions and trillions, innumerable, there is no
count, living entities.
So we should try to love God. Not demand anything. Demand is already supplied. Even the cats and dogs
are getting their necessities. They don't go to the church or ask anything from God, but they are getting. So
why a devotee shall not get? If a cat or dog can get his necessities of life without demanding from God, why
shall I demand from God, that "Give me this, give me that." No. We shall simply try to love Him. That will
fulfill everything. That is called highest platform of yoga
Lecture on the Bhagavad Gita 6.46 – 47 on February 21, 1969,in Los Angeles

Lesson 32: Who begins?

Flow of the Program
Link
Last week we saw that bhakti is the topmost yoga. Today we will discuss who are inclined to take up bhakti
yoga.
Aim
The aim of this week is to help devotees understand the power of bhakti to purify, irrespective of the motive
with which a person takes up bhakti yoga.
Icebreaker
Question: When you are in distress what do you do?
Summary: We generally request for help when in distress. Today we will understand who actually protects
us and helps us when we are in a distressed condition.
Points and flow

• Four kinds of people come to Krsna consciousness - distressed(Gajendra), those who want
money(Dhruva), the inquisitive(four Kumaras) and those who are in search of the Absolute
Truth(Parikshit Maharaja)
• They may not be pure devotees but when they start Krsna consciousness and associate with pure
devotees they gradually become pure
• The distressed understand that there are always miseries, the pursuers of wealth understand that there is
no happiness, the inquisitive understand that Krsna is the end of all questions and a person searching for
the Absolute Truth goes beyond the Brahman and the Paramatma realization to understand Krsna
• Their material desires go away and they become pure. Pure bhakti means no desire for material profit or
search of knowledge
• For miscreants service is very difficult because their lives are selfish, irregular and without spiritual
goals.
• Even miscreants when they come in contact with pure devotees take to bhakti
• Performing devotional services without any motivation enables us to serve Krsna favourably -
‘anukulyena’
• In order to encourage the members, the Bhakti Vriksha sevak should impress upon them that from the
time they started the Krsna consciousness process they have performed pure devotional service at some
points in time, which has helped them increase their commitment to the Krsna consciousness process.
He can quote examples like chanting more rounds, starting to follow ekadasi fasting, offering bhoga,
following regulative principles, and other such activities


Prabhupada: Mayayapahrta-jnana asuram bhavam asritah. Last day we have been discussing four classes of men
who come to God and four classes of men who do not come to God. The four classes of men who do not come
to God, they are impious, foolish, lowest of the mankind, and their knowledge is taken away by the illusory
energy and they are atheists.
na mam duskrtino mudhah
prapadyante naradhamah
mayayapahrta-jnana
asuram bhavam asritah [Bg. 7.15]
We have discussed this point in detail. The next, that four classes of men, arto artharthi jnani ca
bharatarsabha...Arto jijnasur artharthi jnani ca bharatarsa... Four classes of men who are pious but at the same
time distressed, poverty-stricken, and inquirous, and inquisitive of transcendental knowledge, and jnani, and
philosopher, jijnasu, inquisitive and philosopher -- these four classes of men, they come to God.
Now, so far the four classes of men who do not come to God... That means the impious, the foolish, the lowest
of the mankind, whose knowledge has been taken away by the illusory energy, and the atheists. Apart from
these classes of men, the four classes of men who come to God, just like arta, distressed, inquisitive, artharthi...
Artharthi means poverty-stricken. And jnani means philosopher. Now, out of these four classes, Lord Krsna
says, tesam jnani nitya-yukta eka-bhaktir visisyate: "Out of these four classes, men, one who is philosophically
trying to understand the nature of God with devotion, with Krsna consciousness, he is visisyate."
Visisyate means he's specially qualified. He's specially qualified. Priyo hi jnanino 'tyartham aham sa ca mama
priyah. "For a person who is Krsna conscious, at the same time philosophically trying to understand what is
the nature of God, so he is very dear to Me," Krsna says. "He is very dear to Me because he has no other
business than to understand what is God." Others, just like a distressed man, he is in distress, but because he's
pious, therefore he believes in God, he goes to the churches or to the temple or to the mosque and prays, "My
dear Lord, I am very much distressed. Kindly help me." But the difficulty of this person is that God does not
require to be prayed for, asking anything. He is... He is pious, he is distressed, but at the same time, he is
foolish. Why he is foolish? Because he does not know that "God is with me, within my heart. He's sitting along
with me. The soul and the Supersoul, both of them are sitting together. And God knows everything about me.
So I do not require to pray from God to get me out of this distress. He knows everything. Why shall I pray?"
He leaves everything to God. He does not pray. He prays..., he prays to glorify the God, "How great You are,"
not for his personal interest -- "O God, give me my bread. Give me my dress. Give me my shelter." That is also
good. He is better than the person, that mudha, the foolish, the atheist and the lowest of the mankind. He's far
better. Even he is going and asking in the church, "O God, give me my daily bread." But at the same time, he is
less intelligent because he does not know that "God is with me, and He knows everything about me."
Therefore one who is pure devotee, he does not pray to God for any personal interest. Even if he is distressed,
he says, "O Lord, it is Your kindness. You have put me in distress just to rectify me. I would have been put into
more and more, thousand times in distress, but You are giving me little. That's all. That is Your great mercy."
That is his vision. He does not... He's not disturbed. Tulyarthapamanayoh. A person who is in Krsna
consciousness, he doesn't care for all this material distress or insult or honor, because he is aloof from this. He
doesn't... He knows very well that "This designation, this honor, or this insult, they are pertaining to my body,
but I am not this body."
Lecture on Bhagavad-gétä 7.15-18 on October 9, 1966, in New York,

Lesson 33: Ferris wheel

Flow of the Program
Link
Last week we saw the four kinds of pious people who begin to render devotional service to Krsna. Today our
discussion will be centred on persons who worship the demigods (devatas) and what results they get by
worshipping them.
Aim
The aim of this week is to make the participants understand that demigod worship is not necessary and that
Krsna bhakti includes all.
Icebreaker
Question: What will you do when you pray for something and you don’t get it?
Summary: We lose faith or go in search of another one who is more powerful or popular.
Points and flow

• Demigod worshippers actually worship Krsna but in a wrong way, like watering the leaves and branches
of a tree
• Demigods are officers and directors in the government of Krsna
• We follow the government not the officers, so there is no need to worship them
• Trying to worship them for material desires is like bribing them and Krsna doesn’t like it
• The goals achieved by such worship are also temporary (mortal planets)
• We may go to heaven but till we have spiritual realisation we have to keep coming down again and again.
äbrahma-bhuvanäl lokäù punar ävartino 'rjuna [Bg. 8.16]
• Like a ferris wheel we go up sometimes and comedown sometimes
• If we want to achieve perfection we need to go to the spiritual world from where there is no return

