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Symptoms of bhava bhakti in the personality of Srila Prabhupada - Part 1/2

2023-06-02T12:54:32Z

Laksmipriya:

[[Category:Introductory Articles to Vaniquotes]]

The position of ''bhāva'', or ecstatic devotion, on the ladder of pure devotional service is an essential and privileged phase in the development of a devotee's life and is said to be the prelude to ''prema''; love of God.

Śrīla Prabhupāda summarizes the symptoms of one who has come to the level of ecstatic love of Godhead in [[Vanisource:NOD 18|Chapter 18]] of his ''Nectar of Devotion''. Śrīla Rupa Gosvāmī explains these characteristics in his ''Bhakti-Rasamrta Sindhu'' verses 1.3.25-26.

<div class="verse"; style='text-align: center;>
:ksantir avyartha-kalatvam viraktir mana-sunyata asa-bandhah
:samutkantha nama-gane sada rucih asaktis tad-gunakhyane
:pritis tad vasati-sthale ityadayo ‘nubhavah syur jata-bhavankur e jane''
</div>

“When the seed of ecstatic emotion for Krishna fructifies in the heart of the devotee, the following symptoms naturally manifest in his behavior: he feels forbearance; he doesn’t like to waste any time; he is detached from the mundane; he is free from pride; he lives in full hope; he is always eager to serve; he always has a taste for chanting the Lord’s Name; he loves to tell of the Divine qualities of the Lord; and he loves the Holy Abode of the Lord. These nine are called ''anubhava'', subordinate signs of ecstatic love.”

Śrīla Prabhupāda also explains these 9 symptoms of ''bhāva-bhakti'' in the [[Vanisource:SB 2.3.24|''Srimad Bhagavatam'' Canto 2, chapter 3, verse 24]] where he warns the reader about the pitfalls of cheap imitations. It is in the famous verse of the steel-framed heart, which does not melt when ecstasy takes place while chanting the Holy name of the Lord.

These symptoms of ''bhāva'' are not to be taken cheaply, but they are natural characteristics of a devotee who reaches this level on the ladder of pure devotional service. Śrīla Prabhupāda certainly was on that platform, he preached from that platform and he was pushing his followers then and now to reach this platform.

Below the first 4 symptoms of ''bhāva-bhakti'' are explained in more detail.

(1) '''''Kṣanti''''' - Śrīla Prabhupāda describes this symptom as always reserved and perseverant. ”When a person is undisturbed even in the presence of various causes of disturbance, he is called reserved and perseverant.”

In the course of establishing the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), Śrīla Prabhupāda had disturbances coming at him from all sides. Stolen manuscripts, a stolen typewriter, no stable place to live, heart attacks, petty quarrels, being cheated, land disputes, etc. Nothing dissuaded him from fulfilling the duty to his spiritual master. He himself mentioned this in a letter to Sri Krishna Pandit, on June 1, 1967: [[Vaniquotes: Of course, I'm not afraid of ''Māyā''; I know ''Māyā'' cannot touch me; but still, if I die in this condition, my mission will remain unfulfilled|I came here with a great mission to execute my Spiritual Master's order but my heart is stabbing me. Of course, I'm not afraid of ''Māyā''; I know ''Māyā'' cannot touch me, but still, if I die in this condition, my mission will remain unfulfilled. Please therefore pray to Prabhu Lord Caitanya and Vrindaban Bihar, to rescue me this time; my mission is still not finished.]]

He also writes to Satsvarupa from Bombay on January 5th, 1972: [[Vaniquotes: I was always determined that somehow I would do everything possible to fulfill the desire of my Guru Maharaja, and despite all difficulties I always remained enthusiastic|I was always determined that somehow I would do everything possible to fulfill the desire of my Guru Maharaja, and despite all difficulties I always remained enthusiastic.]]

On November 5th, 1972 he wrote again to Satsvarupa, this time from Vrindāvan: [[Vaniquotes: My Guru Maharaja gave me a task and always I was discouraged by my god-brothers, but I did not forget him even for a moment, and I was determined to follow my duty, even though sometimes I did not like to do it|My Guru Maharaja gave me a task and always I was discouraged by my god-brothers, but I did not forget him even for a moment, and I was determined to follow my duty, even though sometimes I did not like to do it.]]

In the famous battle with Mr. and Mrs. Nair for the Juhu land, Śrīla Prabhupāda emerged victorious. But it was not an easy fight. He writes about it to Tamala Krishna Gosvāmī from Los Angeles on January 11th 1974: [[Vaniquotes: As Nair's party was determined not to let us have the land I was more determined to take it at any cost. Krsna has helped us, but we should not strain Krsna by such action|As Nair's party was determined not to let us have the land I was more determined to take it at any cost. Krsna has helped us, but we should not strain Krsna by such action.]]

In the material world, there will always be obstacles and challenges. Even in the spiritual world, there are challenges in how to serve Kṛṣṇa better. One who reaches the level of ''bhāva-bhakti'' will not be disturbed by these appearances of different disturbances. They come and go and are only helping stones to reach pure ''prema'' and complete attachment to pure devotional service.

(2) '''''Avyartha-kālatvam''''' - Utilization of time. A person on the ''bhāva-bhakti'' level is always anxious to utilize his time in the devotional service of the Lord. He does not like to be idle. He wants service always, twenty-four hours a day, without deviation.

Throughout the 12 years that Śrīla Prabhupāda preached around the world, he wrote his books and lectured profusely every day. He has not wasted a single moment and encouraged his young followers to do the same. He was never tired of working for Kṛṣṇa. He speaks in a lecture in San Francisco on March 17, 1968:
[[Vaniquotes: I want to work, I want to work|I am an old man of seventy-two years. Oh, I was ill. I went back to India. I have come again. I want to work! I want to work. Naturally, I would have retired from all these activities, but I don't feel... So far I can do, I want work. I want to..., day and night. At night I work with a dictaphone. So I am sorry... I become sorry if I cannot work. This is Kṛṣṇa consciousness. One must be very much anxious to work. It is not that it is an idle society. No. We have got sufficient engagement. They are editing papers, they are selling papers. Just simply find out how Kṛṣṇa consciousness can be spread, this much. This is practical.]]

The categories and subcategories that follow are a small sample of how he tried to instill in the mind of his followers that wasting time is not good for our life, and how idle talks or an idle mind is detrimental to the spiritual health of the devotees. Just reading the page titles give us a small insight into the heart of Śrīla Prabhupāda.