1. Teach members to sing Gaura ärati ((kiba) Jaya jaya gaura chander…) on a non-Bhakti Vriksha program
day.Continue over 3 to 4 weeks till the members are comfortable with the song. (Provide print out of Gaura
arati song – please refer to Vaisnava song book for a copy of the song.)
2. Suggest / inspire members to stop smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, tea and coffee, chewing pan and
taking any other forms of intoxication
3. Suggest / inspire members to stop eating meat (including eggs)


trai-vidya mam soma-pah puta-papa
yajnair istva svargatim prarthayante
te punyam asadya surendra-lokam
asnanti divyan divi deva-bhogan (BG 9.20)
Deva-bhogan means this is with reference to the standard of living. As in this world we have got different
standard of living and it may be that your standard of living in America or Europe may be, from material point
of view, very high and standard of living in other country may be lower... Different standard of living there are.
But in other planets also, there are different standard of living. They are called deva-bhogan. That standard of
living we cannot imagine here, in the moon planet and other, surendra-lokam. Surendra-lokam means where
the demigods live. They are also human beings, but they are highly intellectual, and their duration of life is
very long, and their standard of living is very high, most costly. We cannot imagine even.
So they are soma-pah. Soma is a kind of beverage. Just like in this material world we have got different kinds of
liquors. It is not intoxicating, but there is mention. Here in the Bhagavad-gita is also mentioned, soma-pah,
soma-rasa. And in Srimad-Bhagavatam we get information that in the moon planet they also drink this soma-
rasa. But the soma-rasa is not an intoxicant. It is a different thing. Here it is said, soma-pah puta-papah. One
who will drink the soma-rasa, he will be freed from sinful reaction. Just the opposite. Here, just like when we
become intoxicated, we become addicted to so many sinful actions, it is soma-pah. When we drink soma-rasa,
it is just the opposite. We become freed from all sinful reaction. That soma-pah is recommended here also. So
either they try to go to other planets, or they manufacture here soma-pah, soma-rasa. Of course, at the present
moment we have no such facility. But from Bhagavad-gita it is understood that there was a method.
Anyway, the process is mentioned, described in the Vedic literature, trai-vidya. Trai-vidya means Vedas. There
are three kinds of knowledge in the Vedas, trai-vidya: karma-kanda, upasana-kanda, and jnana-kanda. Karma-
kanda means this, how we can adjust material happiness or material living very nice. That is called karma-
kanda. And then upasana-kanda. Upasana-kanda means how to worship the Supreme Lord or the demigod or
different types of... There are demigods. The demigods are living beings like us, but they are very powerful. So
that upasana-kanda, worship of different demigods is also mentioned there in the Vedas. That is called
upasana-kanda. And jnana-kanda. Jnana-kanda means knowledge, philosophical. So therefore Veda is known as
trai-vidya, trayi. Trayi means three kinds of knowledge there are. So the persons who are more or less
materialists -- they are not transcendentalists -- they take shelter of this Vedic trai-vidya, three kinds of
knowledge. And to prepare themselves to be transferred in other planets they become freed from all sinful
reaction.
As I have several times mentioned that your standard of living in America is very nice. So others, people from
other parts, they also try to come here and settle here. But you have got restriction, visa department. There is
restriction department. You do not allow. So similarly, if you want to go to the moon planet, then you have to
qualify yourself. You have to obtain the visa. That is mentioned in the Bhagavad-gita.
yanti deva-vrata devan
pitrn yanti pitr-vratah
bhutani yanti bhutejya
yanti mad-yajino 'pi mam [Bg. 9.25]
So any planet, wherever you want to go... Of course, you may try to go there by sputnik but we have no such
mention in the sastras that you can manufacture some machine and you can go there. You have to qualify
yourself. You have to qualify yourself. Just like even there is machine, jet plane, still, you require the visa to
enter into America or any other country, similarly, even if you can manufacture some machine, although it is
not possible, but you have to qualify yourself to be a resident in the better planets. So those who are after going
to the better planets, sun planet, moon planet, and heavenly planet... There are many. Svargaloka, Janaloka,
Tapoloka, Maharloka. They are in Sanskrit names.
So here it is mentioned, trai-vidya soma-pah puta-papah. They, after preparing themselves to be transferred in
other planets, they become free from all sinful reaction. The higher planet, as you go, you have to become free
from sinful action. The lower grade life and higher grade life in this material world means those who are
proportionately less sinful, they are promoted in higher planets. You cannot be free from sinful reaction in this
material world. There will be some portion, some percentage. So the higher grade life and lower grade life

means those who are proportionately greater sinful, they have got lower grade life, and those who have got
greater pious life, they get higher grade life in higher planets, in Brahmaloka, Janaloka, Tapoloka. Tapoloka
means those who have performed here severe penances, and they are transferred there in Tapoloka. In
Tapoloka, when there is destruction, annihilation of this material world, in the Tapoloka there is no
destruction. They get information, "Now annihilation has begun." There is a great fire, and they still feel that
heat, and at that time they transfer themselves to the spiritual sky. That mention we have got. So yajnair istva
svargatim prarthayante.
So these materialists... Anyone, even if you go to the higher planets, still, you are materialist. Even you go to
the highest planet, Brahmaloka, where the duration of life you cannot calculate, still there is death. The
material pangs, birth, death, old age and disease, there is. So in the Bhagavad-gita we get all this information,
where other planets are, what is the condition. Simply we have to know it from this book. Similarly, we have
got information of the supreme planet Krsnaloka, or the planet of Krsna, where you can go. The Lord says, yad
gatva na nivartante tad dhama paramam mama: [Bg. 15.6] "The planet where going you have no more to come
back." Now, these planets, these material planets, as it is mentioned here, surendra-loka... Surendra means
highly qualified demigods, their planets. Surendra-lokam asnanti. Asnanti means they enjoy. And what do they
enjoy? Divyan divi deva-bhogan. They enjoy godly comforts, deva-bhogan.
Now, Lord Krsna says, then what is after? The after result is, is said here,
te tam bhuktva svarga-lokam visalam
ksine punye martya-lokam visanti
evam trayi-dharmam anuprapanna
gatagatam kama-kama labhante [Bg. 9.21]
So those who are so materially attached, their business is that they qualify themselves to be promoted in higher
planets, undoubtedly. And there... Te tam bhuktva svarga-lokam visalam. And they enjoy life for a very, very
long duration of life and godly facilities. That's all right. But ksine punye martya-lokam visanti [Bg. 9.21]. Then,
when their pious, I mean to say, asset of pious activities finished, then they are again driven out from that
planet; they come to here, this material, I mean say, earthly planet. And again they try here. Again they try here
by sacrifices, by other means, to go there. So Lord Krsna says these materialists, they, gatagatam kama-kama
labhante, sometimes up, sometimes down. This is going on, sometimes up, sometimes down. Just like... What
is called, that wheel? Sometimes go up, the boys enjoy in this way. What is the name of that wheel?
Devotee: Ferris wheel.
Prabhupada: Oh. So it is something like that. Sometimes you go, sarva-ga, sarva-ga. Sarva... Jiva. Jiva means
the living entities, they have got a propensity to go from here to there, there to here. That is their... Because
they are living force, they cannot stay at one place. That is not their nature. Even in this life also, you
Americans, you try to go to India; the Indians try to come here or some other country. This is nature. In the
birds, beasts, everywhere, they want to transfer in some different... So it is going on. So the materialists who
want to go to the higher planets by pious activities, they can go there, but they will have to come back again.
But what is the idea of going there? The idea of going there is the materialists, they are always seeking of better
comforts of life. There is no limit, where is better comfort. In this earth also, people are trying, advancement of
material... Just like in your city I see very nice building. They are being dismantled, very strong, nice buildings.
When I go to the Chamber side. I see that one very nice building, very strong building. But you think that
"After dismantling this building, we shall prepare another skyscraper covered by nice glasses and we will be
comfortable." That is the idea. You see?
So materialists, they do not know where their advancement of material civilization will be perfect. They do not
know that. Na te viduh svartha-gatim hi visnum [SB 7.5.31]. That perfection will never come, but they are after
that perfection, dismantling and building. And after fifty years they will dismantle this building and prepare
another kind of building. That will be... At that time further material advancement will be there. So this is
going on, gatagatam. Gatagatam means, what is called, stereotyped. Everyone is going. The exact Hindi word is
variyagasan(?). They call variyagasan. Variyagasan means that the goats, the goats, the goat merchant, they are
taking to the slaughterhouse, and they are going hither and thither. But if one goat enters the door, all the
variyas, they will enter. You see? So because one has entered... But nobody will consider that he has entered
the slaughterhouse. No. "One has entered; therefore let us enter all." This is advancement. "Oh, one has

entered; therefore I must enter also. I do not care where I am entering. That I do not know." So this is going
on, gatagatam.
Gatagatam kama-kama labhante. Kama-kamah means sense gratification. Sense gratification. But
transcendentalists, they have understood that "This sense gratification process will not help me." This is called
Krsna consciousness. One must understand perfectly well that this process of sense gratification, variyagasan,
that will not help me. He is very intelligent. I will have to search out something else, not this sense
gratification. So long I have got a pinch of desire for sense gratification, I will have to take this material body.
And as soon as I have got this material body, then all of the material miseries are along with it. So those who
are serious about, that "I do not want any more..." But we have become callous. We don't think that "What is
miseries of...?" But those who are actually in knowledge, those who want to live, those who want to have
perfect knowledge, those who want to have blissful life, they understand that "This material existence, either
this Svargaloka or the heavenly planet or this planet or that, will never give me happiness. I will have to... As
Krsna informs herein, that yad gatva na nivartante tad dhama paramam mama [Bg. 15.6], I will have to enter
the kingdom of God, spiritual planet, where going I will have not to return back again to accept this material
body."
That seriousness, one who has taken that serious attitude, they can actually perform this Krsna consciousness
very nicely. But those who are still under the impression that "Material advancement will make me happy,"
they are still under the spell of illusion. Daivi hy esa gunamayi mama maya duratyaya [Bg. 7.14]. This planet,
that planet, that planet, that planet, that planet. But in no planet nowhere you can have perfect peace of life.
That is impossible. Therefore those who are intelligent, those who are by God's grace, Krsna's grace, or by
good association one who can understand that "This sort of life is not desirable. I must perform drdha-vrata,
with great determination and vow, in this life so that yad gatva na nivartante [Bg. 15.6], I may be transferred
into the Krsnaloka planet where going I shall not have to return back..." Now, the materialist says, "All right,
you do not know whether you are going or not. You are giving up this material enjoyment. You are simply
living on capatis. Oh, we have got so many palatable dishes, and you are not enjoying this. You are fool." So to
these poor devotees who are taking capatis, the Lord says a very nice thing. What is that?
ananyas cintayanto mam
ye janah paryupasate
tesam nityabhiyuktanam
yoga-ksemam vahamy aham [Bg. 9.22]
Well, materialist, Mr. materialist, you have to work very hard. But here the assurance is from the Lord that
"Those who are unflinching and cent percent devoted in the transcendental service of Me, for them I take
charge of the maintenance, all comforts." Nityabhiyuktanam yoga-ksemam vahamy aham [Bg. 9.22].
Now, this sloka is very important for the devotees. There was a great devotee. His name was Anandacarya. So
when he was writing commentaries on this particular sloka, verse, he saw that tesam nityabhiyuktanam yoga-
ksemam vahamy aham [Bg. 9.22], the Lord says that "I myself take the burden and take the load on my head,
and I deliver them to my devotees, what they require, what they require. He doesn't require to go outside. I
myself go and deliver the goods, whatever he requires." This is written here. Tesam nityabhiyuktanam. Those
who are cent percent engaged in the loving service of the Lord, tesam nityabhiyuktanam yoga-ksemam vahamy
aham [Bg. 9.22]. Yoga means what is required by him, and ksemam means what he has got, he requires to be
protected. So these two things the Lord takes charge, that "I personally do it." For whom? Ananyas cintayanto
mam. Those who have no other thought than Krsna, Krsna conscious. Ananyas cintayanto mam. Ye janah
paryupasate, and engaged in that way always. He has no other business, simply Krsna. For him these things the
Lord does. It is specifically mentioned here. Therefore this is an encouragement. This is an encouragement by
the Lord that "Do not think that because you are not trying for going to the other planet you will be unhappy.
You will have happiness." What is happiness? Happiness is within your mind. If you are assured of your
peaceful existence and the next life you are transferred to the supreme planet, or supreme place, then that is
happiness, not for trying life after life to adjust happiness. Here is an assurance.
Now this Arjunacarya...that's a very nice story. When he was writing commentaries, oh, he thought, "How is
that Lord will come Himself and deliver the goods? Oh, it is not possible. He might be sending through some
agent." So he wanted to cut vahamy aham, "I bear the burden and deliver." He wrote in a way that "I send some
agent who delivers." So that Arjunacarya went to take bath, and in the meantime two boys, very beautiful boys,

they brought some very nice foodstuff in large quantity. And in India there is a process to taking two sides
burden on the bamboo. Just like a scale it is balanced. So these two boys brought some very highly valuable
foodstuff and grains and ghee, and his wife was there. And the boys said, "My dear mother, Arjunacarya has
sent these goods to you. Please take delivery." "Oh, you are so nice boy, you are so beautiful boys, and he has
given. And Acarya is not so cruel. How is that? He has given so much burden to you, and he is not kind...?"
"Oh, I was not taking, and just see, he has beaten me. Here is cane mark. Oh, see." His wife became very much
astonished, that "Acarya is not so cruel. How he has become so cruel?" So she was thinking in that way. Then
"All right, my dear boys. You come on." And gave him shelter. And, "No. I shall go because Arjunacarya again
comes. He will chastise us." "No, no. You sit down, take foodstuff." He(she) prepared foodstuff, and then they
went away. And when Arjunacarya came back, then he saw that his wife is eating. Because it is the system of
Indian families that after the husband has taken the food, the wife will take. So they don't take together. After
the family members -- the boys and the husband is sumptuously fed -- then the housewife takes.
So Arjunacarya, "Oh, you are taking food? What is that?" No. He did not. I am mistaken. Sorry. He said that
"You are..." So the wife said, "Acarya, you have become so much cruel nowadays?" "Oh, what is that?" "Two
boys, very nice boys, they have brought so many foodstuff. You loaded on their head, and they denied to take
it, and you have beaten them, chastised?" He said, "No. I have never done this. Why shall I do it?" Then she
described, "Oh, such a nice beautiful boy." Then Arjunacarya understood that "Because I wanted that God
does not deliver, so He has delivered these goods, and because I cut these alphabets that He does not give
personally, so He has shown that beating mark."
There is an incident in southern India of Yamunacarya. That story is there. Of course, you may believe or not
believe. That's a different thing. But here the Lord says that "I personally deliver." So those who are in Krsna
consciousness, those who are actually busy in the matter of discharging their duties as a Krsna conscious
person, they may be assured that so far their living condition is concerned or their comforts of life is
concerned, that is assured by the Lord. There will be no hampering. Thank you very much.
Lecture on Bhagavad-gétä 9.20-22 on December 6, 1966 in New York

Lesson 34: Demigods

Flow of the Program
Link
Last week we discussed about demigod worship and the results of doing that. Today we will discuss about
some of the major demigods (devatas).
Aim
The aim of this week is to make the participants understand that demigods are the medium and it is Krsna
who grants them the power. We also understand the position of Brahma, Shiva, Durga and Ganesha.
Icereaker
Question: If you want to thank someone who will you thank and for what?
Summary: We need to thank someone who really helps us and not just the medium.
Points and flow

Please give a lecture on the four demigods as per the material, and conclude in such a way that you can
link up with the next week’s edification.
It will be a class and less of interaction as we are covering a huge topic.
Action items for Bhakti Vriksha sevak

Provide printout of Handout on demigods, which contains the prayers to be offered to demigods.