:[[Vaniquotes:Category:Wasting Time|'''Wasting Time''']]
:[[Vaniquotes:Category:Idle|'''Idle''']]

(3) '''''Virakti''''' - A person on the ''bhāva-bhakti'' level is no more attracted by sense gratification. He is always detached from all material attraction. Śrīla Prabhupāda clearly explains in a room conversation with Sister Mary in London on August 14th, 1971 that : [[Vaniquotes:If one has become lover of God, naturally he will be detached to material enjoyment. Love of God and love of material world cannot go together|If one has become a lover of God, naturally he will be detached to material enjoyment. Love of God and love of the material world cannot go together. Either this or that.]]

Upon arriving in Melbourne on 25th June 1974, Śrīla Prabhupāda was challenged by the reporter: “Your Grace, your religion is a very ascetic one. Will you be living ascetically in Melbourne? We’re told you’ll be taken away in a Rolls Royce.” Śrīla Prabhupāda immediately brought everyone to a higher level of existence by saying: [[Vaniquotes: Our religion does not say asceticism. Our religion teaches to love God. You can love God in this dress. There is no harm|Our religion does not say asceticism. Our religion teaches to love God. You can love God in this dress. There is no harm...No, we don't want Rolls Royce, we can walk. But if you offer Rolls Royce, I have no objection.]]

He admitted that he is accepting the Rolls Royce for our benefit, he personally didn't need Rolls Royce, and he is prepared to walk, but he is doing a favor to us by accepting the Rolls Royce.

This category gives more explanation on the topic of detachment from material enjoyment:

[[Vaniquotes:Category:Detachment from Material Enjoyment|'''Detachment from Material Enjoyment''']]

(4) '''''Māna-śūnyatā''''' - Pridelessness. A person on the stage of ''bhāva-bhakti'' does not long for any material respect in return for his activities. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that in spite of possessing all the qualities of pure realization, one is not proud of his position, in other words, he is feeling humble, even though one is extremely elevated.

In a letter to Brahmananda written from Seattle on October 16, 1968, Śrīla Prabhupāda expresses his sentiments: [[Vaniquotes: Personally, I am nonentity; I have come here on the order of my Spiritual Master, and He has kindly sent all you boys to assist me|Personally, I am nonentity; I have come here on the order of my Spiritual Master, and He has kindly sent you all boys to assist me. So whatever is being done, there is no credit for me, but all the credit goes to my Spiritual Master, because He has arranged everything, and I am simply to abide by His order.]]

Śrīla Prabhupāda's humility has been revealed on numerous occasions. We have captured some of them in the following category. Just reading the page titles brings tears to our eyes:

[[Vaniquotes:Category:Prabhupada and His Humility|'''Prabhupada and His Humility''']]

The last 5 symptoms will be explained in part 2.

:(5) '''''Asa-bandha''''' - He is always certain that Kṛṣṇa will bestow His mercy upon him.
:(6) '''''Samutkaṇṭhā''''' - He is always very eager to serve the Lord faithfully.
:(7) '''''Nāma-gāne sadā ruci''''' - He is very much attached to the chanting of the holy names of the Lord.
:(8) '''''Asaktis tad-gunakhyane''''' - He is always eager to describe the transcendental qualities of the Lord.
:(9) '''''Pritis tad-vasati sthale''''' - He is very pleased to live in a place where the Lord's pastimes are performed, e.g., Mathurā, Vṛndāvana or Dvārakā.

All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda!

To be continued.....

Symptoms of bhava bhakti in the personality of Srila Prabhupada - Part 1/2

2023-06-01T17:34:14Z

Laksmipriya:

[[Category:Introductory Articles to Vaniquotes]]

The position of bhava, or ecstatic devotion, on the ladder of pure devotional service is an essential and privileged phase in the development of a devotee's life and is said to be the prelude to ''prema''; love of God.

Śrīla Prabhupāda summarizes the symptoms of one who has come to the level of ecstatic love of Godhead in [[Vanisource:NOD 18|Chapter 18]] of his Nectar of Devotion. Śrīla Rupa Goswami explains these characteristics in his Bhakti-Rasamrta Sindhu verses 1.3.25-26.

<div class="verse"; style='text-align: center;>
:ksantir avyartha-kalatvam viraktir mana-sunyata asa-bandhah
:samutkantha nama-gane sada rucih asaktis tad-gunakhyane
:pritis tad vasati-sthale ityadayo ‘nubhavah syur jata-bhavankur e jane''
</div>

“When the seed of ecstatic emotion for Krishna fructifies in the heart of the devotee, the following symptoms naturally manifest in his behavior: he feels forbearance; he doesn’t like to waste any time; he is detached from the mundane; he is free from pride; he lives in full hope; he is always eager to serve; he always has a taste for chanting the Lord’ s Name; he loves to tell of the Divine qualities of the Lord; and he loves the Holy Abode of the Lord. These nine are called anubhava , subordinate signs of ecstatic love.”

Here below are the symptoms of bhava-bhakti explained in more details.

(1) '''ksanti''' - Śrīla Prabhupāda describes this symptom as always reserved and perseverant. ”When a person is undisturbed even in the presence of various causes of disturbance, he is called reserved and perseverant.”

In the course of establishing the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), Śrīla Prabhupāda had disturbances coming at him from all sides. Stolen manuscripts, stolen typewriter, no stable place to live, heart attacks, petty quarrels, being cheated, land disputes etc. Nothing dissuaded him from fulfilling the duty to his spiritual master. He himself mentioned this in the letter to Sri Krishna Pandit, on June 1, 1967: [[Vaniquotes: Of course, I'm not afraid of Maya; I know Maya cannot touch me; but still, if I die in this condition, my mission will remain unfulfilled|I came here with a great mission to execute my Spiritual Master's order but my heart is stabbing me. Of course, I'm not afraid of Maya; I know Maya cannot touch me, but still, if I die in this condition, my mission will remain unfulfilled. Please therefore pray to Prabhu Lord Caitanya and Vrindaban Bihar, to rescue me this time; my mission is still not finished.]]