Lord Siva
Lord Śiva is the greatest soul among the living entities within this material world, his name, Śiva, is very
auspicious for persons who identify the body with the soul. If such persons take shelter of Lord Śiva, gradually
they will understand that they are not the material body but are spirit soul. Śiva means maṅgala, or auspicious.
Within the body the soul is auspicious. Ahaṁ brahmāsmi: “I am Brahman.” This realization is auspicious. As
long as one does not realize his identity as the soul, whatever he does is inauspicious. Śiva means “auspicious,”
and devotees of Lord Śiva gradually come to the platform of spiritual identification, but that is not all.
Auspicious life begins from the point of spiritual identification. But there are still more duties—one has to
understand one’s relationship with the Supreme Soul.
In the Vamana Purana it is said that the same Visnu expands Himself as Brahma and Siva to direct the different
qualities.
As Srila Prabhupada says in Srimad-Bhagavatam (3.9.16), purport,
“Of the three principal agents controlling the three modes of material nature, Visnu is the Almighty; even
though He is within material nature for the purpose of maintenance, He is not controlled by the laws of
material nature. The other two, Brahma and Siva, although almost as greatly powerful as Visnu, are within the
control of the material energy of the Supreme Lord.
Siva is superior to Brahma, who is an empowered soul (jiva), but Siva is not quite on the same level as Visnu. It
is therefore said that Siva is a unique living being who merits his own category, known as siva-tattva.”
To clarify Lord Siva’s position, the Brahma-samhita (5.45) offers an analogy: “When milk is transformed by
acids into yogurt, the yogurt is neither the same as nor different from the milk. I adore the primeval Lord
Govinda [Krsna, Visnu], of whom Lord Siva is a transformation for performing the work of destruction.”
Though milk and yogurt are essentially nondifferent, yogurt is a product of milk. One can use milk to make
ghee, cheese, ice cream, or yogurt, but one cannot turn yogurt into milk. Clearly, then, Siva’s divinity is
intimately connected with, even dependent upon, his relationship to Visnu.
SrilaJiva Gosvami, in his Bhakti-sandarbha (213)has clearly defined that a pure devotee’s observation of the
spiritual master and Lord Siva as one with the Personality of Godhead exists in terms of their being very dear
to the Lord, not identical with Him in all respects. (Purport to CC. Adi 1.46)
Because Lord Siva is a great devotee of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, he loves all the devotees of the
Supreme Lord. Lord Siva told the Pracetas that because they were devotees of the Lord, he loved them very
much. Lord Siva was not kind and merciful only to the Pracetas; anyone who is a devotee of the Supreme
Personality of Godhead is very dear to Lord Siva. Not only are the devotees dear to Lord Siva, but he respects
them as much as he respects the Supreme Personality of Godhead. (Purport to Bhag. 4.24.30)
Srila Prabhupada comments, “Lord Siva is important because he is holding on his head the holy Ganges water,
which has its origin in the footwash of Lord Visnu.
Lord Bramha
"Learned scholars in transcendental subjects have carefully analyzed the summum bonum Krsna to have sixty-
four principal attributes. All the expansions or categories of the Lord possess only some percentages of these
attributes. But Sri Krsna is the possessor of the attributes cent percent. And His personal expansions such as
svayam-prakasa, tad-ekatma up to the categories of the avataras who are all visnu-tattva, possess up to ninety-
three percent of these transcendental attributes. Lord Siva, who is neither avatara nor avesa nor in between
them, possesses almost eighty-four percent of the attributes. But the jivas, or the individual living beings in

different statuses of life, possess up to the limit of seventy-eight percent of the attributes. In the conditioned
state of material existence, the living being possesses these attributes in very minute quantity, varying in terms
of the pious life of the living being. The most perfect of living beings is Brahma, the supreme administrator of
one universe. He possesses seventy-eight percent of the attributes in full. All other demigods have the same
attributes in less quantity, whereas human beings possess the attributes in very minute quantity. The standard
of perfection for a human being is to develop the attributes up to seventy-eight percent in full. The living being
can never possess attributes like Siva, Visnu or Lord Krsna. A living being can become godly by developing the
seventy-eight-percent transcendental attributes in fullness, but he can never become a God like Siva, Visnu or
Krsna. He can become a Brahma in due course." (Srimad-Bhagavatam 1:3:28 Purport)
Durga Devi
The personification of Krsna's internal energy is Srimati Radharani, Krsna's eternal consort, the essence of
loving devotional service to God. The personification of Krsna's external energy is Durga Devi, or Maya, the
goddess of material energy. Although Durga Devi is herself a great devotee of the Lord, it is her job to guard
the spiritual world by keeping out the living entities who are not yet spiritually pure. She does this by enticing
them with sense enjoyment in the material world.
The Brahma-samhita (5.43), one of the oldest scriptures known to man, describes four levels of existence: The
highest is Krsna's own abode, the kingdom of God in its most profound manifestation; just below that is Hari-
dhama, the place of the other spiritual planets; lower still is Mahesa-dhama, the dwelling place of Siva and his
devotees; and finally there is Devi-dhama, the material world, where the Mother of the Universe, the Goddess,
controls the living entities who have chosen to try to enjoy separately from Krsna. Devi-dhama consists of
fourteen planetary systems, from the lowest planet in the material world to the highest.
The Brahma-samhita (5.44) gives information about the queen of the cosmos:
The Supreme Lord's external potency, who is the shadow of His knowledge potency, is
worshiped by all people as Durga, the creating, preserving, and destroying agent of this
mundane world. I adore the primeval Lord Govinda, in accordance with whose will
Durga conducts herself.
This verse identifies the presiding deity of Devi-dhama as Durga (whose name means "fort").
Durga is also identified with prakrti (material nature) and maya (illusion). Indeed, two of her more popular
names are Mulaprakrti ("The Embodiment of Primordial Matter") and Mahamaya ("The Great Illusion").
In Bhagavad-gita (9.10) Krsna says,mayadhyaksena prakrtih suyate sa-caracaram: "The material energy [prakrti]
is working under My direction, O son of Kunti, and is producing all moving and unmoving beings." Prakrti is
Durga. So Krsna is in control, giving direction to Durga, His subordinate. And when one doesn't acknowledge
that, Durga becomes Mahamaya she places us under illusion.
In illusion we conditioned beings of this world eagerly take shelter of Durga and her domain. In the Caitanya-
caritamrta (Madhya 21.53), Srila Prabhupada writes, "For material facilities, the conditioned soul tries to
please the goddess Durga, and mother* Durga supplies all kinds of material facilities. Because of this, the
conditioned souls are allured and do not wish to leave the external energy."
Lord Ganesha
vakratunda mahakaya suryakoti samaprabha
nirvighnam kuru me deva sarvakaryesu sarvada
Translation: “Vinayaka (Ganesa) is effulgent like millions of suns. In all our matters, we pray to him to remove
all our hurdles and impediments.”
Ganesa is a benign and helpful deity who brings success and assures worldly well-being.
dustanam vighnakarta sucarita

sujanastoma vighnapaharta
tasmad vighnadhipo ‘ham mata iti

sudhiyam spastam ajnapanaya |

paulastyecchantarayahsuramuninikararthasta sampraptyupayah
sroyovighnadhirajah pradisatu
satatam bhuri gauri tanujah ||
Dustanam vighnakarta Vinayaka states: “I spoil the intentions of the bad, wicked and evil-minded people.”
sucarita sujanastoma vighnapaharta “I am the destroyer of the hurdles on the path of sadhus, pious people.”
Tasmad vighnadhipo ‘ham “Therefore I am called the king of hurdles.”
The truth is that Ganesa removes all obstacles on the path of pious, satvik souls, and creates hurdles on the
path of evil persons.
The Brahma-samhita (5.50) explains how Ganesa derives his power to remove obstacles from the Supreme
Personality of Godhead, Govinda:
yat-pada-pallava-yugam vinidhaya kumbha-

dvandve pranama-samaye sa ganadhirajah
vighnan vihantum alam asya jagat-trayasya
govindam adi-purusam tam aham bhajami
Translation: “I worship the primeval Lord, Govinda. Ganesa always holds His lotus feet upon the pair
of tumuli protruding from his elephant head in order to obtain power for his function of destroying all
obstacles on the path of progress in the three worlds.”
A devotee who is aspiring to obtain pure devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead may pray
to Ganesa to remove all impediments on the path

Lesson 35: Three modes of material nature

Flow of the Program
Link
Last week we discussed about the demigods. We saw how they control the three modes of material nature
and they are inturn touched by these three modes. Today we will discuss about these three modes.
Aim
The aim of this week is to make the participants understand about the three modes of material nature.
Icebreaker
Question: When was the last time you got angry? What did you do? What was the outcome?
Summary: We all have some habits which seem to control us. Today we will see their source.
Points and flow

• Everything in the material world goes through the six changes – birth, growth, maintenance, production
of by-products, dimunition and destruction
• Guna means ‘a rope that binds us’. The three modes of material nature and how they bind us -
 sattva – mode of goodness (symbolized by knowledge). Sattva is also binding because it makes us
proud and content
 rajas – mode of passion (symbolized by hankering). Rajas binds us through our desires for various
things. We keep trying to get better and better things
 tamas – mode of ignorance (symbolized by sleep and laziness). Tamas binds us by sinful activities.
We do things which we are not supposed to do
• The material energy binds us – ‘pa-varga’. Explain about ‘pa-varga’ with the examples given by Srila
Prabhupada
• This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of material nature, is difficult to overcome. But
those who have surrendered unto Me can easily cross beyond it. ‘daivé hy eñä guëa-mayé’ [Bg 7.14]. We
will see this in more detail next week


Pradyumna: (reading) "A living entity is offered a particular type of body as a result of his action in the present
body. These activities are taken into account by superior authority known as daiva, or the authority of God.
This daiva is explained in the Bhagavad-gita as the prime cause of everything, and in the Srimad-Bhagavatam it
is stated that a man takes his next body by daiva-netrena, which means by the supervision of the authority of
the Supreme. In an ordinary sense, daiva is explained as destiny. Daiva supervision gives us a body selected
from 8,400,000 forms. The choice does not depend on our selection, but is awarded to us according to or
destiny."
Prabhupada: So material rasas. That is being experienced in different types of body. Just like somebody wants
to taste fresh blood, flesh and blood. So he's given the next life a body like a tiger, like a other carnivorous
animal, and he tastes very nicely blood and flesh. Nature gives all the facilities.
prakrteh kriyamanani
gunaih karmani sarvasah
ahankara-vimudhatma
kartaham iti manyate [Bg. 3.27]
Prakrti, nature is doing everything. I am desiring something. That means I am contacting, contacting the
certain type of the modes of material nature. This is also explained in the Bhagavad-gita: karanam guna-sangah
asya sad-asad-janma-yonisu. Sad-asad-janma-yoni. Yoni means the source of birth. Mother is called yoni, and
father is called bija. Yatha yoni yatha bijam. According to bijam and according to yoni, we get body. So why
you are getting different types of body? Karanam guna-sangah asya. He is contacting a particular type of the
modes of material nature. There are three modes of material nature: sattva-guna, rajo-guna, tamo-guna. So if I
am associating with sattva-guna, then next life, I'll get a sattva-guna body. Urdhvam gacchanti sattva-stha. [Bg.
14.18] Sattva-guna body means higher standard of life. So similarly, if I am associating with the modes of
passion, then I'll get a body, next life, passionate. If I am associating with ignorance, tamo-guna, jaghanya-
guna-vrtti-stha adho gacchanti tamasah. Tamasah. Tama-vrtti. The jaghanya, the lowest. There are so many
varieties of life. So those who are associating with tamo-guna, drinking, flesh eating, smoking, illicit sex,
gambling... These are the association of tamo-guna. Yatra papas catur-vidha. Where there are four kinds of
sinful activities. So intoxication is sinful activities. That is tamo-guna. Associating with tamo-guna. So
jaghanya-guna-vrtti-stha adho gacchanti tamasah. Those who are associating with tamo-guna, their vrtti, their
habits, are very abominable. Jaghanya. Therefore adho gacchanti. They go downwards.
In this way, everyone is enjoying a particular type of rasa, material rasa... and nature is offering him a
particular type of body. Deha-yogena dehinam. We can enjoy a particular type of rasa... Just like the hogs.
They are relishing the rasa of stool very nicely. You give them nice food, they'll not take. They'll prefer to taste
the stool. Why? Because he has been offered a particular type of body. And this particular type of body has
been offered to him, karanam guna-sangah asya... He has associated with jaghanya, tamo-guna, abominable
tamo-guna. Therefore he has developed a body of a hog, and tasting the juice of stool. This is the way of
transmigration of the soul. Actually, it is the living spirit soul, either hog or dog or a brahmana or a candala or
a cow. This is simply a covering, or... Just like we cover ourself in dream. That is subtle covering. Similarly,
this is also covering. In the Vedas it is said, asango hy ayam purusah. Actually, the living entity, the spirit soul,
is neither hog, neither dog, nor brahmana, nor this, nor that. It is simply a covering. But this covering is
developed by our association with the particular type of modes of nature. Karanam guna-sangah asya sad-asad-
janma-yonisu.
Lecture on the Nectar of Devotion on Oct 20th, 1972 in Vrindavan

Lesson 36: Sublime way to cross the three modes of material nature
Flow of the Program
Link
In the previous week we discussed about the three modes of material nature. Today we will discuss how to
overcome these three modes.
Aim
The aim of this week is to make the participants understand how to cross over these three modes.
Icebreaker
Question: If you were asked to select a place where you would like to live forever, which place will you
choose?
Summary: We always want to choose a place where we will be happy and the spiritual world is the only
place where we can always be happy.
Points and flow
• Both material and spiritual energy are from Krsna
• Material energy is wonderful as it comes from the Supreme and it is difficult to overcome
• A person who is bound can only be helped by a person who is free
• Only Krsna or the spiritual master can help
• The Lord orders the release of the surrendered soul from the clutches of the material nature out of His
causeless mercy and paternal affection for the living entity
• Only Visnu can give liberation. Brahma and Siva also cannot help as they are also under maya
• Siva himself says only Visnu can give liberation
• Expected answers to the application question in the lesson
 Commitment and strict adherence to chanting
 Constantly engaging in Krsna consciousness by thought, word and action
 Constantly identify activities that are self-centered (activities that we do for our sense-gratification) and
dovetail them in the Lord’s service

Ensure members’ understanding of Krsna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead and the position of the
devatas. Clarify as required.

Bhagavad-gītā 7.14 — Hamburg, September 8, 1969

Prabhupāda: ...Vedic civilization, unless one is inquisitive for the solution of the problems, he is not on the
human being standard. Because there are so many problems. The animals cannot inquire, but a man can
inquire. So unless one comes to this point, to inquire how these problems can be solved, he's not developed to
human consciousness. He's still in the animal consciousness. Actually, the problem is that... What is this
human civilization, advanced civilization? They are trying to solve problems. One problem is presented, and
they try to solve it. Just like at the present moment they have manufactured atomic bomb, and all the nations
are anxious to keep peace, and they have started that United Nations organization to solve the problem.
Although they are unable, but they are trying. So advancement of civilization means by nature some problem is
offered, and they are trying to solve it. Anything you take, it is an attempt for trying to solve the problem. Just
like in your country there is subway. What is that subway? Because on the surface there is a lot of traffic, to
solve this problem they want to go underground. And in this way somebody thinks, "Oh, Western countries
have advanced than the Eastern countries. They have made some solution." But after that, there is another
problem. So problem after problem.
So what is the ultimate problem? The ultimate problem is we do not want to suffer. That's all. We want
comfortable, peaceful life. This is the ultimate problem. Is it not? Just think over. That is... In Sanskrit
language it is called ātyantika-duḥkha-nivṛttiḥ. Ātyantika-duḥkha-nivṛttiḥ, to solve the problems of miseries.
We don't want any kind of misery. We don't want to suffer. We want very peaceful and joyful life. That is... But
that is not being possible within this material world. That is the problem. The living entity is, by nature, he
wants joyful life... Ānandamayo 'bhyāsāt (Vedānta-sūtra1.1.12). Abhyāsāt means by natural tendency he wants
joyful life. But... There is a song, Bengali song. A poet
writes, sukheralāgiyāeigharabandhilaanalepuriyagelā:(?) "I constructed my home to live very peacefully and
comfortably. All of a sudden, there was set fire and everything vanquished." Just like in America you have got
experience that Mr. Kennedy, he became president after long struggle. He had very nice wife, children, honor,
prestige, everything. And somebody was saying, telling me yesterday, that people took him as a very happy
man. Within a second, all finished. He was driving, he was in procession, people were honoring him, and
within a second—finished.
So everyone is trying to be very happy, comfortable, but it is being finished within a second. Is it not a
fact? Huh? Is there any disagreement on this point? That is the problem. Everyone is trying to solve this
problem in his own way. They are manufacturing different ways only, but the problem is not solved. The
problem is there. Here in America, whenever I meet some gentleman in the street and he understands that I am
coming from India, he says, "Oh, India is very poverty-stricken." You see. So... As if there is no problem in
America. There is one problem, food scarcity. But I told him that "You have got also many problems. You are
not problem-free." So there is... Suppose you have got some pain here. Sometimes we think that "If pain would
have been here, then it would have been nice. Here it is very painful." So pain, here or there, it is pain. You see.
So either you have got problem of food grain or problem of hippies, but the problem is there. A different
feature only. Therefore one should be very much careful to know how to solve the problems. Actually, we are
trying. We are trying to advance in education, in scientific knowledge. In so many things we are trying. The
material nature is offering problems after problem. That is the nature's business. You solve one problem, and
she'll present another problem. First of all, one, somebody thought, "If there is airplane, then it will be very
nice to travel in the space." But now the problem is that by airplane, if there is enmity, another country can
face my country without any fight. So another problem. (laughs) Now they have to go underground. I was
reading in the World Almanac that next hundred years people will live underground. You have read that?
That World Almanac?
Śivānanda: This is taking place in Montreal.
Prabhupāda: Just see. They will come on the surface just to breathe little freely. Otherwise, they will have to
live within underground. So another problem is coming. (chuckles) But intelligent persons should think of
how this ultimate problem can be solved.