He also writes to Satsvarupa from Bombay on January 5th, 1972 : [[Vaniquotes: I was always determined that somehow I would do everything possible to fulfill the desire of my Guru Maharaja, and despite all difficulties I always remained enthusiastic|I was always determined that somehow I would do everything possible to fulfill the desire of my Guru Maharaja, and despite all difficulties I always remained enthusiastic]]

On November 5th, 1972 he wrote again to Satsvarupa, this time from Vrindavan: [[Vaniquotes: My Guru Maharaja gave me a task and always I was discouraged by my god-brothers, but I did not forget him even for a moment, and I was determined to follow my duty, even though sometimes I did not like to do it|My Guru Maharaja gave me a task and always I was discouraged by my god-brothers, but I did not forget him even for a moment, and I was determined to follow my duty, even though sometimes I did not like to do it]]

In the famous battle with Mr. and Mrs. Nair for the Juhu land, Śrīla Prabhupāda emerged victorious. But it was not an easy fight. He writes about it to his dear disciple Tamala Krishna Goswami from Los Angeles on January 11th 1974: [[Vaniquotes: As Nair's party was determined not to let us have the land I was more determined to take it at any cost. Krsna has helped us, but we should not strain Krsna by such action|As Nair's party was determined not to let us have the land I was more determined to take it at any cost. Krsna has helped us, but we should not strain Krsna by such action]]

In the material world there will always be obstacles and challenges. Even in the spiritual world there are challenges of how to serve Kṛṣṇa better. One who reaches the level of bhava-bhakti will not be disturbed by these appearances of different disturbances. They come and go and they are only helping stones to reach pure prema and complete attachment to pure devotional service.

(2) '''avyartha-kalatvam''' - Utilization of time. A person on the bhava bhakti level is always anxious to utilize his time in the devotional service of the Lord. He does not like to be idle. He wants service always, twenty-four hours a day, without deviation.

Throughout the 11 years that Śrīla Prabhupāda preached around the world, he wrote his books and lectured profusely every day. He has not wasted a single moment and encouraged his young followers to do the same. He was never tired of working for Kṛṣṇa. He speaks in a lecture in San Francisco on March 17, 1968:
[[Vaniquotes: I want to work, I want to work|I am an old man of seventy-two years. Oh, I was ill. I went back to India. I have come again. I want to work! I want to work. Naturally, I would have retired from all these activities, but I don't feel... So far I can do, I want work. I want to..., day and night. At night I work with dictaphone. So I am sorry... I become sorry if I cannot work. This is Kṛṣṇa consciousness. One must be very much anxious to work. It is not that it is an idle society. No. We have got sufficient engagement. They are editing papers, they are selling papers. Just simply find out how Kṛṣṇa conscious can be spread, this much. This is practical.]]

In the categories and subcategories that follow is a small sample of how he tried to instill in the mind of his followers that wasting time is not good for our life, how idle talks or idle mind is detrimental to the spiritual health of the devotees. Just by reading the headings of the pages will give us a small insight into the mind of Śrīla Prabhupāda.

:[[Vaniquotes: Wasting Time|Wasting Time]]
:[[Vaniquotes: Idle|Idle]]

(3) '''Virakti''' - A person on bhava-bhakti level is no more attracted by sense gratification. He is always detached from all material attraction. Śrīla Prabhupāda clearly explains in a room conversation with Sister Mary in London on August 14th, 1971 that : [[Vaniquotes: If one has become lover of God, naturally he will be detached to material enjoyment. Love of God and love of material world cannot go together|If one has become lover of God, naturally he will be detached to material enjoyment. Love of God and love of material world cannot go together. Either this or that.]]

Upon arriving to Melbourne on 25th June 1974, Śrīla Prabhupāda has been challenged by the reporter: “Your Grace, your religion is a very ascetic one. Will you be living ascetically in Melbourne? We’re told you’ll be taken away in a Rolls Royce.” Śrīla Prabhupāda immediately brought everyone to the higher level of existence by saying: [[Vaniquotes: Our religion does not say asceticism. Our religion teaches to love God. You can love God in this dress. There is no harm|Our religion does not say asceticism. Our religion teaches to love God. You can love God in this dress. There is no harm...No, we don't want Rolls Royce, we can walk. But if you offer Rolls Royce, I have no objection.]]
He admitted that he is accepting the Rolls Royce for our benefit, he personally didn't need Rolls Royce, he is prepared to walk, but he is doing a favor to us by accepting the Rolls royce.

This category below will show us more on the topic of detachment from Material enjoyment:

[[Vaniquotes:Detachment from Material Enjoyment|Detachment from Material Enjoyment]]

(4) '''Mana-sunyata''' - Pridelessness. A person on stage of bhava-bhakti does not long for any material respect in return for his activities. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that in spite of possessing all the qualities of pure realization, one is not proud of his position, in other words he is feeling humble, even though one is extremely elevated.

In a letter to Brahmananda written from Seattle on October 16, 1968, Śrīla Prabhupāda expresses his sentiments: [[Vaniquotes: Personally, I am nonentity; I have come here on the order of my Spiritual Master, and He has kindly sent all you boys to assist me|Personally, I am nonentity; I have come here on the order of my Spiritual Master, and He has kindly sent you all boys to assist me. So whatever is being done, there is no credit for me, but all the credit goes to my Spiritual Master, because He has arranged everything, and I am simply to abide by His order.]]

Śrīla Prabhupāda has shown his humility on other occasions. We have caught some of them in the following category. Just by reading the page titles brings tears to eyes:

[[Vaniquotes:Prabhupada and His Humility|Prabhupada and His Humility]]

:(5) '''Asa-bandha''' - He is always certain that Kṛṣṇa will bestow His mercy upon him.
:(6) '''Samutkantha''' - He is always very eager to serve the Lord faithfully.
:(7) '''Nama-gane sada ruci''' - He is very much attached to the chanting of the holy names of the Lord.
:(8) '''Asaktis tad-gunakhyane''' - He is always eager to describe the transcendental qualities of the Lord.
:(9) '''Pritis tad-vasati sthale''' - He is very pleased to live in a place where the Lord's pastimes are performed, e.g., Mathurā, Vṛndāvana or Dvārakā.

Śrīla Prabhupāda also explains these 9 symptoms of bhava bhakti in the [[Vanisource:SB 2.3.24|Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 2, chapter 3, verse 24]] where he warns the readers about the pitfalls of cheap imitations. It is in the famous verse of the steel-framed heart, which does not melt when ecstasy takes place while chanting the Holy name of the Lord.

These symptoms of bhava are not to be taken cheaply, but they are natural characteristics of a devotee who reaches this level on the ladder of pure devotional service. Śrīla Prabhupāda certainly was on that platform, he preached from that platform and he was pushing his followers then and now to reach this platform.
All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda!

To be continued.....

Symptoms of bhava bhakti in the personality of Srila Prabhupada - Part 1/2

2023-06-01T17:30:11Z

Laksmipriya:

[[Category:Introductory Articles to Vaniquotes]]

The position of bhava, or ecstatic devotion, on the ladder of pure devotional service is an essential and privileged phase in the development of a devotee's life and is said to be the prelude to ''prema''; love of God.

Śrīla Prabhupāda summarizes the symptoms of one who has come to the level of ecstatic love of Godhead in [[Vanisource:NOD 18|Chapter 18]] of his Nectar of Devotion. Śrīla Rupa Goswami explains these characteristics in his Bhakti-Rasamrta Sindhu verses 1.3.25-26.

<div class="verse"; style='text-align: center;>
:ksantir avyartha-kalatvam viraktir mana-sunyata asa-bandhah
:samutkantha nama-gane sada rucih asaktis tad-gunakhyane
:pritis tad vasati-sthale ityadayo ‘nubhavah syur jata-bhavankur e jane''
</div>

“When the seed of ecstatic emotion for Krishna fructifies in the heart of the devotee, the following symptoms naturally manifest in his behavior: he feels forbearance; he doesn’t like to waste any time; he is detached from the mundane; he is free from pride; he lives in full hope; he is always eager to serve; he always has a taste for chanting the Lord’ s Name; he loves to tell of the Divine qualities of the Lord; and he loves the Holy Abode of the Lord. These nine are called anubhava , subordinate signs of ecstatic love.”

Here below are the symptoms of bhava-bhakti explained in more details.

(1) '''ksanti''' - Śrīla Prabhupāda describes this symptom as always reserved and perseverant. ”When a person is undisturbed even in the presence of various causes of disturbance, he is called reserved and perseverant.”

In the course of establishing the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), Śrīla Prabhupāda had disturbances coming at him from all sides. Stolen manuscripts, stolen typewriter, no stable place to live, heart attacks, petty quarrels, being cheated, land disputes etc. Nothing dissuaded him from fulfilling the duty to his spiritual master. He himself mentioned this in the letter to Sri Krishna Pandit, on June 1, 1967:

[[Vaniquotes: Of course, I'm not afraid of Maya; I know Maya cannot touch me; but still, if I die in this condition, my mission will remain unfulfilled|I came here with a great mission to execute my Spiritual Master's order but my heart is stabbing me. Of course, I'm not afraid of Maya; I know Maya cannot touch me, but still, if I die in this condition, my mission will remain unfulfilled. Please therefore pray to Prabhu Lord Caitanya and Vrindaban Bihar, to rescue me this time; my mission is still not finished.]]

He also writes to Satsvarupa from Bombay on January 5th, 1972 :

[[Vaniquotes: I was always determined that somehow I would do everything possible to fulfill the desire of my Guru Maharaja, and despite all difficulties I always remained enthusiastic|I was always determined that somehow I would do everything possible to fulfill the desire of my Guru Maharaja, and despite all difficulties I always remained enthusiastic]]

On November 5th, 1972 he wrote again to Satsvarupa, this time from Vrindavan:

[[Vaniquotes: My Guru Maharaja gave me a task and always I was discouraged by my god-brothers, but I did not forget him even for a moment, and I was determined to follow my duty, even though sometimes I did not like to do it|My Guru Maharaja gave me a task and always I was discouraged by my god-brothers, but I did not forget him even for a moment, and I was determined to follow my duty, even though sometimes I did not like to do it]]

In the famous battle with Mr. and Mrs. Nair for the Juhu land, Śrīla Prabhupāda emerged victorious. But it was not an easy fight. He writes about it to his dear disciple Tamala Krishna Goswami from Los Angeles on January 11th 1974: “It was a very bitter experience for me in Bombay. As Nair's party was determined not to let us have the land I was more determined to take it at any cost. Krsna has helped us, but we should not strain Krsna by such action.”

[[Vaniquotes: As Nair's party was determined not to let us have the land I was more determined to take it at any cost. Krsna has helped us, but we should not strain Krsna by such action|As Nair's party was determined not to let us have the land I was more determined to take it at any cost. Krsna has helped us, but we should not strain Krsna by such action]]

In the material world there will always be obstacles and challenges. Even in the spiritual world there are challenges of how to serve Kṛṣṇa better. One who reaches the level of bhava-bhakti will not be disturbed by these appearances of different disturbances. They come and go and they are only helping stones to reach pure prema and complete attachment to pure devotional service.

(2) '''avyartha-kalatvam''' - Utilization of time. A person on the bhava bhakti level is always anxious to utilize his time in the devotional service of the Lord. He does not like to be idle. He wants service always, twenty-four hours a day, without deviation.

Throughout the 11 years that Śrīla Prabhupāda preached around the world, he wrote his books and lectured profusely every day. He has not wasted a single moment and encouraged his young followers to do the same. He was never tired of working for Kṛṣṇa. He speaks in a lecture in San Francisco on March 17, 1968:
[[Vaniquotes: I want to work, I want to work|I am an old man of seventy-two years. Oh, I was ill. I went back to India. I have come again. I want to work! I want to work. Naturally, I would have retired from all these activities, but I don't feel... So far I can do, I want work. I want to..., day and night. At night I work with dictaphone. So I am sorry... I become sorry if I cannot work. This is Kṛṣṇa consciousness. One must be very much anxious to work. It is not that it is an idle society. No. We have got sufficient engagement. They are editing papers, they are selling papers. Just simply find out how Kṛṣṇa conscious can be spread, this much. This is practical.]]

In the categories and subcategories that follow is a small sample of how he tried to instill in the mind of his followers that wasting time is not good for our life, how idle talks or idle mind is detrimental to the spiritual health of the devotees. Just by reading the headings of the pages will give us a small insight into the mind of Śrīla Prabhupāda.

:[[Vaniquotes: Wasting Time|Wasting Time]]
:[[Vaniquotes: Idle|Idle]]

(3) '''Virakti''' - A person on bhava-bhakti level is no more attracted by sense gratification. He is always detached from all material attraction. Śrīla Prabhupāda clearly explains in a room conversation with Sister Mary in London on August 14th, 1971 that : [[Vaniquotes: If one has become lover of God, naturally he will be detached to material enjoyment. Love of God and love of material world cannot go together|If one has become lover of God, naturally he will be detached to material enjoyment. Love of God and love of material world cannot go together. Either this or that.]]