So what will be the answer? How ultimate problem can be solved? The problem is there, you agree everyone?
Or you have disagreement, there is no problem. You think there is no problem? Eh? Problem there is, you
think? So how to solve it? They have tried their utmost. It is not solved. Then what is the solution? That
solution is there in the Bhagavad-gītā in the Seventh Chapter. Where isBhagavad-gītā? Is there? No Bhagavad-
gītā here?
Devotee (1): I have one in my case.
Prabhupāda: Hare Kṛṣṇa. Give me my spectacle. Behind that, there is small book. Just up, here. [break]
...seven. Give me that. Hayagrīva, you can come here. Sit down here. Seventh Chapter, fourteenth verse.
Hayagrīva: "This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of material..."
Prabhupāda: Fourteen? That is fourteen?
Hayagrīva: 7.14?
Prabhupāda: Seventh Chapter, fourteenth verse.
Hayagrīva: Fourteenth verse. "This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of material nature, is
difficult to overcome. But those who have surrendered unto Me can easily cross beyond it."
Prabhupāda: This is the solution. This material nature... What is that? Read it again.
Hayagrīva: "This divine energy... This divine energy of Mine..."
Prabhupāda: Yes. This material nature is another energy of Kṛṣṇa, or God. So the energy is very strong. It is
very difficult to surpass the problems put forward by the material energy. What is the exact language?
Hayagrīva: "This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of material nature, is difficult to
overcome."
Prabhupāda: "Is difficult to overcome." There are three modes of material nature: goodness, passion, and
ignorance. But they are very difficult to overcome. And now, what is the solution?
Hayagrīva: "But those who have surrendered unto Me can easily cross beyond it."
Prabhupāda: Yes. The solution is we have to surrender unto the Supreme. Just like if you are arrested by the
police, then it is very difficult to get out of their clutches. But if you are a good citizen, surrendered soul to the
state, there is no problem. The police has nothing to do with you. Is it very difficult to understand? The
problems are there and the problems are under the management of this material nature. So it is not possible to
overcome the stringent laws of material nature, exactly like if you are once arrested by the police department,
it is not very easy to come out. So mām eva yeprapadyante māyām etāṁ taranti te [Bg. 7.14]. So if you want to
get out of these clutches of material nature, which is putting forward problems after problem, then you have to
become a surrendered soul or Kṛṣṇa conscious. Otherwise, material nature is so strong, you think, "Now this
problem is solved," but actually that is not solved. You create another problem. [break] ...there any other
method for solving the problems? Anyone can suggest?
The ultimate problem is, of course, death. Nobody wants to die. Even one is very old man, older than me, and
his body is not working, he's invalid, he cannot walk even, lying on the bed—still, he wants to live. If some
suffering old man, who has so many diseases, invalid person, if you say, "My dear father, grandfather, you are
so much suffering. Let me shoot you." "Oh, no, no, no. Don't shoot me." He doesn't want to die. So death is a
problem. Nobody wants to die, but death comes and captures him, just like President Kennedy, within a
second: (snaps his finger) "Leave this position." Forced. Submit. "Yes. What can I do?" No scientific
advancement of knowledge. Of course, this is also another science, Kṛṣṇa science. But we understand scientific
knowledge, this material scientists, material science. They are also trying. The Russians sometimes say that
"Time will come when science will solve the problems of death. Nobody will die." Let them think like that, but
it is not possible.
That is stated in the Bhagavad-gītā, janma-mṛtyu-jarā-vyādhi-duḥkha-doṣānudarśanam [Bg.13.9]. One who is
actually learned, advanced in knowledge, he should know that these four things, the miseries of taking birth...
The misery of taking birth means we have to take, we have to appear... After this body is finished, we have to
take another body. How this body is constructed, developed? In the womb of the mother. The father gives the

semina with the living entity within, and mother receives it and develops it, body. This is nature's law. So you
have to live within the mother, compact, air-tight packed, for ten months, at least. Just imagine if you are
packed in a bag and put in a air-tight compartment, locked up, would you like? You'll die within three
seconds. But the arrangement is so nice, by nature's law, the intestine, that the mother (child) breathes with
the mother's breathing, mother's fooding. Even unconscious, his development of the body goes on. That is
nature's arrangement, but you cannot do that. It is by God's grace the child lives. Otherwise, by your so-called
scientific calculation, nobody can live in that condition. You just try it. Take any man, pack him, and put him
in the air-tight condition. He'll die within three seconds.
So there is suffering during birth. Similarly, there is suffering during death. These are... And the concomitant
sufferings always with this body. Similarly there is suffering if you are diseased, and similarly there is suffering
when you are old. Just like we are old and some way or other, keeping this body by massaging, by taking some
medicine, this way, that way. This body is no longer just like a young man's body. It is suffering body. As soon
as you are over fifty years, by nature, so the old age begins. And when you are over seventy years, you are
completely old, and you have to suffer the consequences of old age. You may try to keep that old body for...
But there is suffering. A young man cannot understand, but one who is old, he can understand, there is
suffering. Suffering of old age, suffering of birth, suffering of death, and suffering of disease. Janma-mṛtyu-jarā-
vyādhi-duḥkha-doṣānudarśanam [Bg. 13.9]. If you are proud of your advancement of knowledge, that you have
solved all the questions, all the problems, in the Bhagavad-gītā Kṛṣṇa says, "Don't think like that. That is your
foolishness. These problems are there. What you can do?" That is learning: "Yes. Problems are not solved. The
problems are there." That is learning. If you have got some problem, and... Just like the rabbits. The rabbits,
when they face one hunter and it understands that "Now my life is in danger," he closes his eyes. He thinks
that "The problem is now solved." (laughs) And peacefully he is killed. (laughs) You see? Similarly, the
problems are there, but we are closing our eyes: "Oh, there is no problem. We are very happy." That's it.
(laughter) So this is called māyā. The problem is not solved, but they are thinking their problem is solved by
closing the eyes. That's all.
Now, here is the solution of problem, as Kṛṣṇa says in the fourteenth verse, Seventh Chapter ofBhagavad-
gītā: "It is very difficult to surmount the problems offered by the laws of material nature, but one who
surrenders unto Me, he overcomes." Therefore we are teaching this Kṛṣṇa consciousness to solve the problems
of life. It is not sentiment or fanaticism or any sectarian religion. It is a fact that if you want to solve the
problems of life, you have to become Kṛṣṇa conscious. There is no other alternative. Kṛṣṇa-
nāma karo bhāi āra saba mithyā. You understand Bengali? It says that "Just chant Hare Kṛṣṇa. Everything is
false, all other means of making some... False." Why? Palāibe pathanaya ya mache kichu.(?) "You cannot
escape. Just death is waiting behind you." So before death overcomes you, you make a solution of the problem.
That is intelligence, that "The greatest danger is awaiting me—death." That is sure. "As sure as death."
Everyone knows.
Now, how we shall meet death? Like cats and dogs? Then what is the use of this human form of life? The cats
and dogs, they have got body. They have also will meet death. And I have got body; I will also meet death. So
am I meant for meeting death like cats and dogs? Then what kind of human being I am? No. The śāstra says
that labdhvā su-durlabham idaṁ bahu-sambhavānte. After many, many evolution of different kinds of body...
You understand the evolutionary theory. It is not exactly like Darwin's theory, but this evolutionary process is
there. That is admitted in Vedic literature. From lower grade of animal life to the higher grade of animal life. So
this human form of life is to be understood. We have got this human form of life after many, many lower
grades of life. Labdhvāsu-durlabham. And it's very rare. You count, those who are biologists, you count how
many kinds of living entities are there. There are 8,400,000 species of life. Out of that, the human being are
very small quantity. Out of 8,400,000, the human species of life are 400,000; compared with other animals, a
very small quantity. Out of that, there are uncivilized men, many. They are almost animals. Then there is
civilized form of human being, just like we are. Out of them, they do not know... Many, they do not know
what is spiritual life. Manuṣyāṇām. That is also stated in the Bhagavad-
gītā:manuṣyāṇāṁ sahasreṣu [Bg. 7.3]. Out of many thousands of human beings, one is interested to make a
solution of the problems. Not everyone. Everyone, they do not know even that what is the problem. Neither
they do care for it. They think, "All right, let there be problem. We have got this life, let us enjoy senses." So
they are almost animals. But those who are inquisitive how to solve the problem, they are actually accepted as
human beings. Others, they are not even human beings. They are almost animals.