This category below will show us more on the topic of detachment from Material enjoyment:

[[Vaniquotes:Detachment from Material Enjoyment|Detachment from Material Enjoyment]]

Upon arriving to Melbourne on 25th June 1974, Śrīla Prabhupāda has been challenged by the reporter: “Your Grace, your religion is a very ascetic one. Will you be living ascetically in Melbourne? We’re told you’ll be taken away in a Rolls Royce.” Śrīla Prabhupāda immediately brought everyone to the higher level of existence by saying:
[[Vaniquotes: Our religion does not say asceticism. Our religion teaches to love God. You can love God in this dress. There is no harm|Our religion does not say asceticism. Our religion teaches to love God. You can love God in this dress. There is no harm...No, we don't want Rolls Royce, we can walk. But if you offer Rolls Royce, I have no objection.]]
He admitted that he is accepting the Rolls Royce for our benefit, he personally didn't need Rolls Royce, he is prepared to walk, but he is doing a favor to us by accepting the Rolls royce.

(4) '''Mana-sunyata''' - Pridelessness. A person on stage of bhava-bhakti does not long for any material respect in return for his activities. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that in spite of possessing all the qualities of pure realization, one is not proud of his position, in other words he is feeling humble, even though one is extremely elevated.

In a letter to Brahmananda written from Seattle on October 16, 1968, Śrīla Prabhupāda expresses his sentiments: [[Vaniquotes: Personally, I am nonentity; I have come here on the order of my Spiritual Master, and He has kindly sent all you boys to assist me|Personally, I am nonentity; I have come here on the order of my Spiritual Master, and He has kindly sent you all boys to assist me. So whatever is being done, there is no credit for me, but all the credit goes to my Spiritual Master, because He has arranged everything, and I am simply to abide by His order.]]

Śrīla Prabhupāda has shown his humility on other occasions. We have caught some of them in the following category. Just by reading the page titles brings tears to eyes:

[[Vaniquotes:Prabhupada and His Humility|Prabhupada and His Humility]]

:(5) '''Asa-bandha''' - He is always certain that Kṛṣṇa will bestow His mercy upon him.
:(6) '''Samutkantha''' - He is always very eager to serve the Lord faithfully.
:(7) '''Nama-gane sada ruci''' - He is very much attached to the chanting of the holy names of the Lord.
:(8) '''Asaktis tad-gunakhyane''' - He is always eager to describe the transcendental qualities of the Lord.
:(9) '''Pritis tad-vasati sthale''' - He is very pleased to live in a place where the Lord's pastimes are performed, e.g., Mathurā, Vṛndāvana or Dvārakā.

Śrīla Prabhupāda also explains these 9 symptoms of bhava bhakti in the [[Vanisource:SB 2.3.24|Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 2, chapter 3, verse 24]] where he warns the readers about the pitfalls of cheap imitations. It is in the famous verse of the steel-framed heart, which does not melt when ecstasy takes place while chanting the Holy name of the Lord.

These symptoms of bhava are not to be taken cheaply, but they are natural characteristics of a devotee who reaches this level on the ladder of pure devotional service. Śrīla Prabhupāda certainly was on that platform, he preached from that platform and he was pushing his followers then and now to reach this platform.
All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda!

To be continued.....

Symptoms of bhava bhakti in the personality of Srila Prabhupada - Part 1/2

2023-06-01T16:29:38Z

Laksmipriya: Laksmipriya moved page Nine symptoms of bhava bhakti in the personality of Srila Prabhupada to Symptoms of bhava bhakti in the personality of Srila Prabhupada - Part 1/2

The position of bhava, or ecstatic devotion, on the ladder of pure devotional service is an essential and privileged phase in the development of a devotee's life and is said to be the prelude to ''prema''; love of God.
Srila Prabhupada summarizes the symptoms of one who has come to the level of ecstatic love of Godhead in Chapter 18 of his Nectar of Devotion. Srila Rupa Goswami explains these characteristics in his Bhakti-Rasamrta Sindhu verses 1.3.25-26.

ksantir avyartha-kalatvam viraktir mana-sunyata asa-bandhah
samutkantha nama-gane sada rucih asaktis tad-gunakhyane
pritis tad vasati-sthale ityadayo ‘nubhavah syur jata-bhavankur e jane

“When the seed of ecstatic emotion for Krishna fructifies in the heart of the devotee, the following symptoms naturally manifest in his behavior: he feels forbearance; he doesn’t like to waste any time; he is detached from the mundane; he is free from pride; he lives in full hope; he is always eager to serve; he always has a taste for chanting the Lord’ s Name; he loves to tell of the Divine qualities of the Lord; and he loves the Holy Abode of the Lord. These nine are called anubhava , subordinate signs of ecstatic love.”

For the sake of this essay, we will focus only on the first 4 points of bhava-bhakti.

(1) ksanti - Srila Prabhupada describes this symptom as always reserved and perseverant. ”When a person is undisturbed even in the presence of various causes of disturbance, he is called reserved and perseverant.”

In the course of establishing the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), Srila Prabhupada had disturbances coming at him from all sides. Stolen manuscripts, stolen typewriter, no stable place to live, heart attacks, petty quarrels, being cheated, land disputes etc. Nothing dissuaded him from fulfilling the duty to his spiritual master. He himself mentioned this in the letter to Satsvarupa from Bombay on January 5th, 1972 :

“My Guru Maharaja gave me a task and always I was discouraged by my god-brothers, but I did not forget him even for a moment, and I was determined to follow my duty, even though sometimes I did not like to do it.”

https://vaniquotes.org/wiki/My_Guru_Maharaja_gave_me_a_task_and_always_I_was_discouraged_by_my_god-brothers,_but_I_did_not_forget_him_even_for_a_moment,_and_I_was_determined_to_follow_my_duty,_even_though_sometimes_I_did_not_like_to_do_it

On November 5th, 1972 he wrote again to Satsvarupa, this time from Vrindavan: “I was always determined that somehow I would do everything possible to fulfill the desire of my Guru Maharaja, and despite all difficulties I always remained enthusiastic.”

https://vaniquotes.org/wiki/I_was_always_determined_that_somehow_I_would_do_everything_possible_to_fulfill_the_desire_of_my_Guru_Maharaja,_and_despite_all_difficulties_I_always_remained_enthusiastic

In the famous battle with Mr. and Mrs. Nair for the Juhu land, Srila Prabhupada emerged victorious. But it was not an easy fight. He writes about it to his dear disciple Tamala Krishna Goswami from Los Angeles on January 11th 1974: “It was a very bitter experience for me in Bombay. As Nair's party was determined not to let us have the land I was more determined to take it at any cost. Krsna has helped us, but we should not strain Krsna by such action.”

https://vaniquotes.org/wiki/As_Nair%27s_party_was_determined_not_to_let_us_have_the_land_I_was_more_determined_to_take_it_at_any_cost._Krsna_has_helped_us,_but_we_should_not_strain_Krsna_by_such_action

In the material world there will always be obstacles and challenges. Even in the spiritual world there are challenges of how to serve Krishna better. One who reaches the level of bhava-bhakti will not be disturbed by these appearances of different disturbances. They come and go and they are only helping stones to reach pure prema and complete attachment to pure devotional service.

(2) avyartha-kalatvam - Utilization of time. A person on the bhava bhakti level is always anxious to utilize his time in the devotional service of the Lord. He does not like to be idle. He wants service always, twenty-four hours a day, without deviation.

Throughout the 11 years that Srila Prabhupada preached around the world, he wrote his books and lectured profusely every day. He has not wasted a single moment and preached vigorously to his young followers to do the same. He was never tired of working for Krsna. He speaks in a lecture in San Francisco on March 17, 1968: “I am an old man of seventy-two years. Oh, I was ill. I went back to India. I have come again. I want to work! I want to work. Naturally, I would have retired from all these activities, but I don't feel... So far I can do, I want work. I want to..., day and night. At night I work with dictaphone. So I am sorry... I become sorry if I cannot work. This is Kṛṣṇa consciousness. One must be very much anxious to work. It is not that it is an idle society. No. We have got sufficient engagement. They are editing papers, they are selling papers. Just simply find out how Kṛṣṇa conscious can be spread, this much. This is practical.”

https://vaniquotes.org/wiki/I_want_to_work%2C_I_want_to_work

In the categories and subcategories that follow is a small sample of how he tried to instill in the mind of his followers that wasting time is not good for our life. Just by reading the headings of the pages will give us a small insight into the mind of Srila Prabhupada.

https://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Wasting_Time

(3) Virakti - A person on bhava-bhakti level is no more attracted by sense gratification. He is always detached from all material attraction. Srila Prabhupada clearly explains in a room conversation with Sister Mary in London on August 14th, 1971 that : “If one has become lover of God, naturally he will be detached to material enjoyment. Love of God and love of material world cannot go together. Either this or that.”

https://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Detachment_from_Material_Enjoyment

Upon arriving to Melbourne on 25th June 1974, Srila Prabhupada has been challenged by the reporter: “Your Grace, your religion is a very ascetic one. Will you be living ascetically in Melbourne? We’re told you’ll be taken away in a Rolls Royce.” Srila Prabhupada immediately brought everyone to the higher level of existence: “Our religion does not say asceticism. Our religion teaches to love God. You can love God in this dress. There is no harm……No, we don't want Rolls Royce, we can walk. But if you offer Rolls Royce, I have no objection.”
He admitted that he is accepting the Rolls Royce for our benefit, he personally didn't need Rolls royce, he is prepared to walk, but he is doing a favor to us by accepting the Rolls royce.

(4) Mana-sunyata - Pridelessness. He does not long for any material respect in return for his activities. Srila Prabhupada explains that in spite of possessing all the qualities of pure realization, one is not proud of his position,in other words feeling humble, even though one is extremely elevated.

In a letter to Brahmananda written from Seattle on October 16,1968, Srila Prabhupada expresses his sentiments: “Personally, I am nonentity; I have come here on the order of my Spiritual Master, and He has kindly sent you all boys to assist me. So whatever is being done, there is no credit for me, but all the credit goes to my Spiritual Master, because He has arranged everything, and I am simply to abide by His order.”

Srila Prabhupada has shown his humility on other occasions. We have caught some of them in the following category. Just by reading the page titles brings tears to eyes

https://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Prabhupada_and_His_Humility

(5) Asa-bandha - He is always certain that Kṛṣṇa will bestow His mercy upon him.
(6) Samutkantha - He is always very eager to serve the Lord faithfully.
(7) Nama-gane sada ruci - He is very much attached to the chanting of the holy names of the Lord.
(8) Asaktis tad-gunakhyane - He is always eager to describe the transcendental qualities of the Lord.
(9) Pritis tad-vasati sthale - He is very pleased to live in a place where the Lord's pastimes are performed, e.g., Mathurā, Vṛndāvana or Dvārakā.

Srila Prabhupada writes about these 9 symptoms of Bhava bhakti in the Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 2, chapter 3, verse 24, where he warns the readers about the pitfalls of cheap imitations. It is in the famous verse of the steel-framed heart, which does not melt when ecstasy takes place while chanting the Holy name of the Lord.
https://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_2.3.24

These symptoms of bhava are not to be taken cheaply, but they are natural characteristics of a devotee who reaches this level on the ladder of pure devotional service. Srila Prabhupada certainly was on that platform, he preached from that platform and he was pushing his followers then and now to reach this platform.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

2023-05-01T16:38:28Z

2022-11-20T17:46:39Z

Laksmipriya:

[[Category:Introductory Articles to Vaniquotes]]

<div class="verse"; style='text-align: center;>
:īśāvāsyam idam sarvaṁ
:yat kiñca jagatyāṁ jagat
:tena tyaktena bhuñjīthā
:mā gṛdhaḥ kasya svid dhanam
</div>

Śrīla Prabhupāda considered this verse to be an important philosophical point to communicate to the world. He quotes the [[Vanisource:ISO 1|first verse]] of the ''Śrī Īśopaniṣad'' 19 times in his books, and 234 times throughout his lectures and conversations (see the [[Vaniquotes:Category:Sri_Isopanisad_-_Cited_Verses|cited verses list]]). After all, it was one of the first books that he chose to present in the English language. So what is the key point of this verse? ''Everything that is within this universe is controlled and owned by the Supreme Lord. One should therefore take only what is allotted to him by the Lord as his quota and should not encroach upon other’s property''.