So you have got this opportunity. This body should be utilized properly, how to solve the problem. If we
simply give ourself in the waves of the cycle of birth and death, of different types of body, that is not very good
intelligence. Not intelligence at all. So this human form of life should be utilized how to make a solution of the
problem. That is Vedic civilization. They stress more on the solution of the problems, not to create problems.
The materialistic way of life means to increase and create problems. That is not perfect human civilization. The
perfect human civilization is that you have to sit very calmly, quietly, and philosophically think, "How to solve
the problem? Where I shall get the knowledge?" This is human form. The whole Vedic instruction is like that.
"Now you utilize this form of life to make a solution. Don't die like cats and dogs." No. And one who tries...
The Veda says, etadviditvā yaḥ prayāti sa brāhmaṇaḥ: "One who dies after attempting to make a solution to the
problems, he is brāhmaṇa." And one who dies like cats and dogs, he is called kṛpaṇa. Kṛpaṇa means a very less
intelligent man.
So we should not die like cats and dogs. We should die like brāhmaṇa. Even in one life a solution is not made,
then you get next life opportunity. Just like all these boys who have come to us, it is to be understood that they
tried in their last life for making a solution of this problem, but it was not finished. There is another
opportunity. These things are stated in the Bhagavad-gītā. So now, this life, you should be determined. Those
who are coming to the touch of Kṛṣṇa consciousness and initiated to execute, they should be very determined
that "In this life we shall make a solution. No more. No more coming again." That should be our
determination. [break] ...and go back to home, back to Godhead, where we get eternal, blissful life of
knowledge. This is the sum and substance ofKṛṣṇa consciousness movement. [break] ...do you think, our
Austrian friend? What is your name? Alfred?
Alfred: Alfred.
Devotee: No, no, no. [break]
Prabhupāda: They are also human being. Why not? Let... People are suffering. Let them have this knowledge
and be happy. Our proposal is sarve sukhino bhavantu. That is Vedic civilization: "You all be happy." The Vedic
civilization is not "Oh, here is very nice, fat.(?) Oh, you have got money. Let me exploit you and bluff you and
take your money." That is not Vedic civilization. Vedic civilization is to think, "Oh, let everyone be
happy." Sarve sukhino bhavantu: "Everyone be happy." So we are preaching this Kṛṣṇa consciousness cult. It is
not a cult. It is an actual, the fact for solving all problems. People should know. And if he is intelligent, he'll
accept it. If he's intelligent. Because kṛṣṇayei bhaje sei baḍa catura. Without being very intelligent, nobody can
become Kṛṣṇa conscious. It is not possible. Less intelligent persons cannot do it. It is meant for the first-class
intelligent men. (aside:) Ārati? Later on.
English boy (2): Is it possible for one to make it in this life? This one...? Is it possible that one falls down?
Prabhupāda: It is possible in one second, provided you are serious. It is not difficult.Kṛṣṇa-
bhakti... Bahūnāṁ janmanām ante jñānavān māṁ prapadyate: [Bg. 7.19] "After many, many births, one, when
one is intelligent, wise, fully grown, wise, he surrenders unto Me," Kṛṣṇa says. So if I am intelligent, then I will
see that "If that is the goal of life, that after many, many births one has to surrender to Kṛṣṇa, why not myself
surrender immediately?" This is intelligence. If this is a fact, that one has to come to this point after cultivating
knowledge for many, many births, then why not accept it immediately? Why shall I wait for many, many births
if this is a fact?
So that requires little intelligence. It does not require many, many births. It requires little intelligence. Take to
this Kṛṣṇa consciousness seriously; your problems are solved. Now, if you don't believe in it, then come to
argument, come to philosophy, come to reason. Go on arguing. There are volumes of books. You can be
convinced. You can learn it. Every answer is there in theBhagavad-gītā. You can try to understand it with your
reason, with your arguments. It is open. [break] ...like Arjuna. Arjuna was taught Bhagavad-gītā, how much
time? At most, within half an hour. Because he was very intelligent. This Bhagavad-gītā, the people of the
world are reading. Very, very learned scholar, wise men, they are reading. They are trying to understand,
giving different interpretation. And there are thousands of edition, commentaries. But Arjuna was intelligent;
he understood it within half an hour.
So it requires relative intelligence. Everything... This world is relative. Law of relativity. That is scientific.
Professor Einstein's theory? Law of relativity? So it is relatively. One can become immediately Kṛṣṇa conscious
within a second, and one cannot become Kṛṣṇa conscious after many, many births. So it is relative. If you have

got sufficient intelligence, you can accept it immediately. If there is less intelligence, then it will take time. You
cannot say that "It will be possible after so many years." That cannot be said. It is relative. Everything is
relative. For a human being, from here to here, one step; and for a small microbe, it is ten miles from here to
here, ten miles for him. So everything is relative. This world is relative world. There is no such formula that
"One can be Kṛṣṇa conscious after so many years." No. There is no such formula. One cannot
become Kṛṣṇa conscious even millions after..., births, and one can become within second Kṛṣṇa conscious. But
on the other edge, within this life we can become perfect in Kṛṣṇa consciousness if we take it seriously.
Especially you are all young boys. We expect at least you'll live for fifty years more. Oh, that is sufficient time.
Sufficient. More than sufficient. More than sufficient. If for fifty years one chants
simply Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, he is sure to become perfect. There is no doubt about it. Simply if you chants
this mantra, Hare Kṛṣṇa, oh, there is no doubt about it.
Guest (3): I had a question. Whose choice is it? In other words, you said it takes an intelligent person to
become Kṛṣṇa consciousness, but it's obvious that (there) are not so many intelligent people. Whose choice is
it? If a person isn't intelligent, is it because he wants to enjoy that makes him ignorant?
Prabhupāda: Yes.
Guest (3): Or is it because he has to wait until he is...
Prabhupāda: It is his choice. Just like if somebody offers you one million dollars, "Take it." You do not know
what is the value of one million dollars; you will refuse it. So little intelligence. So the choice is yours. In all the
case, the choice is yours. If you know the value, instantly you accept it. If you do not know the value, then it
will take time. But after all, the choice is depending on you to accept it or not accept it. It is your
choice. Kṛṣṇa also says in the Bhagavad-gītā. After instructing him, He inquires, "Whether your illusion is now
over? What you decide to do now?" He said, "Yes, my illusion is over. I will act what You say." That's all. The
choice is mine.
German Devotee (4): I know so many people, young people, that when they see us chanting on the street, I
can see their eyes, that they really want to chant also, but something is stopping them.
Prabhupāda: That is māyā. Māyā is there. Therefore Kṛṣṇa says, "The māyā is very strong." But if you
capture Kṛṣṇa very, more strongly, then māyā cannot do anything. If something is opposing your chanting,
then you'll have to chant more
loudly: Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare/Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare. So
you defeat māyā. The medicine is the same. At least, I do so. When I am in some danger, I
chant Hare Kṛṣṇa loudly. Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, KṛṣṇaKṛṣṇa, Hare Hare/
(laughter) Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare. That's all. Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura... There is
song: jāy sakal bipod bhaktivinod bole jakhon o-nām gāi. He says, "As soon as I chant this Hare Kṛṣṇa, I become
immediately free from all dangers."
So the means is there. We have to utilize it. That requires intelligence. So my request to you all boys, that you
try to understand and... You understand or not understand, it is a standard method. Try to induce people to
chant Hare Kṛṣṇa. They will be happy. They will get the... Real thing will be delivered to them. That is a fact.
So such a simple method and such sublime gain, so why one should lose this opportunity? There is no loss,
but the gain is very great. So why should you lose this opportunity? Let us make an experiment,
chanting, Hare Kṛṣṇa. And those who are making, those who are chanting, they are being convinced, they are
being advanced. They are realizing. Otherwise... They are not wasting time. Here is a boy, he is postgraduate.
He is teacher. So he's not a fool. So why he's sticking unless he's feeling that "Yes, I am advancing"?
So anyone who will take to it, he will understand, yes, he is advancing. It may take little more time or quickly;
that doesn't matter. But he will feel it. Pratyakṣāvagamaṁ dharmyam. Just like you are suffering, you are
hungry. If actually nutritious foodstuff is given to you, when you eat, you understand, "Yes, I am getting
strength. My hunger is being satisfied." This is also like that. If you take to chanting, you will feel, "Yes, I am
getting strength. My misgivings are being moved." In this way you go on, go on, go on. The perfect stage will
come. It may take little more time or it may come quickly. That depends on my relative endeavor. But it will
come. Be sure. And with this faith and conviction and understanding, you make progress. Everything will be
all right. But don't be misled that "There is no problem of life; we are very happy, eating, sleeping, mating."
This is animal life. There is so many great problems. Very great problems. This birth, death, old age, disease

and repeated... Bhūtvā bhūtvā pralīyate [Bg. 8.19]. Once manifested, again nonmanifested, again manifested,
again nonmanifested. This body is manifested; now it will be finished. Again we will have to take shelter of a
mother's womb by such process, maybe human being or other than human being. Then another body
manifested. Then again finished, then again manifested.
So it is, this is very troublesome business. (laughs) So why should we accept this troublesome
business? Bhūtvā bhūtvā pralīyate [Bg. 8.19]. This body is changing. Just remember your childhood. Oh, how
much troublesome life we have undergone in our... At least I can remember. Everyone can remember. So stop
this problem. Yad gatvā na nivartante tad dhāma paramaṁ mama [Bg. 15.6].And what is the difficulty? You do
your own work and chant Hare Kṛṣṇa. We don't say that you stop your business, stop your occupation. You
remain. Just like he is teacher. All right, he is teacher. He is jeweler. Remain jeweler. He's something, he's
something. That doesn't matter. But be Kṛṣṇaconscious. Chant Hare Kṛṣṇa. Think of Kṛṣṇa. Take kṛṣṇa-
prasādam. Everything is there. And be happy. That is our propaganda. You learn yourself, and preach this cult.
People will be happy. Simple method. (end)

Lesson 37: Vyuha 5 – Seminar on the three modes of material nature

Annexure 1 - Commitment/Recommendation sheet for Krsna Sadhak
I, ___________________________________ am committed to
 chant the Hare Krsna Mahamantra atleast eight rounds in a day (each round consists of chanting the
Mahamantra 108 times)
 take more association by attending Srimad Bhagavatam / Bhagavad Gita classes
 attend mangala arati at least once a week or every ekadasi
 set up travelling / basic altar at home
 offering bhoga to the Lord through our guru parampara
 follow fasting on ekadasi and other vaisnava festivals
 offering water and circumambulating Tulasi
 attend Tulasi arati and read(or hear) Srila Prabhupada’s book after the arati
 wearing tilaka and chanting tilaka mantra while wearing the tilaka
I confirm that I have learnt
 Guruvashtaka prayers
 Narasimha prayers
 Tulasi prayers and arati
 Bhoga offering mantras
 Tilaka mantra
I also confirm that I have read Srila Prabhupada’s following books:
a) Bhagavad Gita Chapters 1 to 6

b) Krsna Consciousness The Topmost Yoga System
c) Perfect Questions, Perfect Answers
d) Teachings of Queen Kunti
e) The Perfection of Yoga
f) The Path of Perfection
g) The Science of Self Realization
h) Transcendental Teachings of Prahlada Maharaja
i) Srila Prabhupada’s other books (if any)
Name and Signature of the bhakta / bhaktin
To,
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
I recommend the above mentioned bhakta/ bhaktin, _______________________________. He/ she is eligible for
siksha level of Krsna sadhak as he/she fulfills all the criteria recommended by ISKCON for this siksha level and
have discussed about his/her daily activities with him / her.
Name and Signature of the Bhakti Vriksha sevak

Annexure 2 - Attendance Sheet

Krsna Sadhak Guide For Sevaks

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Bhakti Vriksha

Preparatory notes for Bhakti Vriksha Sevak ................................................................................... 13

2|Page ISKCON New Rajapur Jagannatha Dham, Bengaluru

The Transcendental Gardeners

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4|Page ISKCON New Rajapur Jagannatha Dham, Bengaluru

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Bhakti vriksha - Summary

Guidelines for Krsna Sadhak Level

6|Page ISKCON New Rajapur Jagannatha Dham, Bengaluru

Recommended Program Schedule

Activity Description Time spent

Kirtan & ārati 15 Min

Ice breaker 15 Min

Interactive session 60 Min

Importance of preaching 15 Min

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9|Page ISKCON New Rajapur Jagannatha Dham, Bengaluru

Tulasi ārati and /or kirtan

Gaura ārati/Maha ārati

Suggested activities for Krsna Sadhak level

Follow up with members               

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Complete reading the following books by Srila Prabhupada

Bhakti Vriksha sevak’s assessment tool

Assessment of the Bhakti Vriksha sevak

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Preparatory notes for Bhakti Vriksha Sevak

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Lesson 23: Kali’s four legs

Points and flow

Action items for Bhakti Vriksha Sevak

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Srila Prabhupada Lectures

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Lesson 24:. Reasons for and places of sin

Points and flow

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Srila Prabhupada Lectures

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Lesson 25: False ego

• He knows this material world is temporary and unnatural for him

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Srila Prabhupada Lectures

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Lesson 26: Mind, intelligence and soul

Points and flow

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Srila Prabhupada Lectures

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Lesson 27: Nature of the mind

Points and flow

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Srila Prabhupada Lectures

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Lesson 28: Do we need to control the mind?

Points and flow