We find a similar verse in [[Vanisource:SB 8.1.10|''Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam'' 8.1.10]], when Manu is giving instructions to his grandsons. This same ''Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam'' verse is quoted in the conversation between Śrī Caitanya and Prakāśānanda Sarasvatī in [[Vanisource:CC Madhya 25.101|''Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta'' Madhya 25.101]]. The only difference is the first line, which starts with ''ātmāvāsyam idaṁ viśvaṁ'' whereas Mantra One of ''Śrī Īśopaniṣad'' starts with ''īśāvāsyam idam sarvaṁ.'' Śrīla Prabhupāda however translates all 3 verses into English in very much the same way. Thus one can consider these 3 verses as the same.

<div class="verse"; style='text-align: center;>
:ātmāvāsyam idaṁ viśvaṁ
:yat kiñcij jagatyāṁ jagat
:tena tyaktena bhuñjīthā
:mā gṛdhaḥ kasya svid dhanam
</div>

When we look at the purports to these 3 verses, we find that the original purport to ''Śrī Īśopaniṣad'' to be more broad and longer. Perhaps it is because this purport was written when Śrīla Prabhupāda was still living in Vrindavan in 1960 and writing his ''Back to Godhead'' bi-weekly magazines. He had no movement then, he had no followers, he had no temples, he had no Iskcon at that time. His preaching spirit was broad and focused. He was communicating the tenets of the scriptures by introducing the ''Īśopaniṣad'' to the world. His commentaries to this verse are straight and clear.

The purports to the other 2 verses in ''Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam'' and ''Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta'' are more focused on the actual point of the verse, that everything belongs to the Supreme and how we should use that property and claim it as prasad for us. How we should not accept what doesn't belong to us. He wrote these 2 purports almost 15 years after he wrote the purport to Śrī Īśopaniṣad.

Śrīla Prabhupāda has repeatedly stressed these points throughout his worldwide preaching during the last 12 years of his life. Everything [[vaniquotes:Category:Belongs_to_God|belongs to God]] is a terminology which he used 318 times. [[vaniquotes:Category:Everything_Belongs_to_Krsna|Everything belongs to Kṛṣṇa]] has been used 300 times. This is [[vaniquotes:Category:God%27s_Property|God’s property]], [[vaniquotes:Category:Krsna%27s_Property|Kṛṣṇa’s Property]]….. On the other hand, he makes a clear answer: [[vaniquotes:One_should_give_up_thinking_of_%22my_possessions%2C_my_son_and_my_husband%22_%28janasya_moho%27yam_aham_mameti_%28SB_5.5.8%29%29._Nothing_belongs_to_anyone_but_the_Supreme_Lord|Nothing belongs to anyone but the Supreme Lord. Only because of illusion do we wrongly think, "I am existing" or "Everything belongs to me".]]

What is this ''īśāvāsya'' principle, the God centered concept, in detail? How else does Śrīla Prabhupāda describe it?

In both verses to ''Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam'' and ''Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta'', Śrīla Prabhupāda introduced the term - [[vaniquotes:Category:Spiritual_Communism|spiritual communism]]. Everyone is acquainted to some degree with the philosophy of the communists. Ever since Karl Marx introduced the ideology of commonly owned property by the state and equal distribution of it in the 19th century, as a contra-policy to the capitalists and rich aristocracy, where the poor common peasants were discriminated against, the communist parties were formed in many countries and governments across the globe. Even Vladimir Lenin was an idealist at the beginning when he overthrew the Tsar and the Soviet Union formed under his hands in 1922. The pure idea of communism was maybe not so bad - the redistribution of the wealth, in order to make it all equal between people. But the implementation and the practical application of it had gone severely wrong. People who didn't sign up for the leadership have been persecuted, tortured and killed, their families blacklisted from any sort of normal life. Those who were not part of the party, were not able to study at the universities, have a leading role in any kind of jobs, not even being able to go on holidays anywhere. All borders closed to any outside world, news or any influence was a standard. There was no private property, all businesses were confiscated and claimed as belonging to the state. Anyone who questioned the insanity of this all was suspicious and interrogated. Even people who went to church were considered dissidents. So something went severely wrong in the process. Nowadays, the connotation of communism in dictionaries and media is very negative. Śrīla Prabhupāda has described the situation in Russia after he visited Moscow in 1971:

''"Just like we went to Russia. So we wanted rice. There is no rice. There was no good rice. We wanted fruit. There was no fruit. So what have you done? I am starving for fruit and rice. You cannot supply me."''

The capitalist social system has its flaws also. In fact any sort of social order is wrong and doomed to fail, if it is separated from the concept of God consciousness, the ''īśāvāsya'' principle. Śrīla Prabhupāda writes in the purport to [[Vanisource:ISO 1|''Īśopaniṣad'' Mantra One]], that ''"Nuclear bombs are in the hands of both communists and capitalists, and if both do not recognize the proprietorship of the Supreme Lord, it is certain that these bombs will ultimately ruin both parties." '' He wrote this purport in 1960, when living alone in Vrindavan. This statement is not more valid today as it was then. North Korea, China, Russia, Iran, USA, Pakistan, Israel, India…. Each of these countries has an arsenal of nuclear weapons. Even one deployed weapon can destroy a massive part of the Earth and have severe consequences for many years to come.

Śrīla Prabhupāda very nicely explains the situation between the communism and capitalist in the [[Vanisource:NOI 2|Nectar of Instructions, Mantra 2]].

''Modern capitalists accumulate more wealth than necessary, and the communists, envious of their prosperity, want to nationalize all wealth and property. Unfortunately the communists do not know how to solve the problem of wealth and its distribution. Consequently when the wealth of the capitalists falls into the hands of the communists, no solution results. Opposed to these two philosophies, the Kṛṣṇa conscious ideology states that all wealth belongs to Kṛṣṇa. Thus unless all wealth comes under the administration of Kṛṣṇa, there can be no solution to the economic problem of mankind. Nothing can be solved by placing wealth in the hands of the communists or the capitalists.''

Once Śrīla Prabhupāda started the Hare Krishna movement in the West in 1966, and introduced the ideology of spiritual communism, we can see that this terminology is equal to the ''Isavasya'' principle of the ''Upanishads''. In a lecture on BG 1.15 in London 15th July 1973, he mentions the following:

''<ref> [https://vanisource.org/wiki/730715_-_Lecture_BG_01.15_-_London 730715 - Lecture BG 01.15 - London]</ref> <blockquote>'''"Everything belongs to God; nothing belongs to us. This is Bhāgavata communism. As the communists, they say, "Everything belongs to the state," we say "Everything belongs to God." We never say that anything belongs to anyone. No. This is Bhāgavata communism. So everything belongs to God. So one can utilize God's property as much as he requires, not more than that. Then he will be thief, he will be punishable. Just like father's property. Each and every son has got the right to live at the father's protection. Mā gṛdhaḥ kasya svid dhanam. That is spiritual communism. Whatever wealth is there within this universe, all belong to God, and we are, as sons of God, we have got right to take advantage of this wealth, but not more than what I require. That's all. This is spiritual communism. If you take more, then you become punishable. This is the law of nature.</blockquote>''

And in another lecture in Hyderabad 1972, Śrīla Prabhupāda speaks:

''<ref> [https://vanisource.org/wiki/721122_-_Lecture_BG_02.17_-_Hyderabad 721122 - Lecture BG 02.17 - Hyderabad]</ref> <blockquote>'''"This Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, in other words, it is spiritual communism. The material communism, which is going on, that is defective, because this Communist movement is centered around the state. But when there will be perfect communism—īśāvāsyam idaṁ sarvam ([[Vanisource:ISO 1|ISO 1]]), the center will be God, Kṛṣṇa—that will be perfect. When everyone will understand that Kṛṣṇa is the central point, Kṛṣṇa is the proprietor, Kṛṣṇa is the enjoyer, when perfectly we come to that Kṛṣṇa consciousness, there will be peace and prosperity. Otherwise it is not possible. </blockquote>''

So we may ask what is that "right to take advantage of this wealth of God" and what is the right quota? How do we know the quota that belongs to us? These are correct questions. To answer them, we need to dive deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda’s teachings. He gives a nice analogy in this connection: [[vaniquotes:The_cow_gives_milk%2C_but_she_does_not_drink_that_milk%3B_she_eats_grass_and_straw%2C_and_her_milk_is_designated_as_food_for_human_beings|The cow, for instance, gives milk, but she does not drink that milk: she eats grass and straw, and her milk is designated as food for human beings. Such is the arrangement of the Lord.]]

Śrīla Prabhupāda says that human life is meant for [[vaniquotes:Simple_living_high_thinking|simple living - high thinking]] and he has advised his followers to implement this principle. If we can be happy with being looked after with simple needs, it will allow us as human beings to devote more time to things which are more important and that is cultivation of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, or the understanding of God, one's relationship with Him, and the [[vaniquotes:Category:Ultimate_Goal_of_Life|ultimate goal of life]] - [[vaniquotes:Category:Love_of_Godhead|love of Godhead]]. If we try to get more than necessary and simply eat to satisfy the tongue, we misuse our God given intelligence and thus can loose the chance of human life. In the animal kingdom there is generally no economic problem or scarcity of necessities. They don't collect food for tomorrow, yet they are all looked after every day. So there is a quota that is assigned to each and every one of us, individually. It manifests through the laws of karma. The amazingly detailed set of karmic laws will allow each and every person to have what he is allowed to have and nothing more.

Neither the capitalist system, nor the communist system are perfect. But we learn from the Vedas about the perfect social order, social system which abides by the ''Isavasya'' principles, which is developed by God Himself. Its purely Vedic and perfectly arranged, just like everything that God creates is perfect and complete - ''oṁ pūrṇam adaḥ pūrṇam idaṁ.'' That is the ''varṇāśrama'' order of 4 ''varṇas'' and 4 ''āśramas''. In [[Vanisource:SB 5.1.14|SB 5.1.14]], Śrīla Prabhupāda writes in the purport:

"The ''varṇāśrama'' system is scientific. Therefore if we accept the divisions of ''varṇa'' and ''āśrama'' according to the Vedic instructions, our lives will be successful. Unless human society is thus divided and arranged, it cannot be perfect."

Above the ''Varṇāśrama'' system is however pure devotional services to God. ''Varṇāśrama'' leads one to this point itself. In other words, any social or political system which is devoid of pure devotional service to God is incomplete. This holds true even for the ''Varṇāśrama'' system. Śrīla Prabhupāda writes… "On the other hand, what is the gain of one who executes the prescribed duties according to his ''varṇa'' and ''āśrama'' but does not take to devotional service?" ([[Vanisource:NOI 3|NOI 3]])

The next point Śrīla Prabhupāda makes is that of becoming a thief if one doesn't accept everything as the ownership and property of God. He says that unless one accepts everything as property of God, all the property they claim to be their own is stolen. And thus everyone is then liable to be punished by the laws of nature.

Only humans are bound by the laws of nature. Just like when one crosses the street on red light, he is punishable by the laws of the state. You can cross the street when there is a green light only. You will be fined if you cross on the red light. Even if you didn't know that you are punishable by the state if you cross on red light. It doesn't mean that you will not get the reaction. Human life means the life of responsibility. You are meant to know the laws of the state in order to live happily. Ignorance of the laws is not an excuse. But when a dog crosses the street at a red light, is he going to be fined? No. The state laws do not bind the dog. So we as humans are meant to act in such a way that we don't encroach upon the property of others and we don't misuse God’s property and claim it ours. We will receive a reaction, verdict or punishment according to the laws of nature.

What is the punishment according to the laws of nature? This point is explained in the verse 2 and 3 of the ''Īśopaniṣad''. One who abides by the principles of ''īśāvāsya'' does not have to be afraid, he can live happily for 100 years and the laws of karma will not act upon him. But one who doesn't follow the ''īśāvāsya'' principle will degrade himself and is thrown into the pool of repeated births and deaths life after life. Śrīla Prabhupāda calls this kind of people "killers of the soul."

The real secret of the ''īśāvāsya'' principle is [[vaniquotes:Category:Surrender|surrendering]] oneself to the will of God and performing [[vaniquotes:Category:Pure_Devotional_Service_to_God|pure devotional service]] into Him. Only this can make the conditioned soul happy and free and thus disentangle oneself from the clutches of [[vaniquotes:Category:Repetition_of_Birth_and_Death|repeated birth & death]].

File:Dutch - Bhagavad-gita zoals ze is.jpg

2017-09-22T13:21:33Z

Laksmipriya:

File:Czech - Bhagavad-gita taková, jaká je2.jpg

2017-09-17T13:42:38Z

Laksmipriya: