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Respiritualization through Culture of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam

2026-05-30T15:16:38Z

Visnu Murti:

The ''Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam'' is more than a book; it is the foundation for a spiritual culture capable of transforming human society. Śrīla Prabhupāda envisioned the spread of this culture as the only means to bring about true peace and prosperity in a world fractured by discord. By introducing the educational and spiritual standards of the ''Bhāgavatam'', the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement aims to respiritualize humanity and re-establish the lost values of the Vedic civilization.

<div class="toc-right">__TOC__</div>

=== A Cultural Presentation for Peace ===

The modern world is searching for a formula to unite people in friendship and peace, but material attempts have failed. The ''Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam'' provides the necessary "clue" for this unity. It offers a cultural presentation that transcends sectarian lines, giving humanity a common cause: the service of the Supreme Lord. Śrīla Prabhupāda saw the establishment of this culture, even in the heart of cities like New York, as a philanthropic mission of the highest order.

* [[Vaniquotes:There is need of a clue as to how humanity can become one in peace, friendship and prosperity with a common cause. Srimad-Bhagavatam will fill this need, for it is a cultural presentation for the respiritualization of the entire human society|There is need of a clue as to how humanity can become one in peace, friendship and prosperity with a common cause. Srimad-Bhagavatam will fill this need, for it is a cultural presentation for the respiritualization of the entire human society.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Please therefore purchase a house here in New York & let me work very seriously for this mission of Bhagavatam culture & I am sure that your goodness will not only be recognized by the Lord by you will be recognized by the whole Hindu community|Please therefore purchase a house here in New York & let me work very seriously for this mission of Bhagavatam culture & I am sure that your goodness will not only be recognized by the Lord by you will be recognized by the whole Hindu community.]]

=== Reforming Society through Education ===

A central pillar of the ''Bhāgavatam'' culture is the training of ideal leaders and intellectuals. Currently, there are no institutions producing real ''brāhmaṇas'' who possess genuine spiritual qualifications. To save human society from its degraded condition—where it risks total annihilation by the laws of nature—it is essential to expand this culture and educate a class of men in the principles of the ''Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam''.

* [[Vaniquotes:There is no educational institution where real ideal Brahmanas are educated according to Srimad-Bhagavatam brahminical culture|There is no educational institution where real ideal Brahmanas are educated according to Srimad-Bhagavatam brahminical culture.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:This (reforming society with qualified brahmanas) can be done by expanding the culture of Srimad-Bhagavatam all over the world. In the degraded condition of human society, the Lord incarnates as the Kalki avatara and kills all the demonic without mercy|This (reforming society with qualified brahmanas) can be done by expanding the culture of Srimad-Bhagavatam all over the world. In the degraded condition of human society, the Lord incarnates as the Kalki avatara and kills all the demonic without mercy.]]

=== Depth of Vedic Culture ===

The culture of the ''Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam'' is distinguished by its immensity and depth. While other religious traditions rely on smaller texts, the Vedic culture offers a vast library of spiritual knowledge. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that the sixty volumes of the ''Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam'' alone provide an unrivaled resource for understanding the Absolute Truth, demonstrating the greatness of this ancient tradition.

* [[Vaniquotes:There is no comparison. The Christians, they can present only one small Bible, and the Muslims they can present one little Koran. But here, the Vedic culture is so great that we can simply give you sixty volumes like this only for Srimad-Bhagavatam|There is no comparison. The Christians, they can present only one small Bible, and the Muslims they can present one little Koran. But here, the Vedic culture is so great that we can simply give you sixty volumes like this only for Srimad-Bhagavatam.]]

=== Process - Hearing and Worship ===

The practical application of this culture lies in the cultivation of ''vidyā'', or transcendental knowledge. This is not achieved by mental speculation but by attentively hearing about, glorifying, and worshipping the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Through this submissive aural reception, the Lord becomes established in the heart of the devotee, which is the ultimate goal of the ''Bhāgavatam'' culture.

* [[Vaniquotes:As soon as one attentively and submissively hears the message of Bhagavatam, by this culture of knowledge the Supreme Lord is established within his heart|As soon as one attentively and submissively hears the message of Bhagavatam, by this culture of knowledge the Supreme Lord is established within his heart.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:The culture of vidya is summarized in Srimad-Bhagavatam in the following words: "Therefore, with one-pointed attention one should constantly hear about, glorify, remember and worship the Personality of Godhead, who is the protector of the devotees"|The culture of vidya is summarized in Srimad-Bhagavatam in the following words: Therefore, with one-pointed attention one should constantly hear about, glorify, remember and worship the Personality of Godhead, who is the protector of the devotees.]]

=== Conclusion ===

The culture of the ''Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam'' is the only hope for a misguided humanity. It provides the intellectual, social, and spiritual framework necessary to restore peace and sanity to the world. By expanding this culture of hearing and chanting, we can respiritualize society and offer the highest benefit to all living beings.

=== Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category [[Vaniquotes:Category:Culture of the Srimad-Bhagavatam|Culture of the Srimad-Bhagavatam.]] We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.

(See our [[Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles|Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles]])
[[Category:Vanipedia Gemini - Articles]]
[[Category:Vanipedia Articles - The Essence of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam]]
[[Category:Vanipedia Articles - Establishing God in Modern Society]]

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Life and Teachings of Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura

2026-05-30T15:13:51Z

Visnu Murti:

Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura is a seminal figure in the ''Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava sampradāya'', revered for reviving the mission of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu in the late 19th century. Standing as a powerful ''ācārya'', he effectively combated the influence of pseudo-''vaiṣṇavas'' and established the authentic philosophy of ''bhakti'' through his prolific writings and songs. As the father of Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura, he laid the foundational blueprint for the worldwide propagation of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.

<div class="toc-right">__TOC__</div>

=== Ideal Householder and Responsible Officer ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently highlights that Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura was not a renunciant in the traditional sense but a responsible government magistrate. Despite his demanding career and family life, he executed devotional service with perfection, serving as the ultimate example for ''gṛhastha'' devotees who wish to balance worldly duties with spiritual absorption.

* [[Vaniquotes:Bhaktivinoda Thakura was a magistrate, a responsible government officer|Bhaktivinoda Thakura was a magistrate, a responsible government officer.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Although Bhaktivinoda Thakura was a family man and magistrate, he still executed devotional service most excellently|Although Bhaktivinoda Thakura was a family man and magistrate, he still executed devotional service most excellently.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Our acharya Bhaktivinode Thakura was the perfect householder and we should take his example. How nice a householder he was and how nice children he produced; one of them is my Guru Maharaja. That is the example|Our acharya Bhaktivinode Thakura was the perfect householder and we should take his example. How nice a householder he was and how nice children he produced; one of them is my Guru Maharaja. That is the example.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura was a responsible officer and a householder, yet his service to the cause of expanding the mission of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu is unique|Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura was a responsible officer and a householder, yet his service to the cause of expanding the mission of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu is unique.]]

=== Warnings Against Pseudo-Devotion and Materialism ===

Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura was a fierce critic of unauthorized sects and those who misused the guise of spirituality for sense gratification. Śrīla Prabhupāda cites his warnings against the ''sahajiyās'', caste ''gosvāmīs'', and the accumulation of material knowledge without ''bhakti'', which he famously compared to the labor of an ass.

* [[Vaniquotes:Aula, baula, kartabhaja, neda, daravesa, sani sahajiya, sakhibheki, smarta, jata-gosani, they have been condemned by Bhaktivinoda Thakura, smarta and jata-gosani. Smarta-pandita. Very serious about performing ceremonial rituals, they are called smartas|Aula, baula, kartabhaja, neda, daravesa, sani sahajiya, sakhibheki, smarta, jata-gosani, they have been condemned by Bhaktivinoda Thakura, smarta and jata-gosani. Smarta-pandita. Very serious about performing ceremonial rituals, they are called smartas.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Ass does not know; his interest is simply for grass. He is loaded with tons of cloth of the washer man. Similarly, if we do not get the real knowledge of life, we remain like an ass, & our life is spoilt. This is Bhaktivinoda saying, jiva ke karaye gadha|Ass does not know; his interest is simply for grass. He is loaded with tons of cloth of the washer man. Similarly, if we do not get the real knowledge of life, we remain like an ass, & our life is spoilt. This is Bhaktivinoda saying, jiva ke karaye gadha.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:In many instances they (the Mayavadis) were checked by the government, arrested and punished. In Orissa, Thakura Bhaktivinoda punished a so-called incarnation of Visnu who was imitating the rasa-lila with young girls|In many instances they (the Mayavadis) were checked by the government, arrested and punished. In Orissa, Thakura Bhaktivinoda punished a so-called incarnation of Visnu who was imitating the rasa-lila with young girls.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Unfortunately, in this Age of Kali there are many mundane persons in the dress of Vaisnavas, and Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura has described them as disciples of Kali. He says, kali-cela|Unfortunately, in this Age of Kali there are many mundane persons in the dress of Vaisnavas, and Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura has described them as disciples of Kali. He says, kali-cela.]]

=== Dangerous Ocean of Material Existence ===

In his poetic works, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura graphically describes the perilous condition of the conditioned soul, who is tossed about by the waves of ''māyā''. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that these waves represent the incessant demands of the senses and the cycle of birth and death, from which only Kṛṣṇa can rescue us.

* [[Vaniquotes:Bhaktivinoda Thakura has stated: mayara vase, yaccha bhese', khaccha habudubu, bhai. We are like straws on the waves of the ocean, and we are fully under the control of the waves|Bhaktivinoda Thakura has stated: mayara vase, yaccha bhese', khaccha habudubu, bhai. We are like straws on the waves of the ocean, and we are fully under the control of the waves.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Bhaktivinoda Thakura says, anadi karama-phale, padi 'bhavarnava-jale, taribare na dekhi upaya. If we are thrown into the ocean, there is a great struggle, even if we may be very great swimmers|Bhaktivinoda Thakura says, anadi karama-phale, padi 'bhavarnava-jale, taribare na dekhi upaya. If we are thrown into the ocean, there is a great struggle, even if we may be very great swimmers.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura has sung: My dear brothers, you are being carried away by the waves of material energy and are suffering in many miserable conditions|Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura has sung: My dear brothers, you are being carried away by the waves of material energy and are suffering in many miserable conditions.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura states that all men and women are floating like straws on the waves of material nature. If they come to the understanding that they are the eternal servants of Krsna, they will put an end to this floating condition|Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura states that all men and women are floating like straws on the waves of material nature. If they come to the understanding that they are the eternal servants of Krsna, they will put an end to this floating condition.]]

=== Control of the Tongue and Senses ===

A central theme in Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura's teachings is the discipline of the senses, specifically the tongue, which he identifies as the most formidable enemy. Śrīla Prabhupāda reiterates his instruction that without controlling the tongue through the acceptance of ''kṛṣṇa-prasāda'', spiritual advancement is impossible.

* [[Vaniquotes:Bhaktivinoda Thakura said that this network of ignorance, where the senses are like black cobra, out of all those senses the tongue is the greatest black cobra|Bhaktivinoda Thakura said that this network of ignorance, where the senses are like black cobra, out of all the senses the tongue is the greatest black cobra.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Bhaktivinoda Thakura said, "Out of all the senses, the tongue is very difficult to control, formidable enemy." So in order to control the tongue, He has given nice prasadam|Bhaktivinoda Thakura said, "Out of all the senses, the tongue is very difficult to control, formidable enemy." So in order to control the tongue, He has given nice prasadam.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Bhaktivinoda Thakura states, krsna bada dayamaya, karibare jihva jaya, sva-prasada-anna dila bhai: in order to conquer the tongue, Krsna has been very merciful and has given us nice food that has been offered to Him|Bhaktivinoda Thakura states, krsna bada dayamaya, karibare jihva jaya, sva-prasada-anna dila bhai: in order to conquer the tongue, Krsna has been very merciful and has given us nice food that has been offered to Him.]]

=== Spirit of Surrender (Saranagati) ===

The mood of ''śaraṇāgati'', or complete surrender, is perfectly encapsulated in Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura's songs. Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently quotes his prayers, which express a devotee's total dependence on the Lord's will, preferring even a birth as an insect in a devotee's home over the post of Lord Brahmā without ''bhakti''.

* [[Vaniquotes:Bhaktivinoda Thakura sings, marabi rakhabi-yo iccha tohara: "O Lord (Krsna), I fully surrender unto Your lotus feet. Now, as You desire, You may protect me or annihilate me. You have the full right to do either"|Bhaktivinoda Thakura sings, marabi rakhabi-yo iccha tohara: "O Lord (Krsna), I fully surrender unto Your lotus feet. Now, as You desire, You may protect me or annihilate me. You have the full right to do either."]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura has recommended: vaisnava thakura tomara kukkura bhuliya janaha more, krsna se tomara krsna dite para. One should desire to become like a dog in strictly following a devotee|Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura has recommended: vaisnava thakura tomara kukkura bhuliya janaha more, krsna se tomara krsna dite para. One should desire to become like a dog in strictly following a devotee.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Bhaktivinoda Thakura says that brahma-janme nahi mora asa: "I don't care for to take birth as Brahma." Kita-janma hau jatha tuwa das (Saranagati): "Better let me become an insect where Your devotee is there." So our purpose is different|Bhaktivinoda Thakura says that brahma-janme nahi mora asa: "I don't care for to take birth as Brahma." Kita-janma hau jatha tuwa das (Saranagati): "Better let me become an insect where Your devotee is there." So our purpose is different.]]

=== Prophecy of the Global Mission ===

Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura possessed the spiritual vision to foresee the spread of Lord Caitanya's movement beyond India. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes with gratitude that his own mission to the West was the fulfillment of Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura's ardent desire to see devotees from all nations chanting together in the holy land of Māyāpur.

* [[Vaniquotes:Bhaktivinoda Thakura's great desire was that the Americans would come here and develop this place and they would chant and dance along with the Indians|Bhaktivinoda Thakura's great desire was that the Americans would come here and develop this place and they would chant and dance along with the Indians.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:It was the desire of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura that Europeans and Americans would come here (Mayapur dhama) and chant Hare Krsna mantra. That prophecy is now being fulfilled, and that is my satisfaction|It was the desire of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura that Europeans and Americans would come here (Mayapur dhama) and chant Hare Krsna mantra. That prophecy is now being fulfilled, and that is my satisfaction.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:I am simply messenger. Mercy is of Bhaktivinoda Thakura and Srila Prabhupada. Before your coming they predicted, that "Somebody will bring." Maybe that somebody I am. Bhaktivinoda Thakura predicted|I am simply messenger. Mercy is of Bhaktivinoda Thakura and Srila Prabhupada. Before your coming they predicted, that "Somebody will bring." Maybe that somebody I am. Bhaktivinoda Thakura predicted.]]

=== Conclusion ===

Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura remains an eternal source of inspiration for all practitioners of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. His life demonstrated that pure devotion is not dependent on one's social position or ashram, but on the intensity of one's surrender. By exposing the pitfalls of materialism and pseudo-spirituality, and by prophesying the global ''sankirtana'' movement, he paved the way for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. As Śrīla Prabhupāda affirms, we are simply following in the footsteps of this great ''ācārya'', whose mercy allows us to access the profound teachings of Lord Caitanya.

=== Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category [[Vaniquotes:Category:Bhaktivinoda Thakura|Bhaktivinoda Thakura]]. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.

(See our [[Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles|Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles]])
[[Category:Vanipedia Gemini - Articles]]
[[Category:Vanipedia Articles - Ācārya, Guru and Spiritual Master]]
[[Category:Vanipedia Articles - The Previous Ācāryas and Our Guru-paramparā]]

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Divine Instructions and Predictions of Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura

2026-05-30T15:12:27Z

Visnu Murti:

Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura holds a unique and exalted position in the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava ''sampradāya'' as the ''ācārya'' who revitalized the teachings of Lord Caitanya in the modern age. Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently cites him as the perfect example of a householder who, despite holding a responsible government post as a magistrate, remained fully absorbed in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. This article explores his profound philosophical instructions on surrender, his warnings against material illusion, and his prophetic vision regarding the global propagation of the ''saṅkīrtana'' movement.

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=== Pioneer of the Global Saṅkīrtana Movement ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda often reflects on the visionary foresight of Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura, who predicted that the message of Lord Caitanya would spread beyond the borders of India. He specifically desired to see devotees from the West and the East chanting the holy names together in the holy ''dhāma'' of Māyāpur, a vision that Śrīla Prabhupāda dedicated his life to fulfilling.

* [[Vaniquotes:It was the desire of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura that Europeans and Americans would come here (Mayapur dhama) and chant Hare Krsna mantra. That prophecy is now being fulfilled, and that is my satisfaction|It was the desire of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura that Europeans and Americans would come here (Mayapur dhama) and chant Hare Krsna mantra. That prophecy is now being fulfilled, and that is my satisfaction.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura and Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada desired to fulfill this great prediction, and we are following in their footsteps|Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura and Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada desired to fulfill this great prediction, and we are following in their footsteps.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu wanted devotees all over the world, and Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura and Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura confirmed this. It is in pursuit of their will that the ISKCON movement is spreading all over the world|Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu wanted devotees all over the world, and Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura and Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura confirmed this. It is in pursuit of their will that the ISKCON movement is spreading all over the world.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Bhaktivinoda Thakura's great desire was that the Americans would come here and develop this place and they would chant and dance along with the Indians|Bhaktivinoda Thakura's great desire was that the Americans would come here and develop this place and they would chant and dance along with the Indians.]]

=== Ideal Householder and Ācārya ===

Unlike many who artificially renounce the world, Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura demonstrated that one can remain in the ''gṛhastha-āśrama'' and still be a first-class ''ācārya''. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that his life as a magistrate was not a hindrance but a field of service, and his definition of a true Vaiṣṇava is one who empowers others to become devotees.

* [[Vaniquotes:Our acharya Bhaktivinode Thakura was the perfect householder and we should take his example. How nice a householder he was and how nice children he produced; one of them is my Guru Maharaja. That is the example|Our acharya Bhaktivinode Thakura was the perfect householder and we should take his example. How nice a householder he was and how nice children he produced; one of them is my Guru Maharaja. That is the example.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura has said that a Vaisnava is he who has helped others become Vaisnavas. An example of one who has converted many others into Vaisnavas is Narada Muni|Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura has said that a Vaisnava is he who has helped others become Vaisnavas. An example of one who has converted many others into Vaisnavas is Narada Muni.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Bhaktivinoda Thakura was a magistrate, a responsible government officer|Bhaktivinoda Thakura was a magistrate, a responsible government officer.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Generally, if one can remain a brahmacari, it is very convenient, and from brahmacari one can take sannyasa. But in this age of kali Bhaktivinode Thakura recommends that it is better to cultivate Krishna Consciousness as a householder|Generally, if one can remain a brahmacari, it is very convenient, and from brahmacari one can take sannyasa. But in this age of kali Bhaktivinode Thakura recommends that it is better to cultivate Krishna Consciousness as a householder.]]

=== Surrender and the Trap of Material Existence ===

Through his songs and writings, Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura vividly describes the helpless condition of the conditioned soul who is tossed about by the waves of ''māyā''. Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently quotes his analogy of the materialist being like a "burdened ass," explaining that without Kṛṣṇa consciousness, all academic and social advancements are ultimately useless and dangerous.

* [[Vaniquotes:Ass does not know; his interest is simply for grass. He is loaded with tons of cloth of the washer man. Similarly, if we do not get the real knowledge of life, we remain like an ass, & our life is spoilt. This is Bhaktivinoda saying, jiva ke karaye gadha|Ass does not know; his interest is simply for grass. He is loaded with tons of cloth of the washer man. Similarly, if we do not get the real knowledge of life, we remain like an ass, and our life is spoilt. This is Bhaktivinoda saying, jiva ke karaye gadha.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Bhaktivinoda Thakura sings, marabi rakhabi-yo iccha tohara: "O Lord (Krsna), I fully surrender unto Your lotus feet. Now, as You desire, You may protect me or annihilate me. You have the full right to do either"|Bhaktivinoda Thakura sings, marabi rakhabi-yo iccha tohara: "O Lord (Krsna), I fully surrender unto Your lotus feet. Now, as You desire, You may protect me or annihilate me. You have the full right to do either."]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Bhaktivinoda Thakura has stated: mayara vase, yaccha bhese', khaccha habudubu, bhai. We are like straws on the waves of the ocean, and we are fully under the control of the waves|Bhaktivinoda Thakura has stated: mayara vase, yaccha bhese', khaccha habudubu, bhai. We are like straws on the waves of the ocean, and we are fully under the control of the waves.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, a great acarya, maintained that all forms of material knowledge are merely external features of the illusory energy and that by culturing them one becomes no better than an ass. This same principle is found here in Isopanisad|Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, a great acarya, maintained that all forms of material knowledge are merely external features of the illusory energy and that by culturing them one becomes no better than an ass. This same principle is found here in Isopanisad.]]

=== Controlling the Senses and Defeating Pretenders ===

Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura was uncompromising in his warnings about the formidable nature of the senses, particularly the tongue, which he identified as the leader of the senses. Additionally, as a magistrate, he strictly dealt with pseudo-incarnations and ''sahajiyās'', teaching that true devotion must be based on genuine adherence to ''śāstra'' rather than sentimental imitation.

* [[Vaniquotes:Bhaktivinoda Thakura said, "Out of all the senses, the tongue is very difficult to control, formidable enemy." So in order to control the tongue, He has given nice prasadam|Bhaktivinoda Thakura said, "Out of all the senses, the tongue is very difficult to control, formidable enemy." So in order to control the tongue, He has given nice prasadam.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:In many instances they (the Mayavadis) were checked by the government, arrested and punished. In Orissa, Thakura Bhaktivinoda punished a so-called incarnation of Visnu who was imitating the rasa-lila with young girls|In many instances they (the Mayavadis) were checked by the government, arrested and punished. In Orissa, Thakura Bhaktivinoda punished a so-called incarnation of Visnu who was imitating the rasa-lila with young girls.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Bhaktivinoda Thakura states, krsna bada dayamaya, karibare jihva jaya, sva-prasada-anna dila bhai: in order to conquer the tongue, Krsna has been very merciful and has given us nice food that has been offered to Him|Bhaktivinoda Thakura states, krsna bada dayamaya, karibare jihva jaya, sva-prasada-anna dila bhai: in order to conquer the tongue, Krsna has been very merciful and has given us nice food that has been offered to Him.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Bhaktivinoda Thakura was against giving sannyasa. He didn't like these babajis. They were markata-vairagya, superficially . . . markata-vairagya means monkey. They live naked, eat fruits, live in the jungle. That is vairagya. But three dozen wives|Bhaktivinoda Thakura was against giving sannyasa. He didn't like these babajis. They were markata-vairagya, superficially . . . markata-vairagya means monkey. They live naked, eat fruits, live in the jungle. That is vairagya. But three dozen wives.]]

=== Conclusion ===

Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura serves as the great link between the medieval Vaiṣṇava community and the global Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. Śrīla Prabhupāda illuminates his predecessor's teachings to show that spiritual perfection is accessible to everyone, provided one follows the path of authentic surrender. Whether warning against the dangers of the uncontrolled tongue, exposing false incarnations, or predicting the unification of the world through the holy name, Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura's instructions remain fundamentally relevant for all practitioners of ''bhakti-yoga''.

=== Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category [[Vaniquotes:Category:Bhaktivinoda Thakura|Bhaktivinoda Thakura]]. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.

(See our [[Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles|Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles]])
[[Category:Vanipedia Gemini - Articles]]
[[Category:Vanipedia Articles - The Previous Ācāryas and Our Guru-paramparā]]
[[Category:Vanipedia Articles - Ācārya, Guru and Spiritual Master]]

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Teachings of Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura

2026-05-30T15:11:50Z

Visnu Murti:

This article explores the profound philosophical insights of Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura as presented by Śrīla Prabhupāda. Within his purports and lectures, Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently refers to this great ''ācārya'' to substantiate the proper understanding of ''guru-tattva'', the nuances of Kṛṣṇa's pastimes, and the supremacy of devotional service over other processes.

<div class="toc-right">__TOC__</div>

=== Spiritual Master and Discipleship ===
Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes the absolute necessity of surrendering to the spiritual master, citing Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura's confirmation that the ''guru'' is the direct manifestation of Kṛṣṇa's mercy. A disciple's advancement depends entirely on strictly following the orders of the spiritual master, who is to be honored on par with the Supreme Lord.

* [[Vaniquotes:Saksad-dharitvena samasta: the spiritual master is representative of Krsna. And Visvanatha Cakravarti advises that in all the scriptures it is stated that spiritual master is identical with the Supreme Lord|Saksad-dharitvena samasta: the spiritual master is representative of Krsna. And Visvanatha Cakravarti advises that in all the scriptures it is stated that spiritual master is identical with the Supreme Lord.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:According to this instruction of Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura, it is the duty of a disciple to follow strictly the orders of his spiritual master|According to this instruction of Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura, it is the duty of a disciple to follow strictly the orders of his spiritual master.]]

=== Impediments and the Value of Devotion ===
In his analysis of devotional service, Śrīla Prabhupāda draws upon the commentaries of the ''ācārya'' to warn against obstacles that can check one's spiritual progress. Specifically, committing offenses against other Vaiṣṇavas is highlighted as a primary impediment, while the process of bhakti itself is shown to minimize the value of mere impersonal liberation.

* [[Vaniquotes:According to Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura, there are two kinds of impediments to devotional service. The first is an offense at the lotus feet of a Vaisnava. This is called vaisnava-aparadha|According to Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura, there are two kinds of impediments to devotional service. The first is an offense at the lotus feet of a Vaisnava. This is called vaisnava-aparadha.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:According to Srila Jiva Gosvami and Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura, the word used here is nirvana-vilambitani, that which minimizes the value of liberation|According to Srila Jiva Gosvami and Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura, the word used here is nirvana-vilambitani, that which minimizes the value of liberation.]]

=== Power of the Holy Name ===
Śrīla Prabhupāda illustrates the extraordinary potency of the holy name through the teachings of Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura regarding the history of Ajāmila. Even when chanted without pure intent or in a neglectful manner, the holy name retains the power to liberate the living entity from material existence.

* [[Vaniquotes:According to Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura, simply calling the name of his son was not sufficient. He remembered Narayana. But according to sastra, the holy name of the Lord, if one chants even neglectfully, he also gets the chance of being liberated|According to Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura, simply calling the name of his son was not sufficient. He remembered Narayana. But according to sastra, the holy name of the Lord, if one chants even neglectfully, he also gets the chance of being liberated.]]

=== Esoteric Pastimes and Universal Truths ===
To clarify complex aspects of Kṛṣṇa's pastimes and the workings of the universe, Śrīla Prabhupāda refers to the specific realizations of the ''ācārya''. These include the supernatural extension of time during the ''rāsa'' dance and the confidential reasons behind the disappearance of the Yadu dynasty.

* [[Vaniquotes:According to Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura, the rasa dance was performed during the long period of Brahma's night, but the gopis could not understand that. In order to fulfill their desire, Krsna extended the night to cover such a great period of time|According to Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura, the rasa dance was performed during the long period of Brahma's night, but the gopis could not understand that. In order to fulfill their desire, Krsna extended the night to cover such a great period of time.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:According to Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura, that confidential message must have concerned the mystery of His (God's) departure and the annihilation of His dynasty (the Yadus) after the end of His appearance in the mundane world for one hundred years|According to Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura, that confidential message must have concerned the mystery of His (God's) departure and the annihilation of His dynasty (the Yadus) after the end of His appearance in the mundane world for one hundred years.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:According to Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura, sons always outlive their fathers in other planetary systems and other lands in this universe, especially on Svargaloka|According to Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura, sons always outlive their fathers in other planetary systems and other lands in this universe, especially on Svargaloka.]]

=== Scriptural Definitions and Interpretations ===
Śrīla Prabhupāda utilizes the scholarly authority of Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura to define specific Sanskrit terms and concepts found in the scriptures. From the definition of a ghost to the intelligence of demigod worshipers, these clarifications ensure the devotee understands the precise conclusion of the ''śāstra''.

* [[Vaniquotes:According to Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura, the breathing dead body is a ghost|According to Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura, the breathing dead body is a ghost.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:There are worshipers of other demigods, but they have been described in the Bhagavad-gita as hrta-jnanah. Hrta-jnanah. Sri Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura comments, nasta buddhayah, "one who has lost his intelligence." These are the verdict of the sastra|There are worshipers of other demigods, but they have been described in the Bhagavad-gita as hrta-jnanah. Hrta-jnanah. Sri Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura comments, nasta buddhayah, "one who has lost his intelligence." These are the verdict of the sastra.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:According to Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura, hamsa-saranam refers to the cottage in which saintly persons live. Generally saintly people live in a remote place in the forest or in a humble cottage. However, we should note that the times have changed|According to Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura, hamsa-saranam refers to the cottage in which saintly persons live. Generally saintly people live in a remote place in the forest or in a humble cottage. However, we should note that the times have changed.]]

=== Conclusion ===
The teachings of Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura, as illuminated by Śrīla Prabhupāda, provide an essential foundation for understanding the depth of Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava philosophy. Whether clarifying the absolute position of the spiritual master, warning against offenses, or revealing the mysteries of Kṛṣṇa's pastimes, these instructions guide the devotee toward a pure and unobstructed path of devotional service.

=== Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category [[Vaniquotes:Category:According_to_Srila_Visvanatha_Cakravarti_Thakura|According to Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura]]. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.

(See our [[Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles|Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles]])
[[Category:Vanipedia Gemini - Articles]]
[[Category:Vanipedia Articles - The Previous Ācāryas and Our Guru-paramparā]]

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Manu Is One of the Twelve Authorities on Vedic Knowledge

2026-05-30T15:11:19Z

Visnu Murti:

In the Vedic tradition, the path of spiritual perfection is not a matter of research or independent discovery. It is a path of following authority. Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently cites the ''dvādaśa-mahājana''—the twelve great authorities—as the standard-bearers of religious principles. Among these exalted personalities, Manu holds a significant position as the father of mankind and a primary teacher of ''dharma''. To understand the Absolute Truth and the proper conduct of life, one must follow in the footsteps of authorities like Manu.

<div class="toc-right">__TOC__</div>

=== The Twelve Mahājanas ===

The ''Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam'' ([[Vanisource:SB 6.3.20|6.3.20]]) enumerates twelve individuals who are authorized to understand and speak the confidential science of God. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that these agents of the Lord are empowered to propagate the principles of religion throughout the universe.

* [[Vaniquotes:According to the Vedic sastras there are twelve authorities. These are Svayambhu, Narada, Sambhu, Kumara, Kapila, Manu, prahlada, Janaka, Bhisma, Bali, Sukadeva Gosvami and Yamaraja. Svayambhu is Brahma, and Sambhu is Lord Siva|According to the Vedic sastras there are twelve authorities. These are Svayambhu, Narada, Sambhu, Kumara, Kapila, Manu, prahlada, Janaka, Bhisma, Bali, Sukadeva Gosvami and Yamaraja. Svayambhu is Brahma, and Sambhu is Lord Siva.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:The twelve authorities are Brahma, Narada, Lord Siva, Manu, Kapila, Prahlada, Janaka, Bhisma, Sukadeva Gosvami, Bali, Yamaraja and the Kumaras. These personalities are still remembered because they were all great stalwart devotees of the Lord|The twelve authorities are Brahma, Narada, Lord Siva, Manu, Kapila, Prahlada, Janaka, Bhisma, Sukadeva Gosvami, Bali, Yamaraja and the Kumaras. These personalities are still remembered because they were all great stalwart devotees of the Lord.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Twelve personalities - Brahma, Narada, Lord Siva, Kumara, Kapila, Manu, Prahlada Maharaja, Janaka Maharaja, Bhisma, Bali, Sukadeva Gosvami and Yamaraja - are agents of the Lord authorized to speak and propagate the principles of religion|Twelve personalities - Brahma, Narada, Lord Siva, Kumara, Kapila, Manu, Prahlada Maharaja, Janaka Maharaja, Bhisma, Bali, Sukadeva Gosvami and Yamaraja - are agents of the Lord authorized to speak and propagate the principles of religion.]]

=== Manu’s Specific Authority ===

Manu is not a mythological figure but a historical administrator and lawgiver. As one of the ''mahājanas'', Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that his codes of conduct are considered all-pervading authorities for human society. Along with Parāśara, he is accepted unanimously in the disciplic succession.

* [[Vaniquotes:The followers of the Vedas unanimously accept the authority of Manu and Parasara in the disciplic succession|The followers of the Vedas unanimously accept the authority of Manu and Parasara in the disciplic succession.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:There are twenty different types of scripture for following religious principles, and among them the scriptures of Manu and Yajnavalkya are considered to be all-pervading authorities|There are twenty different types of scripture for following religious principles, and among them the scriptures of Manu and Yajnavalkya are considered to be all-pervading authorities.]]

=== Rejection of Speculation ===

The primary reason for relying on these authorities is the rejection of mental speculation. Human beings, with their imperfect senses and tendency to commit mistakes, cannot manufacture religious principles. Śrīla Prabhupāda asserts that one must simply follow the path marked by the ''mahājanas''.

* [[Vaniquotes:No one can manufacture a religious principle by imperfect speculation. One must follow in the footsteps of great authorities like Brahma, Siva, Narada, Manu, Kumara, Kapila, Prahlada, Bhisma, Sukadeva Gosvami, Yamaraja, Janaka, etc. BG 1972 purports|No one can manufacture a religious principle by imperfect speculation. One must follow in the footsteps of great authorities like Brahma, Siva, Narada, Manu, Kumara, Kapila, Prahlada, Bhisma, Sukadeva Gosvami, Yamaraja, Janaka, etc.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:One must follow in the footsteps of great authorities like Brahma, Siva, Narada, Manu, the Kumaras, Kapila, Prahlada, Bhisma, Sukadeva Gosvami, Yamaraja, Janaka, and Bali Maharaja|One must follow in the footsteps of great authorities like Brahma, Siva, Narada, Manu, the Kumaras, Kapila, Prahlada, Bhisma, Sukadeva Gosvami, Yamaraja, Janaka, and Bali Maharaja.]]

=== Qualifications of an Authority ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda notes one more point regarding what makes Manu and the others authorities: it is not merely their high birth or position, but their intense devotion and austerity. They are completely surrendered to the Supreme Personality of Godhead and possess the power of knowledge derived from penance.

* [[Vaniquotes:All these personalities (Sanaka, Sanatana, Narada, Siva, the Manus) underwent great austerities and penances and thus became authorities in Vedic knowledge. Perfect knowledge for human beings, as well as all living entities, is contained in the Vedas|All these personalities (Sanaka, Sanatana, Narada, Siva, the Manus) underwent great austerities and penances and thus became authorities in Vedic knowledge. Perfect knowledge for human beings, as well as all living entities, is contained in the Vedas.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:All these authorities (Siva, Lord Brahma, Manu or Narada) are certainly very powerful, but they do not have the power to disobey the orders of the Supreme Personality of Godhead|All these authorities (Siva, Lord Brahma, Manu or Narada) are certainly very powerful, but they do not have the power to disobey the orders of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.]]

=== Conclusion ===

To resolve the confusion of life and understand the goal of existence, one must look to the beacons of light established by the ''Vedas''. Manu, as a ''mahājana'', guides humanity not only in social and moral conduct but, Śrīla Prabhupāda asserts, guides us toward the lotus feet of the Lord. By accepting the authority of Manu and his peers, we safely navigate the ocean of ignorance.

=== Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category [[Vaniquotes:Category:Manu_is_an_Authority|Manu is an Authority]]. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.

(See our [[Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles|Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles]])
[[Category:Vanipedia Gemini - Articles]]
[[Category:Vanipedia Articles - The Previous Ācāryas and Our Guru-paramparā]]
[[Category:Vanipedia Articles on Knowledge]]

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Divine Instructions and Predictions of Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura

2026-05-30T15:10:44Z

Visnu Murti:

Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura holds a unique and exalted position in the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava ''sampradāya'' as the ''ācārya'' who revitalized the teachings of Lord Caitanya in the modern age. Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently cites him as the perfect example of a householder who, despite holding a responsible government post as a magistrate, remained fully absorbed in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. This article explores his profound philosophical instructions on surrender, his warnings against material illusion, and his prophetic vision regarding the global propagation of the ''saṅkīrtana'' movement.

<div class="toc-right">__TOC__</div>

=== Pioneer of the Global Saṅkīrtana Movement ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda often reflects on the visionary foresight of Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura, who predicted that the message of Lord Caitanya would spread beyond the borders of India. He specifically desired to see devotees from the West and the East chanting the holy names together in the holy ''dhāma'' of Māyāpur, a vision that Śrīla Prabhupāda dedicated his life to fulfilling.

* [[Vaniquotes:It was the desire of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura that Europeans and Americans would come here (Mayapur dhama) and chant Hare Krsna mantra. That prophecy is now being fulfilled, and that is my satisfaction|It was the desire of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura that Europeans and Americans would come here (Mayapur dhama) and chant Hare Krsna mantra. That prophecy is now being fulfilled, and that is my satisfaction.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura and Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada desired to fulfill this great prediction, and we are following in their footsteps|Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura and Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada desired to fulfill this great prediction, and we are following in their footsteps.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu wanted devotees all over the world, and Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura and Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura confirmed this. It is in pursuit of their will that the ISKCON movement is spreading all over the world|Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu wanted devotees all over the world, and Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura and Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura confirmed this. It is in pursuit of their will that the ISKCON movement is spreading all over the world.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Bhaktivinoda Thakura's great desire was that the Americans would come here and develop this place and they would chant and dance along with the Indians|Bhaktivinoda Thakura's great desire was that the Americans would come here and develop this place and they would chant and dance along with the Indians.]]

=== Ideal Householder and Ācārya ===

Unlike many who artificially renounce the world, Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura demonstrated that one can remain in the ''gṛhastha-āśrama'' and still be a first-class ''ācārya''. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that his life as a magistrate was not a hindrance but a field of service, and his definition of a true Vaiṣṇava is one who empowers others to become devotees.

* [[Vaniquotes:Our acharya Bhaktivinode Thakura was the perfect householder and we should take his example. How nice a householder he was and how nice children he produced; one of them is my Guru Maharaja. That is the example|Our acharya Bhaktivinode Thakura was the perfect householder and we should take his example. How nice a householder he was and how nice children he produced; one of them is my Guru Maharaja. That is the example.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura has said that a Vaisnava is he who has helped others become Vaisnavas. An example of one who has converted many others into Vaisnavas is Narada Muni|Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura has said that a Vaisnava is he who has helped others become Vaisnavas. An example of one who has converted many others into Vaisnavas is Narada Muni.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Bhaktivinoda Thakura was a magistrate, a responsible government officer|Bhaktivinoda Thakura was a magistrate, a responsible government officer.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Generally, if one can remain a brahmacari, it is very convenient, and from brahmacari one can take sannyasa. But in this age of kali Bhaktivinode Thakura recommends that it is better to cultivate Krishna Consciousness as a householder|Generally, if one can remain a brahmacari, it is very convenient, and from brahmacari one can take sannyasa. But in this age of kali Bhaktivinode Thakura recommends that it is better to cultivate Krishna Consciousness as a householder.]]

=== Surrender and the Trap of Material Existence ===

Through his songs and writings, Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura vividly describes the helpless condition of the conditioned soul who is tossed about by the waves of ''māyā''. Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently quotes his analogy of the materialist being like a "burdened ass," explaining that without Kṛṣṇa consciousness, all academic and social advancements are ultimately useless and dangerous.

* [[Vaniquotes:Ass does not know; his interest is simply for grass. He is loaded with tons of cloth of the washer man. Similarly, if we do not get the real knowledge of life, we remain like an ass, & our life is spoilt. This is Bhaktivinoda saying, jiva ke karaye gadha|Ass does not know; his interest is simply for grass. He is loaded with tons of cloth of the washer man. Similarly, if we do not get the real knowledge of life, we remain like an ass, and our life is spoilt. This is Bhaktivinoda saying, jiva ke karaye gadha.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Bhaktivinoda Thakura sings, marabi rakhabi-yo iccha tohara: "O Lord (Krsna), I fully surrender unto Your lotus feet. Now, as You desire, You may protect me or annihilate me. You have the full right to do either"|Bhaktivinoda Thakura sings, marabi rakhabi-yo iccha tohara: "O Lord (Krsna), I fully surrender unto Your lotus feet. Now, as You desire, You may protect me or annihilate me. You have the full right to do either."]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Bhaktivinoda Thakura has stated: mayara vase, yaccha bhese', khaccha habudubu, bhai. We are like straws on the waves of the ocean, and we are fully under the control of the waves|Bhaktivinoda Thakura has stated: mayara vase, yaccha bhese', khaccha habudubu, bhai. We are like straws on the waves of the ocean, and we are fully under the control of the waves.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, a great acarya, maintained that all forms of material knowledge are merely external features of the illusory energy and that by culturing them one becomes no better than an ass. This same principle is found here in Isopanisad|Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, a great acarya, maintained that all forms of material knowledge are merely external features of the illusory energy and that by culturing them one becomes no better than an ass. This same principle is found here in Isopanisad.]]

=== Controlling the Senses and Defeating Pretenders ===

Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura was uncompromising in his warnings about the formidable nature of the senses, particularly the tongue, which he identified as the leader of the senses. Additionally, as a magistrate, he strictly dealt with pseudo-incarnations and ''sahajiyās'', teaching that true devotion must be based on genuine adherence to ''śāstra'' rather than sentimental imitation.

* [[Vaniquotes:Bhaktivinoda Thakura said, "Out of all the senses, the tongue is very difficult to control, formidable enemy." So in order to control the tongue, He has given nice prasadam|Bhaktivinoda Thakura said, "Out of all the senses, the tongue is very difficult to control, formidable enemy." So in order to control the tongue, He has given nice prasadam.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:In many instances they (the Mayavadis) were checked by the government, arrested and punished. In Orissa, Thakura Bhaktivinoda punished a so-called incarnation of Visnu who was imitating the rasa-lila with young girls|In many instances they (the Mayavadis) were checked by the government, arrested and punished. In Orissa, Thakura Bhaktivinoda punished a so-called incarnation of Visnu who was imitating the rasa-lila with young girls.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Bhaktivinoda Thakura states, krsna bada dayamaya, karibare jihva jaya, sva-prasada-anna dila bhai: in order to conquer the tongue, Krsna has been very merciful and has given us nice food that has been offered to Him|Bhaktivinoda Thakura states, krsna bada dayamaya, karibare jihva jaya, sva-prasada-anna dila bhai: in order to conquer the tongue, Krsna has been very merciful and has given us nice food that has been offered to Him.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Bhaktivinoda Thakura was against giving sannyasa. He didn't like these babajis. They were markata-vairagya, superficially . . . markata-vairagya means monkey. They live naked, eat fruits, live in the jungle. That is vairagya. But three dozen wives|Bhaktivinoda Thakura was against giving sannyasa. He didn't like these babajis. They were markata-vairagya, superficially . . . markata-vairagya means monkey. They live naked, eat fruits, live in the jungle. That is vairagya. But three dozen wives.]]

=== Conclusion ===

Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura serves as the great link between the medieval Vaiṣṇava community and the global Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. Śrīla Prabhupāda illuminates his predecessor's teachings to show that spiritual perfection is accessible to everyone, provided one follows the path of authentic surrender. Whether warning against the dangers of the uncontrolled tongue, exposing false incarnations, or predicting the unification of the world through the holy name, Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura's instructions remain fundamentally relevant for all practitioners of ''bhakti-yoga''.

=== Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category [[Vaniquotes:Category:Bhaktivinoda Thakura|Bhaktivinoda Thakura]]. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.

(See our [[Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles|Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles]])
[[Category:Vanipedia Gemini - Articles]]
[[Category:Vanipedia Articles - Ācārya, Guru and Spiritual Master]]

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Cintāmaṇi - The Prostitute Who Became a Guru

2026-05-30T15:09:18Z

Visnu Murti:

The history of Bilvamaṅgala Ṭhākura is a testament to the transformative power of the truth, regardless of the source. Before becoming a celebrated Vaiṣṇava saint and the author of ''Kṛṣṇa-karṇāmṛta'', Bilvamaṅgala was deeply entangled in a relationship with a prostitute named Cintāmaṇi. This article explores how a woman of questionable social standing became an instructing spiritual master, redirecting a man's intense lust into the highest stage of devotion.

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=== Intensity of Blind Attachment ===
In his early life, Bilvamaṅgala Ṭhākura was so addicted to the association of Cintāmaṇi that he lost all sense of propriety and safety. The quotes describe a specific night where, driven by intense desire, he braved a terrible thunderstorm and crossed a dangerous, foaming river just to reach her house. His determination, though misplaced, was unwavering.

* [[Vaniquotes:One night when the Thakura came to Cintamani's house in torrents of rain and thunder, Cintamani was astonished to see how the Thakura could come on such a dreadful night after crossing a foaming river which was full of waves|One night when the Thakura came to Cintamani's house in torrents of rain and thunder, Cintamani was astonished to see how the Thakura could come on such a dreadful night after crossing a foaming river which was full of waves.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:One night, during a terrible rainstorm, Bilvamangala went to see Cintamani, but the prostitute was thinking, "Surely tonight Bilvamangala will not come. This is a terrible storm." Nonetheless, Bilvamangala came, despite all difficulties|One night, during a terrible rainstorm, Bilvamangala went to see Cintamani, but the prostitute was thinking, "Surely tonight Bilvamangala will not come. This is a terrible storm." Nonetheless, Bilvamangala came, despite all difficulties.]]

=== Rebuke that Changed a Life ===
Upon his arrival, instead of welcoming him with affection, Cintāmaṇi was struck by his foolishness. She chastised him, delivering the instructions that would alter his destiny. She pointed out that if he directed that same intense determination toward Kṛṣṇa instead of a bag of flesh and bones, he would achieve the ultimate benefit of life.

* [[Vaniquotes:Despite all dangers he reached Cintamani's house, & the prostitute, being very astonished, said, - How is it you have come tonight? Oh, you're so attracted to this skin! If you just had this much attraction for Krsna, it would certainly be to your benefit|Despite all dangers he reached Cintamani's house, and the prostitute, being very astonished, said, - How is it you have come tonight? Oh, you're so attracted to this skin! If you just had this much attraction for Krsna, it would certainly be to your benefit.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Cintamani said to Bilvamangala that his attraction for the flesh & bone of an insignificant woman like her would be properly utilized if it could be diverted to the DS of the Lord to achieve attraction for the transcendental beauty of the Lord|Cintamani said to Bilvamangala that his attraction for the flesh & bone of an insignificant woman like her would be properly utilized if it could be diverted to the DS of the Lord to achieve attraction for the transcendental beauty of the Lord.]]

=== Acceptance of the Guru ===
Bilvamaṅgala Ṭhākura did not dismiss her words due to her position as a prostitute. Instead, he recognized the truth in them. He accepted her as his ''śikṣā-guru'' (instructing spiritual master). In his later writings, he glorified her first, acknowledging that she was the one who showed him the right path to Vṛndāvana.

* [[Vaniquotes:Bilvamangala Thakura said, "All glories to Cintamani and my initiating spiritual master, Somagiri. All glories to my instructing spiritual master, the Supreme Personality of Godhead (Krsna), who wears peacock feathers in His crown"|Bilvamangala Thakura said, "All glories to Cintamani and my initiating spiritual master, Somagiri. All glories to my instructing spiritual master, the Supreme Personality of Godhead (Krsna), who wears peacock feathers in His crown."]]
* [[Vaniquotes:The first spiritual master mentioned (in Krsna-karnamrta) is Cintamani, who was one of his instructing spiritual masters because she first showed him the spiritual path. Cintamani was a prostitute with whom Bilvamangala was intimate earlier in his life|The first spiritual master mentioned (in Krsna-karnamrta) is Cintamani, who was one of his instructing spiritual masters because she first showed him the spiritual path. Cintamani was a prostitute with whom Bilvamangala was intimate earlier in his life.]]

=== Conclusion ===
The story of Cintāmaṇi and Bilvamaṅgala Ṭhākura illustrates that a spiritual master is not defined by birth, gender, or social status, but by the ability to deliver the message of Kṛṣṇa. By hearing the truth from Cintāmaṇi, Bilvamaṅgala was able to pivot his intense emotional capability from matter to spirit, proving that renunciation is not the absence of desire, but the purification of it.

=== Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani ===
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category [[Vaniquotes:Category:Cintamani - the Prostitute|Cintamani - the Prostitute]]. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.

(See our [[Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles|Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles]])
[[Category:Vanipedia Gemini - Articles]]
[[Category:Vanipedia Articles - The Guru and Disciplic Succession]]
[[Category:Vanipedia Articles - Ācārya, Guru and Spiritual Master‎]]

<div id="vani-provenance" style="display:none;" data-source="Vanipedia" data-author="Srila Prabhupada Vani Temple" data-license="CC BY-NC-SA 4.0" data-origin-url="{{fullurl:{{PAGENAME}}}}">This content is a part of Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani Temple. Source: https://vanipedia.org</div>

A Servant of Rādhārāṇī - The Only Prayer of Prabhupāda's Father

2026-05-30T15:08:33Z

Visnu Murti:

Behind every great man is a history of influences. For Śrīla Prabhupāda, the primary influence was his father, Gour Mohan De. In these affectionate reminiscences, we see a portrait of a pure Vaiṣṇava who used his fatherly love to mold his son into a devotee, not by force, but by facilitating his natural spiritual instincts.

<div class="toc-right">
__TOC__
</div>

=== "Bless My Son" ===

In standard society, a father prays for his son to be a doctor, a lawyer, or a wealthy merchant. Gour Mohan De had a different ambition. Śrīla Prabhupāda recalls that his father would welcome every visiting ''sādhu'' with a specific request.

* [[Vaniquotes:Any saintly person would come, my father would simply say, "Give blessings to my son that he may become a Radharani's servant." That was my father's prayer. He never prayed that "My son may become very rich man."|Any saintly person would come, my father would simply say, "Give blessings to my son that he may become a Radharani's servant." That was my father's prayer. He never prayed that "My son may become very rich man."]]

This prayer was prophetic. Decades later, his son would spread the glories of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī to every corner of the globe.

=== Learning by Imitation ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that his childhood play was actually serious practice. He watched his father worship the Deity and wanted to do the same.

* [[Vaniquotes:In my childhood, when I was five or six years old, I requested my father that "Father, give me this Deity. I shall worship." So father purchased for me little Krsna, Radha|In my childhood, when I was five or six years old, I requested my father that "Father, give me this Deity. I shall worship." So father purchased for me little Krsna, Radha.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:When I was six years old my father gave me a ratha and I was performing the Ratha yatra in my neighborhood. And now in the western world you are worshiping Lord Jagannatha so gorgeously and it pleases me very, very much|When I was six years old my father gave me a ratha and I was performing the Ratha-yātrā in my neighborhood.]]

What began as a childhood festival in Calcutta became the template for the massive Ratha-yātrā festivals now held in cities like New York, London, and San Francisco.

=== The Pet Son ===

Gour Mohan De was lenient and affectionate, often protecting his son from the stricter discipline of his mother.

* [[Vaniquotes:My father was not very rich man, but still, whatever I wanted, he would give me. He never chastised me, but full love|My father was not very rich man, but still, whatever I wanted, he would give me. He never chastised me, but full love.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:I accepted my father's advice, and by his blessings only, I was never attached to my wife or home, which resulted in my complete liberation from worldly attachment and my devoting myself fully in Krishna Consciousness|I accepted my father's advice, and by his blessings only, I was never attached to my wife or home, which resulted in my complete liberation.]]

=== Conclusion ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda acknowledged that his spiritual success was a combined effort of his two "fathers"—his biological father who gave the seed, and his spiritual master who brought it to fruition.

* [[Vaniquotes:My father was kind to me, and I imbibed from him the ideas later on solidified by my spiritual master, the eternal father|My father was kind to me, and I imbibed from him the ideas later on solidified by my spiritual master, the eternal father.]]

=== Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category [[Vaniquotes:Category:My Father (Gour Mohan De)|My Father (Gour Mohan De).]] We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.

(See our [[Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles|Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles]])
[[Category:Vanipedia Gemini - Articles]]
[[Category:Vanipedia Articles - Who Is Śrīla Prabhupāda]]
[[Category:Vanipedia Articles - Rādhārāṇī - The Hlādinī-śakti & Her Expansions]]

<div id="vani-provenance" style="display:none;" data-source="Vanipedia" data-author="Srila Prabhupada Vani Temple" data-license="CC BY-NC-SA 4.0" data-origin-url="{{fullurl:{{PAGENAME}}}}">This content is a part of Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani Temple. Source: https://vanipedia.org</div>

Purifying the Inherent Desires of the Mind by Developing Attachment for Kṛṣṇa

2026-05-28T17:40:57Z

Visnu Murti:

The cognitive architecture of the human mind is inherently dynamic, meaning that the vital force of desire can never be entirely suppressed through forced negation or mechanical restraint. Śrīla Prabhupāda elucidates that the ultimate trajectory of psychological liberation involves the thorough purification, rather than the artificial annihilation, of this constitutional capacity for emotional investment. By systematically steering the wandering focus of our mundane affections away from the perverted and ephemeral cosmic designations, the individual consciousness safely targets the supreme repository of all attractive qualities, Lord Kṛṣṇa. This profound reorientation transitions the mind from a state of conditional entanglement into a realm of unalloyed spiritual affinity, formatting the internal consciousness to perceive the Absolute Truth through the pristine lens of devotional service.

<div class="toc-right">__TOC__</div>

=== Pure Consciousness ===

The conscious mind possesses an immutable, constitutional drive toward emotional investment and relational reciprocity that can never be entirely obliterated. When this foundational psychic current is misdirected toward the temporary cosmic manifestations, it invariably degenerates into material entanglement and existential frustration. Genuine freedom is therefore achieved not by the artificial termination of desire, but by the conscious transfer of this emotional affinity directly onto the Absolute Truth. By positioning the Supreme Lord as the central pivot of all psychological attachments, the conditional soul purifies its cognitive lens and effectively establishes the platform of true ''kṛṣṇa-bhakti''.

* [[Vaniquotes:A living being, to become desireless, how you can? I am living. I am not a dead body. Desire should be to satisfy Krsna. Attachment should be for Him. That's all. You have to change. That is Krsna consciousness|A living being, to become desireless, how you can? I am living. I am not a dead body. Desire should be to satisfy Krsna. Attachment should be for Him. That's all. You have to change. That is Krsna consciousness.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Attachment for material things is called material consciousness, and attachment for Krsna or His devotee is called Krsna consciousness. Consciousness, therefore, is the platform of attachment|Attachment for material things is called material consciousness, and attachment for Krsna or His devotee is called Krsna consciousness. Consciousness, therefore, is the platform of attachment.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Bhakti means to be free from the attachment of this material world and to become attached to Krsna. Because you have to attach to something. You cannot become unattached|Bhakti means to be free from the attachment of this material world and to become attached to Krsna. Because you have to attach to something. You cannot become unattached.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Detachment from matter and attachment to Krsna are one and the same. One who can see this sees things as they are. BG 1972 purports|Detachment from matter and attachment to Krsna are one and the same. One who can see this sees things as they are.]]

=== The Progressive Dynamics of Sādhana ===

The evolutionary trajectory of devotional service transitions systematically from the mechanical constraints of scriptural injunction into the fluid domain of spontaneous affinity. A beginner deliberately leverages the regulative principles of ''vaidhi-sādhana'' to redirect their wandering focus away from sensory distractions and toward the temple environment. As these analytical practices gradually take root within the heart, an authentic taste or spiritual relish begins to systematically dismantle lingering mundane desires. This pivotal developmental benchmark marks the dawning of ''āsakti'', a deep-seated internal attachment that prevents the mind from forgetting the Lord even for a brief moment.

* [[Vaniquotes:A neophyte disciple begins by hearing and chanting, associating with devotees and practicing the regulative principles. In this way he develops attachment for Krsna and cannot forget Krsna even for a moment|A neophyte disciple begins by hearing and chanting, associating with devotees and practicing the regulative principles. In this way he develops attachment for Krsna and cannot forget Krsna even for a moment.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Another part of sadhana-bhakti is called raganuga. Raganuga refers to the point at which, by following the regulative principles, one becomes a little more attached to Krsna and executes devotional service out of natural love|Another part of sadhana-bhakti is called raganuga. Raganuga refers to the point at which, by following the regulative principles, one becomes a little more attached to Krsna and executes devotional service out of natural love.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:After taste is awakened, a deep attachment arises, and from that attachment the seed of love for Krsna grows in the heart|After taste is awakened, a deep attachment arises, and from that attachment the seed of love for Krsna grows in the heart.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:If one daily sees the Deity in the temple, makes offerings by worshiping the Deity, chants the holy name of the PG, & preaches about the glorious activities of God as much as possible, he thus becomes attached to Krsna. This attachment is called asakti|If one daily sees the Deity in the temple, makes offerings by worshiping the Deity, chants the holy name of the Personality of Godhead, and preaches about the glorious activities of God as much as possible, he thus becomes attached to Krsna. This attachment is called asakti.]]

=== The Structural Hierarchy of Spiritual Rasas ===

Transcendental attachment is never an amorphous or undifferentiated experience, but rather flourishes within highly structured relational frameworks known as ''rasas''. Śrīla Prabhupāda elucidates that these distinct relational moods carry varying degrees of structural intimacy, beginning with the passive adoration of ''śānta-rasa''. While the neutral platform provides foundational liberation and detachment, it ultimately lacks the dynamic warmth of personal reciprocity and voluntary service. As the devotee's internal affinity matures, it progressively treats the qualities of servitude, fraternity, and parental guardianship, finally culminating in the absolute sweet varieties of conjugal love found in Vrajabhūmi.

* [[Vaniquotes:According to the devotee, attachment falls within the five categories of santa-rati, dasya-rati, sakhya-rati, vatsalya-rati and madhura-rati. These five categories arise from devotees' different attachments to the Supreme Personality of Godhead|According to the devotee, attachment falls within the five categories of santa-rati, dasya-rati, sakhya-rati, vatsalya-rati and madhura-rati. These five categories arise from devotees' different attachments to the Supreme Personality of Godhead.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Although in santa-rasa there is attachment for Krsna in awe and veneration - since the two valuable transcendental qualities of this rasa are attachment for Krsna and detachment from material desires - nonetheless the sense of intimacy is lacking|Although in santa-rasa there is attachment for Krsna in awe and veneration - since the two valuable transcendental qualities of this rasa are attachment for Krsna and detachment from material desires - nonetheless the sense of intimacy is lacking.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Attachment for Krsna in santa-rasa, rendering service to the Lord in dasya-rasa, rendering relaxed service in fraternity and serving in parental love with feelings of maintenance all combine on the platform of conjugal love|Attachment for Krsna in santa-rasa, rendering service to the Lord in dasya-rasa, rendering relaxed service in fraternity and serving in parental love with feelings of maintenance all combine on the platform of conjugal love.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:By means of vibhava, anubhava, sattvika and vyabhicari, hearing and chanting are activated, and the devotee is able to taste love for Krsna. Then attachment for Krsna, or permanent ecstasy (sthayi-bhava), becomes the mellow of devotional service|By means of vibhava, anubhava, sattvika and vyabhicari, hearing and chanting are activated, and the devotee is able to taste love for Krsna. Then attachment for Krsna, or permanent ecstasy (sthayi-bhava), becomes the mellow of devotional service.]]

=== The Catalytic Role of Sādhu-saṅga ===

The original awakening of dormant attachment is heavily dependent upon close proximity to individuals who are themselves fully anchored in divine love. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that spiritual affinity cannot be synthetically manufactured through independent endeavor or dry mental speculation; it must be transmitted through a living source. By actively seeking out the association of pure, unalloyed ''sādhus'' and absorbing their instructional realizations, the neophyte safely avoids the subtle perils of sectarian debate and ritualistic pride. This submissive proximity fundamentally alters the psychological soil of the student's heart, rendering it highly fertile for the cultivation of deep, unwavering spontaneous attachment.

* [[Vaniquotes:I (Kunti) am falsely attached to these families, but my real purpose in life is to be attached to You. - This is bhakti|I (Kunti) am falsely attached to these families, but my real purpose in life is to be attached to You. - This is bhakti.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:How to give up this material attachment and become attached to Krsna, developing Krsna attachment? The process is sadhu-sanga|How to give up this material attachment and become attached to Krsna, developing Krsna attachment? The process is sadhu-sanga.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:If you are serious about Krsna consciousness, if you are serious about increasing attachment for Krsna, then you should come and live with the devotees|If you are serious about Krsna consciousness, if you are serious about increasing attachment for Krsna, then you should come and live with the devotees.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:One who is attached to Krsna should chant and hear from other pure devotees who are also attached to Lord Krsna. The same principle applies for devotees attracted by Lord Rama, Lord Nrsimha and other forms of the Lord|One who is attached to Krsna should chant and hear from other pure devotees who are also attached to Lord Krsna. The same principle applies for devotees attracted by Lord Rama, Lord Nrsimha and other forms of the Lord.]]

=== Transmuting the Dualities of Mundane Mindset ===

Mundane psychological states such as fear, anger, and lamentation are typically categorized as disruptive obstacles to conventional peace and religious morality. However, within the advanced paradigm of absolute love, even these turbulent emotions become highly potent catalysts for profound attachment when directed exclusively toward Kṛṣṇa. Because the Personality of Godhead represents the absolute center of spiritual reality, any cognitive configuration that binds the mind to His personal form acts as an immediate agent of purification. Whether a soul approaches the Lord through intense protective anxiety, desperate lamentation, or even dramatic opposition, the sheer weight of their constant absorption swiftly burns away all material designations.

* [[Vaniquotes:If one becomes attached to Krsna even through lust, anger or fear, then one's salvation and freedom from material contamination are assured|If one becomes attached to Krsna even through lust, anger or fear, then one's salvation and freedom from material contamination are assured.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:In this instance Bhima became angry, and, being influenced by such anger, his hopelessness became a cause for strong attachment to Krsna. This instance can be described as strong attachment for Krsna in anger|In this instance Bhima became angry, and, being influenced by such anger, his hopelessness became a cause for strong attachment to Krsna. This instance can be described as strong attachment for Krsna in anger.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Karuna-bhakti-rasa is described as follows (Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu 4.4.1): When one’s devotional attitude and attachment for Krsna is mixed with lamentation, it is called karuna-bhakti-rasa|Karuna-bhakti-rasa is described as follows (Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu 4.4.1): When one’s devotional attitude and attachment for Krsna is mixed with lamentation, it is called karuna-bhakti-rasa.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:If you feel anxiety for Krsna, then it is not material. That is love. That is pure love that, . . . why you become anxious for our children? Because there is love. So whole scheme is that you have to transfer your attachment to Krsna|If you feel anxiety for Krsna, then it is not material. That is love. That is pure love that, . . . why you become anxious for our children? Because there is love. So whole scheme is that you have to transfer your attachment to Krsna.]]

=== Conquering Infallible Kṛṣṇa Through Love ===

The ultimate fulfillment of human existence is to participate in the sublime, reciprocal transactions that uniquely define the relationship between Kṛṣṇa and His confidential servitors. The Supreme Controller is technically known as Ajita, indicating that His cosmic sovereignty can never be overturned by any amount of material power, ritualistic piety, or intellectual mastery. Yet, when a submissive soul achieves the platform of pure, motiveless ''āsakti'', this infallible Lord willingly chooses to surrender His independence to the desires of His devotee. This mutual, self-reinforcing attachment represents the pinnacle of spiritual perfection, transforming the devotee's heart into a living temple where Kṛṣṇa remains permanently bound by the ropes of unalloyed affection.

* [[Vaniquotes:As chaste women bring their gentle husbands under control by service, the pure devotees, who are equal to everyone and completely attached to Me in the core of the heart, bring Me under their full control|As chaste women bring their gentle husbands under control by service, the pure devotees, who are equal to everyone and completely attached to Me in the core of the heart, bring Me under their full control.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Cowherd men inquired, "My dear Nanda Maharaj, how is it that we are so intensely attached to Krsna, and Krsna is also so affectionately attached to us? Does it mean that He is the supersoul of everyone?"|Cowherd men inquired, "My dear Nanda Maharaj, how is it that we are so intensely attached to Krsna, and Krsna is also so affectionately attached to us? Does it mean that He is the supersoul of everyone?"]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Krishna appreciates very much when His devotee becomes attached to Him in this way. Yes, the cooperative spirit of working together without any argument is especially prominent in Mayapur, more than other places in India|Krishna appreciates very much when His devotee becomes attached to Him in this way. Yes, the cooperative spirit of working together without any argument is especially prominent in Mayapur, more than other places in India.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Krsna is within our hearts. He is not far away; rather, He is everywhere. If Krsna sees that we are attached to Him, He becomes our friend|Krsna is within our hearts. He is not far away; rather, He is everywhere. If Krsna sees that we are attached to Him, He becomes our friend.]]

=== Conclusion ===

Mundane attachment to family, wealth, and societal designations naturally results in frustration, whereas developing a profound attachment for Kṛṣṇa permanently satisfies the core desires of the heart. As consistently taught by Śrīla Prabhupāda, the living force within the mind cannot remain passive; it must be connected to its eternal source through the purified methods of ''śravaṇaṃ kīrtanaṃ viṣṇoḥ''. By seeking the association of elevated ''sādhus'' and learning the science of ''rāgānugā-bhakti'', the individual breaks through the barriers of superficial religiosity and experiences the direct sweetness of the spiritual ''rasas''. This focused alignment of consciousness naturally destroys the contamination of fruitive work, restores the soul to its eternal structural relationship with Kṛṣṇa, and grants entrance into the blissful kingdom of Godhead.

=== Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category [[Vaniquotes:Category:Attachment for Krsna|Attachment for Krsna]]. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.

(See our [[Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles|Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles]])

[[Category:Articles - First Stage Pending Proofreading|C]]

[[Category:Vanipedia Articles - Kṛṣṇa Consciousness]]

<div id="vani-provenance" style="display:none;" data-source="Vanipedia" data-author="Srila Prabhupada Vani Temple" data-license="CC BY-NC-SA 4.0" data-origin-url="{{fullurl:{{PAGENAME}}}}">This content is a part of Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani Temple. Source: https://vanipedia.org</div>

Purifying the Inherent Desires of the Mind by Developing Attachment for Kṛṣṇa

2026-05-28T17:39:48Z

Visnu Murti:

The cognitive architecture of the human mind is inherently dynamic, meaning that the vital force of desire can never be entirely suppressed through forced negation or mechanical restraint. Śrīla Prabhupāda elucidates that the ultimate trajectory of psychological liberation involves the thorough purification, rather than the artificial annihilation, of this constitutional capacity for emotional investment. By systematically steering the wandering focus of our mundane affections away from the perverted and ephemeral cosmic designations, the individual consciousness safely targets the supreme repository of all attractive qualities, Lord Kṛṣṇa. This profound reorientation transitions the mind from a state of conditional entanglement into a realm of unalloyed spiritual affinity, formatting the internal consciousness to perceive the Absolute Truth through the pristine lens of devotional service.

<div class="toc-right">__TOC__</div>

=== Pure Consciousness ===

The conscious mind possesses an immutable, constitutional drive toward emotional investment and relational reciprocity that can never be entirely obliterated. When this foundational psychic current is misdirected toward the temporary cosmic manifestations, it invariably degenerates into material entanglement and existential frustration. Genuine freedom is therefore achieved not by the artificial termination of desire, but by the conscious transfer of this emotional affinity directly onto the Absolute Truth. By positioning the Supreme Lord as the central pivot of all psychological attachments, the conditional soul purifies its cognitive lens and effectively establishes the platform of true ''kṛṣṇa-bhakti''.

* [[Vaniquotes:A living being, to become desireless, how you can? I am living. I am not a dead body. Desire should be to satisfy Krsna. Attachment should be for Him. That's all. You have to change. That is Krsna consciousness|A living being, to become desireless, how you can? I am living. I am not a dead body. Desire should be to satisfy Krsna. Attachment should be for Him. That's all. You have to change. That is Krsna consciousness.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Attachment for material things is called material consciousness, and attachment for Krsna or His devotee is called Krsna consciousness. Consciousness, therefore, is the platform of attachment|Attachment for material things is called material consciousness, and attachment for Krsna or His devotee is called Krsna consciousness. Consciousness, therefore, is the platform of attachment.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Bhakti means to be free from the attachment of this material world and to become attached to Krsna. Because you have to attach to something. You cannot become unattached|Bhakti means to be free from the attachment of this material world and to become attached to Krsna. Because you have to attach to something. You cannot become unattached.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Detachment from matter and attachment to Krsna are one and the same. One who can see this sees things as they are. BG 1972 purports|Detachment from matter and attachment to Krsna are one and the same. One who can see this sees things as they are.]]

=== The Progressive Dynamics of Sādhana ===

The evolutionary trajectory of devotional service transitions systematically from the mechanical constraints of scriptural injunction into the fluid domain of spontaneous affinity. A beginner deliberately leverages the regulative principles of ''vaidhi-sādhana'' to redirect their wandering focus away from sensory distractions and toward the temple environment. As these analytical practices gradually take root within the heart, an authentic taste or spiritual relish begins to systematically dismantle lingering mundane desires. This pivotal developmental benchmark marks the dawning of ''āsakti'', a deep-seated internal attachment that prevents the mind from forgetting the Lord even for a brief moment.

* [[Vaniquotes:A neophyte disciple begins by hearing and chanting, associating with devotees and practicing the regulative principles. In this way he develops attachment for Krsna and cannot forget Krsna even for a moment|A neophyte disciple begins by hearing and chanting, associating with devotees and practicing the regulative principles. In this way he develops attachment for Krsna and cannot forget Krsna even for a moment.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Another part of sadhana-bhakti is called raganuga. Raganuga refers to the point at which, by following the regulative principles, one becomes a little more attached to Krsna and executes devotional service out of natural love|Another part of sadhana-bhakti is called raganuga. Raganuga refers to the point at which, by following the regulative principles, one becomes a little more attached to Krsna and executes devotional service out of natural love.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:After taste is awakened, a deep attachment arises, and from that attachment the seed of love for Krsna grows in the heart|After taste is awakened, a deep attachment arises, and from that attachment the seed of love for Krsna grows in the heart.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:If one daily sees the Deity in the temple, makes offerings by worshiping the Deity, chants the holy name of the PG, & preaches about the glorious activities of God as much as possible, he thus becomes attached to Krsna. This attachment is called asakti|If one daily sees the Deity in the temple, makes offerings by worshiping the Deity, chants the holy name of the Personality of Godhead, and preaches about the glorious activities of God as much as possible, he thus becomes attached to Krsna. This attachment is called asakti.]]

=== The Structural Hierarchy of Spiritual Rasas ===

Transcendental attachment is never an amorphous or undifferentiated experience, but rather flourishes within highly structured relational frameworks known as ''rasas''. Śrīla Prabhupāda elucidates that these distinct relational moods carry varying degrees of structural intimacy, beginning with the passive adoration of ''śānta-rasa''. While the neutral platform provides foundational liberation and detachment, it ultimately lacks the dynamic warmth of personal reciprocity and voluntary service. As the devotee's internal affinity matures, it progressively treats the qualities of servitude, fraternity, and parental guardianship, finally culminating in the absolute sweet varieties of conjugal love found in Vrajabhūmi.

* [[Vaniquotes:According to the devotee, attachment falls within the five categories of santa-rati, dasya-rati, sakhya-rati, vatsalya-rati and madhura-rati. These five categories arise from devotees' different attachments to the Supreme Personality of Godhead|According to the devotee, attachment falls within the five categories of santa-rati, dasya-rati, sakhya-rati, vatsalya-rati and madhura-rati. These five categories arise from devotees' different attachments to the Supreme Personality of Godhead.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Although in santa-rasa there is attachment for Krsna in awe and veneration - since the two valuable transcendental qualities of this rasa are attachment for Krsna and detachment from material desires - nonetheless the sense of intimacy is lacking|Although in santa-rasa there is attachment for Krsna in awe and veneration - since the two valuable transcendental qualities of this rasa are attachment for Krsna and detachment from material desires - nonetheless the sense of intimacy is lacking.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Attachment for Krsna in santa-rasa, rendering service to the Lord in dasya-rasa, rendering relaxed service in fraternity and serving in parental love with feelings of maintenance all combine on the platform of conjugal love|Attachment for Krsna in santa-rasa, rendering service to the Lord in dasya-rasa, rendering relaxed service in fraternity and serving in parental love with feelings of maintenance all combine on the platform of conjugal love.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:By means of vibhava, anubhava, sattvika and vyabhicari, hearing and chanting are activated, and the devotee is able to taste love for Krsna. Then attachment for Krsna, or permanent ecstasy (sthayi-bhava), becomes the mellow of devotional service|By means of vibhava, anubhava, sattvika and vyabhicari, hearing and chanting are activated, and the devotee is able to taste love for Krsna. Then attachment for Krsna, or permanent ecstasy (sthayi-bhava), becomes the mellow of devotional service.]]

=== The Catalytic Role of Sādhu-saṅga ===

The original awakening of dormant attachment is heavily dependent upon close proximity to individuals who are themselves fully anchored in divine love. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that spiritual affinity cannot be synthetically manufactured through independent endeavor or dry mental speculation; it must be transmitted through a living source. By actively seeking out the association of pure, unalloyed ''sādhus'' and absorbing their instructional realizations, the neophyte safely avoids the subtle perils of sectarian debate and ritualistic pride. This submissive proximity fundamentally alters the psychological soil of the student's heart, rendering it highly fertile for the cultivation of deep, unwavering spontaneous attachment.

* [[Vaniquotes:I (Kunti) am falsely attached to these families, but my real purpose in life is to be attached to You. - This is bhakti|I (Kunti) am falsely attached to these families, but my real purpose in life is to be attached to You. - This is bhakti.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:How to give up this material attachment and become attached to Krsna, developing Krsna attachment? The process is sadhu-sanga|How to give up this material attachment and become attached to Krsna, developing Krsna attachment? The process is sadhu-sanga.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:If you are serious about Krsna consciousness, if you are serious about increasing attachment for Krsna, then you should come and live with the devotees|If you are serious about Krsna consciousness, if you are serious about increasing attachment for Krsna, then you should come and live with the devotees.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:One who is attached to Krsna should chant and hear from other pure devotees who are also attached to Lord Krsna. The same principle applies for devotees attracted by Lord Rama, Lord Nrsimha and other forms of the Lord|One who is attached to Krsna should chant and hear from other pure devotees who are also attached to Lord Krsna. The same principle applies for devotees attracted by Lord Rama, Lord Nrsimha and other forms of the Lord.]]

=== Transmuting the Dualities of Mundane Mindset ===

Mundane psychological states such as fear, anger, and lamentation are typically categorized as disruptive obstacles to conventional peace and religious morality. However, within the advanced paradigm of absolute love, even these turbulent emotions become highly potent catalysts for profound attachment when directed exclusively toward Kṛṣṇa. Because the Personality of Godhead represents the absolute center of spiritual reality, any cognitive configuration that binds the mind to His personal form acts as an immediate agent of purification. Whether a soul approaches the Lord through intense protective anxiety, desperate lamentation, or even dramatic opposition, the sheer weight of their constant absorption swiftly burns away all material designations.

* [[Vaniquotes:If one becomes attached to Krsna even through lust, anger or fear, then one's salvation and freedom from material contamination are assured|If one becomes attached to Krsna even through lust, anger or fear, then one's salvation and freedom from material contamination are assured.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:In this instance Bhima became angry, and, being influenced by such anger, his hopelessness became a cause for strong attachment to Krsna. This instance can be described as strong attachment for Krsna in anger|In this instance Bhima became angry, and, being influenced by such anger, his hopelessness became a cause for strong attachment to Krsna. This instance can be described as strong attachment for Krsna in anger.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Karuna-bhakti-rasa is described as follows (Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu 4.4.1): When one’s devotional attitude and attachment for Krsna is mixed with lamentation, it is called karuna-bhakti-rasa|Karuna-bhakti-rasa is described as follows (Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu 4.4.1): When one’s devotional attitude and attachment for Krsna is mixed with lamentation, it is called karuna-bhakti-rasa.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:If you feel anxiety for Krsna, then it is not material. That is love. That is pure love that, . . . why you become anxious for our children? Because there is love. So whole scheme is that you have to transfer your attachment to Krsna|If you feel anxiety for Krsna, then it is not material. That is love. That is pure love that, . . . why you become anxious for our children? Because there is love. So whole scheme is that you have to transfer your attachment to Krsna.]]

=== Conquering the Infallible Kṛṣṇa Through Love ===

The ultimate fulfillment of human existence is to participate in the sublime, reciprocal transactions that uniquely define the relationship between Kṛṣṇa and His confidential servitors. The Supreme Controller is technically known as Ajita, indicating that His cosmic sovereignty can never be overturned by any amount of material power, ritualistic piety, or intellectual mastery. Yet, when a submissive soul achieves the platform of pure, motiveless ''āsakti'', this infallible Lord willingly chooses to surrender His independence to the desires of His devotee. This mutual, self-reinforcing attachment represents the pinnacle of spiritual perfection, transforming the devotee's heart into a living temple where Kṛṣṇa remains permanently bound by the ropes of unalloyed affection.

* [[Vaniquotes:As chaste women bring their gentle husbands under control by service, the pure devotees, who are equal to everyone and completely attached to Me in the core of the heart, bring Me under their full control|As chaste women bring their gentle husbands under control by service, the pure devotees, who are equal to everyone and completely attached to Me in the core of the heart, bring Me under their full control.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Cowherd men inquired, "My dear Nanda Maharaj, how is it that we are so intensely attached to Krsna, and Krsna is also so affectionately attached to us? Does it mean that He is the supersoul of everyone?"|Cowherd men inquired, "My dear Nanda Maharaj, how is it that we are so intensely attached to Krsna, and Krsna is also so affectionately attached to us? Does it mean that He is the supersoul of everyone?"]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Krishna appreciates very much when His devotee becomes attached to Him in this way. Yes, the cooperative spirit of working together without any argument is especially prominent in Mayapur, more than other places in India|Krishna appreciates very much when His devotee becomes attached to Him in this way. Yes, the cooperative spirit of working together without any argument is especially prominent in Mayapur, more than other places in India.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Krsna is within our hearts. He is not far away; rather, He is everywhere. If Krsna sees that we are attached to Him, He becomes our friend|Krsna is within our hearts. He is not far away; rather, He is everywhere. If Krsna sees that we are attached to Him, He becomes our friend.]]

=== Conclusion ===

Mundane attachment to family, wealth, and societal designations naturally results in frustration, whereas developing a profound attachment for Kṛṣṇa permanently satisfies the core desires of the heart. As consistently taught by Śrīla Prabhupāda, the living force within the mind cannot remain passive; it must be connected to its eternal source through the purified methods of ''śravaṇaṃ kīrtanaṃ viṣṇoḥ''. By seeking the association of elevated ''sādhus'' and learning the science of ''rāgānugā-bhakti'', the individual breaks through the barriers of superficial religiosity and experiences the direct sweetness of the spiritual ''rasas''. This focused alignment of consciousness naturally destroys the contamination of fruitive work, restores the soul to its eternal structural relationship with Kṛṣṇa, and grants entrance into the blissful kingdom of Godhead.

=== Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category [[Vaniquotes:Category:Attachment for Krsna|Attachment for Krsna]]. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.

(See our [[Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles|Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles]])

[[Category:Articles - First Stage Pending Proofreading|C]]

[[Category:Vanipedia Articles - Kṛṣṇa Consciousness]]

<div id="vani-provenance" style="display:none;" data-source="Vanipedia" data-author="Srila Prabhupada Vani Temple" data-license="CC BY-NC-SA 4.0" data-origin-url="{{fullurl:{{PAGENAME}}}}">This content is a part of Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani Temple. Source: https://vanipedia.org</div>

Category:Vanipedia Gemini - Articles

2026-05-28T17:16:05Z

Visnu Murti:

These articles serve as dynamic gateways into the vast ocean of Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings. Created through a pioneering collaboration between Vanipedia's editorial team and advanced AI, each article synthesizes the essence of a specific Vaniquotes category. They are designed to attract the intelligence and capture the heart, providing an engaging summary that leads you directly to the source. Consider these articles your invitation: read the articles, grasp the essence, and then click through to experience the full depth of Śrīla Prabhupāda's verbatim Vāṇī.

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Category:Vanipedia Gemini - Articles

2026-05-22T07:23:54Z

Visnu Murti:

These articles serve as dynamic gateways into the vast ocean of Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings. Created through a pioneering collaboration between Vanipedia's editorial team and advanced AI, each article synthesizes the essence of a specific Vaniquotes category. They are designed to attract the intelligence and capture the heart, providing an engaging summary that leads you directly to the source. Consider these articles your invitation: read the articles, grasp the essence, and then click through to experience the full depth of Śrīla Prabhupāda's verbatim Vāṇī.

Go directly to All [[#mw-pages|<span style="color:blue">'''4,620+''' Articles in this category '''Vanipedia Gemini - Articles'''</span>]]

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</p><p>

<p>Welcome to Vanipedia, a dynamic, living encyclopedia of Śrīla Prabhupāda's words (vani). We are building an unparalleled digital repository of his text, audio, video, and images, comprehensively compiling his teachings from every angle of vision. More than just an archive, Vanipedia serves as a continual, worldwide platform for Śrīla Prabhupāda to actively teach the [[Vaniquotes:Science of Krsna consciousness|science of Krishna consciousness to the world]] for the benefit of all.
<br />



= Introduction =
<div align=center>
<h4>'''Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani Temple'''</h4>
Completion Date: November 4th, 2027 - Celebrating 50 Years of Serving in Separation
<html><iframe src="https://free.timeanddate.com/countdown/i7fcyomi/cf12/cm0/cu4/ct0/cs0/ca2/co0/cr0/ss0/cac000/cpc000/pcfff/tc66c/fs100/szw448/szh189/iso2027-11-04T00:00:00" allowTransparency="true" frameborder="0" width="187" height="40"></iframe></html></div>
<br />
Driven by an unprecedented vision, the Vanipedia project is a monumental and all-encompassing endeavor that unfolds as a magnificent seven-petaled lotus. Currently, four of these petals are actively blooming with the living presence of Śrīla Prabhupāda's eternal teachings:

*'''Vanipedia Petal:''' The site where you are now. Here you find '''[[:Category:Vanipedia Gemini - Articles|over 5,000+ articles]]''' brilliantly summarizing the categories compiled in Vaniquotes.

*'''[[Vanisource:Main Page|Vanisource Petal:]]''' The digital library. Here you can read the archived collection of Śrīla Prabhupāda's books, lectures, conversations and letters.

*'''[[Vaniquotes:Main Page|Vaniquotes Petal:]]''' The thematic map. Compiling and studying in Vaniquotes is a '''[[Vaniquotes:classes and personal study should be undertaken penetratingly|penetrating way]]''' to absorb oneself in Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings. Each Vaniquotes page contains one or more quotes and is organized under a system of categories based either on a theme, personality, scripture or on a key word or key phrase. To date there are over 40,000+ categories, 280,000+ pages, and 2,100,000+ quotes. As this petal grows, it naturally generates the educational material for the rest of the project.

*'''[[Vanimedia:Main Page|Vanimedia Petal:]]''' The audio-visual archive. Here, you may listen to and watch many audio and video clips of Śrīla Prabhupāda's lectures and conversations.

Steadily, Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani Temple is becoming continuous festival of association. The global community of '''[[Appreciations for Vanipedia|devotees appreciating]]''' and utilizing Vanipedia is increasing rapidly. By scrolling through '''[[ What's in Vanipedia now|What's in Vanipedia NOW]]''' you will surely find something that captures your heart and attention.

This global multilingual endeavor (translating in 100 languages) is succeeding entirely by the grace of the devotees - over 1,800 have already come forward to participate. Our '''[[Vanipedia's Manifesto|Vanipedia's Manifesto]]''' reveals the core principles on which we stand and an introduction to '''[[Vanipedia:About|Vanipedia is here]].''' Check out our ongoing projects. If you have a question, want to be involved, or just want to say hi, then '''[[Vanipedia:Contact|please contact us!]]'''

= Vanipedia Articles =
The Vanipedia petal is now beginning to unfold. Glancing through the first two completed thematic articles - '''Animal-Killing in Human Society''' and '''Buddha: A Vaisnava Perspective''' - one can experience the high standard of devotional research within Vanipedia, complete with easily accessed source notes and extensive references for additional reading and study in Vaniquotes. Just imagine the power of delivery to have 500 to 1,000 similar thematic multilingual articles, all interlinked with each other and all accessible in one place, under one platform! We also have some introductory articles that bring to light the wealth of content that Śrīla Prabhupāda delivers to us in Vaniquotes.</p>
</p>
<p>'''Completed Introductory Articles to Vaniquotes'''
*[[:Discovering the Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada|Discovering the Questions asked to Śrīla Prabhupāda]]
*[[:How to Read Srila Prabhupada's Books|How to Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's Books]]
*[[:Scriptural Origins of Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Verses|Scriptural Origins of Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Verses]]
*[[:Srila Prabhupada Initiating His Disciples|Śrīla Prabhupāda Initiating His Disciples]]
*[[:Themes within the Bhagavad-gita|Themes within the Bhagavad-gītā]]
'''Completed Thematic Articles'''
*[[:Animal-Killing in Human Society|Animal-Killing in Human Society]]
*[[:Buddha: A Vaisnava Perspective|Buddha: A Vaisnava Perspective]]

= Vanipedia Projects =
'''Building a Timeline of Śrīla Prabhupāda's Life'''

*We have completed the '''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life|major events in Śrīla Prabhupāda's life]]''' and also offering a chronological order of all recorded media of Śrīla Prabhupāda's vani. This time-line provides an authoritative documentation of all his existing teachings arranged in order of occurrence.

'''Study Resources'''

*Vanipedia is looking for help developing '''[[:Category:Study Resources for Verses and Purports from Srila Prabhupada's Books|Study Resources for Verses and Purports from Śrīla Prabhupāda's Books]]'''.

= Vanimedia Projects =
'''Uniting Śrīla Prabhupāda's Multi-lingual Family'''

*'''[[:Vanimedia:Multi-language_Subtitle_Project#Starting_Your_Seva|Collaborate with a team]]''' of 750+ devotees from 99+ languages to create multi-language subtitles for '''1,080''' - 1 to 15 minute audio clips translated into your language by Śrīla Prabhupāda's 50th Anniversary of arriving in the West on the 4th of October 2015. Find out the '''[[:Vanimedia:Multi-language Subtitle Project|details of the project]]''' and check out our '''[[:Vanimedia:Table: Multi-language Subtitle Results for Vanimedia|current results of 16,400+ subtitles for the 1,080 videos]].'''

*We are placing these videos on YouTube, in our '''[http://www.youtube.com/user/VanimediaMayapur/videos?view=0 Vanimedia Channel]''' and they can also be accessed '''[[:Vanimedia:Uniting Srila Prabhupada's Multi-lingual Family|via themes]].''' Our '''[[Vanimedia:YouTube playlists for uniting Śrīla Prabhupāda's multi-lingual family|YouTube playlists]]''' also makes it easy to play the videos in each language.
'''Prabhupāda Speaks Around the World'''

*In Vaniquotes you can now listen while reading Śrīla Prabhupāda's lectures, conversations, interviews and morning walks - feel his presence, feel his mood. To date there are '''[[:Vaniquotes:Category:Pages_with_Prabhupada's_Audio_-_Umbrella_Category|over 3,500 pages with clips available]]''' and we are aiming for 5,000 by the end of 2015.

= Vaniquotes Projects =

'''Every Sentence from these Books is Compiled as Vaniquotes Pages'''

*'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Every Sentence from these Books is Compiled as Vaniquotes Pages|This category]]''' links to all of the existing pages.

*This list shows our progress to create Vaniquotes pages for all of the sentences in Srila Prabhupada's books. We are now working on Srimad-Bhagavatam 6 and 7 cantos. After completing up to 10th canto chapter 13 we will start the purports of the Caitanya-caritamrta.

*If you love compiling then please join us in this mission.

{| id="resource"
|- style="background:silver; color:black"
|''' Titles''' || '''  Words per Title  ''' || '''  Vaniquotes Pages per Title  '''
|-
|Krsna Book, Preface, Introduction and all 90 chapters - all sentences comprise ||align="right"| 319,481|| align="right"|9,655 ||
|-
|Sri Isopanisad - all sentences comprise ||align="right"| 30,070|| align="right"|742 ||
|-
|The Nectar of Devotion - all sentences comprise ||align="right"|136,972|| align="right"|4,435 ||
|-
|The Nectar of Instruction - all sentences comprise ||align="right"|21,794 || align="right"|653 ||
|-
|Bhagavad-gita As It Is, all Translations Only - all sentences comprise || align="right"| 21,829|| align="right"| 718 ||
|-
|Sri Caitanya Caritamrta, all Translations Only - all Sentences comprise ||align="right"| 330,065|| align="right"|12,063 ||
|-
|Srimad-Bhagavatam, all Translations of Cantos 1 to 9 Only - all sentences comprise ||align="right"|375,144 || align="right"|10,757 ||
|-
|Srimad-Bhagavatam First Canto, all Purports Only - all sentences comprise ||align="right"|212,925|| align="right"|6,989 ||
|-
|Srimad-Bhagavatam Second Canto, all Purports Only - all sentences comprise ||align="right"|146,870|| align="right"|4,444 ||
|-
|Srimad-Bhagavatam Third Canto, all Purports Only - all sentences comprise || align="right"| 262,283|| align="right"|8,565 ||
|-
|Srimad-Bhagavatam Fourth Canto, all Purports Only - all sentences comprise ||align="right"|300,373|| align="right"|9,474||
|-
|Srimad-Bhagavatam Fifth Canto, all Purports Only - all sentences comprise (in process)||align="right"|107,934|| align="right"|3,300||
|-
|Srimad-Bhagavatam Sixth Canto, all Purports Only - all sentences comprise (in process)||align="right"|95,701|| align="right"|2,400||
|-
|- style="background:silver; color:black"
|'''  Total Number of Words from the above Books of Srila Prabhupada''' ||align="right"|'''2,361,441‬'''||align="right"|<span id="resource_sum"></span>
|-
|- style="background:silver; color:black"
|'''  Total Vaniquotes Pages from the above Books of Srila Prabhupada''' ||align="right"| ||align="right"|'''74,195'''<span id="resource_sum"></span>
|-
|}

= Vanisource Projects =
'''Completing an Audio Fidelity Check of Lecture and Conversation Transcriptions'''

*We are inviting volunteers to attentively listen to Śrīla Prabhupāda and, while reading, to check the transcriptions for accuracy. This project was launched on the 19th of April 2014. As of the 2nd May 2015, 34 volunteers have proofread 745 files and 3,845 missing words and 4,993 edits have been entered into Vanisource. An explanation '''[[Vanisource:Śrīla Prabhupāda's Audio to Text Fidelity Project|is given here...]]'''

'''Adding Scans of Śrīla Prabhupāda's Letters'''

*We have so far added '''5088''' scanned images of '''[[Vanisource:Category:Letters with Scans of the Originals|Śrīla Prabhupāda's transcribed letters]]''' leaving '''1481 [[Vanisource:Category:Letters Needing Scans|letters still needing scans]]'''. These will be added as they become available to Vanipedia.

*We are inviting volunteers to read, verify and correct the Vanisource letter transcriptions for fidelity against the original scans. Please '''[[Vanipedia:Contact|contact us]]''' if you would like to help.

'''Adding Audio to Lecture and Conversation Transcriptions'''

*We are uploading the '''[[Vaniquotes:Vanisource pages with full audio|audio files to the Vanisource pages]]''' so that hearing and reading of Śrīla Prabhupāda's lectures & conversations can be done simultaneously.

:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1977 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1977 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''236+ hours''' of audio in '''385 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1976 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1976 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''382+ hours''' of audio in '''703 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1975 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1975 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''323+ hours''' of audio in '''563 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1974 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1974 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''257+ hours''' of audio in '''439 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1973 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1973 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''265+ hours''' of audio in '''418 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1972 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1972 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''251+ hours''' of audio in '''413 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1971 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1971 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''135+ hours''' of audio in '''229 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1970 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1970 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''43+ hours''' of audio in '''84 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1969 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1969 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''102+ hours''' of audio in '''145 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1968 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1968 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''127+ hours''' of audio in '''154 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1967 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1967 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''24+ hours''' of audio in '''48 audio files'''

As the Bhaktivedanta Archives release the other years this project can be completed.

'''Creating New Categories for Vanisource'''

*We have begun the process of linking all Vanisource pages to '''[[Vanisource:Category:List of Umbrella Categories|relevant categories]]''' to make navigation easier. These new categories will also be used as '''[[Vanisource:Category:List of Timeline Categories|resources]]''' for the '''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life|timeline of Śrīla Prabhupāda's life.]]'''

:'''[[Vanisource:Category:Letters from Śrīla Prabhupāda - by person|Letters sorted by person]]'''
:*We have indexed letters in order to access those written to each person.

:'''[[Vanisource:Category:Lectures - by Type|Lectures sorted by type]]'''
:*As well as presenting lectures by date and location they have been listed by type.

'''Newly added Content'''
*[[Vanisource:Bhagavad Gita As It Is (1968) Collier-Macmillan Abridged Edition|Bhagavad Gita As It Is (1968 edition)]]
*[[Vanisource:Srimad Bhagwatam (1962-65)|Śrīla Prabhupāda's Original (1962-1965) Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam]]
*[[Vanisource:Category:Essays and Articles|Essays and Articles]]
*[[Vanisource:Category:Diaries of Srila Prabhupada|Śrīla Prabhupāda's Diaries]]
*[[Vanisource:Back to Godhead Magazines 1944 to 1960|BTGs 1944 - 1977]]
*[[Vanisource:Letters From Srila Prabhupada's Secretaries and ISKCON Officers|Letters From Srila Prabhupada's Secretaries and ISKCON Officers]]

<headertabs/>








<br />

<div align=center>
<div id="mainbanner">Who is Śrīla Prabhupāda?</div><br>
<div align=center><p><h5>'''Authorized and Empowered'''</h5></div></p>
<div align=left><p>A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda is a self-realized, pure devotee of Lord Kṛṣṇa and a loving spiritual teacher. His life's mission was singular: to fulfill his spiritual master's desire by introducing the science of Kṛṣṇa consciousness to the world.</p>

<p>He shared the pure essence of Vedic wisdom without restriction, teaching us by his own example how to live according to scripture. Wishing that every person on earth might benefit from his wisdom, he wrote volumes of transcendental literature and left countless recorded instructions to ensure his divine guidance would remain available forever.</div>
</p>
<br />
<br />

<div align=center>
<div id="mainbanner">Timeline of Śrīla Prabhupāda's Life</div><br>
----
<big>'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life|1896 to 1964]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1965|1965]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1966|1966]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1967|1967]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1968|1968]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1969|1969]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1970|1970]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1971|1971]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1972|1972]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1973|1973]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1974|1974]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1975|1975]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1976|1976]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1977|1977]]'''</big>
----
</div>
</div>
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<div id="mainbanner">Random Media of Śrīla Prabhupāda</div><br>

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Hare Kṛṣṇa Hare Kṛṣṇa - Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa Hare Hare - Hare Rāma Hare Rāma - Rāma Rāma Hare Hare
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<div class="maincenter">

Vanipedia is an initiative of Bhaktivedanta Library Services a.s.b.l., a non-profit organisation based in Belgium.

All material by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada copyright © The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust

Images copyright © The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, and The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International, Inc.

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Main Page

2026-05-18T10:17:05Z

Visnu Murti:

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</p><p>

<p>Welcome to Vanipedia, a dynamic, living encyclopedia of Śrīla Prabhupāda's words (vani). We are building an unparalleled digital repository of his text, audio, video, and images, comprehensively compiling his teachings from every angle of vision. More than just an archive, Vanipedia serves as a continual, worldwide platform for Śrīla Prabhupāda to actively teach the [[Vaniquotes:Science of Krsna consciousness|science of Krishna consciousness to the world]] for the benefit of all.
<br />



= Introduction =
<div align=center>
<h4>'''Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani Temple'''</h4>
Completion Date: November 4th, 2027 - Celebrating 50 Years of Serving in Separation
<html><iframe src="https://free.timeanddate.com/countdown/i7fcyomi/cf12/cm0/cu4/ct0/cs0/ca2/co0/cr0/ss0/cac000/cpc000/pcfff/tc66c/fs100/szw448/szh189/iso2027-11-04T00:00:00" allowTransparency="true" frameborder="0" width="187" height="40"></iframe></html></div>
<br />
Driven by an unprecedented vision, the Vanipedia project is a monumental and all-encompassing endeavor that unfolds as a magnificent seven-petaled lotus. Currently, four of these petals are actively blooming with the living presence of Śrīla Prabhupāda's eternal teachings:

*'''Vanipedia Petal:''' The site where you are now. Here you find '''[[:Category:Vanipedia Gemini - Articles|over 5,000+ articles]]''' brilliantly summarizing the categories compiled in Vaniquotes.

*'''[[Vanisource:Main Page|Vanisource Petal:]]''' The digital library. Here you can read the archived collection of Śrīla Prabhupāda's books, lectures, conversations and letters.

*'''[[Vaniquotes:Main Page|Vaniquotes Petal:]]''' The thematic map. Compiling and studying in Vaniquotes is a '''[[Vaniquotes:classes and personal study should be undertaken penetratingly|penetrating way]]''' to absorb oneself in Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings. Each Vaniquotes page contains one or more quotes and is organized under a system of categories based either on a theme, personality, scripture or on a key word or key phrase. To date there are over 40,000+ categories, 280,000+ pages, and 2,100,000+ quotes. As this petal grows, it naturally generates the educational material for the rest of the project.

*'''[[Vanimedia:Main Page|Vanimedia Petal:]]''' The audio-visual archive. Here, you may listen to and watch many audio and video clips of Śrīla Prabhupāda's lectures and conversations.

Steadily, Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani Temple is becoming continuous festival of association. The global community of '''[[Appreciations for Vanipedia|devotees appreciating]]''' and utilizing Vanipedia is increasing rapidly. By scrolling through '''[[ What's in Vanipedia now|What's in Vanipedia NOW]]''' you will surely find something that captures your heart and attention.

This global multilingual endeavor (translating in 100 languages) is succeeding entirely by the grace of the devotees - over 1,800 have already come forward to participate. Our '''[[Vanipedia's Manifesto|Vanipedia's Manifesto]]''' reveals the core principles on which we stand and an introduction to '''[[Vanipedia:About|Vanipedia is here]].''' Check out our ongoing projects. If you have a question, want to be involved, or just want to say hi, then '''[[Vanipedia:Contact|please contact us!]]'''

= Vanipedia Articles =
The Vanipedia petal is now beginning to unfold. Glancing through the first two completed thematic articles - '''Animal-Killing in Human Society''' and '''Buddha: A Vaisnava Perspective''' - one can experience the high standard of devotional research within Vanipedia, complete with easily accessed source notes and extensive references for additional reading and study in Vaniquotes. Just imagine the power of delivery to have 500 to 1,000 similar thematic multilingual articles, all interlinked with each other and all accessible in one place, under one platform! We also have some introductory articles that bring to light the wealth of content that Śrīla Prabhupāda delivers to us in Vaniquotes.</p>
</p>
<p>'''Completed Introductory Articles to Vaniquotes'''
*[[:Discovering the Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada|Discovering the Questions asked to Śrīla Prabhupāda]]
*[[:How to Read Srila Prabhupada's Books|How to Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's Books]]
*[[:Scriptural Origins of Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Verses|Scriptural Origins of Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Verses]]
*[[:Srila Prabhupada Initiating His Disciples|Śrīla Prabhupāda Initiating His Disciples]]
*[[:Themes within the Bhagavad-gita|Themes within the Bhagavad-gītā]]
'''Completed Thematic Articles'''
*[[:Animal-Killing in Human Society|Animal-Killing in Human Society]]
*[[:Buddha: A Vaisnava Perspective|Buddha: A Vaisnava Perspective]]

= Vanipedia Projects =
'''Building a Timeline of Śrīla Prabhupāda's Life'''

*We have completed the '''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life|major events in Śrīla Prabhupāda's life]]''' and also offering a chronological order of all recorded media of Śrīla Prabhupāda's vani. This time-line provides an authoritative documentation of all his existing teachings arranged in order of occurrence.

'''Study Resources'''

*Vanipedia is looking for help developing '''[[:Category:Study Resources for Verses and Purports from Srila Prabhupada's Books|Study Resources for Verses and Purports from Śrīla Prabhupāda's Books]]'''.

= Vanimedia Projects =
'''Uniting Śrīla Prabhupāda's Multi-lingual Family'''

*'''[[:Vanimedia:Multi-language_Subtitle_Project#Starting_Your_Seva|Collaborate with a team]]''' of 750+ devotees from 99+ languages to create multi-language subtitles for '''1,080''' - 1 to 15 minute audio clips translated into your language by Śrīla Prabhupāda's 50th Anniversary of arriving in the West on the 4th of October 2015. Find out the '''[[:Vanimedia:Multi-language Subtitle Project|details of the project]]''' and check out our '''[[:Vanimedia:Table: Multi-language Subtitle Results for Vanimedia|current results of 16,400+ subtitles for the 1,080 videos]].'''

*We are placing these videos on YouTube, in our '''[http://www.youtube.com/user/VanimediaMayapur/videos?view=0 Vanimedia Channel]''' and they can also be accessed '''[[:Vanimedia:Uniting Srila Prabhupada's Multi-lingual Family|via themes]].''' Our '''[[Vanimedia:YouTube playlists for uniting Śrīla Prabhupāda's multi-lingual family|YouTube playlists]]''' also makes it easy to play the videos in each language.
'''Prabhupāda Speaks Around the World'''

*In Vaniquotes you can now listen while reading Śrīla Prabhupāda's lectures, conversations, interviews and morning walks - feel his presence, feel his mood. To date there are '''[[:Vaniquotes:Category:Pages_with_Prabhupada's_Audio_-_Umbrella_Category|over 3,500 pages with clips available]]''' and we are aiming for 5,000 by the end of 2015.

= Vaniquotes Projects =

'''Every Sentence from these Books is Compiled as Vaniquotes Pages'''

*'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Every Sentence from these Books is Compiled as Vaniquotes Pages|This category]]''' links to all of the existing pages.

*This list shows our progress to create Vaniquotes pages for all of the sentences in Srila Prabhupada's books. We are now working on Srimad-Bhagavatam 6 and 7 cantos. After completing up to 10th canto chapter 13 we will start the purports of the Caitanya-caritamrta.

*If you love compiling then please join us in this mission.

{| id="resource"
|- style="background:silver; color:black"
|''' Titles''' || '''  Words per Title  ''' || '''  Vaniquotes Pages per Title  '''
|-
|Krsna Book, Preface, Introduction and all 90 chapters - all sentences comprise ||align="right"| 319,481|| align="right"|9,655 ||
|-
|Sri Isopanisad - all sentences comprise ||align="right"| 30,070|| align="right"|742 ||
|-
|The Nectar of Devotion - all sentences comprise ||align="right"|136,972|| align="right"|4,435 ||
|-
|The Nectar of Instruction - all sentences comprise ||align="right"|21,794 || align="right"|653 ||
|-
|Bhagavad-gita As It Is, all Translations Only - all sentences comprise || align="right"| 21,829|| align="right"| 718 ||
|-
|Sri Caitanya Caritamrta, all Translations Only - all Sentences comprise ||align="right"| 330,065|| align="right"|12,063 ||
|-
|Srimad-Bhagavatam, all Translations of Cantos 1 to 9 Only - all sentences comprise ||align="right"|375,144 || align="right"|10,757 ||
|-
|Srimad-Bhagavatam First Canto, all Purports Only - all sentences comprise ||align="right"|212,925|| align="right"|6,989 ||
|-
|Srimad-Bhagavatam Second Canto, all Purports Only - all sentences comprise ||align="right"|146,870|| align="right"|4,444 ||
|-
|Srimad-Bhagavatam Third Canto, all Purports Only - all sentences comprise || align="right"| 262,283|| align="right"|8,565 ||
|-
|Srimad-Bhagavatam Fourth Canto, all Purports Only - all sentences comprise ||align="right"|300,373|| align="right"|9,474||
|-
|Srimad-Bhagavatam Fifth Canto, all Purports Only - all sentences comprise (in process)||align="right"|107,934|| align="right"|3,300||
|-
|Srimad-Bhagavatam Sixth Canto, all Purports Only - all sentences comprise (in process)||align="right"|95,701|| align="right"|2,400||
|-
|- style="background:silver; color:black"
|'''  Total Number of Words from the above Books of Srila Prabhupada''' ||align="right"|'''2,361,441‬'''||align="right"|<span id="resource_sum"></span>
|-
|- style="background:silver; color:black"
|'''  Total Vaniquotes Pages from the above Books of Srila Prabhupada''' ||align="right"| ||align="right"|'''74,195'''<span id="resource_sum"></span>
|-
|}

= Vanisource Projects =
'''Completing an Audio Fidelity Check of Lecture and Conversation Transcriptions'''

*We are inviting volunteers to attentively listen to Śrīla Prabhupāda and, while reading, to check the transcriptions for accuracy. This project was launched on the 19th of April 2014. As of the 2nd May 2015, 34 volunteers have proofread 745 files and 3,845 missing words and 4,993 edits have been entered into Vanisource. An explanation '''[[Vanisource:Śrīla Prabhupāda's Audio to Text Fidelity Project|is given here...]]'''

'''Adding Scans of Śrīla Prabhupāda's Letters'''

*We have so far added '''5088''' scanned images of '''[[Vanisource:Category:Letters with Scans of the Originals|Śrīla Prabhupāda's transcribed letters]]''' leaving '''1481 [[Vanisource:Category:Letters Needing Scans|letters still needing scans]]'''. These will be added as they become available to Vanipedia.

*We are inviting volunteers to read, verify and correct the Vanisource letter transcriptions for fidelity against the original scans. Please '''[[Vanipedia:Contact|contact us]]''' if you would like to help.

'''Adding Audio to Lecture and Conversation Transcriptions'''

*We are uploading the '''[[Vaniquotes:Vanisource pages with full audio|audio files to the Vanisource pages]]''' so that hearing and reading of Śrīla Prabhupāda's lectures & conversations can be done simultaneously.

:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1977 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1977 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''236+ hours''' of audio in '''385 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1976 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1976 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''382+ hours''' of audio in '''703 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1975 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1975 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''323+ hours''' of audio in '''563 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1974 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1974 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''257+ hours''' of audio in '''439 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1973 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1973 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''265+ hours''' of audio in '''418 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1972 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1972 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''251+ hours''' of audio in '''413 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1971 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1971 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''135+ hours''' of audio in '''229 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1970 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1970 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''43+ hours''' of audio in '''84 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1969 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1969 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''102+ hours''' of audio in '''145 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1968 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1968 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''127+ hours''' of audio in '''154 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1967 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1967 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''24+ hours''' of audio in '''48 audio files'''

As the Bhaktivedanta Archives release the other years this project can be completed.

'''Creating New Categories for Vanisource'''

*We have begun the process of linking all Vanisource pages to '''[[Vanisource:Category:List of Umbrella Categories|relevant categories]]''' to make navigation easier. These new categories will also be used as '''[[Vanisource:Category:List of Timeline Categories|resources]]''' for the '''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life|timeline of Śrīla Prabhupāda's life.]]'''

:'''[[Vanisource:Category:Letters from Śrīla Prabhupāda - by person|Letters sorted by person]]'''
:*We have indexed letters in order to access those written to each person.

:'''[[Vanisource:Category:Lectures - by Type|Lectures sorted by type]]'''
:*As well as presenting lectures by date and location they have been listed by type.

'''Newly added Content'''
*[[Vanisource:Bhagavad Gita As It Is (1968) Collier-Macmillan Abridged Edition|Bhagavad Gita As It Is (1968 edition)]]
*[[Vanisource:Srimad Bhagwatam (1962-65)|Śrīla Prabhupāda's Original (1962-1965) Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam]]
*[[Vanisource:Category:Essays and Articles|Essays and Articles]]
*[[Vanisource:Category:Diaries of Srila Prabhupada|Śrīla Prabhupāda's Diaries]]
*[[Vanisource:Back to Godhead Magazines 1944 to 1960|BTGs 1944 - 1977]]
*[[Vanisource:Letters From Srila Prabhupada's Secretaries and ISKCON Officers|Letters From Srila Prabhupada's Secretaries and ISKCON Officers]]

<headertabs/>








<br />

<div align=center>
<div id="mainbanner">Who is Śrīla Prabhupāda?</div><br>
<div align=center><p><h5>'''Authorized and Empowered'''</h5></div></p>
<div align=left><p>A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda is a self-realized, pure devotee of Lord Kṛṣṇa. While physically present among us he shared the essence of Vedic knowledge liberally and without prejudice. His only desire was to fulfill his spiritual master's desire – to introduce the process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness to the world.</p>
<p>
Śrīla Prabhupāda showed us the importance of living life according to the directions given in scripture. He spoke and wrote profusely so that many may have this guidance in life, and he wished that every person on the planet had the opportunity to read his books now and in the future.</div>
</p>
<br />
<br />

<div align=center>
<div id="mainbanner">Timeline of Śrīla Prabhupāda's Life</div><br>
----
<big>'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life|1896 to 1964]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1965|1965]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1966|1966]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1967|1967]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1968|1968]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1969|1969]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1970|1970]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1971|1971]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1972|1972]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1973|1973]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1974|1974]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1975|1975]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1976|1976]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1977|1977]]'''</big>
----
</div>
</div>
<br />
<div align=center>
<div id="mainbanner">Random Media of Śrīla Prabhupāda</div><br>

<div class="row">
<div class="large-3 columns">{{Random ImageQuote}}</div>
<div class="large-5 columns"><div style="margin: 8px 0 0 25px"><nomobile>{{RandomVideo}}</nomobile></div><mobileonly>{{RandomVideoMobile}}</mobileonly></div>
<div class="large-4 columns">{{RandomImage 400px}}</div>
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| align=center|{{Master Main Page - Random Audio Clips from Srila Prabhupada}}


<div id="mainbanner">Latest News and Updates</div><br>
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<div align=center><p><div class="fb-group" data-href="https://web.facebook.com/groups/VanipediaGroup/" data-width="250" data-show-social-context="false" data-show-metadata="false"><blockquote cite="https://web.facebook.com/groups/VanipediaGroup/" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">Vanipedia</blockquote></div></div></p>

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<div id="mainmantra">
Hare Kṛṣṇa Hare Kṛṣṇa - Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa Hare Hare - Hare Rāma Hare Rāma - Rāma Rāma Hare Hare
</div>
<div class="maincenter">

Vanipedia is an initiative of Bhaktivedanta Library Services a.s.b.l., a non-profit organisation based in Belgium.

All material by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada copyright © The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust

Images copyright © The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, and The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International, Inc.

Compilation copyright © Bhaktivedanta Library Services a.s.b.l.

</div>

__NOTOC__ __NOEDITSECTION__

Main Page

2026-05-18T10:01:03Z

Visnu Murti:

{| border="0" width="100%"
|- valign="top"


{{DISPLAYTITLE:<span style="position: absolute; clip: rect(1px 1px 1px 1px); clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);">{{FULLPAGENAME}}</span>}}
</p><p>

<p>Vanipedia is a dynamic encyclopedia of Śrīla Prabhupāda's words (vani). In Vanipedia we explore and comprehensively compile Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings from various angles of vision and present them in accessible and easily understandable ways.</p>
We are building an unparalleled repository of Śrīla Prabhupāda's digital teachings (text, audio, video & images) to offer him a continual, worldwide platform to preach and teach the [[Vaniquotes:Science of Krsna consciousness|science of Krishna consciousness to the world,]] for the benefit of all.
<br />



= Introduction =
<div align=center>
<h4>'''Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani Temple'''</h4>
Completion Date: November 4th, 2027 - Celebrating 50 Years of Serving in Separation
<html><iframe src="https://free.timeanddate.com/countdown/i7fcyomi/cf12/cm0/cu4/ct0/cs0/ca2/co0/cr0/ss0/cac000/cpc000/pcfff/tc66c/fs100/szw448/szh189/iso2027-11-04T00:00:00" allowTransparency="true" frameborder="0" width="187" height="40"></iframe></html></div>
<br />
Driven by an unprecedented vision, the Vanipedia project is a monumental and all-encompassing endeavor that unfolds as a magnificent seven-petaled lotus. Currently, four of these petals are actively blooming with the living presence of Śrīla Prabhupāda's eternal teachings:

*'''Vanipedia Petal:''' The site where you are now. Here you find '''[[:Category:Vanipedia Gemini - Articles|over 5,000+ articles]]''' brilliantly summarizing the categories compiled in Vaniquotes.

*'''[[Vanisource:Main Page|Vanisource Petal:]]''' The digital library. Here you can read the archived collection of Śrīla Prabhupāda's books, lectures, conversations and letters.

*'''[[Vaniquotes:Main Page|Vaniquotes Petal:]]''' The thematic map. Compiling and studying in Vaniquotes is a '''[[Vaniquotes:classes and personal study should be undertaken penetratingly|penetrating way]]''' to absorb oneself in Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings. Each Vaniquotes page contains one or more quotes and is organized under a system of categories based either on a theme, personality, scripture or on a key word or key phrase. To date there are over 40,000+ categories, 280,000+ pages, and 2,100,000+ quotes. As this petal grows, it naturally generates the educational material for the rest of the project.

*'''[[Vanimedia:Main Page|Vanimedia Petal:]]''' The audio-visual archive. Here, you may listen to and watch many audio and video clips of Śrīla Prabhupāda's lectures and conversations.

Steadily, Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani Temple is becoming continuous festival of association. The global community of '''[[Appreciations for Vanipedia|devotees appreciating]]''' and utilizing Vanipedia is increasing rapidly. By scrolling through '''[[ What's in Vanipedia now|What's in Vanipedia NOW]]''' you will surely find something that captures your heart and attention.

This global multilingual endeavor (translating in 100 languages) is succeeding entirely by the grace of the devotees - over 1,800 have already come forward to participate. Our '''[[Vanipedia's Manifesto|Vanipedia's Manifesto]]''' reveals the core principles on which we stand and an introduction to '''[[Vanipedia:About|Vanipedia is here]].''' Check out our ongoing projects. If you have a question, want to be involved, or just want to say hi, then '''[[Vanipedia:Contact|please contact us!]]'''

= Vanipedia Articles =
The Vanipedia petal is now beginning to unfold. Glancing through the first two completed thematic articles - '''Animal-Killing in Human Society''' and '''Buddha: A Vaisnava Perspective''' - one can experience the high standard of devotional research within Vanipedia, complete with easily accessed source notes and extensive references for additional reading and study in Vaniquotes. Just imagine the power of delivery to have 500 to 1,000 similar thematic multilingual articles, all interlinked with each other and all accessible in one place, under one platform! We also have some introductory articles that bring to light the wealth of content that Śrīla Prabhupāda delivers to us in Vaniquotes.</p>
</p>
<p>'''Completed Introductory Articles to Vaniquotes'''
*[[:Discovering the Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada|Discovering the Questions asked to Śrīla Prabhupāda]]
*[[:How to Read Srila Prabhupada's Books|How to Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's Books]]
*[[:Scriptural Origins of Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Verses|Scriptural Origins of Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Verses]]
*[[:Srila Prabhupada Initiating His Disciples|Śrīla Prabhupāda Initiating His Disciples]]
*[[:Themes within the Bhagavad-gita|Themes within the Bhagavad-gītā]]
'''Completed Thematic Articles'''
*[[:Animal-Killing in Human Society|Animal-Killing in Human Society]]
*[[:Buddha: A Vaisnava Perspective|Buddha: A Vaisnava Perspective]]

= Vanipedia Projects =
'''Building a Timeline of Śrīla Prabhupāda's Life'''

*We have completed the '''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life|major events in Śrīla Prabhupāda's life]]''' and also offering a chronological order of all recorded media of Śrīla Prabhupāda's vani. This time-line provides an authoritative documentation of all his existing teachings arranged in order of occurrence.

'''Study Resources'''

*Vanipedia is looking for help developing '''[[:Category:Study Resources for Verses and Purports from Srila Prabhupada's Books|Study Resources for Verses and Purports from Śrīla Prabhupāda's Books]]'''.

= Vanimedia Projects =
'''Uniting Śrīla Prabhupāda's Multi-lingual Family'''

*'''[[:Vanimedia:Multi-language_Subtitle_Project#Starting_Your_Seva|Collaborate with a team]]''' of 750+ devotees from 99+ languages to create multi-language subtitles for '''1,080''' - 1 to 15 minute audio clips translated into your language by Śrīla Prabhupāda's 50th Anniversary of arriving in the West on the 4th of October 2015. Find out the '''[[:Vanimedia:Multi-language Subtitle Project|details of the project]]''' and check out our '''[[:Vanimedia:Table: Multi-language Subtitle Results for Vanimedia|current results of 16,400+ subtitles for the 1,080 videos]].'''

*We are placing these videos on YouTube, in our '''[http://www.youtube.com/user/VanimediaMayapur/videos?view=0 Vanimedia Channel]''' and they can also be accessed '''[[:Vanimedia:Uniting Srila Prabhupada's Multi-lingual Family|via themes]].''' Our '''[[Vanimedia:YouTube playlists for uniting Śrīla Prabhupāda's multi-lingual family|YouTube playlists]]''' also makes it easy to play the videos in each language.
'''Prabhupāda Speaks Around the World'''

*In Vaniquotes you can now listen while reading Śrīla Prabhupāda's lectures, conversations, interviews and morning walks - feel his presence, feel his mood. To date there are '''[[:Vaniquotes:Category:Pages_with_Prabhupada's_Audio_-_Umbrella_Category|over 3,500 pages with clips available]]''' and we are aiming for 5,000 by the end of 2015.

= Vaniquotes Projects =

'''Every Sentence from these Books is Compiled as Vaniquotes Pages'''

*'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Every Sentence from these Books is Compiled as Vaniquotes Pages|This category]]''' links to all of the existing pages.

*This list shows our progress to create Vaniquotes pages for all of the sentences in Srila Prabhupada's books. We are now working on Srimad-Bhagavatam 6 and 7 cantos. After completing up to 10th canto chapter 13 we will start the purports of the Caitanya-caritamrta.

*If you love compiling then please join us in this mission.

{| id="resource"
|- style="background:silver; color:black"
|''' Titles''' || '''  Words per Title  ''' || '''  Vaniquotes Pages per Title  '''
|-
|Krsna Book, Preface, Introduction and all 90 chapters - all sentences comprise ||align="right"| 319,481|| align="right"|9,655 ||
|-
|Sri Isopanisad - all sentences comprise ||align="right"| 30,070|| align="right"|742 ||
|-
|The Nectar of Devotion - all sentences comprise ||align="right"|136,972|| align="right"|4,435 ||
|-
|The Nectar of Instruction - all sentences comprise ||align="right"|21,794 || align="right"|653 ||
|-
|Bhagavad-gita As It Is, all Translations Only - all sentences comprise || align="right"| 21,829|| align="right"| 718 ||
|-
|Sri Caitanya Caritamrta, all Translations Only - all Sentences comprise ||align="right"| 330,065|| align="right"|12,063 ||
|-
|Srimad-Bhagavatam, all Translations of Cantos 1 to 9 Only - all sentences comprise ||align="right"|375,144 || align="right"|10,757 ||
|-
|Srimad-Bhagavatam First Canto, all Purports Only - all sentences comprise ||align="right"|212,925|| align="right"|6,989 ||
|-
|Srimad-Bhagavatam Second Canto, all Purports Only - all sentences comprise ||align="right"|146,870|| align="right"|4,444 ||
|-
|Srimad-Bhagavatam Third Canto, all Purports Only - all sentences comprise || align="right"| 262,283|| align="right"|8,565 ||
|-
|Srimad-Bhagavatam Fourth Canto, all Purports Only - all sentences comprise ||align="right"|300,373|| align="right"|9,474||
|-
|Srimad-Bhagavatam Fifth Canto, all Purports Only - all sentences comprise (in process)||align="right"|107,934|| align="right"|3,300||
|-
|Srimad-Bhagavatam Sixth Canto, all Purports Only - all sentences comprise (in process)||align="right"|95,701|| align="right"|2,400||
|-
|- style="background:silver; color:black"
|'''  Total Number of Words from the above Books of Srila Prabhupada''' ||align="right"|'''2,361,441‬'''||align="right"|<span id="resource_sum"></span>
|-
|- style="background:silver; color:black"
|'''  Total Vaniquotes Pages from the above Books of Srila Prabhupada''' ||align="right"| ||align="right"|'''74,195'''<span id="resource_sum"></span>
|-
|}

= Vanisource Projects =
'''Completing an Audio Fidelity Check of Lecture and Conversation Transcriptions'''

*We are inviting volunteers to attentively listen to Śrīla Prabhupāda and, while reading, to check the transcriptions for accuracy. This project was launched on the 19th of April 2014. As of the 2nd May 2015, 34 volunteers have proofread 745 files and 3,845 missing words and 4,993 edits have been entered into Vanisource. An explanation '''[[Vanisource:Śrīla Prabhupāda's Audio to Text Fidelity Project|is given here...]]'''

'''Adding Scans of Śrīla Prabhupāda's Letters'''

*We have so far added '''5088''' scanned images of '''[[Vanisource:Category:Letters with Scans of the Originals|Śrīla Prabhupāda's transcribed letters]]''' leaving '''1481 [[Vanisource:Category:Letters Needing Scans|letters still needing scans]]'''. These will be added as they become available to Vanipedia.

*We are inviting volunteers to read, verify and correct the Vanisource letter transcriptions for fidelity against the original scans. Please '''[[Vanipedia:Contact|contact us]]''' if you would like to help.

'''Adding Audio to Lecture and Conversation Transcriptions'''

*We are uploading the '''[[Vaniquotes:Vanisource pages with full audio|audio files to the Vanisource pages]]''' so that hearing and reading of Śrīla Prabhupāda's lectures & conversations can be done simultaneously.

:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1977 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1977 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''236+ hours''' of audio in '''385 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1976 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1976 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''382+ hours''' of audio in '''703 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1975 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1975 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''323+ hours''' of audio in '''563 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1974 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1974 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''257+ hours''' of audio in '''439 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1973 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1973 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''265+ hours''' of audio in '''418 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1972 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1972 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''251+ hours''' of audio in '''413 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1971 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1971 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''135+ hours''' of audio in '''229 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1970 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1970 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''43+ hours''' of audio in '''84 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1969 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1969 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''102+ hours''' of audio in '''145 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1968 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1968 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''127+ hours''' of audio in '''154 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1967 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1967 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''24+ hours''' of audio in '''48 audio files'''

As the Bhaktivedanta Archives release the other years this project can be completed.

'''Creating New Categories for Vanisource'''

*We have begun the process of linking all Vanisource pages to '''[[Vanisource:Category:List of Umbrella Categories|relevant categories]]''' to make navigation easier. These new categories will also be used as '''[[Vanisource:Category:List of Timeline Categories|resources]]''' for the '''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life|timeline of Śrīla Prabhupāda's life.]]'''

:'''[[Vanisource:Category:Letters from Śrīla Prabhupāda - by person|Letters sorted by person]]'''
:*We have indexed letters in order to access those written to each person.

:'''[[Vanisource:Category:Lectures - by Type|Lectures sorted by type]]'''
:*As well as presenting lectures by date and location they have been listed by type.

'''Newly added Content'''
*[[Vanisource:Bhagavad Gita As It Is (1968) Collier-Macmillan Abridged Edition|Bhagavad Gita As It Is (1968 edition)]]
*[[Vanisource:Srimad Bhagwatam (1962-65)|Śrīla Prabhupāda's Original (1962-1965) Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam]]
*[[Vanisource:Category:Essays and Articles|Essays and Articles]]
*[[Vanisource:Category:Diaries of Srila Prabhupada|Śrīla Prabhupāda's Diaries]]
*[[Vanisource:Back to Godhead Magazines 1944 to 1960|BTGs 1944 - 1977]]
*[[Vanisource:Letters From Srila Prabhupada's Secretaries and ISKCON Officers|Letters From Srila Prabhupada's Secretaries and ISKCON Officers]]

<headertabs/>








<br />

<div align=center>
<div id="mainbanner">Who is Śrīla Prabhupāda?</div><br>
<div align=center><p><h5>'''Authorized and Empowered'''</h5></div></p>
<div align=left><p>A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda is a self-realized, pure devotee of Lord Kṛṣṇa. While physically present among us he shared the essence of Vedic knowledge liberally and without prejudice. His only desire was to fulfill his spiritual master's desire – to introduce the process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness to the world.</p>
<p>
Śrīla Prabhupāda showed us the importance of living life according to the directions given in scripture. He spoke and wrote profusely so that many may have this guidance in life, and he wished that every person on the planet had the opportunity to read his books now and in the future.</div>
</p>
<br />
<br />

<div align=center>
<div id="mainbanner">Timeline of Śrīla Prabhupāda's Life</div><br>
----
<big>'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life|1896 to 1964]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1965|1965]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1966|1966]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1967|1967]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1968|1968]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1969|1969]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1970|1970]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1971|1971]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1972|1972]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1973|1973]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1974|1974]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1975|1975]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1976|1976]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1977|1977]]'''</big>
----
</div>
</div>
<br />
<div align=center>
<div id="mainbanner">Random Media of Śrīla Prabhupāda</div><br>

<div class="row">
<div class="large-3 columns">{{Random ImageQuote}}</div>
<div class="large-5 columns"><div style="margin: 8px 0 0 25px"><nomobile>{{RandomVideo}}</nomobile></div><mobileonly>{{RandomVideoMobile}}</mobileonly></div>
<div class="large-4 columns">{{RandomImage 400px}}</div>
</div>
<br />
| align=center|{{Master Main Page - Random Audio Clips from Srila Prabhupada}}


<div id="mainbanner">Latest News and Updates</div><br>
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<div align=center>
<div id="mainbanner">Other Websites</div><br>
<div class="maincenter">
{{Clickable button|[[Vanisource:Main Page|Vanisource]]}}
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<div align=center><p><div class="fb-group" data-href="https://web.facebook.com/groups/VanipediaGroup/" data-width="250" data-show-social-context="false" data-show-metadata="false"><blockquote cite="https://web.facebook.com/groups/VanipediaGroup/" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">Vanipedia</blockquote></div></div></p>

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<div id="mainmantra">
Hare Kṛṣṇa Hare Kṛṣṇa - Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa Hare Hare - Hare Rāma Hare Rāma - Rāma Rāma Hare Hare
</div>
<div class="maincenter">

Vanipedia is an initiative of Bhaktivedanta Library Services a.s.b.l., a non-profit organisation based in Belgium.

All material by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada copyright © The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust

Images copyright © The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, and The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International, Inc.

Compilation copyright © Bhaktivedanta Library Services a.s.b.l.

</div>

__NOTOC__ __NOEDITSECTION__

Main Page

2026-05-18T09:56:16Z

Visnu Murti:

{| border="0" width="100%"
|- valign="top"


{{DISPLAYTITLE:<span style="position: absolute; clip: rect(1px 1px 1px 1px); clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);">{{FULLPAGENAME}}</span>}}
</p><p>

<p>'''Vanipedia is a dynamic encyclopedia of Śrīla Prabhupāda's words (vani). In Vanipedia we explore and comprehensively compile Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings from various angles of vision and present them in accessible and easily understandable ways.'''</p>
'''We are building an unparalleled repository of Śrīla Prabhupāda's digital teachings (text, audio, video & images) to offer him a continual, worldwide platform to preach and teach the [[Vaniquotes:Science of Krsna consciousness|science of Krishna consciousness to the world,]] for the benefit of all.'''
<br />



= Introduction =
<div align=center>
<h4>'''Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani Temple'''</h4>
Completion Date: November 4th, 2027 - Celebrating 50 Years of Serving in Separation
<html><iframe src="https://free.timeanddate.com/countdown/i7fcyomi/cf12/cm0/cu4/ct0/cs0/ca2/co0/cr0/ss0/cac000/cpc000/pcfff/tc66c/fs100/szw448/szh189/iso2027-11-04T00:00:00" allowTransparency="true" frameborder="0" width="187" height="40"></iframe></html></div>
<br />
Driven by an unprecedented vision, the Vanipedia project is a monumental and all-encompassing endeavor that unfolds as a magnificent seven-petaled lotus. Currently, four of these petals are actively blooming with the living presence of Śrīla Prabhupāda's eternal teachings:

*'''Vanipedia Petal:''' The site where you are now. Here you find '''[[:Category:Vanipedia Gemini - Articles|over 5,000+ articles]]''' brilliantly summarizing the categories compiled in Vaniquotes.

*'''[[Vanisource:Main Page|Vanisource Petal:]]''' The digital library. Here you can read the archived collection of Śrīla Prabhupāda's books, lectures, conversations and letters.

*'''[[Vaniquotes:Main Page|Vaniquotes Petal:]]''' The thematic map. Compiling and studying in Vaniquotes is a '''[[Vaniquotes:classes and personal study should be undertaken penetratingly|penetrating way]]''' to absorb oneself in Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings. Each Vaniquotes page contains one or more quotes and is organized under a system of categories based either on a theme, personality, scripture or on a key word or key phrase. To date there are over 40,000+ categories, 280,000+ pages, and 2,100,000+ quotes. As this petal grows, it naturally generates the educational material for the rest of the project.

*'''[[Vanimedia:Main Page|Vanimedia Petal:]]''' The audio-visual archive. Here, you may listen to and watch many audio and video clips of Śrīla Prabhupāda's lectures and conversations.

Steadily, Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani Temple is becoming continuous festival of association. The global community of '''[[Appreciations for Vanipedia|devotees appreciating]]''' and utilizing Vanipedia is increasing rapidly. By scrolling through '''[[ What's in Vanipedia now|What's in Vanipedia NOW]]''' you will surely find something that captures your heart and attention.

This global multilingual endeavor (translating in 100 languages) is succeeding entirely by the grace of the devotees - over 1,800 have already come forward to participate. Our '''[[Vanipedia's Manifesto|Vanipedia's Manifesto]]''' reveals the core principles on which we stand and an introduction to '''[[Vanipedia:About|Vanipedia is here]].''' Check out our ongoing projects. If you have a question, want to be involved, or just want to say hi, then '''[[Vanipedia:Contact|please contact us!]]'''

= Vanipedia Articles =
The Vanipedia petal is now beginning to unfold. Glancing through the first two completed thematic articles - '''Animal-Killing in Human Society''' and '''Buddha: A Vaisnava Perspective''' - one can experience the high standard of devotional research within Vanipedia, complete with easily accessed source notes and extensive references for additional reading and study in Vaniquotes. Just imagine the power of delivery to have 500 to 1,000 similar thematic multilingual articles, all interlinked with each other and all accessible in one place, under one platform! We also have some introductory articles that bring to light the wealth of content that Śrīla Prabhupāda delivers to us in Vaniquotes.</p>
</p>
<p>'''Completed Introductory Articles to Vaniquotes'''
*[[:Discovering the Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada|Discovering the Questions asked to Śrīla Prabhupāda]]
*[[:How to Read Srila Prabhupada's Books|How to Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's Books]]
*[[:Scriptural Origins of Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Verses|Scriptural Origins of Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Verses]]
*[[:Srila Prabhupada Initiating His Disciples|Śrīla Prabhupāda Initiating His Disciples]]
*[[:Themes within the Bhagavad-gita|Themes within the Bhagavad-gītā]]
'''Completed Thematic Articles'''
*[[:Animal-Killing in Human Society|Animal-Killing in Human Society]]
*[[:Buddha: A Vaisnava Perspective|Buddha: A Vaisnava Perspective]]

= Vanipedia Projects =
'''Building a Timeline of Śrīla Prabhupāda's Life'''

*We have completed the '''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life|major events in Śrīla Prabhupāda's life]]''' and also offering a chronological order of all recorded media of Śrīla Prabhupāda's vani. This time-line provides an authoritative documentation of all his existing teachings arranged in order of occurrence.

'''Study Resources'''

*Vanipedia is looking for help developing '''[[:Category:Study Resources for Verses and Purports from Srila Prabhupada's Books|Study Resources for Verses and Purports from Śrīla Prabhupāda's Books]]'''.

= Vanimedia Projects =
'''Uniting Śrīla Prabhupāda's Multi-lingual Family'''

*'''[[:Vanimedia:Multi-language_Subtitle_Project#Starting_Your_Seva|Collaborate with a team]]''' of 750+ devotees from 99+ languages to create multi-language subtitles for '''1,080''' - 1 to 15 minute audio clips translated into your language by Śrīla Prabhupāda's 50th Anniversary of arriving in the West on the 4th of October 2015. Find out the '''[[:Vanimedia:Multi-language Subtitle Project|details of the project]]''' and check out our '''[[:Vanimedia:Table: Multi-language Subtitle Results for Vanimedia|current results of 16,400+ subtitles for the 1,080 videos]].'''

*We are placing these videos on YouTube, in our '''[http://www.youtube.com/user/VanimediaMayapur/videos?view=0 Vanimedia Channel]''' and they can also be accessed '''[[:Vanimedia:Uniting Srila Prabhupada's Multi-lingual Family|via themes]].''' Our '''[[Vanimedia:YouTube playlists for uniting Śrīla Prabhupāda's multi-lingual family|YouTube playlists]]''' also makes it easy to play the videos in each language.
'''Prabhupāda Speaks Around the World'''

*In Vaniquotes you can now listen while reading Śrīla Prabhupāda's lectures, conversations, interviews and morning walks - feel his presence, feel his mood. To date there are '''[[:Vaniquotes:Category:Pages_with_Prabhupada's_Audio_-_Umbrella_Category|over 3,500 pages with clips available]]''' and we are aiming for 5,000 by the end of 2015.

= Vaniquotes Projects =

'''Every Sentence from these Books is Compiled as Vaniquotes Pages'''

*'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Every Sentence from these Books is Compiled as Vaniquotes Pages|This category]]''' links to all of the existing pages.

*This list shows our progress to create Vaniquotes pages for all of the sentences in Srila Prabhupada's books. We are now working on Srimad-Bhagavatam 6 and 7 cantos. After completing up to 10th canto chapter 13 we will start the purports of the Caitanya-caritamrta.

*If you love compiling then please join us in this mission.

{| id="resource"
|- style="background:silver; color:black"
|''' Titles''' || '''  Words per Title  ''' || '''  Vaniquotes Pages per Title  '''
|-
|Krsna Book, Preface, Introduction and all 90 chapters - all sentences comprise ||align="right"| 319,481|| align="right"|9,655 ||
|-
|Sri Isopanisad - all sentences comprise ||align="right"| 30,070|| align="right"|742 ||
|-
|The Nectar of Devotion - all sentences comprise ||align="right"|136,972|| align="right"|4,435 ||
|-
|The Nectar of Instruction - all sentences comprise ||align="right"|21,794 || align="right"|653 ||
|-
|Bhagavad-gita As It Is, all Translations Only - all sentences comprise || align="right"| 21,829|| align="right"| 718 ||
|-
|Sri Caitanya Caritamrta, all Translations Only - all Sentences comprise ||align="right"| 330,065|| align="right"|12,063 ||
|-
|Srimad-Bhagavatam, all Translations of Cantos 1 to 9 Only - all sentences comprise ||align="right"|375,144 || align="right"|10,757 ||
|-
|Srimad-Bhagavatam First Canto, all Purports Only - all sentences comprise ||align="right"|212,925|| align="right"|6,989 ||
|-
|Srimad-Bhagavatam Second Canto, all Purports Only - all sentences comprise ||align="right"|146,870|| align="right"|4,444 ||
|-
|Srimad-Bhagavatam Third Canto, all Purports Only - all sentences comprise || align="right"| 262,283|| align="right"|8,565 ||
|-
|Srimad-Bhagavatam Fourth Canto, all Purports Only - all sentences comprise ||align="right"|300,373|| align="right"|9,474||
|-
|Srimad-Bhagavatam Fifth Canto, all Purports Only - all sentences comprise (in process)||align="right"|107,934|| align="right"|3,300||
|-
|Srimad-Bhagavatam Sixth Canto, all Purports Only - all sentences comprise (in process)||align="right"|95,701|| align="right"|2,400||
|-
|- style="background:silver; color:black"
|'''  Total Number of Words from the above Books of Srila Prabhupada''' ||align="right"|'''2,361,441‬'''||align="right"|<span id="resource_sum"></span>
|-
|- style="background:silver; color:black"
|'''  Total Vaniquotes Pages from the above Books of Srila Prabhupada''' ||align="right"| ||align="right"|'''74,195'''<span id="resource_sum"></span>
|-
|}

= Vanisource Projects =
'''Completing an Audio Fidelity Check of Lecture and Conversation Transcriptions'''

*We are inviting volunteers to attentively listen to Śrīla Prabhupāda and, while reading, to check the transcriptions for accuracy. This project was launched on the 19th of April 2014. As of the 2nd May 2015, 34 volunteers have proofread 745 files and 3,845 missing words and 4,993 edits have been entered into Vanisource. An explanation '''[[Vanisource:Śrīla Prabhupāda's Audio to Text Fidelity Project|is given here...]]'''

'''Adding Scans of Śrīla Prabhupāda's Letters'''

*We have so far added '''5088''' scanned images of '''[[Vanisource:Category:Letters with Scans of the Originals|Śrīla Prabhupāda's transcribed letters]]''' leaving '''1481 [[Vanisource:Category:Letters Needing Scans|letters still needing scans]]'''. These will be added as they become available to Vanipedia.

*We are inviting volunteers to read, verify and correct the Vanisource letter transcriptions for fidelity against the original scans. Please '''[[Vanipedia:Contact|contact us]]''' if you would like to help.

'''Adding Audio to Lecture and Conversation Transcriptions'''

*We are uploading the '''[[Vaniquotes:Vanisource pages with full audio|audio files to the Vanisource pages]]''' so that hearing and reading of Śrīla Prabhupāda's lectures & conversations can be done simultaneously.

:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1977 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1977 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''236+ hours''' of audio in '''385 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1976 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1976 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''382+ hours''' of audio in '''703 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1975 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1975 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''323+ hours''' of audio in '''563 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1974 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1974 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''257+ hours''' of audio in '''439 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1973 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1973 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''265+ hours''' of audio in '''418 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1972 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1972 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''251+ hours''' of audio in '''413 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1971 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1971 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''135+ hours''' of audio in '''229 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1970 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1970 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''43+ hours''' of audio in '''84 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1969 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1969 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''102+ hours''' of audio in '''145 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1968 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1968 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''127+ hours''' of audio in '''154 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1967 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1967 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''24+ hours''' of audio in '''48 audio files'''

As the Bhaktivedanta Archives release the other years this project can be completed.

'''Creating New Categories for Vanisource'''

*We have begun the process of linking all Vanisource pages to '''[[Vanisource:Category:List of Umbrella Categories|relevant categories]]''' to make navigation easier. These new categories will also be used as '''[[Vanisource:Category:List of Timeline Categories|resources]]''' for the '''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life|timeline of Śrīla Prabhupāda's life.]]'''

:'''[[Vanisource:Category:Letters from Śrīla Prabhupāda - by person|Letters sorted by person]]'''
:*We have indexed letters in order to access those written to each person.

:'''[[Vanisource:Category:Lectures - by Type|Lectures sorted by type]]'''
:*As well as presenting lectures by date and location they have been listed by type.

'''Newly added Content'''
*[[Vanisource:Bhagavad Gita As It Is (1968) Collier-Macmillan Abridged Edition|Bhagavad Gita As It Is (1968 edition)]]
*[[Vanisource:Srimad Bhagwatam (1962-65)|Śrīla Prabhupāda's Original (1962-1965) Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam]]
*[[Vanisource:Category:Essays and Articles|Essays and Articles]]
*[[Vanisource:Category:Diaries of Srila Prabhupada|Śrīla Prabhupāda's Diaries]]
*[[Vanisource:Back to Godhead Magazines 1944 to 1960|BTGs 1944 - 1977]]
*[[Vanisource:Letters From Srila Prabhupada's Secretaries and ISKCON Officers|Letters From Srila Prabhupada's Secretaries and ISKCON Officers]]

<headertabs/>








<br />

<div align=center>
<div id="mainbanner">Who is Śrīla Prabhupāda?</div><br>
<div align=center><p><h5>'''Authorized and Empowered'''</h5></div></p>
<div align=left><p>A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda is a self-realized, pure devotee of Lord Kṛṣṇa. While physically present among us he shared the essence of Vedic knowledge liberally and without prejudice. His only desire was to fulfill his spiritual master's desire – to introduce the process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness to the world.</p>
<p>
Śrīla Prabhupāda showed us the importance of living life according to the directions given in scripture. He spoke and wrote profusely so that many may have this guidance in life, and he wished that every person on the planet had the opportunity to read his books now and in the future.</div>
</p>
<br />
<br />

<div align=center>
<div id="mainbanner">Timeline of Śrīla Prabhupāda's Life</div><br>
----
<big>'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life|1896 to 1964]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1965|1965]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1966|1966]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1967|1967]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1968|1968]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1969|1969]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1970|1970]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1971|1971]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1972|1972]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1973|1973]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1974|1974]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1975|1975]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1976|1976]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1977|1977]]'''</big>
----
</div>
</div>
<br />
<div align=center>
<div id="mainbanner">Random Media of Śrīla Prabhupāda</div><br>

<div class="row">
<div class="large-3 columns">{{Random ImageQuote}}</div>
<div class="large-5 columns"><div style="margin: 8px 0 0 25px"><nomobile>{{RandomVideo}}</nomobile></div><mobileonly>{{RandomVideoMobile}}</mobileonly></div>
<div class="large-4 columns">{{RandomImage 400px}}</div>
</div>
<br />
| align=center|{{Master Main Page - Random Audio Clips from Srila Prabhupada}}


<div id="mainbanner">Latest News and Updates</div><br>
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<div align=center><p><div class="fb-group" data-href="https://web.facebook.com/groups/VanipediaGroup/" data-width="250" data-show-social-context="false" data-show-metadata="false"><blockquote cite="https://web.facebook.com/groups/VanipediaGroup/" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">Vanipedia</blockquote></div></div></p>

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<div id="mainmantra">
Hare Kṛṣṇa Hare Kṛṣṇa - Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa Hare Hare - Hare Rāma Hare Rāma - Rāma Rāma Hare Hare
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Vanipedia is an initiative of Bhaktivedanta Library Services a.s.b.l., a non-profit organisation based in Belgium.

All material by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada copyright © The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust

Images copyright © The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, and The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International, Inc.

Compilation copyright © Bhaktivedanta Library Services a.s.b.l.

</div>

__NOTOC__ __NOEDITSECTION__

Main Page

2026-05-18T09:24:39Z

Visnu Murti:

{| border="0" width="100%"
|- valign="top"


{{DISPLAYTITLE:<span style="position: absolute; clip: rect(1px 1px 1px 1px); clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);">{{FULLPAGENAME}}</span>}}
</p><p>

<p>'''Vanipedia is a dynamic encyclopedia of Śrīla Prabhupāda's words (vani). In Vanipedia we explore and comprehensively compile Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings from various angles of vision and present them in accessible and easily understandable ways.'''</p>
'''We are building an unparalleled repository of Śrīla Prabhupāda's digital teachings (text, audio, video & images) to offer him a continual, worldwide platform to preach and teach the [[Vaniquotes:Science of Krsna consciousness|science of Krishna consciousness to the world,]] for the benefit of all.'''
<br />



= Introduction =
<div align=center>
<h4>'''Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani Temple'''</h4>
Completion Date: November 4th, 2027 - Celebrating 50 Years of Serving in Separation
<html><iframe src="https://free.timeanddate.com/countdown/i7fcyomi/cf12/cm0/cu4/ct0/cs0/ca2/co0/cr0/ss0/cac000/cpc000/pcfff/tc66c/fs100/szw448/szh189/iso2027-11-04T00:00:00" allowTransparency="true" frameborder="0" width="187" height="40"></iframe></html></div>
<br />
There are seven divisions, or petals, in the whole Vanipedia project. At the moment there are four petals that are filled with content:

*In '''Vanipedia''' petal (the site where you are now) there are '''[[:Category:Vanipedia Gemini - Articles|over 5,000+ articles]]''' summarizing the categories in Vaniquotes.

*In '''[[Vanisource:Main Page|Vanisource Petal,]]''' you can read the archived collection of Śrīla Prabhupāda's books, lectures, conversations and letters.

*'''[[Vaniquotes:Main Page|Vaniquotes Petal,]]''' you can experience the thematic mapping of Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings. Compiling and studying in Vaniquotes is a '''[[Vaniquotes:classes and personal study should be undertaken penetratingly|penetrating way]]''' to absorb oneself in Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings. Each Vaniquotes page contains one or more quotes and is organized under a system of categories based either on a theme, personality, scripture or on a key word or phrase. As Vaniquotes grows, content for the other petals - in the form of written articles, reference guides, and other educational material will naturally develop. To date there are over 40,000+ categories, 280,000+ pages, and 2,100,000+ quotes.

*'''[[Vanimedia:Main Page|Vanimedia Petal,]]''' you may listen to and watch many audio and video clips of Śrīla Prabhupāda's lectures and conversations.

Steadily Vanipedia - Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani Temple is becoming a series of multi-faceted festivities of association with Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings. The list of '''[[Appreciations for Vanipedia|devotees appreciating]]''' the offering Vanipedia makes is increasing rapidly. Scrolling through '''[[ What's in Vanipedia now|What's in Vanipedia NOW]]''' you will surely find something that captures your attention.

The Vanipedia project is a global multilingual (100 languages) collaborative endeavor that is succeeding due to the many devotees (over 1,800) who have come forward to participate in various ways. '''[[Vanipedia's Manifesto|Vanipedia's Manifesto]]''' reveals the principles on which we stand and an introduction to '''[[Vanipedia:About|Vanipedia is here]].''' Below you can check out our ongoing projects. If you have a question, want to be involved, or just want to say hi, then '''[[Vanipedia:Contact|please contact us.]]'''

= Vanipedia Articles =
The Vanipedia petal is now beginning to unfold. Glancing through the first two completed thematic articles - '''Animal-Killing in Human Society''' and '''Buddha: A Vaisnava Perspective''' - one can experience the high standard of devotional research within Vanipedia, complete with easily accessed source notes and extensive references for additional reading and study in Vaniquotes. Just imagine the power of delivery to have 500 to 1,000 similar thematic multilingual articles, all interlinked with each other and all accessible in one place, under one platform! We also have some introductory articles that bring to light the wealth of content that Śrīla Prabhupāda delivers to us in Vaniquotes.</p>
</p>
<p>'''Completed Introductory Articles to Vaniquotes'''
*[[:Discovering the Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada|Discovering the Questions asked to Śrīla Prabhupāda]]
*[[:How to Read Srila Prabhupada's Books|How to Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's Books]]
*[[:Scriptural Origins of Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Verses|Scriptural Origins of Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Verses]]
*[[:Srila Prabhupada Initiating His Disciples|Śrīla Prabhupāda Initiating His Disciples]]
*[[:Themes within the Bhagavad-gita|Themes within the Bhagavad-gītā]]
'''Completed Thematic Articles'''
*[[:Animal-Killing in Human Society|Animal-Killing in Human Society]]
*[[:Buddha: A Vaisnava Perspective|Buddha: A Vaisnava Perspective]]

= Vanipedia Projects =
'''Building a Timeline of Śrīla Prabhupāda's Life'''

*We have completed the '''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life|major events in Śrīla Prabhupāda's life]]''' and also offering a chronological order of all recorded media of Śrīla Prabhupāda's vani. This time-line provides an authoritative documentation of all his existing teachings arranged in order of occurrence.

'''Study Resources'''

*Vanipedia is looking for help developing '''[[:Category:Study Resources for Verses and Purports from Srila Prabhupada's Books|Study Resources for Verses and Purports from Śrīla Prabhupāda's Books]]'''.

= Vanimedia Projects =
'''Uniting Śrīla Prabhupāda's Multi-lingual Family'''

*'''[[:Vanimedia:Multi-language_Subtitle_Project#Starting_Your_Seva|Collaborate with a team]]''' of 750+ devotees from 99+ languages to create multi-language subtitles for '''1,080''' - 1 to 15 minute audio clips translated into your language by Śrīla Prabhupāda's 50th Anniversary of arriving in the West on the 4th of October 2015. Find out the '''[[:Vanimedia:Multi-language Subtitle Project|details of the project]]''' and check out our '''[[:Vanimedia:Table: Multi-language Subtitle Results for Vanimedia|current results of 16,400+ subtitles for the 1,080 videos]].'''

*We are placing these videos on YouTube, in our '''[http://www.youtube.com/user/VanimediaMayapur/videos?view=0 Vanimedia Channel]''' and they can also be accessed '''[[:Vanimedia:Uniting Srila Prabhupada's Multi-lingual Family|via themes]].''' Our '''[[Vanimedia:YouTube playlists for uniting Śrīla Prabhupāda's multi-lingual family|YouTube playlists]]''' also makes it easy to play the videos in each language.
'''Prabhupāda Speaks Around the World'''

*In Vaniquotes you can now listen while reading Śrīla Prabhupāda's lectures, conversations, interviews and morning walks - feel his presence, feel his mood. To date there are '''[[:Vaniquotes:Category:Pages_with_Prabhupada's_Audio_-_Umbrella_Category|over 3,500 pages with clips available]]''' and we are aiming for 5,000 by the end of 2015.

= Vaniquotes Projects =

'''Every Sentence from these Books is Compiled as Vaniquotes Pages'''

*'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Every Sentence from these Books is Compiled as Vaniquotes Pages|This category]]''' links to all of the existing pages.

*This list shows our progress to create Vaniquotes pages for all of the sentences in Srila Prabhupada's books. We are now working on Srimad-Bhagavatam 6 and 7 cantos. After completing up to 10th canto chapter 13 we will start the purports of the Caitanya-caritamrta.

*If you love compiling then please join us in this mission.

{| id="resource"
|- style="background:silver; color:black"
|''' Titles''' || '''  Words per Title  ''' || '''  Vaniquotes Pages per Title  '''
|-
|Krsna Book, Preface, Introduction and all 90 chapters - all sentences comprise ||align="right"| 319,481|| align="right"|9,655 ||
|-
|Sri Isopanisad - all sentences comprise ||align="right"| 30,070|| align="right"|742 ||
|-
|The Nectar of Devotion - all sentences comprise ||align="right"|136,972|| align="right"|4,435 ||
|-
|The Nectar of Instruction - all sentences comprise ||align="right"|21,794 || align="right"|653 ||
|-
|Bhagavad-gita As It Is, all Translations Only - all sentences comprise || align="right"| 21,829|| align="right"| 718 ||
|-
|Sri Caitanya Caritamrta, all Translations Only - all Sentences comprise ||align="right"| 330,065|| align="right"|12,063 ||
|-
|Srimad-Bhagavatam, all Translations of Cantos 1 to 9 Only - all sentences comprise ||align="right"|375,144 || align="right"|10,757 ||
|-
|Srimad-Bhagavatam First Canto, all Purports Only - all sentences comprise ||align="right"|212,925|| align="right"|6,989 ||
|-
|Srimad-Bhagavatam Second Canto, all Purports Only - all sentences comprise ||align="right"|146,870|| align="right"|4,444 ||
|-
|Srimad-Bhagavatam Third Canto, all Purports Only - all sentences comprise || align="right"| 262,283|| align="right"|8,565 ||
|-
|Srimad-Bhagavatam Fourth Canto, all Purports Only - all sentences comprise ||align="right"|300,373|| align="right"|9,474||
|-
|Srimad-Bhagavatam Fifth Canto, all Purports Only - all sentences comprise (in process)||align="right"|107,934|| align="right"|3,300||
|-
|Srimad-Bhagavatam Sixth Canto, all Purports Only - all sentences comprise (in process)||align="right"|95,701|| align="right"|2,400||
|-
|- style="background:silver; color:black"
|'''  Total Number of Words from the above Books of Srila Prabhupada''' ||align="right"|'''2,361,441‬'''||align="right"|<span id="resource_sum"></span>
|-
|- style="background:silver; color:black"
|'''  Total Vaniquotes Pages from the above Books of Srila Prabhupada''' ||align="right"| ||align="right"|'''74,195'''<span id="resource_sum"></span>
|-
|}

= Vanisource Projects =
'''Completing an Audio Fidelity Check of Lecture and Conversation Transcriptions'''

*We are inviting volunteers to attentively listen to Śrīla Prabhupāda and, while reading, to check the transcriptions for accuracy. This project was launched on the 19th of April 2014. As of the 2nd May 2015, 34 volunteers have proofread 745 files and 3,845 missing words and 4,993 edits have been entered into Vanisource. An explanation '''[[Vanisource:Śrīla Prabhupāda's Audio to Text Fidelity Project|is given here...]]'''

'''Adding Scans of Śrīla Prabhupāda's Letters'''

*We have so far added '''5088''' scanned images of '''[[Vanisource:Category:Letters with Scans of the Originals|Śrīla Prabhupāda's transcribed letters]]''' leaving '''1481 [[Vanisource:Category:Letters Needing Scans|letters still needing scans]]'''. These will be added as they become available to Vanipedia.

*We are inviting volunteers to read, verify and correct the Vanisource letter transcriptions for fidelity against the original scans. Please '''[[Vanipedia:Contact|contact us]]''' if you would like to help.

'''Adding Audio to Lecture and Conversation Transcriptions'''

*We are uploading the '''[[Vaniquotes:Vanisource pages with full audio|audio files to the Vanisource pages]]''' so that hearing and reading of Śrīla Prabhupāda's lectures & conversations can be done simultaneously.

:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1977 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1977 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''236+ hours''' of audio in '''385 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1976 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1976 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''382+ hours''' of audio in '''703 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1975 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1975 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''323+ hours''' of audio in '''563 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1974 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1974 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''257+ hours''' of audio in '''439 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1973 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1973 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''265+ hours''' of audio in '''418 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1972 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1972 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''251+ hours''' of audio in '''413 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1971 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1971 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''135+ hours''' of audio in '''229 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1970 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1970 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''43+ hours''' of audio in '''84 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1969 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1969 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''102+ hours''' of audio in '''145 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1968 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1968 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''127+ hours''' of audio in '''154 audio files'''
:*'''[[Vanisource:Category:1967 - Lectures and Conversations|The 1967 audio has been uploaded]]''' - with a total of '''24+ hours''' of audio in '''48 audio files'''

As the Bhaktivedanta Archives release the other years this project can be completed.

'''Creating New Categories for Vanisource'''

*We have begun the process of linking all Vanisource pages to '''[[Vanisource:Category:List of Umbrella Categories|relevant categories]]''' to make navigation easier. These new categories will also be used as '''[[Vanisource:Category:List of Timeline Categories|resources]]''' for the '''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life|timeline of Śrīla Prabhupāda's life.]]'''

:'''[[Vanisource:Category:Letters from Śrīla Prabhupāda - by person|Letters sorted by person]]'''
:*We have indexed letters in order to access those written to each person.

:'''[[Vanisource:Category:Lectures - by Type|Lectures sorted by type]]'''
:*As well as presenting lectures by date and location they have been listed by type.

'''Newly added Content'''
*[[Vanisource:Bhagavad Gita As It Is (1968) Collier-Macmillan Abridged Edition|Bhagavad Gita As It Is (1968 edition)]]
*[[Vanisource:Srimad Bhagwatam (1962-65)|Śrīla Prabhupāda's Original (1962-1965) Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam]]
*[[Vanisource:Category:Essays and Articles|Essays and Articles]]
*[[Vanisource:Category:Diaries of Srila Prabhupada|Śrīla Prabhupāda's Diaries]]
*[[Vanisource:Back to Godhead Magazines 1944 to 1960|BTGs 1944 - 1977]]
*[[Vanisource:Letters From Srila Prabhupada's Secretaries and ISKCON Officers|Letters From Srila Prabhupada's Secretaries and ISKCON Officers]]

<headertabs/>








<br />

<div align=center>
<div id="mainbanner">Who is Śrīla Prabhupāda?</div><br>
<div align=center><p><h5>'''Authorized and Empowered'''</h5></div></p>
<div align=left><p>A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda is a self-realized, pure devotee of Lord Kṛṣṇa. While physically present among us he shared the essence of Vedic knowledge liberally and without prejudice. His only desire was to fulfill his spiritual master's desire – to introduce the process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness to the world.</p>
<p>
Śrīla Prabhupāda showed us the importance of living life according to the directions given in scripture. He spoke and wrote profusely so that many may have this guidance in life, and he wished that every person on the planet had the opportunity to read his books now and in the future.</div>
</p>
<br />
<br />

<div align=center>
<div id="mainbanner">Timeline of Śrīla Prabhupāda's Life</div><br>
----
<big>'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life|1896 to 1964]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1965|1965]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1966|1966]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1967|1967]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1968|1968]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1969|1969]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1970|1970]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1971|1971]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1972|1972]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1973|1973]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1974|1974]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1975|1975]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1976|1976]]''' -
'''[[Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - 1977|1977]]'''</big>
----
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Editorial policies for Vanipedia articles

2026-05-17T15:26:45Z

Visnu Murti:

[[Category:List of Vanipedia Articles|0]]

====Introduction====

Vanipedia articles take research done in Vaniquotes and present the results in an easily understandable way. These articles will not only inspire people to study Śrīla Prabhupāda's works more deeply, but will also give a layman a summary of what Śrīla Prabhupāda stood for. Thus the articles are another way to establish the authority of Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings. Vanipedia articles will cover a variety of styles and character and can be written either singularly or collaboratively.

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What Did Prabhupada Mean In His Statements Concerning Hitler

2026-05-17T15:25:34Z

Visnu Murti:

[[Category:List of Vanipedia Articles - completed]]
[[File:Article Hitler.png|425px|thumb|left|'''The entrance of Auschwitz.''']]
==What Did Prabhupāda Mean In His Statements Concerning Hitler?==
<br/>
When people talk about "Prabhupāda said" in relation to Hitler, they are generally referring to a few well-known quotes. To understand these quotes properly requires studying the longer conversations in which they took place.

<blockquote>'''"Hitler was a gentleman."'''<ref>See [https://vanisource.org/wiki/751120_-_Morning_Walk_-_Bombay 751120 - Morning Walk - Bombay]</ref></blockquote>

Reading this quote literally and out of context is misleading. Did Śrīla Prabhupāda mean to say that "Hitler was a gentleman at all times and in all circumstances"? Not likely. When you read this quote in the larger context of the discussion, he was referring to the fact that Hitler did not drop an atomic bomb and that the Americans did. In this sense, the Americans were not "gentlemen" and world opinion is in agreement with that statement. Things have to be taken in context for proper understanding. For example, Hitler loved dogs. If, in a conversation about Hitler and animals, Śrīla Prabhupāda had called him "kind," meaning kind to dogs, should we conclude that Śrīla Prabhupāda thought Hitler was "kind" in all circumstances? Of course not. Some common sense is called for when interpreting his statements. (for the record, the Germans never had an atomic bomb. So technically, this discussion is moot.)

<blockquote>'''"I don't think Hitler was so bad man."''' <ref>See [https://vanisource.org/wiki/760617_-_Conversation_A_-_Toronto 760617 - Conversation A - Toronto]</ref></blockquote>

During Śrīla Prabhupāda's time, there were instances when he would take a position arbitrarily as a way of getting his disciples to think more deeply about a topic. If they were talking about contending theological positions, he might take the position of an atheist and say, for example, "There is no God. (taking the adversarial position) Now you all discuss." The original unedited quote in this instance says, "So these English, they were very expert in making propaganda. They killed Hitler by propaganda. I don't think Hitler was so bad man. (taking the adversarial position) What do you think? You are Englishman…" and then he laughed. He was laughing at the farcical notion that "Hitler was not such a bad man," but someone who doesn't know the context might take him literally.

Śrīla Prabhupāda mentioned Hitler and propaganda in a letter to Krsnadas from 1972. He wrote, <blockquote>'''"Regarding Hitler…it is a fact that much propaganda was made against him, that much I know, and the British are first-class propagandists. And I have heard that his officers did everything without informing him, just like in our ISKCON there are so many false things: 'Prabhupāda said this, Prabhupāda said that.' But we have nothing to do with Hitler in our Krishna Consciousness. Do not be deviated by such ideas."''' <ref>See [https://vanisource.org/wiki/721107_-_Letter_to_Krsnadasa_written_from_Vrndavana 721107 - Letter to Krsnadasa written from Vrndavana]</ref></blockquote>

This is important. Prabhupāda was pointing to the power of propaganda and how it can be used to attribute false statements to people—including himself. To conclude therefore that Śrīla Prabhupāda was an apologist for Hitler's crimes, or that he was in favor of killing Jews, is to fall victim to selective citations. For anyone who had the honor of knowing Śrīla Prabhupāda, the idea is patently absurd.

<blockquote>'''"The Jews have got money. They want to invest and get some profit. Their only interest is how to get money, no nationalism, no religion, nothing of the kind."'''<ref>See [https://vanisource.org/wiki/770123_-_Conversation_A_-_Bhuvanesvara 770123 - Conversation A - Bhuvanesvara]</ref></blockquote>

This is another example of how dangerous it is to take a statement out of context. Here is a larger portion of that [[Vanisource:770123 - Conversation A - Bhuvanesvara|discussion on January 23, 1977, in Bhubaneshwar]]:

'''Prabhupāda:''' That is politics. Once you become strong; once I become... That is struggle. It will go on. You cannot stop.

'''Rāmeśvara:''' It's also commonly known that in the West the banks supplied money to Lenin to fight his revolution. They have no discrimination. If it seems like it is a good chance for making interest...

'''Prabhupāda:''' Therefore, Hitler killed these Jews. They were financing against Germany. Otherwise he had no enmity with the Jews.

'''Hari-śauri:''' Yes. They were controlling the economy. That was his one thing.

'''Prabhupāda:''' And they were supplying. They want interest money—"Never mind against our country." Therefore, Hitler decided, "Kill all the Jews."

Historically this is an accurate representation of Hitler's attitude toward the Jews. Hitler railed against what he called "international Finance-Jewry" and threatened in a famous Reichstag speech on January 30, 1939: "If the international Finance-Jewry inside and outside of Europe should succeed in plunging the peoples of the earth once again into a world war, the result will be not the Bolshevization of earth, and thus a Jewish victory, but the annihilation of the Jewish race in Europe." (Some Holocaust historians argue that annihilating the Jews was not his first plan. Initially, they say, he wanted to ship them out of Germany. Then, as the war progressed, he saw an opportunity to murder them. This position in Holocaust studies is called the "situationalist" theory, versus the "intentionalist" theory, which argues that it was Hitler's intention from the outset to murder all Jews.)

Here is more of that conversation in Bhubaneshwar:

'''Rāmeśvara:''' These banks in the West, they supported Lenin. They made it possible to finance his revolution.

'''Prabhupāda:''' Yes. They have got money. The Jews have got money. They want to invest and get some profit. Their only interest is how to get money, no nationalism, no religion, nothing of the sort. Therefore, it is not now; long, long ago... Therefore, Shakespeare wrote "Shylock, the Jew."

'''Hari-śauri:''' Yes. "Shylock."

'''Prabhupāda:''' "One pound of flesh." The Jews were criticized long, long ago.

'''Hari-śauri:''' They were hated in the Middle Ages.

'''Rāmeśvara:''' America now has this policy that they will sell their guns to both sides.

'''Prabhupāda:''' That is all right, because they are doing business. So, I am shopkeeper. Anyone pays, I shall... That is good.

'''Rāmeśvara:''' But no discrimination.

'''Prabhupāda:''' Why discrimination? I am selling. You come. Pay me. I shall give you.

'''Rāmeśvara:''' It's dangerous. They are promoting violence.

'''Prabhupāda:''' That dangerous in every item. This Gandhi was also dangerous, although superficially nonviolent. Everyone is dangerous. Until one is devotee, he's dangerous in any position. He's dangerous. Harāv abhaktasya kuto mahad-guṇāḥ. It is mental concoction that "This is good; this is bad." Everything is bad.

Note the way the unedited conversation shapes the meaning of a statement. Is Śrīla Prabhupāda advocating selling guns? Of course not. He's saying that nobody in the material world discriminates between good and bad. Without becoming a devotee, everyone is dangerous. Gandhi was dangerous. Business people are dangerous. Jews are dangerous. Non-Jews are dangerous. Children are dangerous. Nazis are dangerous. Everyone is dangerous without Krishna consciousness.

If someone lives in a wealthy neighborhood of Long Island where there are many charitable, compassionate, righteous people. But there are also some who fit the above description: "Their only interest is how to get money, no nationalism, no religion, nothing of the sort." Saying that doesn't make one an antisemite, it makes one an accurate observer of the demographics in a section of Long Island. It also tells you nothing about the real feelings the speaker has about Jews—and that is the point. Taking Śrīla Prabhupāda's statements out of context tell us nothing about his true feelings. Our heart goes out to those who think isolating statements about women, about blacks, about Jews—about anyone—tells us anything about Śrīla Prabhupāda's true feelings. They are doing themselves and others great spiritual harm with such selective citations and misinterpretations.

Śrīla Prabhupāda was everything you would have wanted him to be: kind, compassionate, equally disposed to all. Don't let shallow thinkers looking to distort his teachings dissuade you from that understanding of our beloved founder-acharya. He loved everyone.

==FOOTNOTES==

<references />
<br/>
{{Clickable button|[[Vaniquotes:Category:Hitler|Read more quotes about Hitler]]}}

Understanding the Position and Presence of Srila Prabhupada

2026-05-17T15:25:08Z

Visnu Murti:

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[[Category:List of Vanipedia Articles - completed]]

<big>'''UNDERSTANDING THE POSITION AND PRESENCE OF HIS DIVINE GRACE A.C. BHAKTIVEDANTA SWAMI PRABHUPĀDA, FOUNDER-''ĀCĀRYA'' OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS'''</big>

:'''"Let me introduce myself as the Founder-''Ācārya'' of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness." <ref>See [https://vanisource.org/w/index.php?title=710420_-_Letter_to_Unknown_written_from_Bombay&hl=Founder-''Ācārya'' 710420 - Letter to Unknown written from Bombay]</ref><br>[[Vanisource:710420 - Letter to Unknown written from Bombay|710420 - Letter to Unknown written from Bombay]]'''

-----
==='''Śrīla Prabhupāda – Founder-''Ācārya'' and Origin'''===
<br>
The continual recognition of Śrīla Prabhupāda's central position as the foundation of the ISKCON movement, would lead to - a strong connection with the disciplic succession, harmony among various branches of his movement, togetherness among all followers, cooperation born out of love for him and a bonafide path to loving devotional service. Śrīla Prabhupāda's position and presence in his movement today can be realized in the words directly expressing his desire <ref>See [https://vanisource.org/wiki/Letter_to_Deoji_Punja_--_Bombay_13_November,_1974?hl=Founder-Ācārya 741113 - Letter to Deoji Punja written from Bombay]</ref>

:'''"One thing, regarding registering, is that our system is to keep the name of the Founder-''Ācārya'' His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda on all registration documents, as well as all stationery, books, and publications." - [[Vanisource:741113 - Letter to Deoji Punja written from Bombay|741113 - Letter to Deoji Punja written from Bombay]]

to always be recognized as the world leader, <ref>See [https://vanisource.org/wiki/Letter_to_Attorney_General's_Department_--_Bombay_26_November,_1974?hl=Founder-Ācārya 741126 - Letter to Attorney General's Department written from Bombay]</ref>

:'''"This is to inform you that I, the undersigned, am the Founder-''Ācārya'' of ISKCON and the world leader for all of its branches." - [[Vanisource:741126 - Letter to Attorney General's Department written from Bombay|741126 - Letter to Attorney General's Department written from Bombay]]'''

principal ''ācārya'', <ref>See [https://vanisource.org/wiki/680611_-_Letter_to_Mr._J.A._Hamilton_Jr_written_from_Montreal?hl=I%20am%20the%20principal%20Ācārya 680611 - Letter to Mr. J.A. Hamilton Jr written from Montreal] </ref>

:'''"I am the principal Ācārya or Chief Minister of the organization." - [[Vanisource:680611 - Letter to Mr. J.A. Hamilton Jr written from Montreal|680611 - Letter to Mr. J.A. Hamilton Jr written from Montreal]]'''

final authority, founder-''ācārya'' <ref>See [https://vanisource.org/wiki/760729_-_Letter_to_Mr._B._J._Murdock_written_from_Paris?hl=as%20the%20Founder-Ācārya 760729 - Letter to Mr. B. J. Murdock written from Paris]</ref>

:'''"As the Founder-''Ācārya'' and final authority on all ISKCON matters please be informed that until you receive authorization from me you may kindly wait in these matters of loans until further notice from me." - [[Vanisource:760729 - Letter to Mr. B. J. Murdock written from Paris|760729 - Letter to Mr. B. J. Murdock written from Paris]]'''

and origin. The understanding and recognition of his position as the principal ''ācārya'' can be derived directly from his clear instructions. He states how he must be understood as the life of this movement. He also further qualifies what it means to be the founder-''ācārya'' and origin. His position encompasses that he is directly or indirectly informed of everything concerning this movement. This may also be perceived as informing or aligning all our actions to his instructions and words:<ref>See [https://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_1.1.1_--_Caracas,_February_21,_1975?hl=founder-''acarya''. 750221 - Lecture SB 01.01.01 - Caracas] </ref>

:'''"Just like if I am taken as the origin of this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, that means I know everything directly and indirectly of all this movement. If I do not know directly or indirectly everything of this movement, then I cannot be called the founder-''ācārya''. And as soon as the origin becomes a knower, he is life." - [[Vanisource:750221 - Lecture SB 01.01.01 - Caracas|750221 - Lecture SB 01.01.01 - Caracas]]'''

In a room conversation in 1977, Śrīla Prabhupāda further expands how for general understanding, the founder may be understood as a director, but the common connotation of the term director must not be mistaken to be applicable here. Śrīla Prabhupāda's position cannot be shared, he is the sole ''ācārya'' and origin of his movement – the only founder. He emphasised on why the term founder-''ācārya'' must specifically be used.<ref> See [https://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversation_about_BTG_the_Moon_--_February_18,_1977,_Mayapura 770218 - Conversation C - Mayapur]</ref>

:'''TamālaKṛṣṇa: It says: His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, founder and director of the . . .'''
:'''Brahmānanda: No 'Prabhupāda'?'''
:'''TamālaKṛṣṇa: 'A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda, founder and director of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement.''''
:'''Prabhupāda: Of course, ''ācārya'' means director. That is another . . . but why they . . . (indistinct) . . .?'''
:'''Satsvarūpa: One difficulty is later in the issue they referred to Kīrtanānanda Mahārāja as 'Founder and director.' So it makes him . . . 'Of New Vrindaban.' So you're director and he's director, so you're equal. They're described as equals. But if you were ''ācārya'', he could not be also called ''ācārya'' of New Vrindaban.'''
:'''Prabhupāda: No, it should be continued, ''ācārya''.'''
:- [[Vanisource:770218 - Conversation C - Mayapur|'''770218 - Conversation C - Mayapur''']]

Even in the legal sense, <ref> See [https://vanisource.org/w/index.php?title=741030_-_Letter_to_Whom_it_may_concern_written_from_Calcutta 741030 - Letter to Whom it may concern written from Calcutta]</ref>
:'''"As the Founder-''Ācārya'' of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, I authorize that the Society may incorporate under the Religious Societies Act of 1860 separately in West Bengal as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Calcutta) with myself as Founder-''Ācārya''." - [[Vanisource:741030 - Letter to Whom it may concern written from Calcutta|741030 - Letter to whom it may concern written from Calcutta]] '''

the movement derives legitimation and full authority <ref> See [https://vanisource.org/w/index.php?title=741229_-_Letter_to_Mr._Punja_written_from_Bombay&hl=founder-acarya 741229 - Letter to Mr. Punja written from Bombay]</ref>

:'''Before the finalization of registration takes place I would request you to send me one copy of the constitution for our society there so I can approve it finally. My name should be there as the founder-''ācārya'', A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami. I should have full authority in all matters. - [[Vanisource:741229 - Letter to Mr. Punja written from Bombay|741229 - Letter to Mr. Punja written from Bombay]]'''

from him and his words are to always be made the ultimate and overruling decision:<ref> See [https://vanisource.org/wiki/741228_-_Letter_to_Kurusrestha_written_from_Bombay 741228 - Letter to Kurusrestha written from Bombay]</ref>

:'''"In that trust you must be very careful to make sure that my name is registered there as the founder-''ācārya'' and that I am to be the ultimate authority. In other words, in any case of necessity of vetoing or cancelling any decision made by the other trustees, I should be able to do like that. My decision should over-rule all the other trustees combined." - [[Vanisource:741228 - Letter to Kurusrestha written from Bombay|741228 - Letter to Kurusrestha written from Bombay]]'''

==='''Śrīla Prabhupāda – the ''tattva-darśī'' ''śikṣā-guru'''''===
<br>
Our understanding of Śrīla Prabhupāda can be derived from the understanding we have received from him. In line with this understanding, on March 12, 2013, the GBC released a statement on the position of Śrīla Prabhupāda as the pre-eminent ''śikṣā-guru''. <ref> See [https://iskconnews.org/gbc-statement-on-srila-prabhupadas-preeminent-position,3748/ GBC Statement on Śrīla Prabhupāda's Preeminent Position] </ref>

:'''Statement of the Governing Body Commission (GBC) of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Adopted March 9, 2013. - [https://iskconnews.org/gbc-statement-on-srila-prabhupadas-preeminent-position,3748 GBC Statement on Śrīla Prabhupāda's Preeminent Position]

Moreover, in the ''Kṛṣṇa'' book,<ref> See [https://vanisource.org/wiki/Kṛṣṇa_The_Supreme_Personality_of_Godhead_(1970) Kṛṣṇa The Supreme Personality of Godhead (1970)]</ref> a ''śikṣā guru'' is referred to as the spiritual master who instructs the disciple about spiritual matters and such a ''guru'' is recognised as the bonafide representative of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Śrīla Prabhupāda states that Kṛṣṇa helps us from within as ''caitya guru'' and He expands Himself externally as ''śikṣā guru'' and ''dīkṣā-guru''. Therefore, whatever is instructed by the ''caitya-guru'' internally may be confirmed by the instructor externally and thereby one's progress becomes complete.<ref> See [https://vanisource.org/wiki/690521_-_Letter_to_Sivananda_written_from_New_Vrindaban,_USA 690521 - Letter to Sivananda written from New Vrindaban, USA]</ref>

:'''"Regarding your question of Paramatma: you are fortunate enough for your sincere service, Kṛṣṇa as Paramatma Who is sitting within your heart is now dictating. Kṛṣṇa is so kind that He wants to help us as Spiritual Master in two ways. He helps us from within as ''Caitya-guru'' and He expands Himself externally as ''śikṣā-guru'' (as instructor) and ''dīkṣā-guru'' (initiator). So the principle is that whatever you are instructed by the ''caitya-guru'' internally may be confirmed by the instructor or initiator externally. Then your progress will be complete." - [[Vanisource:690521 - Letter to Sivananda written from New Vrindaban, USA|690521 - Letter to Sivananda written from New Vrindaban, USA]]

And although ''śikṣā gurus'' can be many, Śrīla Prabhupāda is the pre-eminent ''śikṣā guru'' and the ultimate authority.
The acceptance of his position as our ultimate authority can be substantiated by what Śrīla Prabhupāda gave us, as a definition of who can be recognised as an ultimate authority. His position in the movement today can be realised not only through his words directly expressing his desire to always be recognised as the origin, final authority and founder-''ācārya'', but also from scriptural understanding of him being the ultimate authority or tattva darśī. A good starting point is to study the term ''tattva-darśī''. In the purport to ''Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam'' 5.15.4, Śrīla Prabhupāda states that the word ''tattva-darsi'' refers to one who has perfectly realized the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Such a person can become a ''guru'' and propound Vaiṣṇava philosophy all over the world.<ref> See [https://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_5.15.4 SB 5.15.4]</ref>

:'''As confirmed in [[Vanisource:BG 4.34|''Bhagavad-gītā'' (4.34)]], ''upadekṣyantitejñānaṁjñāninas tattva-darśinaḥ'': "one who has seen the truth can impart knowledge." The word ''tattva-darśī'' refers to one who has perfectly realized the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Such a person can become a ''guru'' and propound Vaiṣṇava philosophy all over the world. - [[Vanisource:SB 5.15.4|SB 5.15.4]]'''

Śrīla Prabhupāda further clarifies what are the qualities of an authority and why a ''tattva-darśī''is to be considered authoritative - it is because he is very pure and uncontaminated,<ref> See [https://vanisource.org/wiki/731116_-_Lecture_-_Delhi 731116 - Lecture - Delhi]</ref>

:'''"So according to Vedic scripture, a ''tattva-darśī'' should be very pure, uncontaminated. Therefore, generally we go to the qualified Brāhmaṇa, ''satyaṁ śamo damas titikṣā ārjavam, jñānaṁ vijñānam āstikyaṁ brahma-karma svabhāva-jam''." - [[Vanisource:731116 - Lecture - Delhi|731116 - Lecture - Delhi]]'''

knower of the absolute truth, complete in knowledge, self-realised soul and seer of the truth. Such a person is capable of propounding transcendental knowledge all over the world as the ultimate ''guru''. The aspect of ''tattva-darśī'' is very important and one should accept as ultimate authority, a ''guru'' who is ''tattva-darśī'' and who is above the bodily concept of life:

:'''This word ''tattva'' is very important. Unless one is ''tattva-darśī'', there is no use to take instruction from him. Useless waste of time. ''Tattva-darśi'' means... Kṛṣṇa says in another place, ''manuṣyāṇāṁ sahasreṣu kaścid yatati siddhaye'' ([[Vanisource:BG 7.3|BG 7.3]]). ''Siddhi'' means liberated, means who has no more the bodily concept of life. <ref> See [https://vanisource.org/wiki/750918_-_Lecture_SB_06.02.15_-_Vrndavana 750918 - Lecture SB 06.02.15 - Vrndavana]</ref> - [[Vanisource:750918 - Lecture SB 06.02.15 - Vrndavana|750918 - Lecture SB 06.02.15 - Vrndavana]] '''

The knowledge of the Vedic scriptures cannot be understood directly and therefore, there is a need to approach a ''tattva-darśī''.It is just like when Sukadeva Gosvami, a ''tattva-darśī'' was approached by Parīkṣit Mahārāja. Such personalities are ''sudhyanti'' or purified. <ref> See [https://vanisource.org/wiki/760911_-_Lecture_SB_01.07.12_-_Vrndavana 760911 - Lecture SB 01.07.12 - Vrndavana]</ref> The self-realized soul can impart knowledge because he has seen the truth. Therefore, unless one is ''tattva-darśī'', in complete knowledge of the Absolute Truth, one cannot describe the activities of the Personality of Godhead." <ref> See [https://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_8.24.53 SB 8.24.53]</ref> Given that it is little chance of spiritual advancement recommended that one approach the ''tattva-darśī'' to receive transcendental knowledge, it is repeatedly specified that spiritual advancement is actually dependent on taking shelter of such a ''tattva-darśī''. For knowledge we have to go to the right person - ''pranipatena'', the one who has actually seen or experienced the Absolute Truth and unless one finds out such a person who has actually seen the Absolute Truth through spiritual eyes or who has experienced what the Absolute Truth is, there is very little chance of spiritual advancement. <ref> See [https://vanisource.org/wiki/660815_-_Lecture_BG_04.34-38_-_New_York 660815 - Lecture BG 04.34-38 - New York]</ref>,<ref>See [https://vanisource.org/wiki/760613_-_Conversation_-_Detroit 760613 - Conversation - Detroit]</ref> Śrīla Prabhupāda recommends that a seeker must learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master, inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. Moreover, in the ''Bhagavad-gītā'', Kṛṣṇa can be seen as providing evidence from the ''tattva-darśibhiḥ'', those who have seen the truth –"they have concluded like that."

:'''So this is... Kṛṣṇa, although He is the authority, still, He says that ''ubhayor api dṛṣṭo 'ntas tv anayos tattva-darśibhiḥ''. He says, "All the ''tattva-darśī'', the knower of the Absolute Truth, they know it very well, and they have decided like that.” The purpose is that we have to accept the experience of the ''tattva-darśī'', of the seer of the Absolute Truth. That is knowledge.<ref> See [https://vanisource.org/wiki/750216_-_Lecture_BG_02.16_-_Mexico 750216 - Lecture BG 02.16 - Mexico]</ref> - [[Vanisource:750216 - Lecture BG 02.16 - Mexico|750216 - Lecture BG 02.16 - Mexico]]'''

Furthermore, in philosophical and logical traditions, ''jñānamaya-yajña'' is recommended to be the highest yajna and if one actually wants ''jñāna'', then he has to first of all find out a person who is ''tattva-darśī''. Thus, using the example of gold, Śrīla Prabhupāda points out how when a person digresses from the ultimate authority, such a person is then cheated. Just like if one wishes to purchase gold, one must know where gold is available and the attempts to purchase gold from a grocer shop is simply hopeless and impossible - then one will be cheated. <ref>See [https://vanisource.org/wiki/660810_-_Lecture_BG_04.24-34_-_New_York 660810 - Lecture BG 04.24-34 - New York] </ref>

:'''So from whom you'll have to inquire? From a person who has actually seen what is tattva, what is truth, from him. Therefore I was speaking yesterday, last night, in Hindi, that the tattva is not to be inquired from a pān-wala or biḍi-wala. No. One who has actually seen the tattva, ''tattva-darśī''.<ref> See [https://vanisource.org/wiki/731116_-_Lecture_-_Delhi 731116 - Lecture - Delhi]</ref> - [[Vanisource:731116 - Lecture - Delhi|731116 - Lecture - Delhi]]'''

This indicates the need to adhere to bonafide authority and this is the way of proper understanding. Śrīla Prabhupāda distinguished that although we may give references sometimes in the modern age that such and such professor says such and such, but these individuals are not ''tattva-darśibhiḥ'' - they are all speculators. Emphasis must be laid upon the term ''tattva-darśibhiḥ'' and Śrīla Prabhupāda instructs that the essence of this term must be learnt very nicely in order to distinguish what is authoritative and what is not authoritative or "simply speculation." <ref> See [https://vanisource.org/wiki/730822_-_Lecture_BG_02.16_-_London 730822 - Lecture BG 02.16 - London]</ref>

==='''Associating with Śrīla Prabhupāda through his Vāṇi'''===
<br>
It is evident how the association with Śrīla Prabhupāda through his words builds the very foundation of one's life in devotional service. Association with Śrīla Prabhupāda should not merely be understood as being in his physical presence as association with His words are immensely significant. Śrīla Prabhupāda describes the distinction between vapu and vāṇi. Vapu refers to the physical body and vāṇi means the vibration. The ''ācāryas'', their body is not considered as material - ''arcyeśilā-dhīrguruṣunara-matir''. Although the physical body of the ''ācārya'' is not present, the vibration should be accepted as his presence – that is real association:

:'''So we should associate by the vibration, and not by the physical presence. That is real association. ''Śabdādanavṛtti''. <ref>See [https://vaniquotes.org/wiki/We_should_associate_by_the_vibration,_and_not_by_the_physical_presence._That_is_real_association We should associate by the vibration, and not by the physical presence. That is real association]</ref> - [[Vanisource:680818 - Lecture SB 07.09.12 - Montreal|680818 - Lecture SB 07.09.12 - Montreal]]'''

And what is heard from the spiritual master, that is living. <ref>See [https://vanisource.org/wiki/690113_-_Lecture_Excerpt_-_Los_Angeles 690113 - Lecture Excerpt - Los Angeles]</ref> In the purport to ''Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam'' 2.9.8, Śrīla Prabhupāda states that the potency of transcendental sound is never minimized because the vibrator is apparently absent. Similarly, the prowess and effect of association with Śrīla Prabhupāda's books, lectures, letters and conversations have the potency as any transcendental sound and he is living in them:

:'''"The potency of transcendental sound is never minimized because the vibrator is apparently absent. Therefore ''Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam'' or ''Bhagavad-gītā'' or any revealed scripture in the world is never to be accepted as an ordinary mundane sound without transcendental potency."<ref> See [https://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Potency_of_transcendental_sound_is_never_minimized_because_the_vibrator_is_apparently_absent Potency of transcendental sound is never minimized because the vibrator is apparently absent]</ref> - [[Vanisource:SB 2.9.8|SB 2.9.8]]'''

:'''Prabhupāda: I will never die.
:'''Devotees: Jaya! Hari bol! (laughter)
:'''Prabhupāda: I shall live for my books, and you will utilize.<ref>See [https://vaniquotes.org/wiki/I_will_never_die,_I_shall_live_for_my_books,_and_you_will_utilize I will never die, I shall live for my books, and you will utilize]</ref> - [[Vanisource:750716 - Interview - San Francisco|'''750716 - Interview - San Francisco''']]'''

And when one tries to serve such an ''ācārya'' according to His desire, one does not factually feel any separation from him: <ref>See [https://vanisource.org/wiki/700622_-_Letter_to_Hansadutta_written_from_Los_Angeles 700622 - Letter to Hansadutta written from Los Angeles] </ref>

:'''I thank you very much and all the devotees for offering me a garland daily as you were doing when I was physically present. If a disciple is constantly engaged in carrying out the instructions of the Spiritual Master he is supposed to be constantly in company with his Spiritual Master. This is called Vaniseva. So there are two kinds of service to the Spiritual Master. One is called vaniseva and the other is called vapuseva. Vaniseva means as above mentioned, executing the instructions, and vapuseva means physically or personally rendering service. So in the absence of physical presentation of the Spiritual Master the vaniseva is more important. My Spiritual Master, Sarasvati Gosvami Thakur, may appear to be physically not present, but still because I try to serve His instruction I never feel separated from Him. I expect that all of you should follow these instructions. <ref>See [https://vanisource.org/w/index.php?title=700822_-_Letter_to_Karandhara_written_from_Tokyo&hl=physical+presentation+of+the+Spiritual+Master 700822 - Letter to Karandhara written from Tokyo]</ref> - [[Vanisource:700822 - Letter to Karandhara written from Tokyo|700822 - Letter to Karandhara written from Tokyo]]'''

Therefore, to carry out the teachings of the ''ācārya'' is more important than to worship the form, although none of them should be neglected,<ref>See [https://vanisource.org/wiki/721214_-_Letter_to_Tusta_Krsna_written_from_Ahmedabad 721214 - Letter to Tusta Krsna written from Ahmedabad]</ref> and if we keep to the vāṇi - words, then we remain very fixed up.<ref>See [https://vanisource.org/wiki/750302_-_Lecture_Festival_Appearance_Day,_Bhaktisiddhanta_Sarasvati_-_Atlanta 750302 - Lecture Festival Appearance Day, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati - Atlanta]</ref>

Śrīla Prabhupāda, through his vapu and continually with his vāṇi, spreads the message of Lord Caitanya – the ''dharma'' of the golden age, and the extent of his efforts are unprecedented in the history of Vaishnavism. One who preaches this ''dharma'' all over the world is the empowered ''ācārya'' – "''kali-kālera dharma — kṛṣṇa-nāma-saṅkīrtana, kṛṣṇa-śakti vinā nahe tāra pravartana''." <ref> See [https://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Antya_7.11 CC Antya 7.11]</ref> Śrīla Prabhupāda empowered by the Lord, is our connection to the disciplic succession, preceded by Lord Kṛṣṇa. In the purport to ''Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam'' 1.5.39, it is stated that the Lord reveals His identity gradually to one who has unflinching faith, both in an ''ācārya'' and in the Lord.<ref>See [https://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.5.39?hl=unflinching%20faith SB 1.5.39]</ref> Further, in the purport to Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 3.33.10, it can be confirmed that in the discharge of devotional service, if one has unflinching faith in the instruction of the bona fide spiritual master and follows the rules and regulations, he is sure to be liberated, even within this present body. <ref>See [https://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_3.33.10?hl=unflinching%20faith SB 3.33.10]</ref>Therefore, attachment to the lotus feet of Śrīla Prabhupāda – our principal and founder ''ācārya'', as well as unflinching faith in and association with his vāṇi are our only means to develop unflinching faith in the Lord, in this process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.

==='''ENDNOTES'''===

<references />
<br/>

Animal-Killing in Human Society

2026-05-17T15:24:48Z

Visnu Murti:

[[Category:List of Vanipedia Articles - completed]]
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Drawing upon information revealed in the Vedic literature, Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that just as all human beings are embodied spirit-souls, equal in the eyes of the Lord, so too are animals. As such, he explains, the human being who kills an animal must be held morally responsible for that death under the laws of God and nature, much as one would be for the death of a human being. According to the Vedic instruction, he says, human society should protect the animal’s right to live.

Among the practical points Śrīla Prabhupāda discusses are recommendations for human diet and how human society can function successfully while avoiding (or at least restricting) the slaughter of animals. He includes information about exceptions and concessions that the Vedas allow for an animal to be killed, showing how such allowances are nonetheless also restrictions, as they are defined and limited by specific circumstances. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that the cow, above any other animal, is especially important to human society; for this reason the Vedas expressly forbid the killing of cows. Above all, Śrīla Prabhupāda argues that the systematic mass slaughter of animals, exemplified most grossly in modern slaughterhouse operations, cannot be justified on any grounds.

Śrīla Prabhupāda reminds his audience that regardless of what is acceptable according to human opinion or man-made law, the ultimate authority in the matter of animal-killing is God Himself. Thus he stresses that those who participate in the killing of animals outside the codes of God’s natural law must sooner or later suffer the karmic consequence of their actions. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that human civilization must be based upon correct knowledge of who we are as spirit-souls and what the aim of human life actually is; any society which allows for the unprincipled killing of animals, he argues, only serves to degrade itself and obstruct the real progress of humanity.

Śrīla Prabhupāda’s thought-provoking discussion of animal-killing introduces many fundamental teachings of the Vedas, underscoring the spiritual dimension of reality and the need to understand how life operates beyond the reach of mundane perception and limited, self-serving concepts. Practically as well as philosophically, his instruction touches upon other timely topics such as vegetarianism; sustainable and cruelty-free agriculture; war, violence and peace; human progress and degradation; and the right to life for all embodied souls.

This Vanipedia page includes two parts. The first is an introductory article offering a glimpse into what and how Śrīla Prabhupāda taught on the issue of animal-killing during the course of his preaching activity through the 1960s and '70s. The second is an extensive collection of easily accessed reference links to Śrīla Prabhupāda's books, letters, and transcribed lectures and conversations as related to this topic.

{{TOC left no-numbers}}[[File:equal-vision72gita.jpg|thumb|408px|link=|"The humble sages, by virtue of true knowledge, see with equal vision a learned and gentle brāhmaṇa, a cow, an elephant, a dog and a dog-eater (outcaste)" -- [[Vanisource:BG_5.18|''Bhagavad-gītā 5.18'']]]]

<div style="clear:both;"></div>

=Summary Article=

(Go to [[#References_and_Further_Reading|'''References''']])

(Go to [[#Related_articles_.28Vanipedia.29|'''Related Articles''']])

==Introduction==

The act of killing is condemned by virtually every code of human ethics. Killing is allowed by law only under certain circumstances. For instance, one may kill a deadly assailant in self-defense, or one may kill an enemy soldier in battle, but one may not kill a man on the street for the purpose of taking the man's coat. There is always some restriction applied to the act of killing - at least the killing of a human being. What about the killing of animals?

Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that animals as well as human beings should be afforded the right to live, and that animal-killing in human society should be restricted to a very limited set of circumstances. The unnecessary killing of animals, he declares, is a core vice of human society – one of what he refers to as the four pillars of sinful life.

<blockquote>It is said in the śāstra, striyaḥ sūnā pānaṁ dyūtaṁ yatrādharmaś catur-vidhāḥ: "Four kinds of sinful activities: illicit sex life, striyaḥ; sūnā, the animal slaughter; pānam, intoxication; dyūtam, gambling." These are the four pillars of sinful life.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Conversation_with_Bajaj_and_Bhusan_--_September_11,_1972,_Arlington,_Texas,_At_Their_Home?terms=Four%20kinds%20of%20sinful%20activities+four%20pillars%20of%20sinful%20life+four%20sinful%20activities&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20%28Hindi%29%20Don%27t%20be%20sorry.%20Indians,%20generally%20they%20say,%20%22Oh,&last=some%20people,%20nonsense.%20What%20is%20the%20value%20of%20some%20people? Vanisource: Conversation with Bajaj and Bhusan – September 11, 1972, Arlington, Texas, At Their Home]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>Sūnā means unnecessarily killing the animals. Just like slaughterhouse. You cannot maintain slaughterhouse in the human society and at the same time you want peace. It is not possible... this practice, unnecessarily killing animal, is one of the pillar of sinful life.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Pandal_Lecture_--_Delhi,_November_20,_1971?terms=s%C5%ABn%C4%81+s%C5%ABn%C4%81+S%C5%ABn%C4%81&first=The%20%C5%9B%C4%81stra%20says,%20striya%E1%B8%A5%20s%C5%ABn%C4%81%20p%C4%81na%20dy%C5%ABta%20yatra%20p%C4%81pa%C5%9B%20catur-vidha%E1%B8%A5&last=killing%20animal,%20is%20one%20of%20the%20pillar%20of%20sinful%20life. Vanisource: Pandal Lecture -- Delhi, November 20, 1971]</ref></blockquote>

He reveals the link between human suffering and animal slaughter as it is widely practiced in contemporary society.

<blockquote>The pillars of sinful activities, that is also mentioned in the Bhāgavata. Striya-sūnā-pāna-dyūta yatra pāpaś catur-vidhāḥ: ([[Vanisource:SB 1.17.38|SB 1.17.38]]) "Four kinds of sinful activities: illicit sex, and intoxication, and unnecessarily killing of animals, and gambling." All the slaughterhouses of the world are being maintained unnecessarily. That is recruiting simply sins. They are eating sins, and therefore the world is in trouble. Simply committing. There is no necessity of killing animals. But here in India they are killing ten thousand cows daily, what to speak of Western countries. So people are so much addicted to sinful activities. How they can be happy? They are condemned.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_6.1.34-39_--_Surat,_December_19,_1970?terms=Four%20kinds%20of%20sinful%20activities+killing%20of%20animals+killing%20animals&first=So%20kingdom%20of%20God%20means%20purity.%20So%20if%20there%20is&last=movement,%20they%20can%20be%20saved.%20Otherwise,%20there%20is%20no%20saving. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 6.1.34-39 – Surat, December 19, 1970]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda further explains that unrestricted animal-killing is a key factor underpinning degradation in human society. Prohibiting the whimsical and unnecessary killing of animals, he teaches, is a basic principle of civilized life. The following article, sourced from the archived record of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books, lectures, conversations and letters, presents a summary report of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s instruction regarding animal-killing and the proper treatment of animals on the part of human beings.

==The embodied soul and natural law==

Śrīla Prabhupāda's views on animal-killing are informed by Vedic teachings regarding the nature of the living entity, the condition of the living entity in the material world, the laws of nature ordained by the Supreme Lord, and the resultant ethical implications. This article begins with an overview of Śrīla Prabhupāda's explanation of key philosophical points he presents in connection with the issue of animal-killing in human society.

===Animals as spirit souls===

Śrīla Prabhupāda's instruction rests on the fundamental teaching that [[Vaniquotes:Category:Animals and the Soul|animals are spirit-souls]], just as human beings are – encaged in material bodies of various types, but nonetheless each a part and parcel of God. The difference between the human being and the animal, he says, lies in their relative levels of consciousness, not in the presence or absence of the soul.

<blockquote>What is the symptom of possessing soul? First of all try to understand. That is explained in the Bhagavad-gītā: avināśi tu tad viddhi yena sarvam idaṁ tatam: ([[Vanisource:BG 2.17 (1972)|BG 2.17]]) The presence of soul can be perceived when there is consciousness on the body. This is the proof. When you pinch my body, I feel pain, when I pinch your body, you feel pain, when I pinch an animal's body, he also feels pain. Even I pinch even the tree's body he feels pain.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_18.41_--_Stockholm,_September_7,_1973?terms=animal%20has%20no%20soul+animals%20have%20no%20soul+symptom%20of%20possessing%20soul&first=Brahma-bh%C5%ABta%E1%B8%A5%20prasann%C4%81tm%C4%81%20na%20%C5%9Bocati%20k%C4%81%E1%B9%85k%E1%B9%A3ati%20sama%E1%B8%A5%20sarve%E1%B9%A3u%20%28BG%2018.54%29.%20Equal&last=pain,%20he%27ll%20feel%20pain%20even%20he%20traverses%20over%20an%20ant. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 18.41 -- Stockholm, September 7, 1973]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>They are also living beings. Of course, in some quarter they say that the cats and dogs and lower animals, they have no soul. No. That is not the fact. Everyone has got soul, but the cats and dogs and animals, they are not advanced in consciousness. As soon as there is soul, there must be consciousness. These things are described in the Bhagavad-gītā, and you can perceive also. I am existing in this body; you are existing in your body - how it is known? By the consciousness. If I pinch your body, you feel pain. You pinch my body; I feel pain. Similarly, cats and dogs, they also feel pain or pleasure. So that is the proof of existence of the soul even in cats and dogs and human beings. The only difference is in the human form of life the consciousness is developed. <ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_2.9_--_Auckland,_February_21,_1973?terms=animals,%20they%20have%20no%20soul&first=Unfortunately,%20at%20the%20present%20moment,%20people%20do%20not%20know%20what&last=in%20the%20human%20form%20of%20life%20the%20consciousness%20is%20developed. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 2.9 – Auckland, February 21, 1973]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda further cites evidence from Bhagavad-gītā [[Vanisource:BG 14.4 (1972)|14.4]], wherein Lord Kṛṣṇa declares:

::sarva-yoniṣu kaunteya
::mūrtayaḥ sambhavanti yāḥ
::tāsāṁ brahma mahad yonir
::ahaṁ bīja-pradaḥ pitā

:"It should be understood that all species of life, O son of Kuntī, are made possible by birth in this material nature, and that I am the seed-giving father."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_14.4 Vanisource: BG 14.4]</ref>

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains:

<blockquote>Sarva-yoniṣu, all different forms of life, there is soul, part and parcel of God... The animals may be less intelligent. A child may be less intelligent than the father; that does not mean there is no soul… Everyone has soul. That is real. We get it from Kṛṣṇa: sarva-yoniṣu. ([[Vanisource:BG_14.4|BG 14.4]]) In different forms of life the soul is there, undoubtedly. That is real conception of soul.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Philosophy_Discussion_on_Plotinus?terms=soul+animals+soul+animals+soul+animal+soul+animals+intelligent+intelligent+soul+animal+soul+soul+soul+soul&first=Hayagr%C4%ABva:%20He%20believed%20that%20the%20soul%20is%20eternal%20and%20incorporeal&last=repetition%20of%20birth,%20death,%20old%20age,%20and%20disease.%20Corporal%20body. Vanisource: Philosophy Discussion on Plotinus]</ref></blockquote>

He additionally refers to Lord Kṛṣṇa's words in Bhagavad-gītā [[Vanisource:BG_5.18|5.18]]:

::vidyā-vinaya-sampanne
::brāhmaṇe gavi hastini
::śuni caiva śva-pāke ca
::paṇḍitāḥ sama-darśinaḥ

:"The humble sages, by virtue of true knowledge, see with equal vision a learned and gentle brāhmaṇa, a cow, an elephant, a dog and a dog-eater (outcaste)."<ref>[[Vanisource:BG_5.18|Vanisource: BG5.18]]</ref>

Commenting on this verse, Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that one who is truly learned (paṇḍita) understands the presence of the soul as reality and sees the soul within the body of all living beings, regardless of external appearance.

<blockquote>Paṇḍita means learned, and he knows that "These Americans, these Europeans, these Africans or these Indians or these cows, these dogs and the elephant, trees, the plants, the fish - they have got different dress only, but the soul is the same. The living force within the body, that is the same particle, spiritual particle, part and parcel of the supreme spirit, Kṛṣṇa."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_16.5_--_Hawaii,_January_31,_1975?terms=pa%E1%B9%87%E1%B8%8Dit%C4%81%E1%B8%A5%20sama-dar%C5%9Bina%E1%B8%A5+vidy%C4%81-vinaya-sampanne+br%C4%81hma%E1%B9%87e%20gavi%20hastini+%C5%9Buni%20caiva%20%C5%9Bva-p%C4%81ke%20ca+pa%E1%B9%87%E1%B8%8Dit%C4%81%E1%B8%A5%20sama-dar%C5%9Bina%E1%B8%A5&first=Actually%20the%20supreme%20father%20is%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a.%20Therefore%20He%20says,%20aha%E1%B9%81&last=spiritual%20particle,%20part%20and%20parcel%20of%20the%20supreme%20spirit,%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a.%22 Vanisource: Lecture on BG 16.5 -- Hawaii, January 31, 1975]</ref></blockquote>

In this way, Śrīla Prabhupāda establishes that the presence of the soul in all living beings is one premise on which any discussion of animal-killing must take place.

===Transmigration, evolution and ahiṁsā===

In addition to showing that the soul exists in lower animals as well as humans, Śrīla Prabhupāda explains how individual souls take on varieties of bodily forms in the material world and how this relates to the Vedic ethic of nonviolence toward all living beings.

====Transmigration of the soul====

The soul is described in Bhagavad-gītā ([[Vanisource:BG 2.20 (1972)|2.20]]):

::na jāyate mriyate vā kadācin
::nāyaṁ bhūtvā bhavitā vā na bhūyaḥ
::ajo nityaḥ śāśvato ‘yaṁ purāṇo
::na hanyate hanyamāne śarīre

:"For the soul there is neither birth nor death at any time. He has not come into being, does not come into being, and will not come into being. He is unborn, eternal, ever-existing and primeval. He is not slain when the body is slain."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_2.20 Vanisource: BG 2.20, Translation]</ref>

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains how the spirit-soul appears in the material world in different life forms:

<blockquote>Since the living entities are never annihilated, they simply transmigrate from one life form to another. Thus there is an evolution of forms according to the degree of developed consciousness. One experiences different degrees of consciousness in different forms. A dog's consciousness is different from a man's. Even within a species we find that a father's consciousness is different from his son's and that a child's consciousness is different from a youth's. Just as we find different forms, we find different states of consciousness. When we see different states of consciousness, we may take it for granted that the bodies are different. In other words, different types of bodies depend on different states of consciousness. This is also confirmed in the Bhagavad-gītā ([[Vanisource:BG 8.6 (1972)|8.6]]):

::yaṁ yaṁ vāpi smaran bhāvaṁ tyajanty ante kalevaram
::taṁ tam evaiti kaunteya sadā tad bhāva-bhāvitaḥ

"One's consciousness at the time of death determines one's type of body in the next life." This is the process of transmigration of the soul.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Madhya_19.138?terms=Since%20the%20living%20entities%20are%20never%20annihilated,%20they%20simply%20transmigrate%20from%20one%20life%20form%20to%20another.%20Thus%20there%20is%20an%20evolution%20of%20forms%20according%20to%20the%20degree%20of%20developed%20consciousness&first=The%20living%20entities%20are%20described%20as%20ananta,%20or%20unlimited;%20nonetheless,&last=from%20one%20body%20to%20another%20in%20terms%20of%20our%20consciousness. Vanisource: CC Madhya 19.138, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

While all souls are eternal, Śrīla Prabhupāda says, in the material world they inhabit various bodies as determined by God through the agency of material nature according to the qualities of their desires, their consciousness and their actions.

<blockquote>According to his karma, material activities, the spiritual spark attains a certain type of body. Material activities are carried out in goodness, passion and ignorance or a combination of these. According to the mixture of the modes of material nature, the living entity is awarded a particular type of body.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Madhya_19.140 Vanisource: CC Madhya 19.140]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>The living entity changes his body as soon as the higher authorities decide on his next body. As long as a living entity is conditioned within this material world, he must take material bodies one after another. His next particular body is offered by the laws of nature, according to the actions and reactions of this life.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/KB_1?terms=Similarly,%20the%20living%20entity%20changes%20his%20body%20as%20soon%20as%20the%20higher%20authorities%20decide%20on%20his%20next%20body.%20As%20long%20as%20a%20living%20entity%20is%20conditioned%20within%20this%20material%20world,%20he%20must%20take%20material%20bodies%20one%20after%20another&first=Ka%E1%B9%81sa%20was%20the%20son%20of%20Ugrasena,%20of%20the%20Bhoja%20dynasty.&last=the%20present%20moment%20we%20do%20not%20recollect%20our%20past%20bodies. Vanisource: Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Chapter 1]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>In this life the mental condition changes in different ways, and the same living entity gets another body in the next life according to his desires. The mind, intelligence and false ego are always engaged in an attempt to dominate material nature. According to that subtle astral body, one attains a gross body to enjoy the objects of one's desires. According to the activities of the present body, one prepares another subtle body. And according to the subtle body, one attains another gross body. This is the process of material existence.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Madhya_8.229?terms=In%20this%20life%20the%20mental%20condition%20changes%20in%20different%20ways,%20and%20the%20same%20living%20entity%20gets%20another%20body%20in%20the%20next%20life%20according%20to%20his%20desires&first=%C5%9Ar%C4%ABla%20Bhaktisiddh%C4%81nta%20Sarasvat%C4%AB%20%E1%B9%ACh%C4%81kura%20comments%20that%20the%20word%20siddha-deha,%20%22perfected&last=the%20service%20of%20the%20lotus%20feet%20of%20R%C4%81dh%C4%81%20and%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a. Vanisource: CC Madhya 8.229, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

====Process of evolution====

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that there is also a process of evolution at work with the process of transmigration. In the following excerpt from his purport to Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam [[Vanisource:SB_4.29|4.29]], he traces the general history of the incarnate soul:

<blockquote>Originally the living entity is a spiritual being, but when he actually desires to enjoy this material world, he comes down. From this verse we can understand that the living entity first accepts a body that is human in form, but gradually, due to his degraded activities, he falls into lower forms of life - into the animal, plant and aquatic forms. By the gradual process of evolution, the living entity again attains the body of a human being and is given another chance to get out of the process of transmigration. If he again misses his chance in the human form to understand his position, he is again placed in the cycle of birth and death in various types of bodies.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.29.4?terms=By%20the%20gradual%20process%20of%20evolution,%20the%20living%20entity%20again%20attains%20the%20body%20of%20a%20human%20being%20and%20is%20given%20another%20chance%20to%20get%20out%20of%20the%20process%20of%20transmigration&first=This%20is%20a%20very%20nice%20explanation%20of%20how%20the%20spiritual&last=into%20the%20cycle%20of%20birth%20and%20death%20in%20various%20life-forms. Vanisource: SB 4.29.4, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda shows that souls in the non-human forms of life follow an automatic path of progress up the evolutionary ladder until they reach a human incarnation, the pivotal point at which the soul is able to approach spiritual understanding and, at the highest level of realization, be liberated from the transmigration process. The advanced awareness and self-determination of the human being accounts for the superiority of the human over other forms of life.

<blockquote>The living entity's evolution through different types of bodies is conducted automatically by the laws of nature in bodies other than those of human beings. In other words, by the laws of nature (prakṛteḥ kriyamāṇāni ([[Vanisource:BG 3.27 (1972)|BG 3.27]])) the living entity evolves from lower grades of life to the human form. Because of his developed consciousness, however, the human being must understand the constitutional position of the living entity and understand why he must accept a material body. This chance is given to him by nature, but if he nonetheless acts like an animal, what is the benefit of his human life? In this life one must select the goal of life and act accordingly.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_7.7.47?terms=evolution&first=The%20living%20entity%27s%20evolution%20through%20different%20types%20of%20bodies%20is&last=about%20his%20constitutional%20position.%20This%20is%20called%20ath%C4%81to%20brahma%20jij%C3%B1%C4%81s%C4%81. Vanisource: SB 7.7.47, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>The individual soul is already under specific material nature, and the process is going on in lower grades of life, but in the human form of life, by advancement of education, one can become above the modes of material nature. That chance is given to him. This is stated in the Bhagavad-gita: "yanti deva vrata devan ([[Vanisource:BG 9.25 (1972)|BG 9.25]])." So if he likes he can go back to Godhead, "yanti mad yajino 'pi mam," and stop this transmigration process...In the animal form there is no chance, only in the human form.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Letter_to_Svarupa_Damodara_--_Vrindaban_31_August,_1975?terms=The%20individual%20soul%20is%20already%20under%20specific%20material%20nature,%20and%20the%20process%20is%20going%20on%20in%20lower%20grades%20of%20life,%20but%20in%20the%20human%20form%20of%20life%20by%20advancement%20of%20education,%20one%20can%20become%20above%20the%20modes%20of%20material%20nature.%20That%20chance%20is%20given%20to%20him&first=I%20was%20not%20able%20to%20come%20to%20Atlanta%20because%20I&last=chance.%20In%20animal%20stage%20of%20life%20it%20is%20very%20dangerous. Vanisource: Letter to Svarupa Damodara -- Vrindaban, 31 August 1975]</ref></blockquote>

The Vedic explanation of evolution differs from the currently popular theory offered by Charles Darwin. Whereas Darwin speculated on the presence and successive development of bodily forms solely in terms of gross physical factors, the Vedas reveal that it is the subtle factor of consciousness that determines bodily changes and the progress of the soul through various bodily forms. Śrīla Prabhupāda contrasts the Darwinian viewpoint to the Vedic understanding of the evolutionary process:

<blockquote>As stated in Brahma-vaivarta Purāṇa, there is a gradual evolutionary process, but it is not the body that is evolving. All the bodily forms are already there. It is the spiritual entity, or spiritual spark within the body, that is being promoted by the laws of nature under the supervision of superior authority. We can understand from this verse (Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam [[Vanisource:SB 4.24.73|4.24.73]]) that from the very beginning of creation different varieties of living entities were existing. It is not that some of them have become extinct. Everything is there; it is due to our lack of knowledge that we cannot see things in their proper perspective.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.24.73?terms=there%20is%20a%20gradual%20evolutionary%20process,%20but%20it%20is%20not%20the%20body%20that%20is%20evolving&first=In%20this%20verse%20we%20can%20understand%20that%20the%20various%20types&last=theory%20of%20evolution,%20for%20it%20is%20marred%20by%20imperfect%20knowledge. Vanisource:SB 4.24.73, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>One has to transmigrate from lower species of life, aquatic life, to trees; from trees to insect; insect to birds; birds to beasts; and from beasts, that is evolution. That evolution is not Darwin's evolution. That evolution, it is called janmānta vāda. The soul is going from one body to another, not that the body is transforming. The Darwin's theory is that the body is transforming. No. Body cannot transform. Body can take the shape according to the desire of the soul, or according to the effects, resultant action, of one's karma. The different types of bodies are all there.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_16.5_--_Calcutta,_February_23,_1972?terms=The%20Darwin%27s%20theory%20is%20that%20the%20body%20is%20transforming.%20No.%20Body%20cannot%20transform.%20Body%20can%20take%20the%20shape%20according%20to%20the%20desire%20of%20the%20soul,%20or%20according%20to%20the%20effects,%20resultant%20action,%20of%20one%27s%20karma&first=%C5%9Ar%C4%ABla%20Vi%C5%9Bvan%C4%81tha%20Cakravart%C4%AB%20%E1%B9%ACh%C4%81kura%20has%20described,%20this%20abhayam%20means%20fearlessness,&last=said,%20%22It%20is%20impossible.%20This%20is%20our%20life!%22%20You%20see. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 16.5 -- Calcutta, February 23, 1972]</ref></blockquote>

As Śrīla Prabhupāda points out, the soul that is now in an animal body will eventually, after serving time in various animal forms, attain a human form of body.

<blockquote>In the lower species of life there is an evolutionary process, and when the term of the living entity's imprisonment or punishment in the lower species is finished, he is again offered a human form and given a chance to decide for himself which way he should plan.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_7.13.30?terms=In%20the%20lower%20species%20of%20life%20there%20is%20an%20evolutionary%20process,%20and%20when%20the%20term%20of%20the%20living%20entity%27s%20imprisonment%20or%20punishment%20in%20the%20lower%20species%20is%20finished,%20he%20is%20again%20offered%20a%20human%20form&first=Yaj%C3%B1%C4%81rth%C4%81t%20karma%E1%B9%87o%20%27nyatra%20loko%20%27ya%E1%B9%81%20karma-bandhana%E1%B8%A5:%20%28BG%203.9%29%29%20if%20one&last=of%20happiness%20and%20distress%20is%20described%20in%20the%20next%20verse. Vanisource: SB 7.13.30, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

====Transmigration and ahiṁsā====

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains how transmigration of the soul and the process of evolution relate to the killing of a living being:

<blockquote>All living entities have to fulfill a certain duration for being encaged in a particular type of material body. They have to finish the duration allotted a particular body before being promoted or evolved to another body. Killing an animal or any other living being simply places an impediment in the way of his completing his term of imprisonment in a certain body. One should therefore not kill bodies for one's sense gratification, for this will implicate one in sinful activity.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_5.10.2?terms=Killing%20an%20animal%20or%20any%20other%20living%20being%20simply%20places%20an%20impediment%20in%20the%20way%20of%20his%20completing%20his%20term%20of%20imprisonment%20in%20a%20certain%20body&first=Although%20Ja%E1%B8%8Da%20Bharata%20was%20forced%20to%20carry%20the%20palanquin,%20he&last=sense%20gratification,%20for%20this%20will%20implicate%20one%20in%20sinful%20activity. Vanisource: SB 5.10.2, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

He further illustrates:

<blockquote>Just like you are living in an apartment according to your position, but if I forcibly I ask you, "Go out of this apartment," then I will be punishable by the law. I have no right to get you out from that apartment. Similarly, every living entity by the laws of nature, all laws of nature, is imprisoned or allowed under certain apartment, either in the body of a tree or a human being or demigod or cat or dog. These are all ordained. So you cannot get out the living entity, soul, by force from that body. Then you will be punishable.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_6.1.7_--_Honolulu,_June_15,_1975,_Sunday_Feast_Lecture?terms=kill%20another%20animal+animal%20killing+laws%20of%20nature+laws%20of%20nature+law%20of%20nature&first=So%20we%20are%20responsible.%20Even%20if%20we%20kill%20one%20mosquito,&last=to%20get%20out%20of%20the%20body.%20Then%20you%20are%20punishable. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 6.1.7 – Honolulu, June 15, 1975]</ref></blockquote>

This science underlies the Vedic ethic of nonviolence, [[Vaniquotes:Category:Ahimsa|ahiṁsā]]. Referring to the killing of an animal, Śrīla Prabhupāda explains:

<blockquote> Real ahiṁsā means not checking anyone's progressive life. The animals are also making progress in their evolutionary life by transmigrating from one category of animal life to another. If a particular animal is killed, then his progress is checked. If an animal is staying in a particular body for so many days or so many years and is untimely killed, then he has to come back again in that form of life to complete the remaining days in order to be promoted to another species of life. So their progress should not be checked simply to satisfy one's palate. This is called ahiṁsā.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_16.1-3?terms=Ahi%E1%B9%81s%C4%81%20means%20not%20arresting%20the%20progressive%20life%20of%20any%20living%20entity&first=Ahi%E1%B9%81s%C4%81%20means%20not%20arresting%20the%20progressive%20life%20of%20any%20living&last=checked%20simply%20to%20satisfy%20one%27s%20palate.%20This%20is%20called%20ahi%E1%B9%81s%C4%81. Vanisource: BG 16.1-3, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

===Right to live===

Referring to Śrī Kṛṣṇa's statement in Bhagavad-gītā ([[Vanisource: BG 14.4|14.4]]), Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that Kṛṣṇa specifically says sarva-yoniṣu: all beings born of all species of life, from the lowest microbe to the highest form of human life, Kṛṣṇa personally declares to be His own.

<blockquote>Kṛṣṇa says that "I am the seed-giving father of all living entities in any form." Sarva-yoniṣu.([[Vanisource: BG 14.4|BG 14.4]]) Sarva means all, 8,400,000 species and forms. So Kṛṣṇa is the father, and all living entities are part and parcel of the Lord. They have different dresses according to different karma, but actually, every living entity is part and parcel of God, sons.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_2.2-6_--_Ahmedabad,_December_11,_1972?terms=animals+animal+sarva-yoni%E1%B9%A3u+Sarva-yoni%E1%B9%A3u+animals&first=Pradyumna:%20In%20college%20if%20they%20start%20to%20study%20biology%20or&last=anybody,%20then%20you%20must%20be%20responsible%20for%20the%20sinful%20life. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 2.2-6 – Ahmedabad, December 11, 1972]</ref> </blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that as children of the Supreme Father, all living entities are equal in His eyes and brothers on the spiritual level. Given this platform of understanding, the killing of an animal should be taken no less seriously than the killing of a human being.

<blockquote>So as there is state laws that you shall be killed if you kill your fellow man, similarly in the God's law there are the same thing. Not only man; if you kill anyone, then you'll have to suffer, because everyone is God's creature. They are in different dress only. He's considered the supreme father. So father may have many children - one is not very intelligent, another is very intelligent. And if the intelligent son says to the father that "This, my brother, is not intelligent. Let me kill him," will the father allow? Because his one son is not very intelligent, and if the intelligent son desires to kill him to avoid the burden, will the father agree to this? No. Similarly, if God is the supreme father, how He can sanction that you live and you kill animal? The animals are also His sons.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_6.1.8_--_New_York,_July_22,_1971?terms=killing%20is%20not%20allowed%20in%20any%20religious%20principle&first=Manu-sa%E1%B9%81hit%C4%81%20means%20Lord%20Manu,%20he%27s%20the%20giver%20of%20law%20to&last=and%20you%20kill%20animal?%20The%20animals%20are%20also%20His%20sons. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 6.1.8 -- New York, July 22, 1971]</ref></blockquote>

Drawing on the authority of [[Vanisource:ISO 1|Śrī Īśopaniṣad (Mantra 1)]], Śrīla Prabhupāda states that each and every living being, as a member of the universal family of God, has the right to live at the cost of the Father.

<blockquote>The earth or any other planet or universe is the absolute property of the Lord. The living beings are certainly His parts and parcels, or sons, and thus every one of them has a right to live at the mercy of the Lord to execute his prescribed work. No one, therefore, can encroach upon the right of another individual man or animal without being so sanctioned by the Lord.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.10.25?terms=right%20to%20live&first=As%20mentioned%20above,%20the%20cosmic%20creation%20is%20the%20property%20of&last=man%20or%20animal%20without%20being%20so%20sanctioned%20by%20the%20Lord. Vanisource: SB 1.10.25, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>If you make this world as belonging to the human society, that is defective. It belongs to everyone. It belongs to the trees community, it belongs to the beast community. They have got right to live. Why should you cut the trees? Why should you send the bulls to the slaughterhouse? This is injustice.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_7.1_--_San_Francisco,_March_17,_1968?terms=right%20to%20live&first=Then%20what%20sort%20of%20communism%20it%20is?%20Just%20think%20in&last=universal%20brotherhood%20and%20this%20United%20Nations%20and%20all%20this%20nonsense. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 7.1 -- San Francisco, March 17, 1968]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda relates this encroachment upon the rights of others to the concept of [[Vaniquotes:Category:Himsa|hiṁsa]] (or jīva-hiṁsa). He writes: "Jīva-hiṁsana refers to the killing of animals or to envy of other living entities. The killing of poor animals is undoubtedly due to envy of those animals."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Madhya_19.159?terms=J%C4%ABva-hi%E1%B9%81sana&first=There%20is%20a%20certain%20pattern%20of%20behavior%20prescribed%20for%20those&last=They%20think%20that%20advancement%20of%20civilization%20means%20increasing%20sense%20gratification. Vanisource: CC Madhya 19.159, Purport]</ref> As he explained to one of his disciples:

<blockquote>Envy means the cow has got right to live. He does not allow the cow to live. That is envy. You cannot understand this? Suppose you are walking. You have got right to walk, I have got, and if I kill you, you cannot walk. That is envious. Everyone has got right to live. Just like the camel. God has given their food. They are accustomed to eat these thorny twigs. So Kṛṣṇa has given that. Let them eat and live. Why should you interfere with his living condition?<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Morning_Walk_--_April_10,_1976,_Vrndavana?terms=Envy%20means%20the%20cow%20has%20got%20right%20to%20live.%20He%20does%20not%20allow%20the%20cow%20to%20live.%20That%20is%20envy&first=Nalin%C4%AB-k%C4%81nta:%20I%27ve%20been%20reading%20a%20lot%20in%20the%20different%20books&last=%28break%29%20Do%20not%20interfere%20with%20others%27%20right.%20Why%20should%20you? Vanisource: Morning Walk -- April 10, 1976, Vrndavana]</ref></blockquote>

The principles of spiritual life prohibit acts of hiṁsā, including, as Śrīla Prabhupāda stresses, the unnecessary killing of animals.

<blockquote>Any circumstances, the direct killing is not approved by any śāstra, any religion. Jīva hiṁsā. Caitanya Mahāprabhu also says, niṣiddhācāra jīva-hiṁsā. So, jiva hiṁsā, violence upon other animals, that is against Vaiṣṇava principle. You cannot be violent, you cannot kill.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversation_--_December_12,_1971,_Delhi?terms=j%C4%ABva-hi%E1%B9%81s%C4%81&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20You%20take%20grains,%20just%20like%20paddy%20or%20wheat.%20These&last=against%20Vai%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87ava%20principle.%20You%20cannot%20be%20violent,%20you%20cannot%20kill. Vanisource: Room Conversation -- December 12, 1971, Delhi]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>You have got right to live and the lamb has got right to live. Why should you encroach upon his living right? Because you are strong. That is not humanity. The animal is therefore benefit. Let him live and you take the fur. You can use it for your coat, but why should you kill it? The cow is giving milk like mother, why should you kill it? This is humanity, to kill the mother? So in this way we are encroaching the rights of others, and we are becoming subject to be punished by God.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversation_--_August_10,_1976,_Tehran?terms=right%20to%20live+right%20to%20live&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20You%20are%20not%20proprietor.%20Tena%20tyaktena%20bhu%C3%B1j%C4%ABth%C4%81.%20Do%20not&last=subject%20to%20be%20punished%20by%20God.%20This%20is%20going%20on. Vanisource: Room Conversation – August 10, 1976, Tehran]</ref></blockquote>

(Go to [[#The_embodied_soul_and_natural_law_.28ref.29|<u>'''references'''</u>]] for '''"The embodied soul and natural law"''')

==Culture of humanity==

Śrīla Prabhupāda distinguishes the human being from lower animals by virtue of the naturally greater intellectual capacity and higher level of awareness that come with the human form of life. He shows that along with this superior position comes a greater degree of moral responsibility as well as freedom of choice. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that God and nature endow human beings with a unique chance to determine their own destiny by way of culturing knowledge and properly informed action, and that Vedic culture serves as a guide for achieving the real aim of human life - the uniquely human goals of spiritual realization and liberation from material existence. Real human culture, he says, means this culture: that which supports the progressive development of the human being in spiritual consciousness. The following section surveys Śrīla Prabhupāda's instruction regarding animal-killing as it relates to civilization and the culture of humanity.

===Food for man?===

Animal-killing is most frequently justified as a means to provide food for human beings. The bulk of Śrīla Prabhupāda's discussion of animal-killing centers on the slaughter of animals for food. Clearly, man is capable of slaughtering animals and consuming their flesh. But should he? Following the teachings of the Vedas, Śrīla Prabhupāda says no.

====Jīvo jīvasya jīvanam====

It is stated in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam ([[Vanisource:SB 1.13.47|SB 1.13.47]]):

::ahastāni sahastānām
::apadāni catuṣ-padām
::phalgūni tatra mahatāṁ
::jīvo jīvasya jīvanam

:"Those who are devoid of hands are prey for those who have hands; those devoid of legs are prey for the four-legged. The weak are the subsistence of the strong, and the general rule holds that one living being is food for another."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.13.47 Vanisource: SB 1.13.47, Text and Translation]</ref>

It might appear that by virtue of this systematic law of subsistence, the killing of animals for food would be justified. However, as Śrīla Prabhupāda's comprehensive understanding of Vedic instruction shows, what God and nature intend for human beings is not automatically the same as what is set forth for other forms of life. This verse gives information about how the material world is arranged; it is not given as a positive guide for civilized human living. Śrīla Prabhupāda writes:

<blockquote>The living beings who have come to the material world against the will of the Supreme Being are under the control of a supreme power called māyā-śakti, the deputed agent of the Lord, and this daivī māyā is meant to pinch the conditioned souls by threefold miseries, one of which is explained here in this verse: the weak are the subsistence of the strong. No one is strong enough to protect himself from the onslaught of a stronger, and by the will of the Lord there are systematic categories of the weak, the stronger and the strongest. There is nothing to be lamented if a tiger eats a weaker animal, including a man, because that is the law of the Supreme Lord. But although the law states that a human being must subsist on another living being, there is the law of good sense also, for the human being is meant to obey the laws of the scriptures. This is impossible for other animals.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.13.47?terms=There%20is%20nothing%20to%20be%20lamented%20if%20a%20tiger%20eats%20a%20weaker%20animal,%20including%20a%20man,%20because%20that%20is%20the%20law%20of%20the%20Supreme%20Lord&first=A%20systematic%20law%20of%20subsistence%20in%20the%20struggle%20for%20existence&last=in%20the%20mass%20mind%20of%20the%20people%20of%20the%20world. Vanisource: SB 1.13.47, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

In other words, the scriptures give laws for human living, and human beings are meant to follow those laws and not the laws of animal life. As Śrīla Prabhupāda writes in his purport to [[Vanisource:ISO_1|Śrī Īśopaniṣad (Mantra 1)]]:

<blockquote>The standard of life for human beings cannot be applied to animals. The tiger does not eat rice and wheat or drink cow's milk, because he has been given food in the shape of animal flesh. Among the many animals and birds, some are vegetarian and others are carnivorous, but none of them transgress the laws of nature, which have been ordained by the will of the Lord. Animals, birds, reptiles and other lower life forms strictly adhere to the laws of nature; therefore there is no question of sin for them, nor are the Vedic instructions meant for them. Human life alone is a life of responsibility.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/ISO_1?terms=kills%20an%20animal+laws%20of%20nature+laws%20of%20nature+laws%20of%20nature+laws%20of%20nature+nature%27s%20law+laws%20of%20nature&first=Human%20beings%20are%20not%20meant%20to%20quarrel%20like%20cats%20and&last=Lord.%20This%20will%20enable%20him%20to%20discharge%20his%20duty%20properly. Vanisource: Sri Isopanisad Mantra 1, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

====Proper food for man====

Although there are all kinds of eatables available in the world, not every creature eats every type of food. As Śrīla Prabhupāda explains, God provides all living beings with foods suited to their various natures; God has likewise supplied humans with their particular foodstuffs according to the purpose and design of human life, and these do not include flesh.

<blockquote>If you inquire, "Then why you restrict, "No meat-eating'?" The answer is that actually we do not make any distinction between the meat-eaters and the vegetable eaters, because the cow or the goat or the lamb has got life, and the grass, it has also got life. But we follow the Vedic instruction. What is that? Now, īśāvāsyam idaṁ sarvaṁ yat kiñcit jagatyāṁ jagat, tena tyaktena bhuñjīthā: ([[Vanisource:ISO 1|ISO 1]]) everything is the property of the Supreme Lord, and you can enjoy whatever is allotted to you. Mā gṛdhaḥ kasya svid dhanam. You cannot touch others' body, others' property. You cannot touch. That is Vedic life. So in all scriptures it is stated that man should live on fruits and vegetables. Their teeth are made in that way. They can eat very easily and digest. Although jīvo jīvasya jīvanam: one has to live by eating another living entity. Jīvo jīvasya... That is nature's law. So the vegetarian also eating another living entity. And the meat-eater, they're also eating another... But there is discretion. Discretion means that these things are made for human being. Just like fruits, flowers, vegetables, rice, grains, milk—the animals do not come to claim that "I shall eat this." No. It is meant for man.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_Brahma-samhita,_Verse_32_--_New_York,_July_26,_1971?terms=allotted+eat+eat+allotted+allotted+allotted&first=So%20our%20proposition:%20If%20you%20inquire,%20%22Then%20why%20you%20restrict,&last=do%20not%20take%20anything%20which%20is%20not%20accepted%20by%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a. Vanisource: Lecture on Brahma-samhita, Verse 32 – New York, July 26, 1971]</ref></blockquote>

=====Discrimination required=====

Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that animals, whose behavior is restricted by bodily design and instinct, follow the laws of nature by default.

<blockquote>In the living entities lower than the human being, they follow the nature's way, their allotted food. Just like the tiger eats blood and flesh. If you offer him nice fruit, nice sweet rice, he'll not eat. Even the dog, they do not like the sweet rice or nice kachorī and sṛṅgara. You'll see. They cannot eat. If they eat, they will fall diseased.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_13.4_--_Paris,_August_12,_1973?terms=In%20the%20living%20entities%20lower%20than%20the%20human%20being,%20they%20follow%20the%20nature%27s%20way,%20their%20allotted%20food&first=So%20you%27ll%20find%20in%20every%20creature,%20every%20living%20entity,%20a&last=v%C4%81pi%20smaran%20loke%20tyajyaty%20ante%20kalevaram%20%28BG%208.6%29,%20you%27ll%20find. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 13.4 -- Paris, August 12, 1973]</ref></blockquote>

Human beings have their own allotment of foodstuff as well; however, human beings have greater capacity for choice than do animals in what they are able to take for food. As such, Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that human beings must exercise their power of discretion when it comes to eating.

<blockquote>You cannot eat anything which is beyond the jurisdiction of your food. For you, for a human being, the food is, I mean to say, given there, quota, that "You can eat grains. You can eat fruits. You can eat flowers, vegetables. You can eat milk." That is sattvikāhāra, foodstuff prepared from vegetables, fruits, grains, sugar, and milk products. That's all. That is sattvika. That is allotted for the human being. You cannot imitate the cats and dogs: "Because they are eating meat, I also meat... Meat also is my food." They put forward, "Everything is food." So why don't you eat stool? That is also food - for the hog. So we must have discrimination, that what sort of food we shall take. Not that like hogs, anything will be accepted. That is humanity.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_6.1.34-39_--_Surat,_December_19,_1970?terms=eat+food+food+eat+eat+eat+eat+allotted+food+food+eat+food+food&first=You%20cannot%20eat%20anything%20which%20is%20beyond%20the%20jurisdiction%20of&last=that%20like%20hogs,%20anything%20will%20be%20accepted.%20That%20is%20humanity.?terms=eat+food+food+eat+eat+eat+eat+allotted+food+food+eat+food+food&first=You%20cannot%20eat%20anything%20which%20is%20beyond%20the%20jurisdiction%20of&last=that%20like%20hogs,%20anything%20will%20be%20accepted.%20That%20is%20humanity.?terms=eat+food+food+eat+eat+eat+eat+allotted+food+food+eat+food+food&first=You%20cannot%20eat%20anything%20which%20is%20beyond%20the%20jurisdiction%20of&last=that%20like%20hogs,%20anything%20will%20be%20accepted.%20That%20is%20humanity.?terms=eat+food+food+eat+eat+eat+eat+allotted+food+food+eat+food+food&first=You%20cannot%20eat%20anything%20which%20is%20beyond%20the%20jurisdiction%20of&last=that%20like%20hogs,%20anything%20will%20be%20accepted.%20That%20is%20humanity.?terms=eat+food+food+eat+eat+eat+eat+allotted+food+food+eat+food+food&first=You%20cannot%20eat%20anything%20which%20is%20beyond%20the%20jurisdiction%20of&last=that%20like%20hogs,%20anything%20will%20be%20accepted.%20That%20is%20humanity.?terms=eat+food+food+eat+eat+eat+eat+allotted+food+food+eat+food+food&first=You%20cannot%20eat%20anything%20which%20is%20beyond%20the%20jurisdiction%20of&last=that%20like%20hogs,%20anything%20will%20be%20accepted.%20That%20is%20humanity. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 6.1.34-39 – Surat, December 19, 1970]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda concedes that a certain amount of violence must take place in order for any living entity to eat. From there, however, it becomes a matter of selection.

<blockquote>Discrimination is the better part of valor. Whom should we kill? It is all right. Jīvo jīvasya jīvanam. But there is important. If you eat vegetables there is no crisis, you can go on. It is a fact that an animal is eating another animal. It may be vegetables or animals, but they are disturbing. Therefore it is said, "As it is allotted." You should eat such and such. Not that indiscriminately you can eat everything.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Morning_Walk_--_May_7,_1975,_Perth?terms=If%20you%20think%20killing%20of%20an%20animal%20and%20killing%20a%20vegetable%20is%20the%20same,%20then%20killing%20of%20your%20son%20and%20killing%20of%20animals%20or%20vegetable%20is%20the%20same.%20Why%20do%20you%20discriminate&first=Ga%E1%B9%87e%C5%9Ba:%20Some%20people%20say%20that%20in%20our%20philosophy,%20if%20we&last=it,%20that%20all%20of%20you%20are%20a%20set%20of%20rascaldom. Vanisource: Morning Walk -- May 7, 1975, Perth]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>Sometimes the question is put before us: "You ask us not to eat meat, but you are eating vegetables. Do you think that is not violence?" The answer is that eating vegetables is violence, and vegetarians are also committing violence against other living entities because vegetables also have life. Nondevotees are killing cows, goats and so many other animals for eating purposes, and a devotee, who is vegetarian, is also killing. But here, significantly, it is stated that every living entity has to live by killing another entity; that is the law of nature. Jīvo jīvasya jīvanam: one living entity is the life for another living entity. But for a human being, that violence should be committed only as much as necessary.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_3.29.15?terms=You%20ask%20us%20not%20to%20eat%20meat,%20but%20you%20are%20eating%20vegetables.%20Do%20you%20think%20that%20is%20not%20violence&first=Another%20significant%20phrase%20in%20this%20verse%20is%20n%C4%81tihi%E1%B9%81sre%E1%B9%87a%20%28%22with%20minimum&last=necessary%20or%20than%20ordered%20by%20the%20Supreme%20Personality%20of%20Godhead. Vanisource: SB 3.29.15, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

He notes that some foodstuffs can be procured without killing.

<blockquote>First of all, vegetables are not killed. If I take a fruit from the tree, the tree is not killed. Or if I take the grains from the plant, before the grains are ripe the plant dies. So actually there is no question of killing. Although the law is, nature's law is that "One living entity is the food for another living entity." Jīvo jīvasya jīvanam. But a human being should be discriminative. If I can live by eating fruits and grains and milk, why shall I kill animal?<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_6.1.17_--_Denver,_June_30,_1975?terms=kill+animal+fruit+grains+grains+fruits+grains+milk+kill+animal+Milk+milk+milk+animal+milk+kill&first=So%20that%20is%20s%C4%81dhu,%20no%20meat-eating.%20Here%20you%20will%20find.&last=there%20already,%20but%20in%20a%20different%20form,%20without%20any%20violence. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 6.1.17 -- Denver, June 30, 1975]</ref></blockquote>

The only animal food meant for humans, he says, is milk, which may be obtained without violence as part of God's arrangement.

<blockquote>One should accept only those things that are set aside by the Lord as his quota. 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.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/ISO_1?terms=her%20milk%20is%20designated%20as%20food%20for%20human%20beings&first=Because%20the%20Supreme%20Being,%20the%20Absolute%20Personality%20of%20Godhead,%20is&last=are%20given%20to%20him%20by%20the%20mercy%20of%20the%20Lord. Vanisource: Śrī Īśopaniṣad Mantra 1, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

The verdict is that under most circumstances, for the human being to kill an animal for food is an act of unnecessary violence.

<blockquote>By the law of the Supreme Lord, all living beings, in whatever shape they may be, are the sons of the Lord, and no one has any right to kill another animal, unless it is so ordered by the codes of natural law. The tiger can kill a lower animal for his subsistence, but a man cannot kill an animal for his subsistence. That is the law of God, who has created the law that a living being subsists by eating another living being. Thus the vegetarians are also living by eating other living beings. Therefore, the law is that one should live only by eating specific living beings, as ordained by the law of God. The Īśopaniṣad directs that one should live by the direction of the Lord and not at one's sweet will. A man can subsist on varieties of grains, fruits and milk ordained by God, and there is no need of animal food, save and except in particular cases.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.17.10-11?terms=By%20the%20law%20of%20the%20Supreme%20Lord,%20all%20living%20beings,%20in%20whatever%20shape%20they%20may%20be,%20are%20the%20sons%20of%20the%20Lord,%20and%20no%20one%20has%20any%20right%20to%20kill%20another%20animal,%20unless%20it%20is%20so%20ordered%20by%20the%20codes%20of%20natural%20law&first=When%20there%20is%20some%20disturbance%20caused%20by%20wild%20animals%20in&last=need%20of%20animal%20food,%20save%20and%20except%20in%20particular%20cases. Vanisource: SB 1.17.10-11, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

=====Beyond vegetarianism=====

As Śrīla Prabhupāda explains, the exclusion of animal flesh from the human diet is not exactly a question of ‘vegetarian’ vs. ‘non-vegetarian.’ Beyond the consideration of material substance, he emphasizes that human beings should eat only those foods which have first been offered to the Supreme Lord (prasāda).

<blockquote>The human being is meant for self-realization, and for that purpose he is not to eat anything which is not first offered to the Lord. The Lord accepts from His devotee all kinds of food preparations made of vegetables, fruits, leaves and grains. Fruits, leaves and milk in different varieties can be offered to the Lord, and after the Lord accepts the foodstuff, the devotee can partake of the prasāda, by which all suffering in the struggle for existence will be gradually mitigated.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.13.47?terms=The%20human%20being%20is%20meant%20for%20self-realization,%20and%20for%20that%20purpose%20he%20is%20not%20to%20eat%20anything%20which%20is%20not%20first%20offered%20to%20the%20Lord&first=A%20systematic%20law%20of%20subsistence%20in%20the%20struggle%20for%20existence&last=in%20the%20mass%20mind%20of%20the%20people%20of%20the%20world. Vanisource: SB 1.13.47, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

Ultimately, it is for this reason that animal flesh is not recommended for human consumption: the Lord does not accept food offerings of animal flesh. Śrīla Prabhupāda gives the full purport of the Vedic instruction:

<blockquote>Animal killing is prohibited. Every living being, of course, has to eat something (jīvo jīvasya jīvanam). But one should be taught what kind of food one should take. Therefore the Īśopaniṣad instructs, tena tyaktena bhuñjīthāḥ: one should eat whatever is allotted for human beings ([[Vanisource:ISO 1|ISO 1]]). Kṛṣṇa says in Bhagavad-gītā ([[Vanisource:BG 9.26 (1972)|BG 9.26]]):

:patraṁ puṣpaṁ phalaṁ toyaṁ
:yo me bhaktyā prayacchati
:tad ahaṁ bhakty-upahṛtam
:aśnāmi prayatātmanaḥ

"If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit or water, I will accept it." A devotee, therefore, does not eat anything that would require slaughterhouses for poor animals. Rather, devotees take prasāda of Kṛṣṇa (tena tyaktena bhuñjīthāḥ). Kṛṣṇa recommends that one give Him patraṁ puṣpaṁ phalaṁ toyam—a leaf, a flower, fruit or water (BG 9.26). Animal food is never recommended for human beings; instead, a human being is recommended to take prasāda, remnants of food left by Kṛṣṇa. Yajña-śiṣṭāśinaḥ santo mucyante sarva-kilbiṣaiḥ ([[Vanisource:BG 3.13 (1972)|BG 3.13]]). If one practices eating prasāda, even if there is some little sinful activity involved, one becomes free from the results of sinful acts.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_10.10.9?terms=eat+food+eat+human+eat+food+human+human+food+eating&first=Animal%20killing%20is%20prohibited.%20Every%20living%20being,%20of%20course,%20has&last=involved,%20one%20becomes%20free%20from%20the%20results%20of%20sinful%20acts. Vanisource: SB 10.10.9, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

=====A question of yajña=====

Śrīla Prabhupāda stresses that the ideal human diet of prasāda is one which follows the wish of Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa. The point is not nonviolence in itself, but rather the act of offering yajña, or sacrifice to please the Supreme Lord.

<blockquote>If Kṛṣṇa says that "Give Me meat," then we shall eat meat. Because we are concerned with Kṛṣṇa prasādam. We are not distinguished that "Vegetable eating is nice, meat eating is not nice." No. The nature's law is that you must eat, and that eating is something living. Vegetable is also living. But we are not concerned, vegetarian or nonvegetarian. We are concerned with Kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa says, "You give Me fruits, flowers, grains." We offer that. If Kṛṣṇa says, "You give Me meat, chickens," we shall offer and we shall take.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_--_Los_Angeles,_December_4,_1968?terms=meat+meat+K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a%20says+meat+meat+meat+K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a%20says+K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a%20says+meat&first=Madhudvi%E1%B9%A3a:%20Prabhup%C4%81da,%20why%20did%20Lord%20Jesus%20Christ%20eat%20meat?&last=Me%20meat,%20chickens,%22%20we%20shall%20offer%20and%20we%20shall%20take. Vanisource: Lecture -- Los Angeles, December 4, 1968]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>Even if we do not kill animals, simply by eating vegetables, they are also life... But our thing is that we have to offer yajña. Killing of animal does not mean that if a man kills a cow or goat for eating, he is killing, and those who are vegetarian, they are not killing. They are also killing. A vegetable has also got life. So it is not the question of killing. It is the question of offering yajña. It is the question of offering yajña.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_3.8-13_--_New_York,_May_20,_1966?terms=pa%C3%B1ca-yaj%C3%B1a+Pa%C3%B1ca-yaj%C3%B1a+pa%C3%B1ca-yaj%C3%B1as&first=There%20are%20recommendation%20in%20these%20Vedas,%20pa%C3%B1ca-yaj%C3%B1a.%20Pa%C3%B1ca-yaj%C3%B1a%20means%20that&last=of%20offering%20yaj%C3%B1a.%20It%20is%20the%20question%20of%20offering%20yaj%C3%B1a. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 3.8-13 -- New York, May 20, 1966]</ref></blockquote>

While Śrīla Prabhupāda advocates the topmost dietary recommendation, he also shows that the Vedas do not disallow flesh-eating entirely. He writes: "On the whole, meat-eating is not completely forbidden; a particular class of men is allowed to eat meat according to various circumstances and injunctions."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_9.6.7?terms=On%20the%20whole,%20meat-eating%20is%20not%20completely%20forbidden;%20a%20particular%20class%20of%20men%20is%20allowed%20to%20eat%20meat%20according%20to%20various%20circumstances%20and%20injunctions.%20As%20far%20as%20eating%20beef%20is%20concerned,%20however,%20it%20is%20strictly%20prohibited%20to%20everyone&first=It%20is%20evident%20that%20k%E1%B9%A3atriyas%20killed%20animals%20in%20the%20forest&last=the%20flesh%20of%20cows.%20Cows%20must%20be%20given%20all%20protection. Vanisource: SB 9.6.7, Purport]</ref> Some Vedic texts prescribe [[#Concession_for_meat-eaters|ritual sacrifices]] which help to mitigate the offense of killing an animal for food.

<blockquote>In the Vedic literature, even those who are meat-eaters, they are advised to sacrifice an animal before the deity Goddess Kālī, not purchased from the slaughterhouse. That is a kind of yajña, paśumedha-yajña. That is for low-class men. But still, because he's performing the yajña, he's less sinful.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Evening_Darsana_--_July_8,_1976,_Washington,_D.C.?terms=devotees+eat+offered+eat&first=Pu%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%ADa%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a:%20Bhu%E1%B9%85kte%20stena%20eva%20sa%E1%B8%A5?%20No?%20Oh,%20bhu%C3%B1jate%20te&last=But%20still,%20because%20he%27s%20performing%20the%20yaj%C3%B1a,%20he%27s%20less%20sinful. Vanisource: Evening Darsana -- July 8, 1976, Washington, DC]</ref></blockquote>

====Procuring foodstuff====

Regarding the law of subsistence and the culture of humanity, Śrīla Prabhupāda explains:

<blockquote>So this is the law of nature, that the weaker section is devoured by the stronger section... Therefore meat-eaters, so long they are like animals, they can go on with this nature's law. You are man, you are stronger; therefore weaker animal—cows and goats—you slaughter them. They are stronger bodily, but they have no intelligence. So man has got intelligence. So if you misuse your intelligence in that way, you can do that. That is nature's law. But human being means culture, advance, in spiritual consciousness. That is human.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_1.15.25-26_--_Los_Angeles,_December_4,_1973?terms=those%20who%20are%20eating%20another%20animal;%20they%20are%20not%20human%20being.%20Although%20they%20have%20got%20the%20form%20of%20human%20being,%20they%20are%20not%20considered%20human%20being&first=Pradyumna:%20%22Translation:%20O%20King,%20as%20in%20the%20ocean%20the%20bigger&last=consciousness.%20That%20is%20human.%20So%20this%20consciousness%20is%20developing%20gradually. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 1.15.25-26 – Los Angeles, December 4, 1973]</ref></blockquote>

Nature's law of subsistence, he says, applies to animals and also to those humans who are unable to abide by higher instructions for human life. For human society, however, this law of subsistence should be taken as an exception rather than a rule.

<blockquote>One must eat something. The nature's law is that sahastānā... Sahastānām ahastāni. And catuṣ-padam. That is the arrangement by nature's way, that animals, they have no hands. So the primitive life, so they become food for the primitive natives or uncivilized man. They kill some animals and eat. And why civilized man do so? He can produce his food. God has given him land. He has intelligence.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversation_--_July_31,_1975,_New_Orleans?terms=animals+uncivilized+kill+animals+civilized+animals+Kill+Kill&first=Devotee%20%284%29:%20Prabhup%C4%81da,%20what%20can%20you%20say%20to%20someone%20who&last=crude%20things%20are%20going%20on%20in%20the%20name%20of%20civilization. Vanisource: Room Conversation – July 31, 1975, New Orleans]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>You have got sufficient grains, sufficient fruits, sufficient milk, milk products. Then if you can live on these things which are meant for human beings, why should you kill animals unnecessarily? If there is no alternative, that you cannot live... Just like in the desert, Arabian Desert, there is no food, no grain, for them animal-eating may be permissible. Because after all, we have to live. That is a different thing. But when you have got very nice foodstuff, and a very nutritious, palatable, sweet, why should you indulge in this unnecessary killing of animals? That is, will go against your purification. Therefore it is prohibited.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_Engagement_and_Prasada_Distribution_--_Boston,_April_26,_1969?terms=j%C4%ABva-hi%E1%B9%81s%C4%81+J%C4%ABva-hi%E1%B9%81s%C4%81&first=Guest%20%286%29:%20Can%20you%20explain%20the%20reason%20why%20yogis%20don%27t&last=is,%20will%20go%20against%20your%20purification.%20Therefore%20it%20is%20prohibited. Vanisource: Lecture Engagement and Prasada Distribution -- Boston, April 26, 1969]</ref></blockquote>

In various ways Śrīla Prabhupāda argues that human culture means applying human intelligence and discrimination in the matter of procuring foodstuffs.

<blockquote>Then these animal killers, they may not be encouraged, "So then we are doing nice, because one living entity is food for another. So we are eating every, anything. Any moving animals we can eat. Bird, beast, goats, cows, horse, ass, whatever is available." Yes, you can eat. But that is the natural law for the animals and uncivilized man, not for the civilized man. Because one living entity is food for another living entity, you cannot eat your father, mother or children. Why? Because you are human being, you have got discrimination.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_13.22-24_--_Melbourne,_June_25,_1974?terms=eating+eat+eat+eat+discrimination+eat+eat+eat+discrimination+eat+eating+eating+eat+discrimination+eating+eating+eat+eat&first=Then%20these%20animal%20killers,%20they%20may%20not%20be%20encouraged,%20%22So&last=and%20then%20we%20eat.%20The%20remnants%20of%20foodstuff%20we%20eat. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 13.22-24 – Melbourne, June 25, 1974]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>We are eating milk, but we are not drinking the blood. Milk is nothing but blood of cow. But we know the art, how to drink the blood of cow without killing. That is civilization. That is civilization. Medically, they say the cow's blood or bull's blood is very effective, and that is accepted. But you must know the art.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_2.3.19_--_Los_Angeles,_June_14,_1972?terms=milk+blood+Milk+blood+blood+blood+blood+milk+milk+milk+Milk&first=Just%20like%20we%20are%20vegetarians.%20We%20are%20vegetarian.%20We%20are&last=human%20form%20of%20life%20for%20understanding%20spiritual%20things...%20You%20cannot. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 2.3.19 – Los Angeles, June 14, 1972]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda summarizes:

<blockquote>A tiger may eat meat. It is a tiger. But I am not tiger. I am human being... A tiger is made by nature's law in that way; therefore he can do that. You cannot do it. Your nature is different. You have got discrimination, you have got conscience, you are claiming civilized, human being. So you should utilize these things. That is Kṛṣṇa consciousness, perfect consciousness. So human life is meant for raising oneself to the perfection of consciousness, and that is Kṛṣṇa conscious. We cannot remain in tiger consciousness. That is not humanity.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_3.11-19_--_Los_Angeles,_December_27,_1968?terms=That%20is%20not%20humanity&first=Tam%C4%81la%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a:%20He%27s%20saying%20if%20man%20is%20not%20meant%20to&last=We%20cannot%20remain%20in%20tiger%20consciousness.%20That%20is%20not%20humanity. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 3.11-19 -- Los Angeles, December 27, 1968]</ref></blockquote>

(Go to [[#Food_for_man.3F_.28ref.29|<u>'''references'''</u>]] for '''"Food for man?"''')

===Cow protection and human civilization===

According to Vedic culture, human beings should treat all animals with [[#Mercy_toward_animals|mercy and compassion]]. Above any other species, however, the cow is considered uniquely important to humanity. Śrīla Prabhupāda argues that the cow is an animal worthy of special protection because it supplies key products to support human culture. He speaks of the general [[#Economics_of_cow_protection|economic value of the cow]] as a provider of foodstuff (in the form of milk) and materials (such as hide and bone) for footwear and various tools and instruments. Above this, he advocates cow protection as a bolster of higher-level civilization under the auspices of [[Vaniquotes:Category:Brahminical_Culture|brahminical culture]]. In this regard he points to the special nutritional value of milk and the specific necessity of cow products for the performance of [[Vaniquotes:Category:Yajna|yajñas]], religious sacrifices offered for the satisfaction of the Supreme Lord.

====The cow and human society====

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the human being has a special, beneficial relationship with the cow and that this relationship should be supported.

<blockquote>That is nature's way, by God's will, that a cow gives forty pounds, fifty pounds milk daily, but it does not drink. Although it is her milk, no, it gives you, human society: "You take. But don't kill me. Let me live. I am eating only grass." Just see... Without touching your foodstuff, the cow is eating the grass which is given by God, immense grass, and they are giving you the finest foodstuff, milk.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_1.3.14_--_Los_Angeles,_September_19,_1972?terms=milk+milk+milk+milk+blood+milk+blood+cow+milk+milk+cow+milk+milk+milk+milk+cow+cow&first=By%20nature,%20there%20is%20arrangement,%20foodstuff.%20The%20cows,%20the%20other&last=not%20human%20being.%20Less%20than%20animal.%20They%20have%20no%20gratitude. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 1.3.14 – Los Angeles, September 19, 1972]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>Just like fruits, flowers, vegetables, rice, grains, milk - the animals do not come to claim that "I shall eat this." No. It is meant for man. Just like milk. Milk is an animal product. It is the blood of the cow changed only. But the milk is not drunk by the cow. She is delivering the milk, but she's not taking, because it is not allotted for it. By nature's way. So you have to take. Milk is made for man, so you take the milk. Let her live and supply you milk continually. Why should you kill? Follow nature's law. Then you'll be happy. Tena tyaktena bhuñjīthā ([[Vanisource:ISO 1|ISO 1]]). Whatever is allotted to you, take.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_Brahma-samhita,_Verse_32_--_New_York,_July_26,_1971?terms=She%20is%20delivering%20the%20milk,%20but%20she%27s%20not%20taking,%20because%20it%20is%20not%20allotted%20for%20it.%20By%20nature%27s%20way.%20So%20you%20have%20to%20take.%20Milk%20is%20made%20for%20man,%20so%20you%20take%20the%20milk&first=So%20our%20proposition:%20If%20you%20inquire,%20%22Then%20why%20you%20restrict,&last=do%20not%20take%20anything%20which%20is%20not%20accepted%20by%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a. Vanisource: Lecture on Brahma-samhita, Verse 32 – New York, July 26, 1971]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote> Man can produce fruits and flowers, grains, take the substance, and the rejected portion give to the animal. She gives you milk. You require milk. This is cooperation.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversation_with_Richard_Webster,_chairman,_Societa_Filosofica_Italiana_--_May_24,_1974,_Rome?terms=Man%20can%20produce%20fruits%20and%20flowers,%20grains,%20take%20the%20substance,%20and%20the%20rejected%20portion%20give%20to%20the%20animal.%20She%20gives%20you%20milk.%20You%20require%20milk.%20This%20is%20cooperation&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20Now,%20these%20foodstuffs%20are%20meant%20for%20human%20being.%20They&last=She%20gives%20you%20milk.%20You%20require%20milk.%20This%20is%20cooperation. Vanisource: Room Conversation with Richard Webster, chairman, Societa Filosofica Italiana – May 24, 1974, Rome]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda further notes that in the Vedic view, the cow and bull are seen as mother and father of society. Their service to human society is so vital that the Vedas specifically instruct the vaiśya class - the agricultural and commercial section of society - [[#Duty_of_the_vai.C5.9Byas_.28mercantile_class.29|to give protection]] to these animals.

<blockquote>Lord Kṛṣṇa, as the teacher of human society, personally showed by His acts that the mercantile community, or the vaiśyas, should herd cows and bulls and thus give protection to the valuable animals. According to smṛti regulation, the cow is the mother and the bull the father of the human being. The cow is the mother because just as one sucks the breast of one's mother, human society takes cow's milk. Similarly, the bull is the father of human society because the father earns for the children just as the bull tills the ground to produce food grains. Human society will kill its spirit of life by killing the father and the mother.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_3.2.29?terms=cows+cows+grains+cows+cows+grain+problem+grain+cows+economic+problems+cows+cow+cow+cow+grains+cows&first=As%20He%20grew%20to%20six%20and%20seven%20years%20old,%20the&last=their%20colors%20and%20healthy%20smiling%20features,%20the%20atmosphere%20was%20enlivening. Vanisource: SB 3.2.29, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

====Supporting brahminical culture====

Śrīla Prabhupāda presents cow protection, through its relation to brahminical culture, to be a basic principle of civilized life. He argues that brahminical culture must be present to guide human civilization in its purpose, which is to promote spiritual advancement (as well as material well-being) for the social body as a whole. Referring to the teachings of the Vedas, he indicates that cow protection and brahminical culture stand together as pillars of civilized society.

Śrīla Prabhupāda gives this succinct definition of brahminical culture:

<blockquote>Brahminical culture means the social position in which everyone is assisted to elevate himself to the highest position of understanding the position and the constitution of the soul. That should be the aim of human society.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_2.46-47_--_New_York,_March_28,_1966?terms=aim%20of%20human%20society&first=One%20who%20knows%20the%20constitution%20of%20the%20soul,%20he%20is&last=of%20the%20soul,%20although%20he%20has%20got%20the%20soul%20also. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 2.46-47 -- New York, March 28, 1966]</ref></blockquote>

Commenting on a prayer from the Viṣṇu Purāṇa, he writes in one of his ''Bhagavad-gītā'' purports:

<blockquote>There is also a prayer in the Vedic literature that states:

::namo brahmaṇya-devāya
::go-brāhmaṇa-hitāya ca
::jagad-dhitāya kṛṣṇāya
::govindāya namo namaḥ

"My Lord, You are the well-wisher of the cows and the brāhmaṇas, and You are the well-wisher of the entire human society and world." (Viṣṇu Purāṇa 1.19.65) The purport is that special mention is given in that prayer for the protection of the cows and the brāhmaṇas. Brāhmaṇas are the symbol of spiritual education, and cows are the symbol of the most valuable food; these two living creatures, the brāhmaṇas and the cows, must be given all protection—that is real advancement of civilization.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_14.16?terms=go-br%C4%81hma%E1%B9%87a-hit%C4%81ya+Lord&first=There%20is%20also%20a%20prayer%20in%20the%20Vedic%20literature%20that&last=must%20be%20given%20all%20protection%E2%80%94that%20is%20real%20advancement%20of%20civilization. Vanisource: BG 14.16, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

He further states:

<blockquote>The Lord is the protector of cows and the brahminical culture. A society devoid of cow protection and brahminical culture is not under the direct protection of the Lord, just as the prisoners in the jails are not under the protection of the king but under the protection of a severe agent of the king. Without cow protection and cultivation of the brahminical qualities in human society, at least for a section of the members of society, no human civilization can prosper at any length.
<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.14.34?terms=brahminical%20culture+brahminical%20culture+civilization+brahminical%20culture&first=The%20Lord%20is%20the%20protector%20of%20cows%20and%20the%20brahminical&last=has%20developed%20the%20qualities%20of%20a%20br%C4%81hma%E1%B9%87a%20as%20above%20mentioned. Vanisource: SB 1.14.34, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>Progressive human civilization is based on brahminical culture, God consciousness and protection of cows. All economic development of the state by trade, commerce, agriculture and industries must be fully utilized in relation to the above principles; otherwise all so-called economic development becomes a source of degradation. Cow protection means feeding the brahminical culture, which leads towards God consciousness, and thus perfection of human civilization is achieved.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.19.3?terms=brahminical%20culture&first=I%20am%20uncivilized%20and%20sinful%20due%20to%20my%20neglect%20of&last=future%20I%20may%20not%20be%20guided%20by%20such%20inauspicious%20attitudes. Vanisource: SB 1.19.3, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

How does cow protection specifically relate to brahminical culture? As Śrīla Prabhupāda explains, cow protection supports brahminical culture by ensuring a good supply of milk products necessary for human nutrition and for essential religious observances.

=====Nutrition for humanity=====

Śrīla Prabhupāda wrote to one of his disciples: "Vedic civilization gives protection to all the living creatures, especially the cows, because they render such valuable service to the human society in the shape of milk, without which no one can become healthy and strong."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Letter_to_Rupanuga_--_Vrindaban_7_December,_1975?terms=civilization+civilization&first=Our%20cows%20are%20happy,%20therefore%20they%20give%20plenty%20of%20milk.&last=this.%20Therefore%20we%20have%20to%20preach%20against%20all%20this%20nonsense. Vanisource: Letter to Rupanuga -- Vrindaban, 7 December 1975]</ref> While he notes that all foods in the highest mode of nature (sattva-guna, or the quality of goodness) support health and human achievement by promoting sattvic qualities in those who consume them,<ref>[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Foods_in_goodness See Vaniquotes: Foods in goodness]</ref> Śrīla Prabhupāda especially advocates milk as topmost among foodstuffs for its benefits to human life.

<blockquote>Human civilization means to advance the cause of brahminical culture, and to maintain it, cow protection is essential. There is a miracle in milk, for it contains all the necessary vitamins to sustain human physiological conditions for higher achievements. Brahminical culture can advance only when man is educated to develop the quality of goodness, and for this there is a prime necessity of food prepared with milk, fruits and grains.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.16.4?terms=civilization+cow%20protection&first=Human%20civilization%20means%20to%20advance%20the%20cause%20of%20brahminical%20culture,&last=mistreating%20a%20cow,%20the%20most%20important%20animal%20in%20human%20society. Vanisource: SB 1.16.4, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

Milk, he explains, benefits individuals and society as a whole by promoting optimum development of the human brain.

<blockquote>If we really want to cultivate the human spirit in society we must have first-class intelligent men to guide the society, and to develop the finer tissues of our brains we must assimilate vitamin values from milk... No society can improve in transcendental knowledge without the guidance of such first-class men, and no brain can assimilate the subtle form of knowledge without fine brain tissues. For such important brain tissues we require a sufficient quantity of milk and milk preparations. Ultimately, we need to protect the cow to derive the highest benefit from this important animal. The protection of cows, therefore, is not merely a religious sentiment but a means to secure the highest benefit for human society.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/LOB_27?terms=milk+important+milk+milk+important&first=If%20we%20really%20want%20to%20cultivate%20the%20human%20spirit%20in&last=a%20means%20to%20secure%20the%20highest%20benefit%20for%20human%20society. Vanisource: Light of the Bhagavata, Verse 27, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda further states that milk is, in one way or another, an essential part of everyone's life.

<blockquote>So from the cows, the milk. And from the milk we can make hundreds of vitaminous foodstuff, hundreds. They're all palatable. So such a nice animal, faithful, peaceful, and beneficial. After taking milk from it, if we kill, does it look very well? Even after the death, the cows supply the skin for your shoes. It is so beneficial. You see. Even after death. While living, he gives you nice milk. You cannot reject milk from the human society. As soon as there is a child born, milk immediately required. Old man, milk is life. Diseased person, milk is life. Invalid, milk is life. So therefore Kṛṣṇa is teaching by His practical demonstration how He loves this innocent animal, cow. So human society should develop brahminical culture on the basis of protecting cows. The brāhmaṇa cannot take any other food except it is made of milk preparation. That develops the finer tissues of the brain. You can understand in subtle matters, in philosophy, in spiritual science.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_--_Los_Angeles,_December_4,_1968?terms=brahminical%20culture+protecting%20cows&first=So%20try%20to%20make%20some%20percentage%20of%20the%20population%20actually&last=can%20understand%20in%20subtle%20matters,%20in%20philosophy,%20in%20spiritual%20science. Vanisource: Lecture – Los Angeles, December 4, 1968]</ref></blockquote>

By protecting cows and opting for milk instead of meat, he advises, civilization can become truly progressive.

<blockquote>One cannot become spiritually advanced without acquiring the brahminical qualifications and giving protection to cows. Cow protection ensures sufficient food prepared with milk, which is needed for an advanced civilization. One should not pollute civilization by eating the flesh of cows. A civilization must do something progressive... Instead of killing the cow to eat flesh, civilized men must prepare various milk products that will enhance the condition of society. If one follows the brahminical culture, he will become competent in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_6.18.52?terms=civilization+Cow%20protection+civilization+civilization+civilization+civilization&first=If%20one%20is%20trained%20to%20honor%20and%20worship%20the%20cows&last=the%20brahminical%20culture,%20he%20will%20become%20competent%20in%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a%20consciousness. Vanisource: SB 6.18.52, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

=====Ingredient for yajñas=====

In addition to the role of milk as foodstuff, Śrīla Prabhupāda specifies cow products as necessary ingredients for religious sacrifices performed for the satisfaction of the Lord (yajñas). He stresses that yajña is required for the material as well as the spiritual benefit of society. Cow protection, he argues, supports the production of milk and other vital substances, which in turn support the total quality of life through the performance of yajñas.

<blockquote>Butter, when clarified by melting, produces ghee, or clarified butter, which is inevitably necessary for performing great ritualistic sacrifices. As stated in Bhagavad-gītā ([[Vanisource:BG 18.5 (1972)|18.5]]), yajña-dāna-tapaḥ-karma na tyājyaṁ kāryam eva tat: sacrifice, charity and austerity are essential to keep human society perfect in peace and prosperity. Yajña, the performance of sacrifice, is essential; to perform yajña, clarified butter is absolutely necessary; and to get clarified butter, milk is necessary. Milk is produced when there are sufficient cows. Therefore in Bhagavad-gītā ([[Vanisource:BG 18.44 (1972)|18.44]]), cow protection is recommended (kṛṣi-go-rakṣya-vāṇijyaṁ vaiśya-karma svabhāva jam).<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_8.8.1?terms=cow%20protection&first=Milk%20is%20produced%20when%20there%20are%20sufficient%20cows.%20Therefore%20in&last=Bhagavad-g%C4%ABt%C4%81%20%2818.44%29,%20cow%20protection%20is%20recommended%20%28k%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3i-go-rak%E1%B9%A3ya-v%C4%81%E1%B9%87ijya%E1%B9%81%20vai%C5%9Bya-karma%20svabh%C4%81va%20jam%29. Vanisource: SB 8.8.1, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>In human life, one should be trained to perform yajñas. As we are informed in Bhagavad-gītā ([[Vanisource:BG 3.9 (1972)|3.9]]), yajñārthāt karmaṇo 'nyatra loko 'yaṁ karma-bandhanaḥ: if we do not perform yajña, we shall simply work very hard for sense gratification like dogs and hogs. This is not civilization. A human being should be trained to perform yajña. Yajñād bhavati parjanyaḥ ([[Vanisource:BG 3.14 (1972)|BG 3.14]]). If yajñas are regularly performed, there will be proper rain from the sky, and when there is regular rainfall, the land will be fertile and suitable for producing all the necessities of life. Yajña, therefore, is essential. For performing yajña, clarified butter is essential, and for clarified butter, cow protection is essential. Therefore, if we neglect the Vedic way of civilization, we shall certainly suffer.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_9.15.26?terms=civilization+cow%20protection+civilization+civilization+civilization&first=The%20word%20havirdh%C4%81n%C4%ABm%20is%20significant%20in%20this%20verse.%20Havirdh%C4%81n%C4%ABm%20refers&last=the%20motive%20of%20our%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a%20consciousness%20movement.%20Yaj%C3%B1e%20sukhena%20bhavantu. Vanisource: SB 9.15.26, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>Pañca-gavya, the five products received from the cow, namely milk, yogurt, ghee, cow dung and cow urine, are required in all ritualistic ceremonies performed according to the Vedic directions. Cow urine and cow dung are uncontaminated, and since even the urine and dung of a cow are important, we can just imagine how important this animal is for human civilization. Therefore the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa, directly advocates go-rakṣya, the protection of cows. Civilized men who follow the system of varṇāśrama, especially those of the vaiśya class, who engage in agriculture and trade, must give protection to the cows. Unfortunately, because people in Kali-yuga are mandāḥ, all bad, and sumanda-matayaḥ, misled by false conceptions of life, they are killing cows in the thousands. Therefore they are unfortunate in spiritual consciousness, and nature disturbs them in so many ways, especially through incurable diseases like cancer and through frequent wars and among nations. As long as human society continues to allow cows to be regularly killed in slaughterhouses, there cannot be any question of peace and prosperity.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_8.8.11?terms=As%20long%20as%20human%20society%20continues%20to%20allow%20cows%20to%20be%20regularly%20killed%20in%20slaughterhouses,%20there%20cannot%20be%20any%20question%20of%20peace%20and%20prosperity&first=Pa%C3%B1ca-gavya,%20the%20five%20products%20received%20from%20the%20cow,%20namely%20milk,&last=slaughterhouses,%20there%20cannot%20be%20any%20question%20of%20peace%20and%20prosperity. Vanisource: SB 8.8.11, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

====Duty of the vaiśyas (mercantile class)====

Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that, in the Vedic division of society, the mercantile and agricultural sector - known as the vaiśya class - bears responsibility toward the animals of the community, particularly the cows. Bhagavad-gītā ([[Vanisource:BG 18.44 (1972)|18.44]]) prescribes [[#Special_status_of_the_cow|cow protection]] as one of the duties of the vaiśya class. Śrīla Prabhupāda comments:

<blockquote>Kṛṣi-go-rakṣya-vāṇijyaṁ vaiśya-karma svabhāva-jam ([[Vanisource:BG 18.44 (1972)|BG 18.44]]). Vaiśya, they should engage themselves in agricultural production and giving protection to the cows, especially mentioned, go-rakṣya. Go-rakṣya, cow protection, is one of the items of state affairs.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_1.12_--_London,_July_13,_1973?terms=vai%C5%9Bya%27s%20duty&first=They%20are%20described%20in%20the%20Bhagavad-g%C4%ABt%C4%81,%20br%C4%81hma%E1%B9%87a%20qualification,%20k%C5%84atriya%20qualification,&last=And%20the%20vai%C5%9Byas,%20they%20should%20give%20protection%20to%20the%20cows. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 1.12 -- London, July 13, 1973]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>In the Bhagavad-gītā you will find that the mercantile class... Who are mercantile class? Kṛṣi-go-rakṣya-vāṇijyaṁ vaiśya-karma svabhāva-jam ([[Vanisource:BG 18.44 (1972)|18.44]]). Vaiśya means the mercantile community. They are meant for giving protection to the animals, and produce grain, and distribute and make trade on them. That's all. Because formerly there was no industry—people generally depended on agricultural work—therefore the mercantile community, they used to produce food grains and distribute them, and protection of cow was their duty. As the king was entrusted to protect the life of the citizens, similarly, the vaiśya class, or the mercantile class, they were entrusted to protect the life of cow. Why particularly cow is protected? Because milk is very essential food for the human society, therefore cow protection is the duty of the human society. That is the conception of Vedic literature.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_2.46-47_--_New_York,_March_28,_1966?terms=Because%20milk%20is%20very%20essential%20food%20for%20the%20human%20society,%20therefore%20cow%20protection%20is%20the%20duty%20of%20the%20human%20society&first=So%20the%20Lord%20says,%20Lord%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a%20says,%20that%20%22According%20to&last=the%20human%20society.%20That%20is%20the%20conception%20of%20Vedic%20literature. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 2.46-47 -- New York, March 28, 1966]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>There are so many facilities afforded by cow protection, but people have forgotten these arts. The importance of protecting cows is therefore stressed by Kṛṣṇa in Bhagavad-gītā (kṛṣi-go-rakṣya-vāṇijyaṁ vaiśya-karma svabhāvajam ([[Vanisource:BG 18.44 (1972)|18.44]])). Even now in the Indian villages surrounding Vṛndāvana, the villagers live happily simply by giving protection to the cow. They keep cow dung very carefully and dry it to use as fuel. They keep a sufficient stock of grains, and because of giving protection to the cows, they have sufficient milk and milk products to solve all economic problems. Simply by giving protection to the cow, the villagers live so peacefully. Even the urine and stool of cows have medicinal value.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_10.6.19?terms=There%20are%20so%20many%20facilities%20afforded%20by%20cow%20protection,%20but%20people%20have%20forgotten%20these%20arts&first=When%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a%20was%20saved%20from%20such%20a%20great%20danger,%20Mother&last=Even%20the%20urine%20and%20stool%20of%20cows%20have%20medicinal%20value. Vanisource: SB 10.6.9, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda highlights cow protection as an integral part of an equitable economy which promotes the well-being of all its members. Contrasting Vedic society to modern industrial society, he condemns the mass killing of cows and other animals as a practice which leads not to a higher standard of civilization but rather to degradation and suffering.

<blockquote> The vaiśyas, the members of the mercantile communities, are especially advised to protect the cows. Cow protection means increasing the milk productions, namely curd and butter. Agriculture and distribution of the foodstuff are the primary duties of the mercantile community backed by education in Vedic knowledge and trained to give in charity. As the kṣatriyas were given charge of the protection of the citizens, vaiśyas were given the charge of the protection of animals. Animals are never meant to be killed. Killing of animals is a symptom of barbarian society. For a human being, agricultural produce, fruits and milk are sufficient and compatible foodstuffs. The human society should give more attention to animal protection. The productive energy of the laborer is misused when he is occupied by industrial enterprises. Industry of various types cannot produce the essential needs of man, namely rice, wheat, grains, milk, fruits and vegetables. The production of machines and machine tools increases the artificial living fashion of a class of vested interests and keeps thousands of men in starvation and unrest. This should not be the standard of civilization.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.9.26?terms=standard%20of%20civilization&first=The%20vai%C5%9Byas,%20the%20members%20of%20the%20mercantile%20communities,%20are%20especially&last=and%20unrest.%20This%20should%20not%20be%20the%20standard%20of%20civilization. Vanisource: SB 1.9.26, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

====Special status of the cow====

Although the Vedas give some allowance for animal slaughter and [[#Concession_for_meat-eaters|meat-eating under certain conditions]], it is enjoined that the cow is never to be harmed. Śrīla Prabhupāda comments that although the law of subsistence mentions four-legged animals as one class of human eatable, the cow is excluded, as evident in the statement of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam [[Vanisource:SB 6.4.9|6.4.9]]. He writes in his purport:

<blockquote>By nature's law, or the arrangement of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one kind of living entity is eatable by other living entities. As mentioned herein, dvi-padāṁ ca catuṣ-padaḥ: the four-legged animals (catuṣ-padaḥ), as well as food grains, are eatables for human beings (dvi-padām). These four-legged animals are those such as deer and goats, not cows, which are meant to be protected. Generally the men of the higher classes of society—the brāhmaṇas, kṣatriyas and vaiśyas—do not eat meat. Sometimes kṣatriyas go to the forest to kill animals like deer because they have to learn the art of killing, and sometimes they eat the animals also. Śūdras, too, eat animals such as goats. Cows, however, are never meant to be killed or eaten by human beings. In every śāstra, cow killing is vehemently condemned... Those who desire to eat meat may satisfy the demands of their tongues by eating lower animals, but they should never kill cows, who are actually accepted as the mothers of human society because they supply milk. The śāstra especially recommends, kṛṣi-go-rakṣya: the vaiśya section of humanity should arrange for the food of the entire society through agricultural activities and should give full protection to the cows, which are the most useful animals because they supply milk to human society.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_6.4.9 Vanisource: SB 6.4.9, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda argues that the cow is so important to humanity that even out of morality and simple gratitude, human society should see to it that the cow not be subject to slaughter.

<blockquote>Why cow protection is so much advocated? Because it is very, very important. There is no such injunction that "You don't eat the flesh of the tiger." You can eat. Because those who are meat eaters, those who are meat eaters, they have been recommended to eat the flesh of goats or other lower animals—sometimes dogs also, they eat, or the hogs—you can eat. But never the flesh of cows. So, innocent animal, the most important animal, giving service even after death... While living, giving service, so important service, giving you milk, even after death she is giving service by supplying the skin, the hoof, the horn. You utilize in so many ways. But still, the present human society is so ungrateful and rascal that they are killing cows.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_1.8.43_--_Los_Angeles,_May_5,_1973?terms=meat%20eaters+meat%20eaters+never%20the%20flesh%20of%20cows&first=So%20Govinda...,%20so%20what%20is%20the%20business%20of%20Govinda?%20Now,&last=comes%20to...%20Therefore%20we%20worship%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a,%20namo%20brahma%E1%B9%87ya-dev%C4%81ya%20go-br%C4%81hma%E1%B9%87a-hit%C4%81ya%20ca. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 1.8.43 – Los Angeles, May 5, 1973]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda advises that those who insist on eating meat may follow scriptural recommendations for sacrifice and consume other animals - but never the cow. As he instructs, "First of all, they should not be meat-eater. But if you are staunch meat-eaters, then you cannot touch cow."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_1.40_--_London,_July_28,_1973?terms=touch%20cow&first=There%20are%20different%20kinds%20of%20meat-eaters.%20But%20in%20India,%20the&last=you%20cannot%20touch%20cow.%20You%20can%20eat%20some%20other%20animal. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 1.40]</ref>

<blockquote>In the matter of protecting the cows, the meat-eaters will protest, but in answer to them we may say that since Kṛṣṇa gives stress to cow protection, those who are inclined to eat meat may eat the flesh of unimportant animals like hogs, dogs, goats and sheep, but they should not touch the life of the cows, for this is destructive to the spiritual advancement of human society.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_9.15.25?terms=meat-eaters+those%20who%20are%20inclined%20to%20eat%20meat%20may%20eat%20the%20flesh%20of%20unimportant%20animals%20like%20hogs,%20dogs,%20goats%20and%20sheep,%20but%20they%20should%20not%20touch%20the%20life%20of%20the%20cows&first=Those%20who%20belong%20to%20the%20third%20level%20of%20human%20society,&last=this%20is%20destructive%20to%20the%20spiritual%20advancement%20of%20human%20society. Vanisource: SB 9.15.25, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

====Best overall benefit for humanity====

Śrīla Prabhupāda writes of how cow protection bolsters the morale as well as the economic condition of the human community.

<blockquote>The bull is the emblem of the moral principle, and the cow is the representative of the earth. When the bull and the cow are in a joyful mood, it is to be understood that the people of the world are also in a joyful mood. The reason is that the bull helps production of grains in the agricultural field, and the cow delivers milk, the miracle of aggregate food values. The human society, therefore, maintains these two important animals very carefully so that they can wander everywhere in cheerfulness.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.16.18 Vanisource: SB 1.16.18, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>Milking the cow means drawing the principles of religion in a liquid form... Foolish people do not know how one earns happiness by making the cows and bulls happy, but it is a fact by the law of nature. Let us take it from the authority of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and adopt the principles for the total happiness of humanity.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.17.3 Vanisource: SB 1.17.3, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>The bull and the cow can be protected for the good of all human society simply by the spreading of brahminical culture as the topmost perfection of all cultural affairs. By advancement of such culture, the morale of society is properly maintained, and so peace and prosperity are also attained without extraneous effort.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.16.18?terms=peace%20and%20prosperity&first=SB%201.16.18,%20Purport:%20At%20the%20present%20moment%20in%20this%20age&last=and%20the%20resultant%20actions%20are%20prominent%20by%20the%20following%20symptoms. Vanisource: SB 1.16.8, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

In summary, Śrīla Prabhupāda calls for all societies to follow the instruction of the Vedas and establish the practice of cow protection (go-rakṣya) for the best overall benefit of the human race.

<blockquote>The Supreme Personality of Godhead, in His instructions of Bhagavad-gītā, advises go-rakṣya, which means cow protection. The cow should be protected, milk should be drawn from the cows, and this milk should be prepared in various ways. One should take ample milk, and thus one can prolong one's life, develop his brain, execute devotional service, and ultimately attain the favor of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_8.6.12?terms=milk+milk+Milk+milk+milk+important+milk+milk+milk+milk+milk+milk+milk&first=By%20friction%20one%20can%20get%20fire%20from%20wood,%20by%20digging&last=the%20cows%20and%20take%20nectarean%20milk%20from%20their%20milk%20bags. Vanisource: SB 8.16.12, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

(Go to [[#Cow_protection_and_human_civilization_.28ref.29|<u>'''references'''</u>]] for '''"Cow protection and human civilization"''')

===Civilized community===

According to Vedic culture, Śrīla Prabhupāda says, animals are considered part of the community citizenry. He teaches that truly civilized society recognizes all living beings as brothers under God and affords protection for human and non-human inhabitants alike.

====Mercy toward animals====

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam ([[Vanisource:SB 7.14.9|7.14.9]]) contains this statement defining the correct attitude of humans toward animals in the community:

::mṛgoṣṭra-khara-markākhu-
::sarīsṛp khaga-makṣikāḥ
::ātmanaḥ putravat paśyet
::tair eṣām antaraṁ kiyat

:"One should treat animals such as deer, camels, asses, monkeys, mice, snakes, birds and flies exactly like one's own son. How little difference there actually is between children and these innocent animals."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_7.14.9 Vanisource: SB 7.14.9, Translation]</ref>

In his purport to this verse, Śrīla Prabhupāda comments on the Bhāgavatam's recommendation and the spiritual truths underlying it.

<blockquote>One who is in Kṛṣṇa consciousness understands that there is no difference between the animals and the innocent children in one's home. Even in ordinary life, it is our practical experience that a household dog or cat is regarded on the same level as one's children, without any envy. Like children, the unintelligent animals are also sons of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and therefore a Kṛṣṇa conscious person, even though a householder, should not discriminate between children and poor animals. Unfortunately, modern society has devised many means for killing animals in different forms of life. For example, in the agricultural fields there may be many mice, flies and other creatures that disturb production, and sometimes they are killed by pesticides. In this verse, however, such killing is forbidden. Every living entity should be nourished by the food given by the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Human society should not consider itself the only enjoyer of all the properties of God; rather, men should understand that all the other animals also have a claim to God's property.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_7.14.9?terms=One%20who%20is%20in%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a%20consciousness%20understands%20that%20there%20is%20no%20difference%20between%20the%20animals%20and%20the%20innocent%20children%20in%20one%27s%20home&first=One%20who%20is%20in%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a%20consciousness%20understands%20that%20there%20is&last=right%20to%20take%20their%20allotted%20food%20with%20which%20to%20live. Vanisource: SB 7.14.9, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

As animals are inferior to humans in terms of awareness and intelligence, our mode of behavior toward animals should be one of mercy, or dayā. Śrīla Prabhupāda briefly defines dayā in this connection:

<blockquote>Dayā means mercy. What is dayā? Who is, I mean to say, less strong. Just like animals, birds, beast, you should be very merciful. Just like children: you should be very merciful to children. <ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_12.2.1_--_San_Francisco,_March_18,_1968?terms=Day%C4%81%20means&first=First%20decreasing-religiosity.%20People%20will%20become%20irreligious,%20and%20they%20will%20forget&last=cows.%20How%20many?%20Children,%20women,%20br%C4%81hma%E1%B9%87a,%20cow,%20and%20what%20else? Vanisource: Lecture on SB 12.2.1 -- San Francisco, March 18, 1968]</ref></blockquote>

He summarizes the scriptural statements with these practical guidelines for householders (gṛhasthas):

<blockquote>A gṛhastha should be very much affectionate toward lower animals, birds and bees, treating them exactly like his own children. A gṛhastha should not indulge in killing animals or birds for sense gratification. He should provide the necessities of life even to the dogs and the lowest creatures and should not exploit others for sense gratification. Factually, according to the instructions of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, every gṛhastha is a great communist who provides the means of living for everyone. Whatever a gṛhastha may possess he should equally distribute to all living entities, without discrimination. The best process is to distribute prasāda.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_7.14_Summary?terms=A%20g%E1%B9%9Bhastha%20should%20be%20very%20much%20affectionate%20toward%20lower%20animals,%20birds%20and%20bees,%20treating%20them%20exactly%20like%20his%20own%20children&first=As%20for%20the%20maintenance%20of%20his%20family,%20a%20g%E1%B9%9Bhastha,%20while&last=entities,%20without%20discrimination.%20The%20best%20process%20is%20to%20distribute%20pras%C4%81da. Vanisource: SB 7.14, Summary]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that the Vedic teachings should not be taken foolishly. Ideally, one should see with equal vision - sama-darśinaḥ - recognizing the presence of the soul and God (as the Supersoul) in every living being.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_5.18 Vanisource: BG 5.18, Translation and Purport]</ref> However, one should understand how God is present and also act appropriately in terms of material condition. In the following excerpt Śrīla Prabhupāda gives his disciples a view of the difference between wisely and foolishly 'seeing God' in the animal:

<blockquote>When you see a cat, when you see a dog, you see Kṛṣṇa in him. Why? You know that here is cat, living being. He, by his deeds, past deed he has got this body cat, forgetfulness. So let me help this cat, give it some Kṛṣṇa prasāda so that in some day he will come to Kṛṣṇa consciousness. This is to see in him Kṛṣṇa. Not that, "Oh, here is Kṛṣṇa, let me embrace this cat." This is nonsense. Here is a tiger, "Oh, here is Kṛṣṇa, come on. Please eat me." This is rascaldom. You should take sympathy with every living being, that he is part and parcel of Kṛṣṇa.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_6.25-29_--_Los_Angeles,_February_18,_1969?terms=let%20me%20help%20this%20cat,%20give%20it%20some%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a%20pras%C4%81da%20so%20that%20in%20some%20day%20he%20will%20come%20to%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a%20consciousness.%20This%20is%20to%20see%20in%20him%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a&first=Vi%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87ujana:%20Verse%20twenty-nine:%20%22A%20true%20yogi%20observes%20me%20in%20all&last=in%20everyone,%20in%20that%20way.%20Not%20that%20everyone%20is%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 6.25-29 – Los Angeles, February 18, 1969]</ref></blockquote>

In general, Śrīla Prabhupāda instructs that animals be seen as members of the individual family and the larger community and offered appropriate protection without discrimination.

<blockquote> Horses, elephants. They are also within the membership. According to Vedic conception, the animals, they are also members of your family. Because they are giving service. Not that one section of the members of my family I give protection, and the other section, I take everything from them and then cut throat. This is not civilization... Either family-wise or state-wise, it does not mean that you give protection to some members and cut throat of the others. <ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_1.26-27_--_London,_July_21,_1973?terms=According%20to%20Vedic%20conception,%20the%20animals,%20they%20are%20also%20members%20of%20your%20family&first=Pradyumna%20%28leads%20chanting,%20etc.%29:pit%E1%B9%9Fn%20atha%20pit%C4%81mah%C4%81n%C4%81c%C4%81ry%C4%81n%20m%C4%81tul%C4%81n%20bhr%C4%81t%E1%B9%9Fnputr%C4%81n&last=them,%20Arjuna.%20It%20is%20fight,%20it%20is%20a%20family%20fight. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 1.26-27 – London, July 21, 1973]</ref></blockquote>

====Animals as prajāḥ (citizens)====

Regarding the status of animals in human society, Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes the Sanskrit term prajāḥ:

<blockquote>Prajā means the living being who has taken his birth in the material world. Actually the living being has no birth and no death, but because of his separation from the service of the Lord and due to his desire to lord it over material nature, he is offered a suitable body to satisfy his material desires. In doing so, one becomes conditioned by the laws of material nature, and the material body is changed in terms of his own work. The living entity thus transmigrates from one body to another in 8,400,000 species of life. But due to his being the part and parcel of the Lord, he not only is maintained with all necessaries of life by the Lord, but also is protected by the Lord and His representatives, the saintly kings. These saintly kings give protection to all the prajās, or living beings, to live and to fulfill their terms of imprisonment. Mahārāja Parīkṣit was actually an ideal saintly king because while touring his kingdom he happened to see that a poor cow was about to be killed by the personified Kali, whom he at once took to task as a murderer. This means that even the animals were given protection by the saintly administrators, not from any sentimental point of view, but because those who have taken their birth in the material world have the right to live.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.12.19?terms=Praj%C4%81%20means&first=Praj%C4%81%20means%20the%20living%20being%20who%20has%20taken%20his%20birth&last=are%20so%20inclined%20by%20the%20influence%20of%20the%20Vedic%20literatures. Vanisource: SB 1.12.19, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

As Śrīla Prabhupāda indicates, the meaning of prajā carries with it implications for government and community leadership. The administrative segment of society is known in the Vedas as the kṣatriya class, and the duty of the kṣatriyas is to provide protection for citizenry.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_2.32?terms=The%20k%E1%B9%A3atriya%27s%20duty%20is%20to%20protect%20the%20citizens%20from%20all%20kinds%20of%20difficulties,%20and%20for%20that%20reason%20he%20has%20to%20apply%20violence%20in%20suitable%20cases%20for%20law%20and%20order&first=As%20supreme%20teacher%20of%20the%20world,%20Lord%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a%20condemns%20the&last=him.%20Fighting%20would%20be%20for%20his%20benefit%20in%20either%20case. Vanisource: BG 2.23, Purport] cites Parāśara-smṛti</ref> Śrīla Prabhupāda stresses that the kṣatriyas are meant to give protection to all who are under their dominion: "It is the duty of the kṣatriya to protect every living entity born in the land, in his kingdom. It is not that, as it is going on now, that only the human beings should be protected and not the animals."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_2.2-6_--_Ahmedabad,_December_11,_1972?terms=kill+kill+killing+k%E1%B9%A3atriya+k%E1%B9%A3atriya+k%E1%B9%A3atriya+animals+animal+killing+animals+killing+animals&first=Just%20like%20Mah%C4%81r%C4%81ja%20Par%C4%ABk%E1%B9%A3it,%20Arjuna%27s%20grandson,%20when%20he%20was%20touring&last=that%20is%20sinful%20life.%20Gambling,%20that%20is%20also%20sinful%20life. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 2.2-6 – Ahmedabad, December 11, 1972]</ref> Elsewhere he comments:

<blockquote>Vedic civilization is very liberal. According to Vedic civilization, the king has to give protection to all the prajās. Prajā means one who has taken birth in his kingdom. Prajāyate. So the animal is also prajā of the government. The trees are also prajā of the government. So formerly nobody could slaughter an animal, nobody can cut even a tree without reason, without sanction by the Vedic injunction.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Pandal_Lecture_--_Bombay,_January_14,_1973?terms=Praj%C4%81+praj%C4%81+praj%C4%81&first=Although%20Buddhism,%20we%20do%20not%20accept%20the%20philosophy%20of%20Buddhism,&last=a%20tree%20without%20reason,%20without%20sanction%20by%20the%20Vedic%20injunction. Vanisource: Pandal Lecture – Bombay, January 14, 1973]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>A kṣatriya must be vīra, hero. Whenever there is injustice, he must immediately come forward. "Why injustice? These poor animals, they are also my subject. How you can kill them? He's also born in this land." "National" means one is born in that particular land. So they are also born in this land. Why he should be treated differently? Just like in your country, even one Indian gets his child here, the child is counted as USA-born, US citizen, eh? Immediately. So if that is the law, that anyone born in this land should be treated as national, what is this law that the cows and the bulls born in that land, they are to be slaughtered?<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_1.16.4_--_Los_Angeles,_January_1,_1974?terms=animals+National+national+animals&first=So%20this%20black%20man%20was%20dressed%20like%20a%20king,%20and&last=doing%20mischievous%20activities.%22%20Immediately%20punished%20him.%20This%20is%20government%27s%20duty. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 1.16.4 -- Los Angeles, January 1, 1974]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that in the absence of kṣatriya principles of community protection, government policy adversely affects more than just the animals of society.

<blockquote>Exact good government law means that anyone who kills an animal without sanction... Of course, they now give sanction, that "Yes, you can kill as many animals in the slaughterhouse as you like." Because the government is śūdra. Government is not kṣatriya. So therefore is no protection. Why animal? Even a human being, if he's being killed on the street, on the Broadway, nobody cares for him. So this is the position.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_1.16.4_--_Los_Angeles,_January_1,_1974?terms=animals+k%E1%B9%A3atriya+animal+kill+animals+k%E1%B9%A3atriya+animal&first=So%20it%20is%20the%20duty%20of%20the%20king,%20emperor...%20Immediately&last=Broadway,%20nobody%20cares%20for%20him.%20So%20this%20is%20the%20position. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 1.16.4 – Los Angeles, January 1, 1974]</ref></blockquote>

====Brotherhood of all====

Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that civilized society is one in which all living beings are recognized as children of God. Witnessing events of his own time, he saw that civilization’s ideals of humanity and brotherhood would remain flawed unless the leaders of human society came to this understanding.

<blockquote>The so-called nationalist or humanitarist or universalist, they are packed up within the boundary of the human being. They have no expansions toward other living entities. Their national conception, that the human body should be given protection but animal body no protection... Why? They are also nationals. But they have no such idea because all these ideas are defective. There is shortcut.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Class_in_Los_Angeles_--_Los_Angeles,_November_15,_1968?terms=nation+nation+national+national+animal+nationals&first=Unless%20one%20does%20not%20understand%20that%20%22I%20am%20not%20this&last=idea%20because%20all%20these%20ideas%20are%20defective.%20There%20is%20shortcut. Vanisource: Class in Los Angeles -- Los Angeles, November 15, 1968]</ref></blockquote>

In one conversation with his disciples, Śrīla Prabhupāda voiced his stand against the 'humanitarian' attitude of the day:

<blockquote>You are trying to unify the so-called human beings, but you are keeping the poor animals for cutting their throat. This is your humanity. Because these poor animals cannot protest, so you are strong. And this is your humanity, you cut their throat and eat. But that is not humanity. Humanity is here mentioned: God is the seed-giving father all living entities. That is the fact. That is humanity. They do not know what is meaning by humanity. Here is the explanation, humanity. That is called brahma-bhūtaḥ prasannātmā ([[Vanisource:BG 18.54 (1972)|BG 18.54]]). Unless you come to that stage, there is no question of humanity. Artificially, you manufacture something and you think humanity. According to your convenience. "Let us combine together and exploit other living entities for our benefit." That is not humanity. They do not know what is humanity. Here is the explanation. How humanity can be established unless there is the understanding of the supreme father, how there is question of, how this question of brotherhood can come in?<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversation_--_August_10,_1976,_Tehran?terms=that%20is%20not%20humanity+That%20is%20not%20humanity&first=Day%C4%81nanda:%20But%20they%20accept%20that%20there%20is%20some%20good%20quality&last=humanity,%20imperfect,%20because%20you%20are%20imperfect.%20Here%20is%20perfect%20idea. Vanisource: Room Conversation – August 10, 1976, Tehran]</ref></blockquote>

In another discussion, he commented on the knowledge gap involved in common humanitarian activities:

<blockquote>The same man, he is giving charity for feeding poor man or giving relief to the distressed man, but at the same time he's encouraging animal-killing. So what is the ethics? What is the ethical law in these two contradictory activities? One side... Just like our Vivekananda. He is advocating daridra-nārāyaṇa sevā, "Feed the poor," but feed the poor with mother Kālī's prasāda, where poor goats are killed. Just like, another, one side feeding the poor, another side killing the poor goat. So what is the ethic? What is the ethical law in this connection? Just like people open hospitals, and the doctor prescribes, "Give this man," what it is called, "(Hindi), ox blood, or chicken juice." So what is this ethic? And they're supporting that "Here is chicken juice." Just because animal has no soul, so they can be killed. This is another theory. So why the animal has no soul? So imperfect knowledge. So on the basis of imperfect knowledge this ethic or this humanitarian, what is the value?<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Philosophy_Discussion_on_Soren_Aabye_Kierkegaard?terms=animal%20has%20no%20soul+animal%20has%20no%20soul&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20There%20are%20two%20sides.%20There%20are%20two%20kinds%20of&last=ethical%20law.%20Where%20are%20these%20discussions%20on%20the%20ethical%20laws? Vanisource: Philosophy Discussion on Soren Aabye Kierkegaard]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda defines the ideal of civilized society in this description of [[Vaniquotes:Aryan_civilization_means|Āryan civilization]] given in his purport to Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam [[Vanisource:SB 6.16.43|6.16.43]]:

<blockquote>The members of human society who strictly follow the principles of bhāgavata-dharma and live according to the instructions of the Supreme Personality of Godhead are called Āryans or ārya. A civilization of Āryans who strictly follow the instructions of the Lord and never deviate from those instructions is perfect. Such civilized men do not discriminate between trees, animals, human beings and other living entities. Paṇḍitāḥ sama-darśinaḥ: ([[Vanisource:BG 5.18 (1972)|BG 5.18]]) because they are completely educated in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, they see all living beings equally. Āryans do not kill even a small plant unnecessarily, not to speak of cutting trees for sense gratification. At the present moment, throughout the world, killing is prominent. Men are killing trees, they are killing animals, and they are killing other human beings also, all for sense gratification. This is not an Āryan civilization. As stated here, sthira-cara-sattva-kadambeṣv apṛthag-dhiyaḥ. The word apṛthag-dhiyaḥ indicates that Āryans do not distinguish between lower and higher grades of life. All life should be protected. All living beings have a right to live, even the trees and plants. This is the basic principle of an Āryan civilization.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_6.16.43?terms=At%20the%20present%20moment,%20throughout%20the%20world,%20killing%20is%20prominent.%20Men%20are%20killing%20trees,%20they%20are%20killing%20animals,%20and%20they%20are%20killing%20other%20human%20beings%20also,%20all%20for%20sense%20gratification.%20This%20is%20not%20an%20%C4%80ryan%20civilization&first=Bh%C4%81gavata-dharma%20and%20k%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a-kath%C4%81%20are%20identical.%20%C5%9Ar%C4%AB%20Caitanya%20Mah%C4%81prabhu%20wanted%20everyone&last=the%20swift%20deliverer%20from%20the%20ocean%20of%20birth%20and%20death.%22 Vanisource: SB 6.16.43, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

(Go to [[#Civilized_community_.28ref.29|<u>'''references'''</u>]] for '''"Civilized community"''')

==Non-theistic perspectives==

While Śrīla Prabhupāda's presentation is primarily theistic, he also advances arguments without specific reference to God to oppose the practice of animal-killing. This section highlights three angles of reasoning: natural design (human physiology and resources for food), common morality (observable without reference to God), and economics (focusing on material prosperity and utilization of material resources).

===Natural design===

Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that flesh-eating for humans is neither necessary nor truly natural. There is no need to kill animals, he says, as one can stay healthy eating a variety of foods without resorting to bloodshed.

<blockquote>Milk, butter, cheese and similar products give animal fat in a form which rules out any need for the killing of innocent creatures. It is only through brute mentality that this killing goes on. The civilized method of obtaining needed fat is by milk. Slaughter is the way of subhumans. Protein is amply available through split peas, dāl, whole wheat, etc.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_17.10?terms=The%20civilized%20method%20of%20obtaining%20needed%20fat%20is%20by%20milk.%20Slaughter%20is%20the%20way%20of%20subhumans&first=The%20purpose%20of%20food%20is%20to%20increase%20the%20duration%20of&last=is%20amply%20available%20through%20split%20peas,%20d%C4%81l,%20whole%20wheat,%20etc. Vanisource: BG 17.10, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

He advocates utilizing milk instead of meat for comparable nutrition without violence.

<blockquote>Milk - accepting that cow flesh and blood is very nutritious, that we also admit - but a civilized man utilizes the blood and meat in a different way. The milk is nothing but blood. But it is transformed into milk. And again, from milk you make so many things. You make yogurt, you make curd, you make ghee, so many things. And combination of these milk products with grains, with fruits and vegetables, you make similar hundreds of preparation. So this is civilized life, not that directly kill one animal and eat... Why you should kill?<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversation_with_writer,_Sandy_Nixon_--_July_13,_1975,_Philadelphia?terms=milk+milk+milk+milk+milk+Milk+cow+blood+blood+milk+blood+milk+milk+milk+cow+blood+milk+milk&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20God%20has%20given%20to%20the%20human%20society%20so%20many&last=the%20gratefulness%20is%20that%20cut%20his%20throat?%20Is%20that%20civilization? Vanisource: Room Conversation with writer, Sandy Nixon – July 13, 1975, Philadelphia]</ref></blockquote>

In terms of bodily design, Śrīla Prabhupāda describes how meat-eating is not supported for the human as it is for other, characteristically carnivorous animals. In this way he argues that meat-eating is not actually natural for the human being.

<blockquote>In the material world, material nature displays wonderful workmanship by creating varieties of bodies for the living beings according to their propensities for sense gratification. The living entity who wants to taste stool is given a material body that is quite suitable for eating stool—that of a hog. Similarly, one who wants to eat the flesh and blood of other animals may be given a tiger's body equipped with suitable teeth and claws. But the human being is not meant for eating flesh, nor does he have any desire to taste stool, even in the most aboriginal state. Human teeth are so made that they can chew and cut fruit and vegetables, although there are two canine teeth so that primitive humans can eat flesh if they so desire.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/ISO_17?terms=eating+eat+human+eating+Human+eat&first=In%20the%20material%20world,%20material%20nature%20displays%20wonderful%20workmanship%20by&last=that%20primitive%20humans%20can%20eat%20flesh%20if%20they%20so%20desire. Vanisource: Sri Isopanisad 17, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>The animal eats; we simply make arrangement of eating unnaturally. That is our advancement. In the animal kingdom, every particular animal has got a particular type of food. Just like tiger. A tiger eats flesh and blood, but if you give tiger nice oranges or grapes, he'll not touch it, because that is not his food. Similarly, a hog. A hog eats stool. If you give the hog nice halavā, it will not touch. You see? So every particular animal has got a particular type of food. Similarly, we human beings, we have got our particular type of food also. What is that? Fruits, milk, grains. Just like our teeth is made - you take a fruit, you can easily cut into pieces by this tooth. But if you take a piece of flesh, it will be difficult to cut with these teeth. But a tiger has got particular type of teeth, he can immediately cut into pieces the flesh. So we are advancing in education, but we do not study even of our teeth. We simply go to the dentist. That's all. This is our advancement of civilization.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Speech_--_New_Vrindaban,_August_31,_1972?terms=human+eating+food+food+food+human+food+eat+eat&first=Everyone%20takes%20birth%20as%20human%20being,%20but%20he%20does%20not&last=eat%20anything%20damn;%20therefore%20we%20require%20the%20help%20of%20dentist. Vanisource: Speech – New Vrindaban, August 31, 1972]</ref></blockquote>

===Common morality===

Śrīla Prabhupāda shows that compassion for other living entities is a basic ethical principle which is preached both within the Vedas<ref>As seen in [http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_6.10.9 Vanisource: SB 6.10.9, Translation and Purport]</ref> and outside as well. In connection with animal-killing, he refers to a maxim given by Cāṇakya Paṇḍita, a royal advisor and moralist from Vedic history.

<blockquote>Ātmavat sarva-bhūteṣu… thinking all living entities as your own self. If you feel pains and pleasure by something, you could not afflict the pains to others. If your throat is cut, if your head is cut, you feel so much pain, how you can cut the head of another animal? This is education.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_1.26-27_--_London,_July_21,_1973?terms=%C4%81tmavat%20sarva-bh%C5%ABte%E1%B9%A3u+%C4%81tmavat%20sarva-bh%C5%ABte%E1%B9%A3u&first=C%C4%81%E1%B9%87akya%20Pa%E1%B9%87%E1%B8%8Dita,%20the%20great%20politician,%20has%20given%20the%20definition%20of&last=Where%20is%20that%20pa%E1%B9%87%E1%B8%8Dita?%20There%20is%20no%20such%20thing%20now. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 1.26-27 – London, July 21, 1973]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that Buddhism also reflects this principle. He discusses how Lord Buddha was an incarnation of God who appeared specifically to stop the practice of unrestricted, unprincipled animal slaughter. Turning aside the Vedas and references to God or the soul, he says, Lord Buddha instead approached the issue from a psychological perspective, focusing on immediate experience in the material world, to promote nonviolence as the best religious principle (ahiṁsaḥ parama-dharmaḥ).<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.3.24?terms=Buddha%20preached%20nonviolence,%20taking%20pity%20on%20the%20poor%20animals.%20He%20preached%20that%20he%20did%20not%20believe%20in%20the%20tenets%20of%20the%20Vedas%20and%20stressed%20the%20adverse%20psychological%20effects%20incurred%20by%20animal-killing&first=Lord%20Buddha,%20a%20powerful%20incarnation%20of%20the%20Personality%20of%20Godhead,&last=things%20which%20are%20to%20take%20place%20on%20distant%20future%20dates. Vanisource: SB 1.3.24, Purport]</ref> Śrīla Prabhupāda explains how the principle of compassion is expressed in Lord Buddha's teachings:

<blockquote> Ātmavat sarva-bhūteṣu … whether the animal has soul or not soul, we shall consider later on. But when knife is on my throat I cry, and he also cries. Why shall I say that it has no soul and let me kill it? So that means he does not know how to see other living entity like himself. Buddha philosophy is based on this, that whatever you feel pain you should not inflict to others.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_6.1.22_--_Honolulu,_May_22,_1976?terms=%C4%81tmavat%20sarva-bh%C5%ABte%E1%B9%A3u&first=So%20brahmac%C4%81r%C4%AB%20is%20taught%20that%20how%20he%20should%20behave%20in&last=inflict%20to%20others.%20This%20is%20education.%20M%C4%81t%E1%B9%9Bvat%20para-d%C4%81re%E1%B9%A3u%20para-dravye%E1%B9%A3u%20lo%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%ADravat. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 6.1.22 -- Honolulu, May 22, 1976]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda specifically questions the morality of killing cows.

<blockquote>She is eating that grass and supplying the most nutritious food - milk - and in exchange you are cutting throat. How you can be happy? Such an innocent animal. She is eating grass supplied by God, and instead of grass, if you think that "She is eating grass from the land, American land or my land. She must give me something," she's supplying milk. What reason there is? So if we human beings, if we forget even ordinary mercy, compassion and gratefulness, then what is that human life?<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_5.5.1-2_--_London_%28Tittenhurst%29,_September_13,_1969?terms=cow+cow+gratefulness&first=K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a%27s%20laws%20or%20nature%27s%20law%20is%20so%20nice%20that%20a&last=mercy,%20compassion%20and%20gratefulness,%20then%20what%20is%20that%20human%20life? Vanisource: Lecture on SB 5.5.1-2 -- London (Tittenhurst), September 13,1969]</ref></blockquote>

He frequently speaks of how, according to the Vedic way of thinking, the cow and bull are mother and father of society. From that standpoint, he asks, how can one morally justify killing these animals?

<blockquote>From moral point of view, you are drinking the milk of cow, and after that you are sending to the slaughterhouse. Do you like to send your mother to the slaughterhouse? And the bull is giving you, producing your food. Nowadays they have invented tractor or engaging sometimes horse. But in India still, the bulls are engaged for tilling the ground, the field, and produces. So from moral sense, the bull is producing your food and the cow is giving milk to you; therefore father and mother. Just like father produces food for the children and the mother gives the milk. So if the human society has not this simple brain of understanding, then where is brain?<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversation_with_Mr._C._Hennis_of_the_International_Labor_Organization_of_the_U.N._--_May_31,_1974,_Geneva?terms=slaughterhouse+slaughterhouse&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20So%20such%20an%20important...%20And%20besides%20that,%20from%20moral&last=not%20this%20simple%20brain%20of%20understanding,%20then%20where%20is%20brain? Vanisource: Room Conversation with Mr. C. Hennis of the International Labor Organization of the U.N. -- May 31, 1974]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda proposes that if people cannot give up eating the flesh of the cow, then they should wait until the animal dies naturally.

<blockquote>Why we should maintain slaughterhouse? If we want to eat the flesh, let us wait till the death. And there will be death. There is no doubt about it. So why they should maintain slaughterhouse? And this is most cruelty. A animal which is giving milk, so important foodstuff, and that is being killed, it does not suit any moral sense of any human being. <ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversation_with_Monsieur_Mesman,_Chief_of_Law_House_of_Paris_--_June_11,_1974,_Paris?terms=slaughterhouse+slaughterhouse+slaughterhouse&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20One%20thousand%20pounds%20daily%20in%20our,%20one%20center,%20New&last=milk,%20therefore%20she%27s%20our%20mother.%20So%20this%20is%20our%20philosophy. Vanisource: Room Conversation with Monsieur Mesman, Chief of Law House of Paris -- June 11, 1974]</ref></blockquote>

===Economics===

Śrīla Prabhupāda argues that even from a strictly material standpoint, there is no real profit in killing animals in the interest of economic development.

====Efficient use of resources====

In this mock debate with his disciples, Śrīla Prabhupāda points out the inefficiency of animal-killing for food:

::Prabhupāda: You do not kill human beings, but you kill animals. Similarly you discriminate: instead of killing animals, kill vegetables. Importance. Just like this grass. There is enough supply of grass, but you cannot have enough supply of cows. Therefore discrimination is that it is better to live on grass than on animals. Now, still they are eating seventy-five percent other than animals. They are not eating only animals. Why not twenty-five percent more? In the market they are not eating animal. When the animal-eaters I see, they have got a little flesh, surrounded by salad and these peas and so many other things. Why don't you eat only meat?

::Śrutakīrti: Because we require a balanced diet.

::Prabhupāda: No, you cannot supply. If everyone eats meat only, then one day all animals will be finished.

::Paramahaṁsa: But we want to have a balanced diet with meat, and vegetables and fruit.

::Prabhupāda: That balance of diet can be done by grains and vegetables. Why should we kill animals? We know that, the balance can be done. You learn from us that balanced food can be done.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Morning_Walk_--_May_7,_1975,_Perth?terms=discrimination+discrimination+eating+eating+eating+eat+eating&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20If%20you%20think%20killing%20of%20an%20animal%20and%20killing&last=killing,%20then%20why%20does%20he%20say,%20%22Thou%20shalt%20not%20kill%22? Vanisource: Morning Walk -- May 7, 1975, Perth]</ref>

He introduced a similar argument from a statistical standpoint at one lecture engagement:

::Prabhupāda: In the Bhagavad-gītā it is said, annād bhavanti bhūtāni: ([[Vanisource:BG 3.14 (1972)|BG 3.14]]) "Simply by growing food grains, both the animals and the man, they can live very happily." And you can grow food grains very easily. I have seen in the Western countries, they are growing food grains for the animals, and the food grains are eaten by the animals, and the animal is eaten by man. They are producing food grains. What is the statistics that the animal eating food grains, the same time, the same amount food grains can be eaten by so many men?

::Brahmānanda: The acreage... For a cow to eat requires so many acres for that one cow, and then that cow is slaughtered and it only feeds a few men, whereas that same acreage could feed hundreds of men by grains.

::Prabhupāda: Yes.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_7.5.30_--_Mauritius,_October_2,_1975?terms=I%20have%20seen%20in%20the%20Western%20countries,%20they%20are%20growing%20food%20grains%20for%20the%20animals,%20and%20the%20food%20grains%20are%20eaten%20by%20the%20animals,%20and%20the%20animal%20is%20eaten%20by%20man&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20Du%E1%B9%A3k%E1%B9%9Btina%20means%20always%20engaged%20in%20sinful%20activities.%20K%E1%B9%9Bti.%20K%E1%B9%9Bti&last=and%20to%20advance%20in%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a%20consciousness%20and%20make%20life%20perfect Vanisource: Lecture on SB 7.5.30 -- Mauritius, October 2, 1975]</ref>

Śrīla Prabhupāda maintains that animals are an economic asset - not as meat, but as labor.

<blockquote>The bulls are there. They can be used for transport. Or the asses, they can be used for transport. And the camels can be used for transport. There are so many animals... Transport is required in the human society, but you can utilize so many animals for your purpose. But at the present moment, [[Vaniquotes:Ugra-karma|ugra-karma]]. The transport is there, but they have manufactured big, big buses for transport, big, big cars, and the animals, they are now killed and eat. That's all. This is civilization. This is civilization. Not to reduce the labor, but increase the labor.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_5.5.10-13_--_Vrndavana,_November_1,_1976?terms=Transport%20is%20required%20in%20the%20human%20society,%20but%20you%20can%20utilize%20so%20many%20animals%20for%20your%20purpose&first=These%20factories%20means%20ugra-karma,%20unnecessarily%20severe,%20hard%20work.%20Unnecessarily.%20We&last=happiness%20is%20different.%20It%20cannot%20be%20had%20from%20the%20ugra-karma. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 5.5.10-13 -- Vrndavana, November 1, 1976]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>The bull helps plowing. That is the original system. Now they have invented tractors, what is called? Tractor?... And the bulls are being killed. Why they should be killed? Engage them in tilling the field. They will have occupation. And the man also will have occupation. There is immense land. So there will be no question of unemployment.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversation_with_Scientists_--_July_2,_1974,_Melbourne?terms=bull%20helps%20plowing&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20This%20is%20the%20cycle,%20that%20we%20should%20produce%20immense&last=hundreds%20of%20men%20become%20unemployed.%20So%20unemployed%20means%20devil%27s%20workshop. Vanisource: Room Conversation with Scientists -- July 2, 1974, Melbourne]</ref></blockquote>

====Economics of cow protection====

The Vedas specifically direct that the cow be spared from slaughter. Śrīla Prabhupāda highlights economics as a key factor behind this injunction.

<blockquote>Cow protection is recommended in the Vedic literature because it is giving the most valuable foodstuff, milk. Apart from other sentiments, it is supplying, and in exchange of nothing. She simply eats some grasses from the ground. That's all. You don't have to provide cows with foodstuff. The things which you refuse, you take the grain and you supply the skin. You take the fruit pulp, you supply the skin. You take the, I mean to say, from paddy. You take the rice. You supply the straw and she delivers you a very nice foodstuff. And I have discussed all these points in my Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, that human economic problem can be solved simply by having some land and some cows.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_5.5.3_--_Boston,_May_4,_1968?terms=Cow%20protection%20is%20recommended%20in%20the%20Vedic%20literature%20because%20it%20is%20giving%20the%20most%20valuable%20foodstuff,%20milk&first=Guest%20%284%29:%20What%20I...%20I%20was%20going%20to%20ask%20you,&last=is%20the%20best%20type%20of%20civilization.%20Plain%20living,%20high%20thinking. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 5.5.3 – Boston, May 4, 1968]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>Actually, a human being does not require to eat meat. He has got many other substitutes. But still, if he wants to eat, let him eat the less important animals. Just like dog, hog. From the social point of view it has no utility. But why killing cows? It is delivering such a nice nutritious food, milk. Not only milk. According to Vedic system, the cow is so important, even the urine, even the stool, of cow is important.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversation_with_Mr._C._Hennis_of_the_International_Labor_Organization_of_the_U.N._--_May_31,_1974,_Geneva?terms=go-rak%E1%B9%A3ya&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20No,%20it%20is%20already%20there.%20It%20is%20already%20there.&last=the%20society%20will%20never%20be%20happy.%20This%20is%20our%20verdict. Vanisource: Room Conversation with Mr. C. Hennis of the International Labor Organization of the U.N. – May 31, 1974, Geneva]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>Both the bulls and the cows are important because the bull will produce food grain and the cow will give supply milk. They should be utilized properly. That is human intelligence.<ref>[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Both_the_bulls_and_the_cows_are_important_because_the_bull_will_produce_food_grain_and_the_cow_will_give_supply_milk._They_should_be_utilized_properly._That_is_human_intelligence Vaniquotes: Both the bulls and cows are important...] - VedaBase reference is Conversations: Walk Around Farm -- August 1, 1975, New Orleans</ref></blockquote>

Beyond mere subsistence, Śrīla Prabhupāda argues that proper treatment of cows actually increases their milk yield.

<blockquote>They have got intelligence that "We will be killed." Therefore they are not supplying sufficient milk. They cannot, just like if your mind is full of anxiety, you cannot work fully. So because they are denied this cheerfulness, you are getting less milk. If you keep them cheerful, they will give more milk. This is nature's economic development. Artificially you cannot increase the production of milk. But according to the instruction of scripture, if you keep them cheerful without any fear, they will deliver double milk.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversations_--_July_26,_1975,_Laguna_Beach?terms=double%20milk&first=Satsvar%C5%ABpa:%20%22During%20the%20reign%20of%20Mah%C4%81r%C4%81ja%20Yudhisthira,%20the%20clouds%20showered&last=posit...%20There%20will%20be%20no%20scarcity%20of%20food%20or%20happiness. Vanisource: Room Conversations – July 26, 1975, Laguna Beach]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote> Now, we have, in your Western country, we have introduced such ideas in West Virginia. We have started one community project where we are keeping cows also. The cows are giving more milk than in other farm. They are so jubilant. Even up to eighty pounds milk, they are giving, because they know that "These people will not kill me." <ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversation_with_Mr._C._Hennis_of_the_International_Labor_Organization_of_the_U.N._--_May_31,_1974,_Geneva?terms=go-rak%E1%B9%A3ya&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20No,%20it%20is%20already%20there.%20It%20is%20already%20there.&last=the%20society%20will%20never%20be%20happy.%20This%20is%20our%20verdict. Vanisource: Room Conversation with Mr. C. Hennis of the International Labor Organization of the U.N. – May 31, 1974, Geneva]</ref></blockquote>

Recognizing that the resources from the body of the cow are also valuable, Śrīla Prabhupāda tells how these can be easily obtained simply by letting the animal die a natural death. He describes the activities of the cobblers in the traditional economy of India:

<blockquote>As soon as your animal is dead you give them information. They will come. They'll take the animal. They will get the skin for nothing. So they'll tan it and make shoes for selling. So they will get the raw materials free of charges, so they can make shoes. Tanning with oil and keeping it in the sunshine, the skin becomes soft and durable, and then you can prepare shoes. A class of men, muci. So there was no problem. And the bones you gather together and keep in a place. In due course of time it will become very good fertilization. And they can eat the flesh also. Only the cobbler class, the muci class, they eat this cow's flesh after taking the dead animal. So after killing, everyone eats, so why not wait for the natural death and eat it?<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_16.7_--_Hyderabad,_December_15,_1976?terms=cobbler+dead+cobbler+dead&first=So%20this%20cobbler...%20Just%20like%20we%20are%20protecting%20cows.%20We&last=why%20not%20wait%20for%20the%20natural%20death%20and%20eat%20it? Vanisource: Lecture on BG 16.7 – Hyderabad, December 15, 1976]</ref></blockquote>

In this way, Śrīla Prabhupāda argues that by utilizing the wisdom of traditional agriculture with cow protection, human society benefits economically in a simple, sustainable way. Cows and bulls, he advises, should receive proper care and be allowed to live free of the slaughterhouse, even if only for the material benefit of human society. As he once put it, "If you kill the cow you get the meat only one time. But if you allow the cow to live and take milk, and from milk you can make hundreds and thousands of preparations. That is enjoyment, real enjoyment."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Garden_Conversation_--_June_14,_1976,_Detroit?terms=kill+Kill+civilized+kill&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20If%20you%20kill%20the%20cow%20you%20get%20the%20meat&last=take%20the%20dead%20body%20and%20eat.%20Why%20do%20they%20not Vanisource: Garden Conversation -- June 14, 1976, Detroit]</ref>

(Go to [[#Non-theistic_perspectives_.28ref.29|<u>'''references'''</u>]] for '''"Non-theistic perspectives"''')

==Exceptions and concessions==

Śrīla Prabhupāda shows that the Vedas allow for the use of violence, including the killing of an animal, under particular conditions. One allowance is that animals may be slaughtered in religious sacrifices as directed in certain Vedic literatures. Another is for persons of the kṣatriya class, the military and protective segment of society, to hunt and kill wild animals as part of their occupational training and duty. In addition, Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that in emergency situations, as when threatened by attack or starvation, an animal may be killed for the sake of human life and limb. In some cases of animal disturbance, killing might be necessary; but such instances would be infrequent. He stresses that convenience should never be construed as necessity, and disturbance should not whimsically be taken as license to kill.

Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that while any kind of animal-killing must be restricted to these few conditions, the Vedas give the cow special protective status. The cow is never sacrificed as means to put food on the table. Śrīla Prabhupāda proposes that meat-eaters may continue to eat meat, provided they stay within the bounds of the Vedic regulations, either by following the procedures for legitimate sacrificial rituals or by eating only those animals which have [[#Proposal_for_meat-eaters|died from natural causes]] and not from slaughter.

===Animal sacrifice===

Some Vedic texts include recommendations for ritual animal sacrifices. Śrīla Prabhupāda describes two types: one for the purpose of testing the power of Vedic mantras, and the other as a concession to persons who cannot or will not abstain from eating meat.

====Testing the power of Vedic mantra====

Śrīla Prabhupāda tells of how in a previous era, wealthy and pious leaders of Vedic society would hold grand events featuring the sacrifice of one or more large animals, such as horses (aśvamedha-yajña) or cows (gomedha-yajña). The purpose of these ceremonies was not to provide entertainment or food, but to prove the potency of Vedic mantras.

=====Renewal of life=====

In this type of sacrifice, a brāhmaṇa priest places an animal on the sacrificial altar, where he apparently kills the animal while reciting prescribed mantras. If the process is properly executed, the animal does not die as such, but emerges with a new body, either a youthful body of its own species or, through immediate promotion up the evolutionary ladder, a human body.<ref>[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Sometimes_the_sacrificed_animal_is_promoted_immediately_to_the_human_form_of_life See Vaniquotes: Sometimes the sacrificed animal is promoted immediately to the human form of life]</ref> Śrīla Prabhupāda describes the purpose of such sacrifices:

<blockquote>Just like in medical science, in physiology sometimes experiment is made by plying the knife on some animal, similarly, how the yajña was being performed, that was tested by animal sacrifice. Animal sacrifice was not meant for killing one animal and eating. No. That the animal, an old animal, should be put into the yajña fire and he'll come out a young, with a young body, that was the test how Vedic mantras were being chanted powerfully. That was the... Not that animal was to be killed there. No. Superficially it appears that animal is put and he is killed, but when the animal comes out of the yajña, that is the test of yajñic brāhmaṇa chanting the Vedic hymns correctly. That was the system.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_6.2.24-25_--_Gorakhpur,_February_13,_1971?terms=br%C4%81hma%E1%B9%87as+animal+animal+animal+Animal+animal+animal+animal+animal+animal+animal+br%C4%81hma%E1%B9%87a+br%C4%81hma%E1%B9%87a&first=Actually%20the%20br%C4%81hma%E1%B9%87as%20had%20so%20much%20power%20in%20those%20days&last=all%20kinds%20of%20yaj%C3%B1as%20are%20forbidden%20at%20the%20present%20moment. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 6.2.24-25 – Gorakhpur, February 13, 1971]</ref></blockquote>

For the brāhmaṇa to engage in this violent act is not sinful. First, as Śrīla Prabhupāda explains, "the brāhmaṇa is not responsible for killing an animal. So because it is duty, it is ordained by the śāstras; therefore they are not ordinary killing." <ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_2.26_--_Hyderabad,_November_30,_1972?terms=animal+br%C4%81hma%E1%B9%87a+animal&first=The%20Battle%20of%20Kuruk%E1%B9%A3etra,%20it%20was%20finished%20within%20eighteen%20days.&last=ordained%20by%20the%20%C5%9B%C4%81stras,%20therefore%20they%20are%20not%20ordinary%20killing. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 2.26 – Hyderabad, November 30, 1972]</ref> Second, the brāhmaṇa who properly performs the sacrifice is not actually killing the animal, but rather giving it new life.<ref> See [http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Adi_17.160 Vanisource: CC Adi 17.160-164] for the explanation given by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.</ref> As long as the priests can give new life to the animal, the Vedas allow these sacrificial performances.

<blockquote>The animal sacrifice is never meant for killing the animal, but for achieving the successful result of the sacrifice. The animal offered in the sacrificial fire is, so to speak, destroyed, but the next moment it is given a new life by dint of the Vedic hymns chanted by the expert priest. When such an expert priest is not available, the animal sacrifice in the fire of the sacrificial altar is forbidden.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_2.6.23?terms=sacrifice+sacrifice+new%20life+sacrifice&first=For%20sacrificial%20performances%20many%20ingredients%20were%20in%20need,%20especially%20animals.&last=but%20everything%20is%20created%20from%20the%20person%20of%20the%20Lord. Vanisource: SB 2.6.23, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

If the priest fails in his performance of the sacrifice, then he will be held accountable for the animal's death. Conveying the counsel of the great sage Nārada Muni, Śrīla Prabhupāda points out the risk involved:

<blockquote>Overindulgence in animal sacrifice is risky because as soon as there is a small discrepancy in the execution of such a sacrifice, the slaughtered animal may not be promoted to a human form of life. Consequently, the person performing sacrifice will be responsible for the death of the animal, just as much as a murderer is responsible for killing another man.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.25.8?terms=overindulgence%20in%20animal%20sacrifice%20is%20risky%20because%20as%20soon%20as%20there%20is%20a%20small%20discrepancy%20in%20the%20execution%20of%20such%20a%20sacrifice,%20the%20slaughtered%20animal%20may%20not%20be%20promoted%20to%20a%20human%20form%20of%20life&first=N%C4%81rada%20Muni%20wanted%20to%20draw%20King%20Pr%C4%81c%C4%ABnabarhi%E1%B9%A3at%27s%20attention%20to%20the&last=fact.%20Thus%20animal-killing%20is%20not%20encouraged%20even%20in%20a%20sacrifice. Vanisource: SB 4.25.8, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

=====Forbidden in this age=====

Śrīla Prabhupāda relates that this type of sacrificial ritual, although practiced millenia ago, is actually prohibited for our current era (Kali-yuga). He discusses how these sacrifices were opposed by Lord Buddha due to their being widely abused during the time of Buddha's advent. Unqualified brāhmaṇas, ignorant of the principles of the Vedas, were engaging in such 'sacrifices' as an excuse for meat-eating. Thus Lord Buddha, an empowered incarnation of God, turned aside Vedic authority in order to protect the authentic principles it was meant to promote.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.3.24 Vanisource: SB 1.3.24, Purport]</ref>

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, who appeared later as Lord Kṛṣṇa's direct incarnation, cited a verse from the Brahma-vaivarta Purāṇa to confirm that these sacrifices are actually forbidden in the present age (Kali-yuga) because there are no brāhmaṇas with sufficient expertise to execute them properly.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Adi_17.164 Vanisource: CC Adi 17.164], where Lord Caitanya quotes the verse from the Brahma-vaivarta Purāṇa (Kṛṣṇa-janma-khaṇḍa 185.180).</ref> As seen in the following conversation excerpt, Śrīla Prabhupāda references this prohibition to clarify matters regarding animal sacrifice:

::Indian man (6): I have one question. Though there is mention, in earlier times, we see also used to eat meat.

::Prabhupāda: When?

::Indian man (6): Aśvamedha-yajña, all these things, and before that...

::Prabhupāda: That is now prohibited.

::::aśvamedhaṁ gavālambhaṁ
::::sannyāsaṁ pala-paitṛkam
::::devareṇa sutotpattiṁ
::::kalau pañca vivarjayet
::::([[Vanisource:CC Adi 17.164|CC Adi 17.164]])

::If you refer to śāstra, the śāstra says in Kali-yuga these should be avoided. At that time, when there was aśvamedha-yajña, gomedha-yajña, that was not for eating. That was to prove the strength of Vedic mantra, how the animal was put in the fire and again gave him a new life. So where is that Vedic chanter, Vedic brāhmaṇa, yajñika brāhmaṇa ? There is no such things, powerful brāhmaṇa. Therefore it is to be avoided. And that was not for eating purpose. To put one old animal in the fire and again he comes back with new life, that was the purpose.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Evening_Darsana_--_July_11,_1976,_New_York?terms=new%20life+new%20life+sacrifice+new%20life&first=Indian%20man%20%286%29:%20A%C5%9Bvamedha-yaj%C3%B1a,%20all%20these%20things,%20and%20before%20that...&last=meant%20for%20renovating%20new%20life.%20That%20is%20not%20for%20eating. Vanisource: Evening Darsana -- July 11, 1976, New York]</ref>

====Concession for meat-eaters====

The second type of Vedic sacrifice Śrīla Prabhupāda mentions is the bali-dāna (kālī-pūjā or durgā-pūjā), in which a goat or other prescribed animal is slaughtered in a ritual performed for the demigoddess Kālī (Durgā) and its flesh consumed afterwards. This sacrifice, he says, is recommended in the tāmasika Purāṇas, Vedic literatures aimed at the gradual reformation and elevation of persons from the lowest levels of human consciousness. He describes the process and purpose of the bali-dāna sacrifice:

<blockquote>Just like a person is attached to eat meat. Now if all of a sudden if he is instructed that meat eating is not good. Or a person is attached to drink liquor. If he at once said that liquor is not good, he cannot accept. Therefore in the Purāṇas we'll find, "All right, if you want to eat meat, you just worship goddess Kālī and sacrifice a goat before the goddess. And you can eat meat. You cannot eat meat or flesh by purchasing from the slaughterhouse or butcher shop. You have to eat in this way." That means restriction. Because if you want to perform the sacrifice before the goddess Kālī, there is a certain date, there is a certain paraphernalia, you have to arrange for that. And that pūjā, that worship is allowed on the dark moon night. So dark moon night means once in a month. And the mantras are chanted in this way: the goat is advised that "You are sacrificing your life before the goddess Kālī. So you get immediately promotion to have a human form of life." Actually it happens. Because to come to the standard of human form of life one living entity has to pass through so many evolutionary process. But the goat who agrees or who is by force sacrificed before the goddess Kālī, he gets immediate promotion to the human form of life. And the mantra says, that "You have got the right to kill this man who is sacrificing." [[Vaniquotes:Mamsa|Māṁsa]]. Māṁsa means that you will also eat his flesh, next birth. "Why eat this flesh? Then I'll have to repay with my flesh. Why shall I do this job?" You see. The whole idea is to restrain him.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_6.6-12_--_Los_Angeles,_February_15,_1969?terms=K%C4%81l%C4%AB+K%C4%81l%C4%AB+p%C5%ABj%C4%81+K%C4%81l%C4%AB+K%C4%81l%C4%AB&first=Just%20like%20a%20person%20is%20attached%20to%20eat%20meat.%20Now&last=job?%22%20You%20see.%20The%20whole%20idea%20is%20to%20restrain%20him. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 6.6-12 – Los Angeles, February 15, 1969]</ref></blockquote>

As Śrīla Prabhupāda points out, the mantra recited in the ceremony makes it evident that though this sacrificial process is sanctioned by the Vedas, it does not excuse the person for whom it is performed from the laws of God and nature. "Even by following this method," he notes, "one is still an offender."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Madhya_24.250?terms=bali&first=This%20is%20another%20good%20instruction%20to%20animal-killers.%20There%20are%20always&last=Even%20by%20following%20this%20method,%20one%20is%20still%20an%20offender. Vanisource: CC Madhya 24.250, Purport]</ref> However, Śrīla Prabhupāda shows that the action of one who follows this recommendation is restricted, better informed and less offensive than it would be otherwise. Moreover, the sacrificial process protects society at large from the adverse effects of animal slaughter. He writes:

<blockquote> No one can create a living being despite all advancement of material science, and therefore no one has the right to kill a living being by one's independent whims. For the animal-eaters, the scriptures have sanctioned restricted animal sacrifices only, and such sanctions are there just to restrict the opening of slaughterhouses and not to encourage animal-killing. The procedure under which animal sacrifice is allowed in the scriptures is good both for the animal sacrificed and the animal-eaters. It is good for the animal in the sense that the sacrificed animal is at once promoted to the human form of life after being sacrificed at the altar, and the animal-eater is saved from grosser types of sins (eating meats supplied by organized slaughterhouses which are ghastly places for breeding all kinds of material afflictions to society, country and the people in general). The material world is itself a place always full of anxieties, and by encouraging animal slaughter the whole atmosphere becomes polluted more and more by war, pestilence, famine and many other unwanted calamities.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.7.37?terms=scriptures%20have%20sanctioned%20restricted%20animal%20sacrifices&first=A%20life%20for%20a%20life%20is%20just%20punishment%20for%20a&last=more%20by%20war,%20pestilence,%20famine%20and%20many%20other%20unwanted%20calamities. Vanisource: SB 1.7.37, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that the goal of the sacrifice is to discourage animal slaughter.

<blockquote>So after hearing all these mantras, if one takes the risk of eating meat, let him do that. But who is that sane man who will take this risk? This is the meaning of sacrifice. Not that it is a slaughterhouse substitute.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_2.9.9_--_Tokyo,_April_25,_1972,_Informal_Class_in_Room Vanisource: Lecture on SB 2.9.9 -- Tokyo, April 25, 1972, Informal Class in Room] , compiled in [http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/For_the_animal-eaters,_the_scriptures_have_sanctioned_restricted_animal_sacrifices_only,_and_such_sanctions_are_there_just_to_restrict_the_opening_of_slaughterhouses_and_not_to_encourage_animal-killing Vaniquotes: For the animal-eaters, the scriptures have sanctioned restricted animal sacrifices only, and such sanctions are there just to restrict the opening of slaughterhouses and not to encourage animal-killing]</ref></blockquote>

As he explained in one conversation:

::Prabhupāda: There is tendency for eating meat. Therefore Vedas says that "You can eat meat, but..." Not only Vedas, in other scriptures also. The Jews also say. The Mohammedans also say that you can kill in the synagogue or in the, what is called, mosque, one animal. But not slaughterhouse. No religion prescribes that you open slaughterhouse. No.

::Prajāpati: It's always done under...

::Prabhupāda: That is restricted. Why it is advised to kill in the synagogue? Why not publicly? That means it is not wanted, but if you go on killing in the mosque, some day you may come to your sense, that you are a rascal; you are becoming responsible. But if you open slaughterhouse, that sense will never come.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Morning_Walk_--_December_6,_1973,_Los_Angeles?terms=The%20Mohammedans%20also%20say%20that%20you%20can%20kill%20in%20the%20synagogue%20or%20in%20the,%20what%20is%20called,%20mosque,%20one%20animal.%20But%20not%20slaughterhouse&first=Um%C4%81pati:%20I%20have,%20I%20have%20been%20reading%20some%20of%20the&last=to%20kill%20some%20goat%20or%20some%20other%20animal.%20Not%20cow. Vanisource: Morning Walk -- December 6, 1973, Los Angeles]</ref>

====Inauspicious practice====

Śrīla Prabhupāda holds that rituals such as the Kālī-pūjā are good for containing the lower propensities of humanity and encouraging the ignorant toward more elevated levels of awareness. He tells of how the Vedas and other scriptures include such recommendations for this very purpose. However, he maintains that ultimately, animal sacrifice is not auspicious and that it should not be taken to represent the ideals or the goal of religion.

As mentioned above, Śrīla Prabhupāda shows how there is great karmic risk involved with animal sacrifice; in the case of the rituals for meat-eating, the person who consumes the flesh still has to pay the price for the life that was taken, even if there is no discrepancy involved in the performance of the ritual. Moreover, he discusses how animal sacrifice does not represent or encourage a very high standard of consciousness. He notes how some of the greatest spiritual masters in history - such as Lord Buddha<ref>[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Buddha_and_animal_sacrifice Vaniquotes: Buddha and animal sacrifice]</ref>, Lord Jesus Christ<ref>[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/It_is_said_that_Lord_Jesus_Christ,_when_twelve_years_old,_was_shocked_to_see_the_Jews_sacrificing_birds_and_animals_in_the_synagogues_and_that_he_therefore_rejected_the_Jewish_system_of_religion Vaniquotes: It is said that Lord Jesus Christ, when twelve years old, was shocked to see the Jews sacrificing birds and animals in the synagogues...]</ref>, and the transcendental sage Nārada Muni<ref>[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Narada_Muni_and_animal_sacrifice Vaniquotes: Nārada Muni and animal sacrifice]</ref> - have variously opposed the killing of animals in the name of religion. In his purport to Nārada Muni's instruction to King Prācīnabarhiṣat ([[Vanisource:SB 4.25.7|SB 4.25.7]]), Śrīla Prabhupāda writes:

<blockquote>Because animal sacrifice is recommended in the Vedas, there are animal sacrifices in almost all religious rituals. However, one should not be satisfied simply by killing animals according to the directions of the scriptures. One should transcend the ritualistic ceremonies and try to understand the actual truth, the purpose of life. Nārada Muni wanted to instruct the King about the real purpose of life and invoke a spirit of renunciation in his heart. Knowledge and the spirit of renunciation (jñāna-vairāgya) are the ultimate goal of life. Without knowledge, one cannot become detached from material enjoyment, and without being detached from material enjoyment, one cannot make spiritual advancement. Karmīs are generally engaged in sense gratification, and for this end they are prepared to commit so many sinful activities. Animal sacrifice is but one such sinful activity.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.25.7?terms=N%C4%81rada&first=The%20great%20saint%20N%C4%81rada%20said:%20O%20ruler%20of%20the%20citizens,&last=sacrificed%20without%20compassion%20and%20without%20mercy%20in%20the%20sacrificial%20arena. Vanisource: SB 4.25.7, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

In another purport, Śrīla Prabhupāda echoes Nārada Muni's observation that the animal sacrifice rituals carry the potential for abuse:

<blockquote>The flesh-eaters still continue to perform animal sacrifice before some demigod or goddess in the name of religion because in some of the Vedic literatures such regulated sacrifices are recommended. They are so recommended to discourage flesh-eating, but gradually the purpose of such religious activities is forgotten, and the slaughterhouse becomes prominent. This is because foolish materialistic men do not care to listen to others who are actually in a position to explain the Vedic rites.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.5.15?terms=N%C4%81rada+sacrificing%20animals+animal%20sacrifice+N%C4%81rada+animal%20sacrifice&first=%C5%9Ar%C4%ABla%20Vy%C4%81sadeva%27s%20compilation%20of%20different%20Vedic%20literatures%20on%20the%20basis&last=are%20actually%20in%20a%20position%20to%20explain%20the%20Vedic%20rites. Vanisource: SB 1.5.15, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

Along these same lines, Śrīla Prabhupāda shares this observation of how the tradition was being abused in his own time:

<blockquote>If one violates the Vedic instructions while performing yajña and simply makes a show of sacrifice for the purpose of killing animals, he is punishable after death. In Calcutta there are many slaughterhouses where animal flesh is sold that has supposedly been offered in sacrifice before the goddess Kālī. The śāstras enjoin that one can sacrifice a small goat before the goddess Kālī once a month. Nowhere is it said that one can maintain a slaughterhouse in the name of temple worship and daily kill animals unnecessarily.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_5.26.25?terms=If%20one%20violates%20the%20Vedic%20instructions%20while%20performing%20yaj%C3%B1a%20and%20simply%20makes%20a%20show%20of%20sacrifice%20for%20the%20purpose%20of%20killing%20animals,%20he%20is%20punishable%20after%20death&first=In%20Bhagavad-g%C4%ABt%C4%81%20%286.41%29%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a%20says,%20%C5%9Buc%C4%ABn%C4%81%E1%B9%81%20%C5%9Br%C4%ABmat%C4%81%E1%B9%81%20gehe%20yoga-bhra%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%ADo%20%27bhij%C4%81yate:&last=unnecessarily.%20Those%20who%20do%20so%20receive%20the%20punishments%20described%20herein. Vanisource: SB 5.6.25, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

Even at best, he notes, the Kālī-pūjā does not give meat-eaters the auspiciousness they might be hoping for.

<blockquote>In Calcutta there are many butcher shops which keep a deity of the goddess Kālī, and animal-eaters think it proper to purchase animal flesh from such shops in hope that they are eating the remnants of food offered to goddess Kālī. They do not know that goddess Kālī never accepts nonvegetarian food because she is the chaste wife of Lord Śiva. Lord Śiva is also a great Vaiṣṇava and never eats nonvegetarian food, and the goddess Kālī accepts the remnants of food left by Lord Śiva. Therefore there is no possibility of her eating flesh or fish. Such offerings are accepted by the associates of goddess Kālī known as bhūtas, piśācas and Rākṣasas, and those who take the prasāda of goddess Kālī in the shape of flesh or fish are not actually taking the prasāda left by goddess Kālī, but the food left by the bhūtas and piśācas.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.19.36?terms=Kali+Kali+Kali+slaughterhouses+Calcutta+butcher%20shops+K%C4%81l%C4%AB+K%C4%81l%C4%AB+K%C4%81l%C4%AB+K%C4%81l%C4%AB+K%C4%81l%C4%AB+K%C4%81l%C4%AB+K%C4%81l%C4%AB&first=As%20we%20have%20repeatedly%20explained,%20due%20to%20a%20lack%20of&last=K%C4%81l%C4%AB,%20but%20the%20food%20left%20by%20the%20bh%C5%ABtas%20and%20pi%C5%9B%C4%81cas. Vanisource: SB 4.19.36, Purport] and the Vaniquotes page [http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Goddess_Kali_never_accepts_nonvegetarian_food_because_she_is_the_chaste_wife_of_Lord_Siva Goddess Kali never accepts nonvegetarian food...]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda shows that animal sacrifice is not part of any higher practice of religion. He writes: "Neither the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Viṣṇu, nor His devotee ever sanctions animal-killing in the name of religion. Indeed, Kṛṣṇa incarnated Himself as Lord Buddha to put an end to animal-killing in the name of religion."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.27.11?terms=Animal%20sacrifice+ignorance+ignorance+ignorance&first=There%20are%20two%20ways%20of%20animal-killing.%20One%20way%20is%20in&last=the%20transcendental%20dharma,%20which%20does%20not%20allow%20animal-killing%20at%20all. Vanisource: SB 4.27.11, Purport]</ref>

<blockquote>Animal-killing is certainly conducted under the influence of the mode of ignorance. Even though one may be religiously inclined, animal sacrifice is recommended in the śāstras, not only in the Vedas but even in the modern scriptures of other sects. These animal sacrifices are recommended in the name of religion, but actually animal sacrifice is meant for persons in the mode of ignorance. When such people kill animals, they can at least do so in the name of religion. However, when the religious system is transcendental, like the Vaiṣṇava religion, there is no place for animal sacrifice.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.26.1-3?terms=ignorance+ignorance+ignorance+animal%20sacrifice+animal%20sacrifice+ignorance+animal%20sacrifice+ignorance+animal%20sacrifice&first=In%20these%20three%20verses%20the%20activity%20of%20the%20living%20entity&last=R%C4%81ma%20R%C4%81ma,%20Hare%20Hare%E2%80%94there%20is%20no%20recommendation%20for%20animal%20sacrifices. Vanisource: SB 4.26.1-3, Purport]</ref><ref>Śrīla Prabhupāda noted that in Islam also, animal sacrifice is not part of the higher levels of spiritual pursuit. See [http://vanisource.org/wiki/Discourse_on_Lord_Caitanya_Play_Between_Srila_Prabhupada_and_Hayagriva_--_April_5-6,_1967,_San_Francisco?terms=instead%20of%20killing%20many%20small%20animals,%20one%20big%20animal%20should%20be%20killed&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20So%20Chand%20Kazi%20also%20replied%20that%20%22Cow%20killing%20is&last=my%20descendants%20will%20never%20object%20Your%20movement,%20this%20sa%E1%B9%85k%C4%ABrtana%20movement.%22 Vanisource: Discourse on Lord Caitanya Play Between Śrīla Prabhupāda and Hayagrīva -- April 5-6, 1967, San Francisco]</ref></blockquote>

In terms of religious sacrifice, Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that the one sacrifice suitable for this day and age is saṅkīrtana-yajña, the congregational chanting of the holy name of the Lord.

<blockquote>Sometimes animal sacrifices are performed very gorgeously with grand arrangements for worshiping the goddess Kālī, but such festivals, although performed in the name of yajña, are not actually yajña, for yajña means to satisfy the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Therefore it is recommended that in this age specifically, yajñaiḥ saṅkīrtana-prāyair yajanti hi sumedhasaḥ: ([[Vanisource:SB 11.5.32|SB 11.5.32]]) those who have good intelligence satisfy the yajña-puruṣa, Viṣṇu, by chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_6.16.42?terms=yaj%C3%B1ai%E1%B8%A5%20sa%E1%B9%85k%C4%ABrtana&first=Sometimes%20animal%20sacrifices%20are%20performed%20very%20gorgeously%20with%20grand%20arrangements&last=satisfy%20the%20yaj%C3%B1a-puru%E1%B9%A3a,%20Vi%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87u,%20by%20chanting%20the%20Hare%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a%20mantra. Vanisource: SB 6.16.42, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>As we have repeatedly explained, due to a lack of qualified brahminical priests in Kali-yuga, it is not possible to perform the ritualistic ceremonies recommended in the Vedas. Consequently the śāstras instruct us to perform the saṅkīrtana-yajña. By the saṅkīrtana sacrifice, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, in His form of Lord Caitanya, will be satisfied and worshiped. The entire purpose of performing sacrifices is to worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Viṣṇu. Lord Viṣṇu, or Lord Kṛṣṇa, is present in His form of Lord Caitanya; therefore people who are intelligent should try to satisfy Him by performing saṅkīrtana-yajña. This is the easiest way to satisfy Lord Viṣṇu in this age. People should take advantage of the injunctions in different śāstras concerning sacrifices in this age and not create unnecessary disturbances during the sinful age of Kali.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.19.36?terms=Kali+Kali+Kali+slaughterhouses+Calcutta+butcher%20shops+K%C4%81l%C4%AB+K%C4%81l%C4%AB+K%C4%81l%C4%AB+K%C4%81l%C4%AB+K%C4%81l%C4%AB+K%C4%81l%C4%AB+K%C4%81l%C4%AB&first=As%20we%20have%20repeatedly%20explained,%20due%20to%20a%20lack%20of&last=K%C4%81l%C4%AB,%20but%20the%20food%20left%20by%20the%20bh%C5%ABtas%20and%20pi%C5%9B%C4%81cas. Vanisource: SB 4.19.36, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda thus shows that there is no reason to perform large-scale animal sacrifices in this day and age. Regarding the bali-dāna ritual for meat-eaters, he concludes that this type of sacrifice has its necessity and is certainly better than allowing unrestricted slaughter, but that ultimately, it is not the best practice.

<blockquote>Although one is sometimes permitted to sacrifice an animal before the goddess Kālī and eat it instead of purchasing meat from a slaughterhouse, permission to eat meat after a sacrifice in the presence of the goddess Kālī is not the order of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. It is simply a concession for the miserable person who will not give up eating meat.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_6.16.42?terms=permission%20to%20eat%20meat%20after%20a%20sacrifice%20in%20the%20presence%20of%20the%20goddess%20K%C4%81l%C4%AB%20is%20not%20the%20order%20of%20the%20Supreme%20Personality%20of%20Godhead.%20It%20is%20simply%20a%20concession%20for%20the%20miserable%20person%20who%20will%20not%20give%20up%20eating%20meat&first=Any%20religious%20system%20but%20the%20process%20of%20bh%C4%81gavata-dharma-service%20as%20an&last=God%20consciousness,%20is%20merely%20a%20waste%20of%20time%20and%20labor. Vanisource: SB 6.16.42, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

(Go to [[#Animal_sacrifice_.28ref.29|<u>'''references'''</u>]] for '''"Animal sacrifice"''')

===Kṣatriya class and hunting===

Śrīla Prabhupāda relates that in the ancient Vedic system, men of the kṣatriya class (the administrative and military segment of society) were allowed to hunt and kill wild animals and even to eat the flesh in some cases. The purpose was neither for sport nor for food or other livelihood, but rather for honing skills in the art of warfare, for protecting citizens living in the forests, and for providing animals for Vedic sacrifices.

<blockquote>According to Vedic regulations, the kṣatriyas were allowed to kill prescribed animals on certain occasions, either to maintain peace in the forests or to offer the animals in the sacrificial fire. Kṣatriyas are allowed to practice this killing art because they have to kill their enemies mercilessly to maintain peace in society.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/KB_69?terms=k%E1%B9%A3atriya+animals+k%E1%B9%A3atriyas+kill+animals+animals+K%E1%B9%A3atriyas+killing+kill&first=Somewhere%20the%20Lord%20was%20seen%20performing%20different%20types%20of%20sacrifices&last=motives%20of%20different%20citizens%20in%20the%20city%20and%20the%20palaces. Vanisource: Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead 69]</ref></blockquote>

====Business of the kṣatriya====

Śrīla Prabhupāda gives various examples of this occupational activity of the kṣatriyas. He describes how the warrior Arjuna went to the forest to kill various types of animals - certain smaller animals for the purpose of religious sacrifice and larger, menacing animals for the purpose of protecting persons residing in the forest:

<blockquote>After entering the forest, Arjuna killed many tigers, boars, bison, gavayas (a kind of wild animal), rhinoceroses, deer, hares, porcupines and similar other animals, which he pierced with his arrows. Some of the dead animals that were fit to be offered in sacrifices were carried by servants and sent to King Yudhiṣṭhira. The ferocious animals, such as tigers and rhinoceroses, were killed only to stop disturbances in the forest. Since there are many sages and saintly persons who are residents of the forest, it is the duty of the kṣatriya kings to keep even the forest in a peaceful condition for living.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/KB_58?terms=killing+animals+animal+killing+kill+animal+animals+animals+animals+k%E1%B9%A3atriya&first=Thus%20Arjuna%20prepared%20to%20go%20to%20the%20forest%20with%20his&last=keep%20even%20the%20forest%20in%20a%20peaceful%20condition%20for%20living. Vanisource: Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead 58]</ref></blockquote>

Aside from killing specific animals for sacrificial ceremonies, the kṣatriya would kill only the most formidable of animal adversaries:

<blockquote>Kṣatriyas are allowed to go in the forest and kill some animal. Because he has to practice. So what kind of animal? Not the cows or simple animal. He must kill one tiger, one lion, one jungle boar. Ferocious, very ferocious animals, that was the kṣatriya's business. Not that a rabbit (laughter) or an innocent bird, sports. This kind of sporting was not allowed. If you want to kill, you must kill one rhinoceros. Then one can understand that you have power of killing. <ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_1.8.46_--_Los_Angeles,_May_8,_1973?terms=k%E1%B9%A3atriya+K%E1%B9%A3atriya+k%E1%B9%A3atriya+k%E1%B9%A3atriya+kill+k%E1%B9%A3atriya+k%E1%B9%A3atriyas+kill+animal+animal+animal+kill+animals+k%E1%B9%A3atriya+kill+kill+killing+k%E1%B9%A3atriya+kill+k%E1%B9%A3atriya+kill&first=So%20a%20king,%20a%20protector,%20k%E1%B9%A3atriya...%20K%E1%B9%A3atriya%20means%20k%E1%B9%A3at...%20K%E1%B9%A3at&last=going%20on.%20So%20k%E1%B9%A3atriya%20means%20they%20used%20to%20kill,%20practice. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 1.8.46 – Los Angeles, May 8, 1973]</ref></blockquote>

If the kṣatriya hunter desired, he could also, within certain parameters, eat the flesh of the animals that were killed. Even so, meat-eating was not a common affair, even among kṣatriyas.

<blockquote>Those who are kṣatriyas, they can, they're allowed sometimes to eat meat. It is understood Bhīma, Bhīma also eating sometimes meat. Bhīma. Amongst the Pāṇḍavas, only Bhīma. Not others. So if the kṣatriyas, they want to eat meat, they can be allowed on particular occasions. But they must go to the forest and kill the animal. Not that for meat-eating regular slaughterhouses should be maintained.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Morning_Walk_%22Varnasrama_College%22_--_March_14,_1974,_Vrndavana?terms=k%E1%B9%A3atriyas+k%E1%B9%A3atriyas+kill+kill+animal+k%E1%B9%A3atriyas+k%E1%B9%A3atriyas+kill+animal&first=H%E1%B9%9Bday%C4%81nanda:%20So%20in%20our%20var%E1%B9%87%C4%81%C5%9Brama%20college%20the%20students%20that%20come&last=drink%20wine,%20then%20there%20is%20Ca%E1%B9%87%E1%B8%8D%C4%AB-p%C5%ABj%C4%81,%20Durg%C4%81-p%C5%ABj%C4%81.%20That%20means%20restriction. Vanisource: Morning Walk "Varnasrama College" – March 14, 1974]</ref></blockquote>

As Śrīla Prabhupāda says, "nonviolence is not the business of the kṣatriya."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_1.28-29_--_London,_July_22,_1973?terms=k%E1%B9%A3atriya+Nonviolence+k%E1%B9%A3atriya+k%E1%B9%A3atriya+k%E1%B9%A3atriya&first=So%20Arjuna%20was%20a%20k%E1%B9%A3atriya,%20trained%20up%20by%20Dro%E1%B9%87%C4%81c%C4%81rya%20how&last=engaged%20as%20a%20br%C4%81hma%E1%B9%87a,%20a%20k%E1%B9%A3atriya%20is%20engaged%20as%20k%E1%B9%A3atriya. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 1.28-29 -- London, July 22, 1973] See [http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Nonviolence_is_not_the_business_of_the_ksatriya Vaniquotes:Nonviolence is not the business of the ksatriya]</ref> Kṣatriyas must necessarily exercise violence to execute their duty, and it is to their glory when they do so for the right cause. Yet even though kṣatriyas are sanctioned by the Vedas to engage in animal-killing for certain purposes, Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that they have not been given carte blanche. If not acting in proper consciousness according to his prescribed duty, the kṣatriya becomes implicated in killing just as much as anyone else.

<blockquote>A person who indiscriminately violates the rules and regulations given by the Vedas is liable to be punished. One should therefore not enjoy his senses according to his lusty desires, but should restrict himself according to the regulative principles given in the Vedas. If a king is allowed to hunt in a forest, it is not for his sense gratification. We cannot simply experiment in the art of killing. If a king, being afraid to meet rogues and thieves, kills poor animals and eats their flesh comfortably at home, he must lose his position. Because in this age kings have such demoniac propensities, monarchy is abolished by the laws of nature in every country. <ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.26.6?terms=hunt%20in%20a%20forest&first=Regulations%20are%20meant%20for%20human%20beings,%20not%20for%20animals.%20The&last=is%20abolished%20by%20the%20laws%20of%20nature%20in%20every%20country. Vanisource: SB 4.26.6, Purport]</ref> </blockquote>

====Hunting not sanctioned as pastime====

Śrīla Prabhupāda shows that hunting should not be practiced as a pastime of the general public, whether for sport or for food. The Vedas sanction hunting only for kṣatriyas, not for persons outside of that qualification, and then only for specific purposes. As flesh-eating is unnecessary and restricted only to that which is offered in religious sacrifice, hunting for food is beside the point unless there is [[#Avoiding_starvation|no other way]] for a society to procure sufficient eatables. Hunting for recreation is out of the question.

<blockquote>Hunting is allowed only to the kṣatriya kings. Because they were to rule over, and formerly the rogues and rascals by the order of king or king himself would kill him immediately. So they had to practice how to kill. And that practice was done by hunting some ferocious animal in the forest, not for eating. Nowadays hunting is going on for eating purpose. No, that is not the law.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_Lecture_--_Melbourne,_May_19,_1975?terms=hunting%20some%20ferocious%20animal&first=It%20is%20very%20sorry%20plight,%20that%20Par%C4%ABk%E1%B9%A3it%20Mah%C4%81r%C4%81ja%20was%20cursed&last=that%20snake%20and%20coiled%20over%20his%20neck%20and%20went%20away. Vanisource: Lecture on SB Lecture -- Melbourne, May 19, 1975]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>Kṣatriya kings are sometimes advised to go to the forest to hunt ferocious animals just to learn how to kill, but such forays are never meant for sense gratification. Killing animals to eat their flesh is forbidden for human beings.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.26.4?terms=hunt%20ferocious%20animals&first=One%20form%20of%20hunting%20is%20known%20as%20woman-hunting.%20A%20conditioned&last=animals%20to%20eat%20their%20flesh%20is%20forbidden%20for%20human%20beings. Vanisource: SB 4.26.4, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that the sacrificial offerings for which kṣatriyas used to hunt are forbidden in this day and age.

<blockquote>It is evident that kṣatriyas killed animals in the forest because the flesh of the animals was suitable to be offered at a particular type of yajña. Offering oblations to the forefathers in the ceremony known as śrāddha is also a kind of yajña. In this yajña, flesh obtained from the forest by hunting could be offered. However, in the present age, Kali-yuga, this kind of offering is forbidden... In this age, Kali-yuga, everyone is expert in hunting animals, but most of the people are śūdras, not kṣatriyas. According to Vedic injunctions, however, only kṣatriyas are allowed to hunt, whereas śūdras are allowed to eat flesh after offering goats or other insignificant animals before the deity of goddess Kālī or similar demigods.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_9.6.7?terms=According%20to%20Vedic%20injunctions,%20however,%20only%20k%E1%B9%A3atriyas%20are%20allowed%20to%20hunt,%20whereas%20%C5%9B%C5%ABdras%20are%20allowed%20to%20eat%20flesh%20after%20offering%20goats%20or%20other%20insignificant%20animals%20before%20the%20deity%20of%20goddess%20K%C4%81l%C4%AB%20or%20similar%20demigods&first=It%20is%20evident%20that%20k%E1%B9%A3atriyas%20killed%20animals%20in%20the%20forest&last=the%20flesh%20of%20cows.%20Cows%20must%20be%20given%20all%20protection. Vanisource: SB 9.6.7, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that hunting by anyone is sinful if it is done for sense gratification. Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam ([[Vanisource:SB_5.26.24|5.26.24]]) specifically mentions recreational hunting as a punishable offense. Śrīla Prabhupāda writes in his purport:

<blockquote>In the Western countries especially, aristocrats keep dogs and horses to hunt animals in the forest. Whether in the West or the East, aristocratic men in the Kali-yuga adopt the fashion of going to the forest and unnecessarily killing animals. Men of the higher classes (the brāhmaṇas, kṣatriyas and vaiśyas) should cultivate knowledge of Brahman, and they should also give the śūdras a chance to come to that platform. If instead they indulge in hunting, they are punished as described in this verse.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_5.26.24?terms=hunt%20animals&first=In%20the%20Western%20countries%20especially,%20aristocrats%20keep%20dogs%20and%20horses&last=of%20pus,%20urine%20and%20stool%20described%20in%20the%20previous%20verse. Vanisource: SB 5.26.24]</ref></blockquote>

He warns of the karmic reaction to hunting as well as other forms of animal-killing.

<blockquote>Sometimes during war, soldiers keep their enemies in concentration camps and kill them in very cruel ways. These are reactions brought about by unrestricted animal-killing in the slaughterhouse and by hunters in the forest.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.26.5?terms=Sometimes%20during%20war,%20soldiers%20keep%20their%20enemies%20in%20concentration%20camps%20and%20kill%20them%20in%20very%20cruel%20ways.%20These%20are%20reactions%20brought%20about%20by%20unrestricted%20animal-killing%20in%20the%20slaughterhouse%20and%20by%20hunters%20in%20the%20forest&first=When%20a%20man%20becomes%20too%20proud%20of%20his%20material%20position,&last=sinful%20activities%20of%20men%20in%20this%20Kali-yuga%20can%20be%20counteracted. Vanisource: SB 4.26.5, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

In this way Śrīla Prabhupāda shows that hunting is an inauspicious activity. He makes the point that hunting, like any other type of killing, simply brings suffering in this life and the next.

<blockquote>It is said that a hunter, murderer or killer is advised not to live and not to die. If he lives, he accumulates even more sins, which bring about more suffering in a future life. He is advised not to die because his dying means that he immediately begins to endure more suffering. Therefore he is advised not to live and not to die.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Madhya_24.249?terms=a%20hunter,%20murderer%20or%20killer%20is%20advised%20not%20to%20live%20and%20not%20to%20die&first=This%20is%20an%20authoritative%20statement%20given%20by%20the%20greatest%20authority,&last=he%20is%20advised%20not%20to%20live%20and%20not%20to%20die.?terms=a%20hunter,%20murderer%20or%20killer%20is%20advised%20not%20to%20live%20and%20not%20to%20die&first=This%20is%20an%20authoritative%20statement%20given%20by%20the%20greatest%20authority,&last=he%20is%20advised%20not%20to%20live%20and%20not%20to%20die. Vanisource: CC Madhya 24.249, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

(Go to [[#Ksatriya_class_and_hunting_.28ref.29|<u>'''references'''</u>]] for '''"Kṣatriya class and hunting"''')

===Self-protection and self-preservation===

Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that the killing of an animal may be justified for reasons of defense and preservation of self and society.

====Defending against attack====

Recalling one question that was posed in a conversation, Śrīla Prabhupāda explains the difference between unnecessary violence and necessary self-defense in the killing of an animal:

<blockquote>Just like yesterday in the evening, when we were talking with Dr. Shoemaker, so they were supporting that "Why should you kill any animal who is coming to... If you are determined not to kill..." We were talking of not killing, that why should you kill one animal who is coming to attack? No. You must kill. That is necessity. You should not go to the forest to find out some living entities, living beings, to kill. That is not your business. That is hiṁsa. But if a tiger comes to attack you, you must kill. That is self-defense. And that is not hiṁsa. So a devotee knows, a Kṛṣṇa conscious person knows when to kill and when not to kill. But it is not that because we accept not killing, therefore in every case, killing should be stopped. No. If there is necessity, killing should be accepted.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_2.2_--_London,_August_3,_1973?terms=why%20should%20you%20kill%20one%20animal%20who%20is%20coming%20to%20attack?%20No.%20You%20must%20kill.%20That%20is%20necessity&first=People%20are%20very%20much,%20nowadays,%20eager%20how%20to%20stop%20war.&last=be%20to%20make%20progress.%20That%20is%20called%20%C4%81rya,%20progressive%20march. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 2.2 – London, August 3, 1973]</ref></blockquote>

When asked by one of his disciples about another example of attack, Śrīla Prabhupāda responded:

::Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: Supposing a mosquito is biting you and sucking the blood.

::Prabhupāda: Yes, when they bite, you can kill, according to laws of nature. But on the whole, you cannot kill.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Conversation:_Animals%27_Expertise_--_April_28,_1977,_Bombay?terms=laws%20of%20nature&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20Yes,%20when%20they%20bite,%20you%20can%20kill,%20according%20to&last=in%20the%20service%20of%20the%20Lord,%20you%20are%20not%20responsible. Vanisource: Conversation: Animals' Expertise -- April 28, 1977]</ref>

In another discussion, he illustrated a case of impending danger:

<blockquote>Suppose that a snake is here and it is dangerous; he'll bite. So killing is necessary. But if you say, "No. I shall not kill this snake. Let it bite. All right, let them all die..." These are simply mental speculations.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Philosophy_Discussion_on_Immanuel_Kant?terms=snake.%20Let%20it%20bite&first=%C5%9Ay%C4%81masundara:%20He%20is%20thinking%20of%20it%20more%20as%20a%20personal&last=These%20are%20simply%20mental%20speculations.%20He%20has%20no%20perfect%20knowledge. Vanisource: Philosophy Discussion on Immanuel Kant]</ref></blockquote>

The simple fact that an animal is ferocious or dangerous, however, is not sufficient reason for it to be killed unless it is actually posing a threat. As Śrīla Prabhupāda summarizes:

<blockquote>Tiger is my brother, but not that because originally he's my brother, I shall go and embrace. No. I shall be careful. But not that I shall kill. Why shall I kill? He's not coming to encroach upon my property. He's living in the jungle. Why shall I go and kill a tiger? This is all nonsense, lack of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. He has not done any harm to you. He is living in his own jurisdiction. He is uncivilized. He is ferocious. God has given him direction: "Oh, you live here. You don't go there." That's all right. And why should you go to kill a tiger? He's not coming to encroach him. This is Kṛṣṇa consciousness.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_--_Hawaii,_March_23,_1969?terms=tiger%20is%20my%20brother,%20but%20not%20that%20because%20originally%20he%27s%20my%20brother,%20I%20shall%20go%20and%20embrace.%20No.%20I%20shall%20be%20careful.%20But%20not%20that%20I%20shall%20kill&first=Similarly,%20tiger%20is%20my%20brother,%20but%20not%20that%20because%20originally&last=killing%20cows,%20killing%20mothers.%20This%20is%20lack%20of%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a%20consciousness. Vanisource: Lecture -- Hawaii, March 23, 1969]</ref></blockquote>

====Avoiding starvation====

Śrīla Prabhupāda shows that animal-killing may be warranted when there is insufficient food available for humans in the form of their prescribed eatables (fruits, vegetables, grains and milk). He writes in his purport to Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam [[Vanisource:SB_4.17.25|4.17.25]]:

<blockquote>It is here indicated that in a rare circumstance when there is no supply of grains, the government may sanction the eating of meat. However, when there is sufficient food, the government should not allow the eating of cow's flesh just to satisfy the fastidious tongue. In other words, in rare circumstances, when people are suffering for want of grains, meat-eating or flesh-eating can be allowed, but not otherwise. The maintenance of slaughterhouses for the satisfaction of the tongue and the killing of animals unnecessarily should never be sanctioned by a government. <ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.17.25?terms=in%20rare%20circumstances,%20when%20people%20are%20suffering%20for%20want%20of%20grains,%20meat-eating%20or%20flesh-eating%20can%20be%20allowed,%20but%20not%20otherwise&first=Here%20we%20find%20some%20indication%20of%20how%20the%20government%20can&last=slaughterhouses,%20and%20no%20need%20to%20present%20false%20theories%20about%20over-population. Vanisource: SB 4.17.25, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

He makes a similar point about scarcity of foodstuff in connection with the traditions of desert peoples:

<blockquote>Just like in Arabian desert, they were animal eaters. What is growing there? So if in Jerusalem, if they have eaten flesh, so that is not their fault. Jesus Christ might have allowed: "All right." But why in other places where there are so many nice foodstuff?<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_2.9.11_--_Tokyo,_April_27,_1972?terms=kill%20some%20animal%20and%20eat+desert+animal%20eaters&first=The%20human%20civilization%20is%20deteriorating.%20In%20the%20name%20of%20advancement&last=there%20are%20so%20many%20nice%20foodstuff?%20What%20is%20the%20reason? Vanisource: Lecture on SB 2.9.11 -- Tokyo, April 27, 1972]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that production and distribution of vegetables and grains should be society's first priority; it is not that shortage in the food supply is an excusable reason for animal slaughter when it is due to negligence or other intent. He continues in his purport to Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam [[Vanisource:SB_4.17.25|4.17.25]]:

<blockquote>As described in a previous verse, cows and other animals should be given sufficient grass to eat. If despite a sufficient supply of grass a cow does not supply milk, and if there is an acute shortage of food, the dried-up cow may be utilized to feed the hungry masses of people. According to the law of necessity, first of all human society must try to produce food grains and vegetables, but if they fail in this, they can indulge in flesh-eating. Otherwise not. As human society is presently structured, there is sufficient production of grains all over the world. Therefore the opening of slaughterhouses cannot be supported. In some nations there is so much surplus grain that sometimes extra grain is thrown into the sea, and sometimes the government forbids further production of grain. The conclusion is that the earth produces sufficient grain to feed the entire population, but the distribution of this grain is restricted due to trade regulations and a desire for profit. Consequently in some places there is scarcity of grain and in others profuse production. If there were one government on the surface of the earth to handle the distribution of grain, there would be no question of scarcity, no necessity to open slaughterhouses, and no need to present false theories about over-population.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.17.25?terms=in%20rare%20circumstances,%20when%20people%20are%20suffering%20for%20want%20of%20grains,%20meat-eating%20or%20flesh-eating%20can%20be%20allowed,%20but%20not%20otherwise&first=Here%20we%20find%20some%20indication%20of%20how%20the%20government%20can&last=slaughterhouses,%20and%20no%20need%20to%20present%20false%20theories%20about%20over-population. Vanisource: SB 4.17.25, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

In this 1975 conversation, Śrīla Prabhupāda pinpoints another cause of apparent food scarcity that likewise does not justify the slaughter of animals:

<blockquote>Kṛṣṇa says in the Bhagavad-gītā, annād bhavanti bhūtāni: ([[Vanisource:BG 3.14 (1972)|BG 3.14]]) "If there is sufficient food grains, then both man and animal, they become happy." Therefore our first religion is to produce food grain sufficiently to feed everyone. Kṛṣi-go-rakṣya-vāṇijyaṁ vaiśya-karma svabhāva. ([[Vanisource:BG 3.14 (1972)|BG 3.14]]) This matter has been entrusted to the vaiśyas. They should produce sufficient food and give protection to the cows for sufficient milk. Then the whole human society, animal society, will be happy. But we are disobeying the orders or the rules given by God. Instead of producing food, we are producing motorcars. And motor tires, motor parts. And so many other things. And therefore people are starving. The manual labor is being misused. We are disobeying the orders of God.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversation_with_three_Trappist_Monks,_Psychologists_from_the_University_of_Georgia,_and_Atlanta_Lawyer,_Michael_Green_--_March_1,_1975,_Atlanta?terms=tires&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20Our%20first%20problem%20is,%20because%20we%20have%20got%20this&last=producing%20food%20grains,%20we%20are%20producing%20so%20many%20unwanted%20things. Vanisource: Room Conversation with Three Trappist Monks, Psychologists from the University of Georgia, and Atlanta Lawyer Michael Green -- March 1, 1975, Atlanta] Many more examples of this same message may be found in the Vaniquotes compilation [http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Tires_%28automobile%29 Tires (automobile)]</ref></blockquote>

Society's lack of God consciousness, he declares, only drives it in the wrong direction.

<blockquote>By advancement of civilization they have learned this art, to refuse God. They want to make their economic problem solved by themselves. God is giving them sufficient grains, sufficient fruits, sufficient vegetables, sufficient milk. No, they want to make solution of their problems by killing other poor animals. But they do not believe in God. They do not believe in God that "I am killing poor animals. They are also sons of God as much I am, as we are sons of God. God is maintaining that poor animal. God is maintaining me. Why should I encroach upon others' life?" You see? They have no such sense because they don't believe in God. They have no such faith.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_9.18-19_--_New_York,_December_4,_1966?terms=killing+animals+killing+animals+animal&first=Only%20the%20civilized%20men,%20they%20have%20got%20problems.%20Only%20that&last=God.%20They%20have%20no%20such%20faith.%20This%20is%20going%20on. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 9.18-19 -- New York, December 4, 1966]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda maintains the view that human life is more valuable than animal life.<ref>[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/The_human_form_of_life_is_more_important_and_valuable_than_animal_life Vaniquotes: The human form of life is more important and valuable than animal life]</ref> This, he acknowledges, may be taken into account in dire circumstances. Nonetheless, he holds that needs must be genuine to justify the slaughter of animals for food.

::Revatīnandana: So wherever possible, the slaughtering business should not go on.

::Schumacher: That's right. But the Eskimos, for instance...

::Prabhupāda: That is another thing.

::Schumacher: That's what I was saying, you see.

::Prabhupāda: When there is no food, so human life is more important than animal life. So the human life should be saved at the sacrifice of animals. That is another question. But where there is complete facilities to get very nice, nutritious food, why these poor animals should be killed?<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversation_with_Mister_Popworth_and_E._F._Schumacher_--_July_26,_1973,_London?terms=the%20human%20life%20should%20be%20saved%20at%20the%20sacrifice%20of%20animals.%20That%20is%20another%20question.%20But%20where%20there%20is%20complete%20facilities%20to%20get%20very%20nice,%20nutritious%20food,%20why%20these%20poor%20animals%20should%20be%20killed&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20Just%20for%20example,%20that%20in%20the%20Ten%20Commandments,%20the&last=same%20time,%20you%20want%20to%20purify.%20How%20it%20is%20possible? Vanisource: Room Conversation with Mister Popworth and E. F. Schumacher -- July 26, 1972, London]</ref>

====Avoiding disturbance====

Sometimes animals will cause disturbance for humans, as in the case of those animals or insects that bear disease or plunder resources upon which humans rely for livelihood. To uphold God's law and principles, Śrīla Prabhupāda advises that one learn to view disturbance situations from a higher standpoint and seek solutions which address the situation itself, on the whole, rather than resorting simply to killing. If an animal poses an immediate bodily threat, he says, killing in self-defense is justified. For animal nuisance, however, he maintains that killing is usually not necessary and should be avoided if at all possible. One should not be whimsical when deciding whether or not killing is warranted.

In response to one question, Śrīla Prabhupāda pointed to the basic brahminical principle of cleanliness as one method to prevent problems:

::Madhudviṣa: (restating a question) Disease-bearing in animals, something that is diseased and can give you a disease, what is your, what is the Vedic attitude towards protection from these animals?

::Prabhupāda: Protection? Cleanliness. Just like if you keep your apartment very cleansed, if you keep your clothes and body very cleansed, you won't find this insect disturbing you. Just like the flies, they go in a nasty place. So you should be cleansed. You should take protection in that way. You cannot kill them.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_--_Los_Angeles,_December_4,_1968?terms=What%20is%20the%20proper%20spiritual%20attitude%20toward%20rodents,%20reptiles,%20and%20disease-bearing%20insects?%20What%20should%20be%20the%20proper%20spiritual%20attitude%20toward%20those&first=Guest:%20What%20is%20the%20proper%20spiritual%20attitude%20toward%20rodents,%20reptiles,&last=yourself%20God%20conscious.%20Then%20you%20are%20freed%20from%20the%20reaction. Vanisource: Lecture -- Los Angeles, December 4, 1968]</ref>

Later in the same conversation, the issue was raised as to the killing of living entities in the process of cleaning.

::Guest: In boiling the water do you kill any little insects that are in the water?

::Prabhupāda: Yes. But that I have already explained, that we are killing every moment. Therefore we have to keep from the reaction by Kṛṣṇa consciousness. You cannot avoid killing. Whenever we are cooking, we are killing so many germs, the water. While we are burning fire, then so many germs are being killed. So the killing process cannot be stopped, but you should not do it willingly, and you should keep yourself God conscious. Then you are freed from the reaction.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_--_Los_Angeles,_December_4,_1968?terms=What%20is%20the%20proper%20spiritual%20attitude%20toward%20rodents,%20reptiles,%20and%20disease-bearing%20insects?%20What%20should%20be%20the%20proper%20spiritual%20attitude%20toward%20those&first=Guest:%20What%20is%20the%20proper%20spiritual%20attitude%20toward%20rodents,%20reptiles,&last=yourself%20God%20conscious.%20Then%20you%20are%20freed%20from%20the%20reaction. Vanisource: Lecture -- Los Angeles, December 4, 1968]</ref>

The answer to the question of animal disturbance is not cut-and-dried, but, as Śrīla Prabhupāda demonstrates, rather entails learning to see with spiritual vision, or at least having basic knowledge of spiritual principles and sincerely following them in any case. When asked by a disciple about the issue of killing nuisance animals, Śrīla Prabhupāda explained:

<blockquote>Those who are pious persons, they know that these rats, they are also hungry and they should be given some food. That is the vision of the pious person. And that is stated in the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, that in your house you should see not only to the welfare of your children. Even there is a lizard, there is a rat, even there is a snake, you should see how he is also comfortably situated... In Vṛndāvana still, a snake found in the house is never killed, snake. Still a rat is never killed. If you kill a rat in Vṛndāvana, then so many people will come: "Oh, you are committing such sinful acts. You are killing a rat." That depends on the mentality of the person. You can take care of this animal, I mean to say, against the disturbance created by this animal, but you cannot kill them. That is not. But when it is unavoidable, we have to do like that. But as far as possible we should avoid.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_6.1.39-40_--_Surat,_December_21,_1970?terms=You%20can%20take%20care%20of%20this%20animal,%20I%20mean%20to%20say,%20against%20the%20disturbance%20created%20by%20this%20animal,%20but%20you%20cannot%20kill%20them&first=M%C4%81lat%C4%AB:%20%C5%9Ar%C4%ABla%20Prabhup%C4%81da,%20you%20said%20that%20the%20animals%20are%20not&last=of%20N%C4%81r%C4%81ya%E1%B9%87a,%20the%20Supreme%20Personality%20of%20Godhead.%20That%20is%20dharma. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 6.1.39-40 -- Surat, December 21, 1970]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda then gave the example of how his own uncle handled a potential disturbance without need of killing:

<blockquote>We have heard from our father that his elder brother in the village had a cloth shop, and there were rats. So at night he would keep a big bowl of rice in the middle of the shop, and the rats will eat whole night. They would not commit any harm to the cloth. They respect it. They are also hungry, they are also living entities. They have also right to live, to eat. Īśāvāsyam idaṁ sarvam ([[Vanisource:ISO 1|ISO 1]]). Everything. They are God's creatures. The food is not only meant for you, that you shall simply eat rice and not allow to the rats and cats. No. That is not Vedic injunction. You will find in the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. You can take precaution. After all, they are animals. But you cannot kill.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_6.1.39-40_--_Surat,_December_21,_1970?terms=You%20can%20take%20care%20of%20this%20animal,%20I%20mean%20to%20say,%20against%20the%20disturbance%20created%20by%20this%20animal,%20but%20you%20cannot%20kill%20them&first=M%C4%81lat%C4%AB:%20%C5%9Ar%C4%ABla%20Prabhup%C4%81da,%20you%20said%20that%20the%20animals%20are%20not&last=of%20N%C4%81r%C4%81ya%E1%B9%87a,%20the%20Supreme%20Personality%20of%20Godhead.%20That%20is%20dharma. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 6.1.39-40 -- Surat, December 21, 1970]</ref></blockquote>

When pressed with further questioning, Śrīla Prabhupāda concluded his lesson.

::Himāvatī: But then if you think further, that is that if you are going to make a program to feed the animals in your house, then won't more and more animals come into your residence? Suppose I feed these rats and I go on feeding them. Won't more and more rats come?

::Prabhupāda: Well, the rats will be fed. Either you give or not, it will steal. So that is not the problem. But if you give them food, they will... Of course, that is Western philosophy, that because the animals are increasing, they should be killed. We Indians also, we have taken that view—because we cannot give protection to the cows, they must be sent to the slaughterhouse. That is the modern view. But that is not injunction of the Vedas. The Vedas says that everyone has right to live, every living entity. Just like the Americans, they were all Europeans, and they entered this American land, killed so many Red Indians. So these kind of things are going on, but that does not mean that is the law. You killed so many Red Indians for your benefit, but you have to suffer for that. So that... This is going on in the human society, but that does not mean it is dharma. No. Dharma means you have to abide by the regulation given by the Vedas. You have to adjust things.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_6.1.39-40_--_Surat,_December_21,_1970?terms=right%20to%20live&first=Him%C4%81vat%C4%AB:%20But%20then%20if%20you%20think%20further,%20that%20is%20that&last=for%20your%20benefit,%20but%20you%20have%20to%20suffer%20for%20that. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 6.1.39-40 -- Surat, December 21, 1970]</ref>

(Go to [[#Self-protection_and_self-preservation_.28ref.29|<u>'''references'''</u>]] for '''"Self-protection and self-preservation"''')

==Animal-killing: Consequences and solutions==

Śrīla Prabhupāda discusses the individual and social consequences of animal-killing and proposes ways in which society can protect the interests of all living beings and promote peace, well-being and spiritual progress for humanity by ending the practice of unnecessary violence against animals.

===Adverse consequences===

Śrīla Prabhupāda sends a warning to the world: as long as human societies allow animals to be killed unrestrictedly, there will certainly be serious consequences.

<blockquote>The law punishes. If you kill someone, if you commit murder, then you will be punished. This is punishable. But because it is man-made law, therefore it is defective. A man is a living entity, and a cow is also a living entity. Why this discrimination, that if a man is murdered or killed, that murderer must be punished? But that law is not permissible in God's law. In God's law, either you kill a man or you kill an ant, you are punishable.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_1.16.8_--_Los_Angeles,_January_5,_1974?terms=law+law+law+man-made+law+law+law+law&first=We%20may%20create%20so%20many%20artificial%20laws,%20%22This%20is%20good,&last=son%20and%20the%20earning%20son,%20both%20are%20equal%20in%20affection. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 1.16.8 – Los Angeles, January 5, 1974]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda further informs us that, according to the laws of nature, human beings shape their future conditions through their desires and actions (karma) of the present. Referencing statements and examples given in the Vedic literature, he shows how unnecessary killing or violence toward animals - whether committed directly or indirectly, as in the case of meat-eating - condemns its perpetrators to suffering.

====Accountability for actions====

Śrīla Prabhupāda's first lesson is that when an animal dies at the hands of a human being, that person is held accountable according to the laws of God and nature. Regarding human responsibility, Śrīla Prabhupāda writes:

<blockquote>Although a tiger is not sinful if he attacks another animal and eats its flesh, if a man with developed consciousness does so, he must be punished. In other words, a human being who does not use his developed consciousness but instead acts like an animal surely undergoes punishment in many different hells.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_5.26.17 Vanisource: SB 5.26.17, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

This accountability, he says, encompasses both direct and indirect involvement in the killing. Śrīla Prabhupāda describes how the scope of natural law is reflected in Manu-saṁhitā, the Vedic law book for mankind.

<blockquote>According to Manu, the great author of civic codes and religious principles, even the killer of an animal is to be considered a murderer because animal food is never meant for the civilized man, whose prime duty is to prepare himself for going back to Godhead. He says that in the act of killing an animal, there is a regular conspiracy by the party of sinners, and all of them are liable to be punished as murderers exactly like a party of conspirators who kill a human being combinedly. He who gives permission, he who kills the animal, he who sells the slaughtered animal, he who cooks the animal, he who administers distribution of the foodstuff, and at last he who eats such cooked animal food are all murderers, and all of them are liable to be punished by the laws of nature. No one can create a living being despite all advancement of material science, and therefore no one has the right to kill a living being by one's independent whims. For the animal-eaters, the scriptures have sanctioned restricted animal sacrifices only, and such sanctions are there just to restrict the opening of slaughterhouses and not to encourage animal-killing.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.7.37?terms=Manu&first=A%20life%20for%20a%20life%20is%20just%20punishment%20for%20a&last=more%20by%20war,%20pestilence,%20famine%20and%20many%20other%20unwanted%20calamities. Vanisource: SB 1.7.37, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the Vedas prescribe regulations and processes for animal sacrifice to educate and protect the ignorant.

<blockquote> They are thinking that "We are not going to slaughterhouse to kill. They kill; we purchase." The Buddhist says like that. Everyone says like that. Therefore, according to Vedic scripture, those animal-eaters, they should kill them personally so that they can see how much suffering is there, so he will stop. But now the things are being done in the slaughterhouse. They do not see. They purchase very nicely packed. They do not know. And they are becoming implicated. Therefore, according to Vedic injunction, if you want to eat meat, you kill yourself in your front, in the front of goddess Kālī.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Morning_Walk_--_June_29,_1974,_Melbourne?terms=They%20are%20thinking%20that+We%20are%20not%20going%20to%20slaughterhouse%20to%20kill.%20They%20kill;%20we%20purchase&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20In%20spite%20of%20good%20brain,%20they%20are%20rascals,%20because&last=see?%20This%20is%20the%20process%20of%20bali-d%C4%81na,%20mantra%20and%20everything. Vanisource: Morning Walk – June 29, 1974, Melbourne]</ref></blockquote>

The idea is that ultimately, when one understands how he is accountable, he will cease to commit offenses.

<blockquote>In the Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu, Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī explains that a man becomes sinful out of ignorance only. The resultant effect of sinful life is suffering. Those who are not in knowledge, who commit violations of the standard laws, are subject to be punished under criminal laws. Similarly, the laws of nature are very stringent. If a child touches fire without knowing the effect, he must be burned, even though he is only a child. If a child violates the law of nature, there is no compassion. Only through ignorance does a person violate the laws of nature, and when he comes to knowledge he does not commit any more sinful acts.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.26.10?terms=Only%20through%20ignorance%20does%20a%20person%20violate%20the%20laws%20of%20nature,%20and%20when%20he%20comes%20to%20knowledge%20he%20does%20not%20commit%20any%20more%20sinful%20acts&first=A%20person%20in%20the%20mode%20of%20ignorance%20commits%20many%20sinful&last=by%20the%20%C5%9B%C4%81stra%20and%20following%20the%20bona%20fide%20spiritual%20master. Vanisource: SB 4.26.10, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

====Animal bodies for animal mentalities====

Śrīla Prabhupāda writes:

<blockquote>Men must be intelligent to realize the importance of human life and refuse to act like ordinary animals... Animals can kill other living animals, and there is no question of sin on their part, but if a man kills an animal for the satisfaction of his uncontrolled taste, he must be responsible for breaking the laws of nature.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_Introduction?terms=if%20a%20man%20kills%20an%20animal%20for%20the%20satisfaction%20of%20his%20uncontrolled%20taste,%20he%20must%20be%20responsible%20for%20breaking%20the%20laws%20of%20nature&first=There%20are%20many%20examples%20given%20of%20how%20we%20are%20to&last=the%20destination%20which%20is%20beyond%20this%20material%20sky.%20%28BG%2015.6%29 Vanisource: Bhagavad Gita As It Is, Introduction]</ref></blockquote>

Put simply, he says that animal-killing is for animals, not human beings. Furthermore, Śrīla Prabhupāda states that human beings who support the killing of animals are essentially animals themselves by dint of their mentality and behavior. Regarding animal-killing for food, he once said: "They are animal, those who are eating another animal; they are not human being. Although they have got the form of human being, they are not considered human being."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_1.15.25-26_--_Los_Angeles,_December_4,_1973?terms=those%20who%20are%20eating%20another%20animal;%20they%20are%20not%20human%20being.%20Although%20they%20have%20got%20the%20form%20of%20human%20being,%20they%20are%20not%20considered%20human%20being&first=Pradyumna:%20%22Translation:%20O%20King,%20as%20in%20the%20ocean%20the%20bigger&last=consciousness.%20That%20is%20human.%20So%20this%20consciousness%20is%20developing%20gradually. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 1.15.25-26 -- Los Angeles, December 4, 1973]</ref> In the general sense, he gives this analogy:

<blockquote>If a cat and dog becomes nicely dressed, that does not mean he becomes a human being. He is cat and dog. Similarly, if we keep our mentality like cats and dog and outwardly we dress very nicely, they have been described as dvi-pada-paśuḥ, "two-legged animal."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_7.6.5_--_Vrndavana,_December_7,_1975?terms=two-legged&first=Human%20life%20is%20not%20meant%20for%20polished%20dogism%20and%20pigism.&last=go-khara%E1%B8%A5%20%28SB%2010.84.13%29.%20That%20is%20the%20verdict%20of%20Vedic%20literature. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 7.6.5 -- Vrndavana, December 7, 1975]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that according to the laws of karma and transmigration of the soul, human beings shape their future lives through their mentality and actions. He reveals the implication of these laws for those who behave on the level of animals:

<blockquote>If my activities are lower-grade like animals, then I will have to take birth in the animal family. That is force. Karmaṇā daiva-netreṇa jantur deha upapattaye ([[Vanisource:SB 3.31.1|SB 3.31.1]]). We develop a certain type of body according to our karma.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_1.8.32_--_Los_Angeles,_April_24,_1973?terms=if%20my%20activities%20are%20lower%20grade%20like%20animals,%20then%20I%20will%20have%20to%20take%20birth%20in%20the%20animal%20family&first=Now%205,000%20years%20ago,%20Kunt%C4%AB%20is%20offering%20this%20prayer.%20That&last=trying%20to%20save%20people%20from%20going%20down%20to%20animal%20life. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 1.8.32 -- Los Angeles, April 24, 1973]</ref></blockquote>

In this way, he explains, one who eats meat can look forward to being awarded with an animal body in subsequent births.

<blockquote>Everything is food, but the human being has got an allotted foodstuff by the Supreme Lord. Eko yo bahūnāṁ vidadhāti kāmān. That Supreme Personality of Godhead is supplying everyone foodstuff. But not that the dogs' and hogs' foodstuff is the same for the human kind, no. Tena tyaktena bhuñjīthā ([[Vanisource:ISO_1|ISO 1]]). You should enjoy as it is allotted by the Supreme Lord. So if we transgress this law... Our constitutional position, anatomical fittings, is to eat fruit, vegetable, rice, wheat, milk or milk product. This is our constitutional position. But if we imitate the cats and dog, without any discrimination, if we eat, then my next body is ready, the hog's body or the dog's body. This is natural law. Kāraṇaṁ guṇa-saṅgo 'sya sad-asad-janma-yoniṣu ([[Vanisource:ISO_1|ISO 1]]). As you associate with different types of material modes of nature, then you get the next body accordingly.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_1.7.6_--_Vrndavana,_April_23,_1975?terms=if%20we%20imitate%20the%20cats%20and%20dog,%20without%20any%20discrimination,%20if%20we%20eat,%20then%20my%20next%20body%20is%20ready,%20the%20hog%27s%20body%20or%20the%20dog%27s%20body&first=Karm%C4%ABs,%20they%20think%20that%20%22If%20I%20can%20satisfy%20the%20senses&last=why%20I%20have%20to%20change%20my%20body?%22%20This%20is%20intelligence. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 1.7.6 -- Vrndavana, April 23, 1975]</ref></blockquote>

For meat-eaters, the best-case scenario Śrīla Prabhupāda gives is that of the [[#Sacrifices_for_meat-eating|bali-dāna sacrifice]] described previously in this article. Yet even when one follows this procedure, he must pay a price for the life he is taking. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes how the karmic cost of meat-eating is expressed in the very word for "meat" in Sanskrit, māṁsa.

<blockquote>By killing animals, not only will we be bereft of the human form but we will have to take an animal form and somehow or other be killed by the same type of animal we have killed. This is the law of nature. The Sanskrit word māṁsa means "meat." It is said, māṁ saḥ khadati iti māṁsaḥ. That is, "I am now eating the flesh of an animal who will some day in the future be eating my flesh."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Madhya_24.252?terms=m%C4%81%E1%B9%81sa&first=Everyone%20has%20a%20chance%20to%20become%20purified%20by%20associating%20with&last=will%20some%20day%20in%20the%20future%20be%20eating%20my%20flesh.%22 Vanisource: CC Madhya 24.252, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

Thus the person who kills an animal for meat must, in a future life, accept the body of an animal to be killed for meat. In any event, Śrīla Prabhupāda assures us, God and nature can certainly provide meat-eaters with a body in their next life to better suit their gustatory desires.

::Cardinal Danielou: But, why, why, why God make some animals who eat other animals? There is a fault in the creation because... It is a fault in the creation?

::Prabhupāda: No. The God is very kind. If you want to eat animals, then He'll give facility, good facility. Just like tiger. You become tiger, and eat animals. Those who are animal eaters, unrestrictedly, God will give him the body of a tiger next life so that he can very freely eat. "Why you maintain slaughterhouse? I give you nails and jaws. Just eat." So they are waiting that life.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversation_with_Cardinal_Danielou_--_August_9,_1973,_Paris?terms=animals+animals+animals+eat+animals+eat+animals+eat+animals+animal+eat+eat&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20And%20for%20the%20animals%20we%20can%20see,%20when%20one&last=and%20jaws.%20Just%20eat.%22%20So%20they%20are%20waiting%20that%20life. Vanisource: Room Conversation with Cardinal Danielou – August 9, 1973, Paris]</ref>

====Equal and opposite reaction====

Śrīla Prabhupāda posed the question in one lecture:

<blockquote>Why these animals are being slaughtered? There is some nature's law. They were murderer or slaughterer in their past life as human being. Now they have assumed, they have accepted a body to be slaughtered by the laws of nature.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_1.8.52_--_Los_Angeles,_May_14,_1973?terms=Why%20these%20animals%20are%20being%20slaughtered&first=There%20are%20two%20kinds%20of,%20what%20is%20called,%20atonement.%20One&last=the%20animal-eaters,%20not%20for%20all.%20Those%20who%20are...%20To%20restrict. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 1.8.52 -- Los Angeles, May 14, 1973]</ref></blockquote>

The law of karma (action and reaction) has a purpose, as Śrīla Prabhupāda explains: "Unless one comes to the platform of actual experience, one cannot realize what is pain and what is happiness in this material world. The laws of nature act accordingly." <ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_10.10.14?terms=m%C4%81%E1%B9%81sa&first=There%20is%20a%20saying,%20%22The%20happiness%20of%20wealth%20is%20enjoyable&last=custom%20that%20if%20a%20person%20commits%20murder%20he%20is%20hanged. Vanisource: SB 10.10.14, Purport]</ref> Along these lines, Śrīla Prabhupāda instructs through his scriptural translations, commentaries and conversational exchanges that anyone who is involved in an act of violence against any living entity is bound to suffer reaction according to the nature of the offense.

=====Consequences after death=====

The fifth canto of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam specifically cites several offenses against animals along with the hellish suffering that awaits the perpetrators. [[Vanisource:SB 5.26.24|Chapter 26 (verse 24)]] directly condemns recreational hunting; in [[Vanisource:SB 5.26.32|verse 32]], the text condemns those who offer shelter to animals but then abuse them under the pretense of protection. Furthermore, [[Vanisource:SB 5.26.34|verse 34]] suggests the kind of activity carried on in present-day commercial agriculture along with its punishment:

<blockquote>"Those who in this life confine other living entities in dark wells, granaries or mountain caves are put after death into the hell known as Avaṭa-nirodhana. There they themselves are pushed into dark wells, where poisonous fumes and smoke suffocate them and they suffer very severely." <ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_5.26.34 Vanisource: SB 5.26.34, Translation]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam ([[Vanisource:SB 5.26.17|5.26.17]]) declares that even the lowest of insects should not be subjected to violence. It also makes the point that the human being, having a higher level of awareness, is held accountable for violent acts in a way that lower animals are not. Śrīla Prabhupāda translates:

<blockquote>"By the arrangement of the Supreme Lord, low-grade living beings like bugs and mosquitoes suck the blood of human beings and other animals. Such insignificant creatures are unaware that their bites are painful to the human being. However, first-class human beings—brāhmaṇas, kṣatriyas and vaiśyas—are developed in consciousness, and therefore they know how painful it is to be killed. A human being endowed with knowledge certainly commits sin if he kills or torments insignificant creatures, who have no discrimination. The Supreme Lord punishes such a man by putting him into the hell known as Andhakūpa, where he is attacked by all the birds and beasts, reptiles, mosquitoes, lice, worms, flies, and any other creatures he tormented during his life. They attack him from all sides, robbing him of the pleasure of sleep. Unable to rest, he constantly wanders about in the darkness. Thus in Andhakūpa his suffering is just like that of a creature in the lower species." <ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_5.26.17 Vanisource: SB 5.26.17, Translation]</ref></blockquote>

More examples of punishment for abuse of animals can be found in Śrīla Prabhupāda's translations of scriptural narratives. One is the case of King Prācīnabarhiṣat, a monarch from ancient Vedic times who was engaging in large-scale animal sacrifices for the sake of material advancement. He was advised by the sage Nārada Muni to give up this path of fruitive activity and warned in particular of the reaction awaiting him for the sacrifice of so many animals. Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam reads:

<blockquote>"The great saint Nārada said: O ruler of the citizens, my dear King, please see in the sky those animals which you have sacrificed without compassion and without mercy in the sacrificial arena. All these animals are awaiting your death so that they can avenge the injuries you have inflicted upon them. After you die, they will angrily pierce your body with iron horns."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.25.7 Vanisource: SB 4.25.7] and [http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.25.8 SB 4.25.8], Translations</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda stresses that accountability for cruelty to animals is very strict, as the laws of nature excuse no one from responsibility. He illustrates this through an incident from the life of the sage Maṇḍūka Muni. Maṇḍūka, who had been known to be a saintly person, was brought at the time of his death to the court of Yamarāja, the demigod who judges and punishes sinful persons upon the termination of their lives. To Maṇḍūka’s great surprise – and pain – he found himself sentenced to a horrible punishment for an act he had committed as a child. Śrīla Prabhupāda continues:

<blockquote> So the muni asked Yamarāja that "Why you have put me into this tribulation, this punishment? What is my fault?" The Yamarāja explained that "In your childhood you pierced with a nail through the rectum of an ant. Therefore you must be punished like this." Just see. In childhood playing he pierced. Sometimes we have seen, the children do that. That is also counted. You cannot do any harm to any animal, any living being.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_5.5.16_--_Vrndavana,_November_4,_1976?terms=ant+rectum+rectum+ant&first=So%20many%20sufferings.%20Illegal%E2%80%94now%20they%20are%20giving%20opportunity,%20abortion,%20killing&last=not%20know%20what%20is%20the%20law%20of%20nature,%20that%20ananta-du%E1%B8%A5kham. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 5.5.16 – Vrndavana, November 4, 1976]</ref></blockquote>

=====Warning to killers and abusers=====

Another instructive narrative that Śrīla Prabhupāda references is the story of a hunter named Mṛgāri.<ref>Part of the Padma Purāṇa, as told by Lord Caitanya - [http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Madhya_24.229 CC Madhya 24.229] through [http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Madhya_24.282 CC Madhya 24.282] - also summarized in [http://vanisource.org/wiki/TLC_16?terms=a%20hunter%20who%20attained%20salvation+the%20hunter+N%C4%81rada%20Muni+the%20hunter+The%20hunter+N%C4%81rada%20Muni+N%C4%81rada%20Muni+the%20hunter+The%20hunter+the%20hunter+the%20hunter+the%20hunter+the%20hunter+the%20hunter+the%20hunter+The%20hunter+the%20hunter+the%20hunter+The%20hunter+the%20hunter+the%20hunter+the%20hunter+the%20hunter+the%20hunter+the%20hunter+the%20hunter+the%20hunter+killing%20animals+The%20hunter+the%20hunter+the%20hunter+the%20hunter+the%20hunter&first=There%20is%20one%20instance%20of%20a%20hunter%20who%20attained%20salvation&last=devotional%20service%20of%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a%20by%20the%20influence%20of%20pure%20devotees. Teachings of Lord Caitanya, Chapter 16]</ref> Mṛgāri pointedly practiced his trade by fatally wounding his victims and letting them suffer in a half-killed state before they died. In the following lecture excerpt, Śrīla Prabhupāda introduces the story, where the sage Nārada Muni encounters Mṛgāri in the forest:

<blockquote>There is a story that one hunter, he was killing in the forest all kinds of animals and he was killing them half. So they were suffering too much severe pain. So Nārada Muni was going in that way. He saw that these animals have been half killed, and they are so much suffering. Who is doing that? So he searched out the hunter. He requested, "Sir you are killing the animals, why don't you kill them all at a time? Why you are killing half? They are suffering. You'll have to suffer in that way." The hunter did not know that killing animals is sinful and he has to suffer again. So he said, "Sir, I am trained like this by my father. This is my profession. I do not know what is sin, but this is the first time I am hearing from you that killing this animal, especially in this way, is very much sinful."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_18.41_--_Stockholm,_September_7,_1973?terms=he%20was%20killing%20them%20half+N%C4%81rada%20Muni+the%20hunter+The%20hunter+killing%20animals+N%C4%81rada%20Muni+the%20hunter+N%C4%81rada%20Muni+the%20hunter+N%C4%81rada%20Muni+the%20hunter+N%C4%81rada%20Muni+killing%20animals&first=When%20you%20take%20the%20animal%20to%20the%20slaughterhouse%20for%20killing,&last=that%20simply%20protection%20should%20be%20given%20to%20the%20human%20being. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 18.41 – Stockholm, September 7, 1973]</ref></blockquote>

Nārada Muni warned Mṛgāri: "My dear hunter, your business is killing animals. That is a slight offense on your part. But when you consciously give them unnecessary pain by leaving them half-dead, you incur very great sins. All the animals that you have killed and given unnecessary pain will kill you one after the other in your next life and in life after life."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Madhya_24.250 Vanisource: CC Madhya 24.250] and [http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Madhya_24.251 24.251]</ref> Mṛgāri took heed of Nārada Muni’s words. Eager to avoid punishment, Mṛgāri surrendered to the sage's instruction, thereby giving up his cruel behavior and indeed his hunting profession altogether. Mṛgāri's reformation was so great that he came to be known as a first-class saintly man.

Śrīla Prabhupāda extends Nārada’s instruction in his commentary, in which he compares the offenses of Mṛgāri to that of modern slaughterhouse operators. Here he also refers to another story from śāstra in which a hunter is advised, "Don’t live, don’t die."<ref>See [http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Since_the_hunter_lives_a_very_ghastly_life_due_to_killing_animals,_and_since_he_will_go_to_hell_when_he_dies,_he_is_advised_to_neither_live_nor_die Vaniquotes: Since the hunter lives a very ghastly life...]</ref> The purport: killers and tormentors of animals are bound to suffer in this life and the next.

<blockquote>If one gives another living entity unnecessary pain, one will certainly be punished by the laws of nature with a similar pain. Although the hunter Mṛgāri was uncivilized, he still had to suffer the results of his sinful activities. However, if a civilized man kills animals regularly in a slaughterhouse to maintain his so-called civilization, using scientific methods and machines to kill animals, one cannot even estimate the suffering awaiting him. So-called civilized people consider themselves very advanced in education, but they do not know about the stringent laws of nature. According to nature’s law, it is a life for a life. We can hardly imagine the sufferings of one who maintains a slaughterhouse. He endures suffering not only in this life, but in his next life also. It is said that a hunter, murderer or killer is advised not to live and not to die. If he lives, he accumulates even more sins, which bring about more suffering in a future life. He is advised not to die because his dying means that he immediately begins to endure more suffering. Therefore he is advised not to live and not to die.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Madhya_24.249?terms=a%20hunter,%20murderer%20or%20killer%20is%20advised%20not%20to%20live%20and%20not%20to%20die&first=This%20is%20an%20authoritative%20statement%20given%20by%20the%20greatest%20authority,&last=he%20is%20advised%20not%20to%20live%20and%20not%20to%20die. Vanisource: CC Madhya 24.249, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

Regarding the slaughter of cows in particular, there is a text in Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta ([[Vanisource:CC Adi 17.166|17.166]]) wherein Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu states:

::go-aṅge yata loma, tata sahasra vatsara
::go-vadhī raurava-madhye pace nirantara

:"Cow-killers are condemned to rot in hellish life for as many thousands of years as there are hairs on the body of the cow."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Adi_17.166 Vanisource: CC Adi 17.166], part of the discussion between Lord Caitanya and Chand Kazi</ref>

Śrīla Prabhupāda thus summarizes his warning to slaughterhouse society:

<blockquote>Those who kill animals and give them unnecessary pain - as people do in slaughterhouses - will be killed in a similar way in the next life and in many lives to come. One can never be excused from such an offense. If one kills many thousands of animals in a professional way so that other people can purchase the meat to eat, one must be ready to be killed in a similar way in his next life and in life after life.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Madhya_24.251?terms=killing%20animals+wars&first=Those%20who%20kill%20animals%20and%20give%20them%20unnecessary%20pain%E2%80%94as%20people&last=they%20must%20take%20to%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a%20consciousness%20and%20cease%20sinful%20activity.?terms=killing%20animals+wars&first=Those%20who%20kill%20animals%20and%20give%20them%20unnecessary%20pain%E2%80%94as%20people&last=they%20must%20take%20to%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a%20consciousness%20and%20cease%20sinful%20activity. Vanisource: CC Madhya 24.251, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

====Societal issues====

Śrīla Prabhupāda speaks of how the adverse consequences of animal-killing manifest on a mass scale as well as individually. He describes how the results and repercussions of unprincipled animal-killing are observable in historical events and in the daily news and affairs of our own times.

=====War=====

The incidence of war, particularly the large-scale warfare of modern times, is one which Śrīla Prabhupāda specifically links to unrestricted animal slaughter.

<blockquote>To be nonviolent to human beings and to be a killer or enemy of the poor animals is Satan's philosophy. In this age there is enmity toward poor animals, and therefore the poor creatures are always anxious. The reaction of the poor animals is being forced on human society, and therefore there is always the strain of cold or hot war between men, individually, collectively or nationally.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.10.6?terms=killer%20or%20enemy%20of%20the%20poor%20animals+war&first=To%20be%20nonviolent%20to%20human%20beings%20and%20to%20be%20a&last=cold%20or%20hot%20war%20between%20men,%20individually,%20collectively%20or%20nationally. Vanisource: SB 1.10.6, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>In this age of Kali the propensity for mercy is almost nil. Consequently there is always fighting and wars between men and nations. Men do not understand that because they unrestrictedly kill so many animals, they also must be slaughtered like animals in big wars.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.26.5?terms=wars+wars+war+war+animal-killing+animal-killing+animal-killing&first=In%20this%20age%20of%20Kali%20the%20propensity%20for%20mercy%20is&last=sinful%20activities%20of%20men%20in%20this%20Kali-yuga%20can%20be%20counteracted. Vanisource: SB 4.26.5, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

In one of his Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam purports, Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that mass civilian deaths are further reaction to sinful activity. He contrasts modern warfare with the warfare waged in Vedic times, correlating the slaughter of innocent citizens with the mass slaughter of innocent animals:

<blockquote>Violence is certainly a path leading to a hellish condition of life, but it is also required for maintenance of the law and order of the state. Here Lord Manu prohibited Dhruva Mahārāja from killing the Yakṣas because only one of them was punishable for killing his brother, Uttama; not all of the Yakṣa citizens were punishable. We find in modern warfare, however, that attacks are made upon innocent citizens who are without fault. According to the law of Manu, such warfare is a most sinful activity. Furthermore, at the present moment civilized nations are unnecessarily maintaining many slaughterhouses for killing innocent animals. When a nation is attacked by its enemies, the wholesale slaughter of the citizens should be taken as a reaction to their own sinful activities. That is nature's law.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.11.7?terms=slaughter&first=A%20k%E1%B9%A3atriya%20is%20allowed%20to%20kill%20only%20for%20maintenance%20of&last=reaction%20to%20their%20own%20sinful%20activities.%20That%20is%20nature%27s%20law. Vanisource: SB 4.11.7, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

Elsewhere Śrīla Prabhupāda suggests that if meat-eaters would follow bona fide sacrificial rituals instead of patronizing the slaughterhouse, it would benefit humanity on the mass level.

<blockquote>At the present moment, so-called civilized men do not sacrifice animals to a deity in a religious or ritualistic way. They openly kill animals daily by the thousands for no purpose other than the satisfaction of the tongue. Because of this the entire world is suffering in so many ways. Politicians are unnecessarily declaring war, and according to the stringent laws of material nature, massacres are taking place between nations.

::prakṛteḥ kriyamāṇāni guṇaiḥ karmāṇi sarvaśaḥ
::ahaṅkāra-vimūḍhātmā kartāham iti manyate

"The bewildered spirit soul, under the influence of the three modes of material nature, thinks himself to be the doer of activities that are in actuality carried out by nature." ([[Vanisource:BG 3.27 (1972)|BG 3.27]]) The laws of prakṛti (nature) are very stringent. No one should think that he has the freedom to kill animals and not suffer the consequences. One cannot be safe by doing this.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Madhya_24.250?terms=kill%20an%20animal+Slaughter+war&first=There%20are%20always%20animal-killers%20and%20animal-eaters%20in%20human%20society%20because&last=the%20freedom%20to%20kill%20animals%20and%20not%20suffer%20the%20consequences. Vanisource: CC Madhya 24.250, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda especially opposes the slaughterhouse industry.

<blockquote>We don't stop trade. We don't stop food, producing food grains. But we want to stop these killing houses. It is very, very sinful. Therefore in Europe, so many wars. Every ten years, fifteen years, there is a big war and wholesale slaughter of the whole human kind. And these rascals, they do not see it. The reaction must be there. You are killing innocent cows and animals. Nature will take revenge. Wait for that. As soon as the time is ripe, the nature will gather all these rascals, and club, slaughter them. Finished. They will fight amongst themselves, Protestant and Catholic, Russian and France, and France and Germany. This is going on. Why? This is the nature's law. Tit for tat. You have killed. Now you become killed. Amongst yourselves. They are being sent to the slaughterhouse.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversation_--_June_11,_1974,_Paris?terms=wars+war+slaughter+killing%20innocent%20cows%20and%20animals+slaughter&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20So%20use%20this.%20This%20is%20one%20of%20the%20business.&last=must%20be%20killed.%20That%20I%27ve%20discussed%20in%20this%20now%20Caitanya-carit%C4%81m%E1%B9%9Bta. Vanisource: Room Conversation – June 11, 1974, Paris]</ref></blockquote>

=====Abortion=====

Śrīla Prabhupāda draws a parallel between animal-killing and the practice of abortion. One point he makes is that the victims of abortion are suffering the reaction for their own killing activities in previous lives.

<blockquote>Why so many abortions are taking place nowadays? Because the child which has come into the womb of the mother, he is sinful. He has done previous life so many killings. Now he has to be killed so many times. He has to be killed so many times. As many times he has killed other poor animals. This is the law of nature. Just like in the state laws, if you kill somebody, the state law will kill him. Life for life. Similarly, God's law, how even if you kill one ant even, you will be responsible for this, and it will have to be punished. They do not know this. They do not know this.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_2.1.4_--_Delhi,_November_7,_1973?terms=abortion+animals&first=They%20are%20mad.%20%22We%20have%20to%20maintain%20the%20society,%20friendship,&last=his%20own%20work.%20Nobody%20will%20be%20responsible%20for%20your%20work. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 2.1.4 – Delhi, November 7, 1973]</ref></blockquote>

In addition, Śrīla Prabhupāda perceives that abortion, like animal slaughter, is a manifestation of mercilessness and breach of trust between protector and protected.

<blockquote>The productive class, they should give protection to the cows. The cows are given under their protection, not that "Because the cows are given under my protection, therefore I must open a slaughterhouse and kill them." Similarly... So children under the protection of father and mother... Just like this child is sitting on the lap of... He is comfortable. But if the father thinks, "He is under my protection; therefore I shall cut throat..." Now it is going on. The abortion means that. The child is taken shelter of the mother's womb for protection, but now she is being killed. The time is so bad. You see?<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_1.15.34_--_Los_Angeles,_December_12,_1973?terms=animals+slaughterhouse+abortion&first=So%20women,%20by%20nature%20they%20should%20remain%20subordinate.%20It%20does&last=is%20being%20killed.%20The%20time%20is%20so%20bad.%20You%20see? Vanisource: Lecture on SB 1.15.34 – Los Angeles, December 12, 1973]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>Unless one is very expert in killing animals, he's not bereft from Kṛṣṇa consciousness. That means one who is very expert in killing, he cannot understand. Therefore Christ also said, "Thou shall not kill," the first business. Nobody will be able if one is a killer of animal, small or big, ultimately killer of his own children, killer of his own self. The killing process is so nice that it goes up to the point of killing one's children. That is now happening. Killing business has so expanded that they are killing their own children. Just see the influence of Kali-yuga. The children, they take shelter of the father and mother, thinking very safe. Now, in this Kali-yuga, even there is no safety under the care of father and mother. Just see how this material civilization is progressing. Very, very dangerous.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_CC_Adi-lila_1.13_--_Mayapur,_April_6,_1975?terms=pa%C5%9Bughn%C4%81t&first=So%20this%20is%20m%C4%81y%C4%81.%20And%20our%20declaration%20of%20war%20with&last=see%20how%20this%20material%20civilization%20is%20progressing.%20Very,%20very%20dangerous. Vanisource: Lecture on CC Adi-lila 1.13 – Mayapur, April 6, 1975]</ref></blockquote>

=====Degraded lifestyles=====

Śrīla Prabhupāda observes a connection between animal-killing and many aspects of social degradation. One of these is the association he notes between meat-eating and alcohol consumption.

<blockquote>Meat-eater means other things will follow. Illicit sex will follow and drinking will follow. Because you cannot digest meat by water. You must drink. That is the fact… In India we have seen, everywhere. This wine and meat, they are together. Because you have to digest.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_7.6.5_--_Toronto,_June_21,_1976?terms=digest+digest+digested+digest&first=Meat-eater%20means%20other%20things%20will%20follow.%20Illicit%20sex%20will%20follow&last=and%20meat,%20they%20are%20together.%20Because%20you%20have%20to%20digest. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 7.6.5 -- Toronto, June 21, 1976]</ref></blockquote>

He further comments on how meat-eating, along with drinking, provides fuel for an angry and animalistic way of life.

<blockquote>Modern civilization is centered around animal-killing. Karmīs are advertising that without eating meat, their vitamin value or vitality will be reduced; so to keep oneself fit to work hard, one must eat meat, and to digest meat, one must drink liquor, and to keep the balance of drinking wine and eating meat, one must have sufficient sexual intercourse to keep fit to work very hard like an ass.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.27.11?terms=killing%20of%20animals+animal-killing&first=Actually,%20those%20who%20are%20in%20knowledge%20of%20everything%20are%20determined&last=to%20keep%20fit%20to%20work%20very%20hard%20like%20an%20ass. Vanisource: SB 4.17.11, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>In the modern civilization especially, they are being trained up to work very hard and, to get strength, eat meat, and to digest meat drink wine, and then become infuriated and work very hard. This is the modern type of civilization. But Vedic civilization is different. Vedic civilization is not meant for working so hard. The human being should be very peaceful and sober and intelligent and cultivate spiritual knowledge, become brāhmaṇa, brahminical culture.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_3.26.19_--_Bombay,_December_28,_1974?terms=modern%20civilization&first=Everyone%20is%20trying%20work,%20trying%20to%20work%20very%20hard%20to&last=culture.%20Satya%E1%B9%81%20%C5%9Bauca%E1%B9%81%20%C5%9Bamo%20damas%20titik%E1%B9%A3%C4%81.%20This%20is%20Vedic%20culture. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 3.26.19 – Bombay, December 28, 1974]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda sees animal-killing to be an integral part of the wretchedness of modern urban life, as he commented in this 1975 lecture:

<blockquote>The present situation of the human civilization is very, very dark, tamasā. They want to live in the city without working for producing their food. And there are butchers, they kill innocent animals. And in the city they eat the meat, and to digest they drink and work like hogs and dogs whole day and night. This is civilization. This is not civilization. This is darkness, darkness of life.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_6.1.50_--_Detroit,_August_3,_1975?terms=digest&first=So%20the%20present%20situation%20of%20the%20human%20civilization%20is%20very,&last=This%20is%20not%20civilization.%20This%20is%20darkness,%20darkness%20of%20life. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 6.1.50 – Detroit, August 3, 1975]</ref></blockquote>

Society will continue to suffer, he says, as long as it continues to support mass animal slaughter.

<blockquote>It is the duty of the vaiśyas to protect the cows, to increase agricultural activities and trade. But they are now interested in producing electronic parts. No go-rakṣya, no vāṇijyam, no food production. Cheap profit, and for eating, let there be slaughterhouse and eat meat. And to digest meat, you drink wine. This is being taught. So you create the situation and when you suffer, then why should we lament? We have created this situation, godless civilization, do not follow the direction of the śāstras.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Conversation_at_Airport_--_October_26,_1973,_Bombay?terms=digest&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20Oh%20yes.%20K%C4%81ma%E1%B9%81%20vavar%E1%B9%A3a%20parjanya%E1%B8%A5%20%28SB%201.10.4%29.%20During%20Mah%C4%81r%C4%81ja&last=godless%20civilization,%20do%20not%20follow%20the%20direction%20of%20the%20%C5%9B%C4%81stras. Vanisource: Conversation at Airport – October 26, 1973, Bombay]</ref></blockquote>

(Go to [[#Adverse_consequences_.28ref.29|<u>'''references'''</u>]] for '''"Adverse consequences"''')

===Uplifting humanity===

Śrīla Prabhupāda characterizes animal slaughter as an expression of gross ignorance and pinpoints it as a key factor contributing to the ongoing degradation of the human condition. Speaking in terms of human character and its ramifications, he observes and explains how the practice of animal-killing poisons human civilization, thereby underscoring the urgency for all societies to put an end to this unnecessary violence.

====Intellectual and spiritual development====

Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that the [[#Culture_of_humanity|proper function of civilization]] is to utilize human intelligence with an aim toward spiritual advancement for all members of society. He argues that unprincipled animal slaughter is a prime detriment to human culture in these very areas - intellectual and spiritual development.

To begin, he says that animal-killing and meat-eating dull the human intelligence, rendering people unreceptive to spiritual culture and incapable of higher modes of thinking.

<blockquote>The gross materialists, they are animal-killers, gross materialists. That, these animal-killers, according to Bhāgavata also, they cannot understand finer things. Those who are animal-killers and animal-eaters, they cannot understand finer philosophical matter. Their brain is gross. Therefore they are much inclined to mechanical way of life. Machine. Machine is gross.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture-Day_after_Sri_Gaura-Purnima_--_Hawaii,_March_5,_1969?terms=Those%20who%20are%20animal-killers%20and%20animal-eaters,%20they%20cannot%20understand%20finer%20philosophical%20matter.%20Their%20brain%20is%20gross.%20Therefore%20they%20are%20much%20inclined%20to%20mechanical%20way%20of%20life&first=Why%20we%20have%20got%20different%20bodies,%20different%20types%20of%20bodies?&last=the%20soul.%20They%20are%20taking%20care%20of%20this%20gross%20body. Vanisource: Lecture – Day after Sri Gaura-Purnima – Hawaii, March 5, 1969]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>Those who are animal killers, their brain is dull as stone. They cannot understand any thing. Therefore meat-eating should be stopped. In order to revive the finer tissues of the brain to understand subtle things, one must give up meat-eating. <ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_2.18_--_London,_August_24,_1973?terms=Those%20who%20are%20animal%20killers,%20their%20brain%20is%20dull%20as%20stone.%20They%20cannot%20understand%20any%20thing&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20So%20the%20soul%20is%20in%20the%20heart%20and%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a&last=K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a,%20he%20immediately%20gets%20salvation.%20So%20these%20thing%20are%20there. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 2.18 – London, August 24, 1973]</ref></blockquote>

This subtle degradation of humanity, Śrīla Prabhupāda notes, was a key factor involved in the [[Buddha:_A_Vaisnava_Perspective#Time.2C_place_and_persons_involved|nonviolence movement of Lord Buddha]].

<blockquote>What is sin, what is pious activities, these things are not understood by them because they are animal killers. It is not possible. Therefore Lord Buddha propagated ahiṁsā. Ahiṁsā. Because he saw the whole human race is going to hell by this animal killing. "Let me stop them so that they may, in future, they may become sober."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_2.18_--_London,_August_24,_1973?terms=animal%20killer+understand+understand&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20Par%C4%ABk%E1%B9%A3it%20Mah%C4%81r%C4%81ja.%20He%20said%20that%20God%20consciousness,%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a%20consciousness,&last=He%20was%20so%20kind%20and%20compassionate.%20That%20is%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a%20consciousness. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 2.18 – London, August 24, 1973]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>Lord Buddha appeared to stop animal-killing, ahiṁsā. He did not say anything more. His only mission was, "Let these rascals first of all stop this animal-killing, they'll understand further about spiritual advancement." Those who are animal killer, they cannot understand anything about spiritual advancement. That is not possible. Therefore this thing must be stopped first.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_--_Hong_Kong,_January_31,_1974?terms=Let%20these%20rascals%20first%20of%20all%20stop%20this%20animal-killing,%20they%27ll%20understand%20further%20about%20spiritual%20advancement&first=Buddha%20%C5%9Bar%C4%ABra%20is%20also,%20ke%C5%9Bava%20dh%E1%B9%9Bta%20buddha%20%C5%9Bar%C4%ABra,%20to%20give&last=That%20is%20Buddha%20philosophy.%20But%20in%20spite%20of%20that...%20%28end%29 Vanisource: Lecture -- Hong Kong, January 31, 1974]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda also observes that Jesus Christ taught similarly. His main reference, however, is to a verse spoken by Parīkṣit Mahārāja in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam ([[Vanisource:SB 10.1.4|10.1.4]]).

<blockquote>Just in the beginning Christ says, "Thou shall not kill." That is the beginning of religious life. The animal killers cannot understand what is God. It is not possible. There is a statement in the Bhāgavata, viṇa paśughnat.
::nivṛtta tarṣair upagīyamānād
::bhavauṣadhāc chrotra-mano-'bhirāmāt
::ka uttamaśloka guṇānuvādāt
::pumān virajyeta vinā paśughnāt
::([[Vanisource:SB 10.1.4|SB 10.1.4]])
"Who can remain aloof from the chanting of the holy name of God unless he's an animal killer?" Yes. Animal killers cannot understand what is God, what is God's name. That's not possible.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Morning_Walk_--_June_22,_1974,_Germany?terms=understand+animal%20killer+understand&first=Guest%20%281%29:%20Ahi%E1%B9%81s%C4%81.&last=what%20is%20God,%20what%20is%20God%27s%20name.%20That%27s%20not%20possible. Vanisource: Morning Walk – June 22, 1974, Germany]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda argues that both animal-killing and meat-eating ruin one's prospects for spiritual advancement.

<blockquote>Foodstuffs should be given, nice foodstuff given, should be given to the particular person for developing nice brain. Milk is a foodstuff which can develop your finer tissues of the brain so that you can understand higher philosophy. And if you become blunt, and you eat meat by killing any animal, then how you will understand? The finer tissues given in the human form of life for understanding spiritual things... You cannot. Vinā paśughnāt. Therefore Parīkṣit Mahārāja says, vinā paśughnāt. Nivṛtta-tarṣair upagīyamānād bhavauṣadhāc chrotra-mano-'bhirāmāt uttamaśloka-guṇānuvādāt ([[Vanisource:SB 10.1.4|SB 10.1.4]]). Uttamaśloka, Kṛṣṇa, guṇānuvādāt, glorifying His activities, who can be bereft of this opportunity, vinā paśughnāt, unless he is an animal killer? Unless he is animal killer, nobody will deny to hear about Kṛṣṇa. Because the animal killers, they have lost their brain.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_2.3.19_--_Los_Angeles,_June_14,_1972?terms=pa%C5%9Bughn%C4%81t+pa%C5%9Bughn%C4%81t+pa%C5%9Bughn%C4%81t&first=Foodstuffs%20should%20be%20given,%20nice%20foodstuff%20given,%20should%20be%20given&last=brain,%20he%20can%20be%20revived%20by%20hearing%20Hare%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a%20mantra. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 2.3.19 – Los Angeles, June 14, 1972]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>Vinā paśughnāt ([[Vanisource:SB 10.1.4|SB 10.1.4]]). Vinā means without. Unless one is animal killer, he cannot give up this opportunity of hearing about Kṛṣṇa. Therefore we forbid, "No meat-eating." This is the qualification. Unless you stop meat-eating, you cannot understand. Blunt head... Our Ramakrishna Mission, they say, "What is there in food? Whatever you like, you can eat. It has nothing to do with spiritual life." Nonsense. You see?<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_2.3.19_--_Los_Angeles,_June_14,_1972?terms=animal-killer+understand+animal%20killer+understand&first=So%20in%20this%20age%20everyone%20is%20blunt-headed,%20animal-killer.%20They%20cannot&last=do%20with%20spiritual%20life.%22%20Nonsense.%20You%20see?%20%C4%80h%C4%81ra,%20%C5%9Buddha%20%C4%81h%C4%81ra. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 2.3.19 – Los Angeles, June 14, 1972]</ref></blockquote>

Animal-killing, Śrīla Prabhupāda says, counters the very purpose of human life, which is to develop God consciousness.

<blockquote> In the Ten Commandments he says, "Thou shalt not kill." When there is absolute necessity, there is no other food, that is another thing, but if there is sufficient other foodstuff, why should you kill? They are not even human being, those who are animal killers. Vinā paśughnāt ([[Vanisource:SB 10.1.4|SB 10.1.4]]). Those who are animal killers, they are not even human being, what to speak of religious system. Nivṛtta-tarṣair upagīyamānād bhavauṣadhāc chrotra-mano-'bhirāmāt ka uttamaśloka-guṇa ([[Vanisource:SB 10.1.4|SB 10.1.4]]). If you are animal killer, your God consciousness is finished. You'll never be able to understand what is God. Then your life is finished. This life is meant for understanding God, and if you are animal killer, then your God understanding is finished.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Evening_Darsana_--_July_11,_1976,_New_York?terms=pa%C5%9Bughn%C4%81t&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20Suppose%20it%20is%20recommended%20that%20animals%20should%20be%20sacrificed&last=you%20are%20animal%20killer,%20then%20your%20God%20understanding%20is%20finished. Vanisource: Evening Darsana – July 11, 1976, New York]</ref></blockquote>

Therefore, he concludes that ending the practice of animal-killing should be a top-priority item for human society.

<blockquote>Sinful life cannot help. Vinā paśughnāt. ([[Vanisource:SB 10.1.4|SB 10.1.4]]) That is stated in the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, that "One who is killer of animal, he cannot understand the spiritual science." Vinā paśughnāt. ([[Vanisource:SB 10.1.4|SB 10.1.4]]) This is the statement. Paśughna means the animal killer. Therefore the first prohibition is stop this animal killing. Otherwise, this dull brain will not be able to understand. They are not fit for understanding.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Morning_Walk_--_June_29,_1974,_Melbourne?terms=pa%C5%9Bughn%C4%81t+pa%C5%9Bughn%C4%81t+Pa%C5%9Bughna&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20Sinful%20life%20cannot%20help.%20Vin%C4%81%20pa%C5%9Bughn%C4%81t%20%28SB%2010.1.4%29.%20That&last=spiritual%20matters?%20Nature%20will%20not%20excuse.%20That%20is%20not%20possible. Vanisource: Morning Walk -- June 29, 1974, Melbourne]</ref></blockquote>

====According to nature's law====

Śrīla Prabhupāda writes:

<blockquote>Exploitation of the weaker living being by the stronger is the natural law of existence; there is always an attempt to devour the weak in different kingdoms of living beings. There is no possibility of checking this tendency by any artificial means under material conditions; it can be checked only by awakening the spiritual sense of the human being by practice of spiritual regulations. The spiritual regulative principles, however, do not allow a man to slaughter weaker animals on one side and teach others peaceful coexistence. If man does not allow the animals peaceful coexistence, how can he expect peaceful existence in human society?<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.13.47?terms=The%20spiritual%20regulative%20principles,%20however,%20do%20not%20allow%20a%20man%20to%20slaughter%20weaker%20animals%20on%20one%20side%20and%20teach%20others%20peaceful%20coexistence&first=Exploitation%20of%20the%20weaker%20living%20being%20by%20the%20stronger%20is&last=in%20the%20mass%20mind%20of%20the%20people%20of%20the%20world. Vanisource: SB 1.13.47, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

As Śrīla Prabhupāda points out, those who endorse animal slaughter actually live by the ethic of "might makes right." Recalling a conversation he had with one lawyer, Śrīla Prabhupāda noted this implication of meat-eating as well as its extended consequence:

<blockquote>That Goldsmith, he was against war, but when I asked him, "Whether you are meat-eaters, killing animals?", "Yes, that is our food." So if the poor animals can become your food, the big nation can say, "The small nation is my food. I can kill them. We can kill them." Everyone can say. And that is happening like, "Might is right."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversation_with_Sir_Alistair_Hardy_--_July_21,_1973,_London?terms=war+killing%20animals&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20%28break%29%20...talked%20with%20many%20gentleman,%20lawyer.%20That%20Goldsmith,%20he&last=can%20say.%20And%20that%20is%20happening%20like,%20%22Might%20is%20right.%22 Vanisource: Room Conversation with Alistair Hardy – July 21, 1973, London]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that nature's law is inescapable, and, as shown throughout this article, he tells of how the Vedas give human beings the direction they need in order to live happier, more auspicious lives according to the laws that God and nature have set out for them. Those who ignore the Vedic instruction, he says, are bound to suffer from their actions.

::Prabhupāda: Cows should be given protection. This is the instruction. But in the western country the cows are specially being killed. Now the reaction is war, crime, and they are now repentant. And they will have to repent more and more.

::Jayatīrtha: So the wars and the crime are a direct result of the cow slaughter.

::Prabhupāda: Oh, yes. Oh, yes. It is a wholesale reaction. All these crises are taking place… Nature will take action. Prakṛteḥ kriyamāṇāni guṇaiḥ karmāṇi sarvaśaḥ. ([[Vanisource:BG 3.27 (1972)|BG 3.27]]) You are not independent. So if you work independently, then you will have to suffer. The law of nature is there. You cannot avoid it. If you infect some disease, you must suffer from the disease. You cannot avoid it. This is the law of nature. <ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversation_with_Mr._%26_Mrs._Wax,_Writer_and_Editing_Manager_of_Playboy_Magazine_--_July_5,_1975,_Chicago?terms=law%20of%20nature+law%20of%20nature+Law%20of%20nature&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20Oh,%20yes.%20Oh,%20yes.%20It%20is%20a%20wholesale%20reaction.&last=are%20so%20many%20varieties%20of%20life,%208,400,000%20species%20of%20life? Vanisource: Room Conversation with Mr. and Mrs. Wax, Writer and Editing Manager of Playboy Magazine – July 5, 1975, Chicago]</ref>

Śrīla Prabhupāda affirms that human beings have a choice in how they live and where they are going in this life and the next. With some understanding of how the laws of nature operate, he teaches, humanity can be prepared to make better choices for the benefit of all.

<blockquote>By practice, one should avoid eating in such a way that other living entities will be disturbed and suffer. Since I suffer when pinched or killed by others, I should not attempt to pinch or kill any other living entity. People do not know that because of killing innocent animals they themselves will have to suffer severe reactions from material nature. Any country where people indulge in unnecessary killing of animals will have to suffer from wars and pestilence imposed by material nature. Comparing one's own suffering to the suffering of others, therefore, one should be kind to all living entities.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_7.15.24?terms=wars&first=By%20practice,%20one%20should%20avoid%20eating%20in%20such%20a%20way&last=others,%20therefore,%20one%20should%20be%20kind%20to%20all%20living%20entities. Vanisource: SB 7.15.24, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

====Ahiṁsā and human society====

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that for human civilization to allow the unrestricted killing of animals defies the principle of ahiṁsā (nonviolence) in multiple ways. Ahiṁsā, as he succinctly defines it, means "not checking anyone's progressive life."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_16.1-3?terms=Ahi%E1%B9%81s%C4%81%20means%20not%20arresting%20the%20progressive%20life%20of%20any%20living%20entity&first=Ahi%E1%B9%81s%C4%81%20means%20not%20arresting%20the%20progressive%20life%20of%20any%20living&last=checked%20simply%20to%20satisfy%20one%27s%20palate.%20This%20is%20called%20ahi%E1%B9%81s%C4%81. Vanisource: BG 16.1-3, Purport]</ref> At the most basic level, this implies that a person should avoid the act of killing. Yet further than that, Śrīla Prabhupāda shows that "progressive life" applies to more than just bodily security. He discusses the implications of ahiṁsā with respect to the human being and human society:

<blockquote>The human being is distinct from animal life in this way, that animal, they do not know what is the aim of life. The human life is meant for realizing, self-realization. If any civilization, that is checking people's progress in the matter of self-realization, that is the most virulent type of violence because people are being checked from the natural advancement of life. This human life is the point when one has to end all the miseries of material existence. That is the aim of human life. If people are not educated to that light, if people are misled in other ways, that is the greatest violence committed to the population.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_3.21-25_--_New_York,_May_30,_1966?terms=aim%20of%20human%20life&first=The%20human%20being%20is%20distinct%20from%20animal%20life%20in%20this&last=the%20scripture,%20they%20are%20called%20%C4%81tma-han.%20%C4%80tma-han%20means%20suicidal,%20suiciding. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 3.21-25 -- New York, May 30, 1966]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>Ahiṁsā means that people should be trained in such a way that the full utilization of the human body can be achieved. The human body is meant for spiritual realization, so any movement or any commissions which do not further that end commit violence on the human body. That which furthers the future spiritual happiness of the people in general is called nonviolence.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_10.4-5?terms=people%20should%20be%20trained%20in%20such%20a%20way%20that%20the%20full%20utilization%20of%20the%20human%20body%20can%20be%20achieved&first=The%20different%20qualities%20of%20living%20entities,%20be%20they%20good%20or&last=differently%20situated,%20we%20should%20realize%20that%20everything%20flows%20from%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a. Vanisource: BG 10.4-5, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that while progressive life for the animals means completing their requisite term in their animal body, <ref>See the preceding sections [[#Process_of_evolution|Process of evolution]] and [[#Transmigration_and_ahiṁsā|Transmigration and Ahiṁsā]]</ref> progressive life for the human being means advancing step by step toward the ultimate goal of spiritual realization. In short, he shows that, in the positive sense, ahiṁsā means upholding the processes of progressive life for all living beings, and for human civilization to allow the unnecessary killing of animals obstructs the path of advancement for human and animal alike. In light of Śrīla Prabhupāda's discussion of the deleterious effects that animal-killing has on human society – the degradation of character, the impossibility of spiritual advancement, and the prospect of devolving back into animal bodies after death - it becomes clear that human beings who commit violence against animals are also committing violence against themselves and against humanity as a whole. Therefore he recommends the policy and practice of ahiṁsā for the upliftment of the human race.

(Go to [[#Uplifting_humanity_.28ref.29|<u>'''references'''</u>]] for '''"Uplifting humanity"''')

===Practical solutions===

Śrīla Prabhupāda urges everyone to work toward ending unnecessary violence against other living beings. One may always treat animals with compassion, and one may avoid eating meat or otherwise patronizing the slaughterhouse industry. One may train others to do the same, and one may promote or uphold policies and recommendations against animal violence. Even so, there remain further complications in the way of protecting oneself and one's fellow man from the consequences of animal-killing. As Śrīla Prabhupāda explains, killing of any sort - be it the killing of humans, animals, fish, plants, insects or microbes - bears the burden of karmic reaction, whether done intentionally or not. Even the [[#Concession_for_meat-eaters|Vedic sacrifices for meat-eating]], though advisable for persons who one way or other will not abstain from meat, still entail some karmic consequence. Taking a thorough and practical view of these problems, Śrīla Prabhupāda offers alternatives and solutions, following the purport of the Vedic teachings, which may be implemented even in today's societies.

====Proposal for meat-eaters====

Śrīla Prabhupāda recognized that there is a wide range of character in human society and that there will always be those people who are unwilling or unable to avoid eating meat. Given this understanding, he suggests an ethical and viable solution to satisfy the desire of those who seriously wish to eat meat, especially beef: wait until the animal dies naturally.

Discussing the situation in general, he explains:

<blockquote>The dead animal, you can eat. Those who are fond of eating fish and meat, they can eat when the animal is dead. Not killing. That is not very good thing... After all, everyone will die. The animal will die also. Even if we keep the cows, don't kill, it will die.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_CC_Adi-lila_7.1_--_Atlanta,_March_1,_1975?terms=Those%20who%20are%20fond%20of%20eating%20fish%20and%20meat,%20they%20can%20eat%20when%20the%20animal%20is%20dead.%20Not%20killing&first=Uncleanliness%20is%20muci,%20cobbler.%20They%20are%20dealing%20always%20with%20skin,&last=class,%20very%20unclean,%20eating%20the%20dead%20meat,%20cows%20and%20bulls. Vanisource: Lecture on CC Adi-lila 7.1 -- Atlanta, March 1, 1975]</ref></blockquote>

He particularly recommends this policy for cows, the animal most valuable to human society. His proposal: that the cows be protected through their natural lifespan, and then upon their death, that all material from the carcasses, including the flesh, be recovered and utilized.

<blockquote>Those who are flesh-eaters, let them wait for the death of the cow. Then let them eat the flesh, not living condition. So we are making preparation that keep the cows, protect the cows, and when the cow dies, the flesh-eater may take it away. So he can take the skin, he can take the hoof, he can take the horn, he can take the flesh, everything, whatever he likes. Because when it is dead, it is no more useful for us. So the others, who are interested with the skin, in the flesh, in the hoof, they can take it. And they get it free. Without any cost. Because after death, we don't want it. So this is our program. Let the cows live. We take sufficient milk. We are getting milk, one thousand pounds. One thousand pounds daily in our, one center, New Vrindaban, Virginia. So we are making various preparations from the milk, and they are very happy, and the cows are also happy. So this is one of our programs, to stop killing this important animal. And the flesh-eaters may wait a little until the cow dies. Then he gets the opportunity. Why there should be slaughterhouse maintained?<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversation_with_Monsieur_Mesman,_Chief_of_Law_House_of_Paris_--_June_11,_1974,_Paris?terms=the%20flesh-eaters%20may%20wait%20a%20little%20until%20the%20cow%20dies&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20And%20those%20who%20are%20flesh-eaters,%20let%20them%20wait%20for&last=he%20gets%20the%20opportunity.%20Why%20there%20should%20be%20slaughterhouse%20maintained? Vanisource: Room Conversation with Monsieur Mesman, Chief of Law House of Paris -- June 11, 1974]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda had actually seen this little economy in action. He describes the business of the muci class, the camaras (cobblers) of traditional India:

<blockquote>The mucis are prepared to take away the dead cow or bull. They eat the flesh, and they take out the skin and the bones for their business. Muci prepare shoes. He gets the skin for nothing, without any payment. He doesn't have to invest his capital, and he nicely cleanses it, tans, and then prepares shoes and sell in the market. So get the money. And the muci class, they eat this flesh, meat. But they are given the opportunity when the cow is dead, not by slaughterhouse. That is not in the Vedic scripture.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_CC_Adi-lila_7.1_--_Atlanta,_March_1,_1975?terms=Those%20who%20are%20fond%20of%20eating%20fish%20and%20meat,%20they%20can%20eat%20when%20the%20animal%20is%20dead.%20Not%20killing&first=Uncleanliness%20is%20muci,%20cobbler.%20They%20are%20dealing%20always%20with%20skin,&last=class,%20very%20unclean,%20eating%20the%20dead%20meat,%20cows%20and%20bulls. Vanisource: Lecture on CC Adi-lila 7.1 – Atlanta, March 1, 1975]</ref></blockquote>

Speaking with his disciples, Śrīla Prabhupāda floated the idea as one that they might pursue themselves in the operation of ISKCON farms:

<blockquote>I am proposing, think over it. Because it is a fact that in spite our vigorous propaganda, we cannot stop meat-eating. That is not possible. People will eat. So those who are eating, let us make some arrangement that "You take it free of charges." From economic point of view, they get it free. They can make good profit. And we are interested with the skin. So why not make some arrangement? It is practical.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversation_--_June_29,_1976,_New_Vrindaban?terms=our%20business%20is%20to%20stop%20slaughter.%20Meat-eating%20we%20cannot%20stop&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20I%20am%20proposing,%20think%20over%20it.%20Because%20it%20is&last=The%20cobbler%20class,%20they%20eat;%20the%20ca%E1%B9%87%E1%B8%8D%C4%81la%20class,%20they%20eat. Vanisource: Room Conversation -- June 29, 1976, New Vrindaban]</ref></blockquote>

In this way, he argues, scriptural standards could be maintained in society and even the beef-eaters could be pacified. All that would be required is a little patience.

<blockquote>Now, this is our proposal, that why you should kill cow? Cow may be protected to take milk, and use this milk for so many nice preparations. Then, so far meat-eating is concerned, so every cow will die. It is a fact. So you wait a few days only. There will be so many dead cows. So you take all the dead cows and eat. So where is the bad proposal? If you say that "You are restraining us from meat-eating," no, we don't restrain you. We simply request you that "Don't kill. When the cow is dead, you eat it."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversation_--_June_11,_1974,_Paris?terms=Don%27t%20kill.%20When%20the%20cow%20is%20dead,%20you%20eat%20it&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20Now,%20this%20is%20our%20proposal,%20that%20why%20you%20should&last=it%27s%20milk,%20and%20give%20nice%20foodstuff%20to%20the%20human%20society. Vanisource: Room Conversation – June 11, 1974]</ref></blockquote>

====Avoiding karmic reaction====

Even though Śrīla Prabhupāda upholds the principle of ahiṁsā, he shows that actually, violence and killing cannot be entirely avoided in the material world. Aside from killing knowingly or even accidentally, he says that we are sure to commit violence and kill living beings even in the course of our daily lives.

<blockquote>It is fine to vociferously support nonviolence, but in actual life one is compelled to commit acts of violence. One may succeed in avoiding many kinds of sin, but it is impossible to escape committing the five great sins called pañca-sūnā. While walking on the street we may crush many ants to death against our wishes. While cleaning house, we may squash many insects to death. While grinding food grains or lighting a fire, we destroy many tiny lives. In this way, while executing our ordinary, daily chores we are forced to commit violence and take many innocent lives. Willingly or unwillingly, we commit sins.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/RTW_1.6?terms=One%20may%20succeed%20in%20avoiding%20many%20kinds%20of%20sin,%20but%20it%20is%20impossible%20to%20escape%20committing%20the%20five%20great%20sins%20called%20pa%C3%B1ca-s%C5%ABn%C4%81&first=Lord%20Vi%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87u%20is%20the%20Supreme%20Personality%20of%20Godhead,%20the%20goal&last=Vedic%20religion%20dedicate%20their%20household%20activities%20to%20Lord%20Vi%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87u%27s%20service. Vanisource: Renuciation Through Wisdom 1.6]</ref></blockquote>

Given that we are held responsible for killing even the tiniest of creatures, how can we avoid being implicated in sinful activity? Śrīla Prabhupāda answers that we must act from a God-conscious platform in all circumstances of life, abiding by the Lord’s orders and dedicating our activities in service to please Him. In that way, we avoid committing known offenses and remain free from reaction to those we commit unknowingly. He recommends two specific practices along these lines which can protect us from reaction to unintentional violence: regular chanting of the holy name of the Lord and offering all food preparations to the Lord before eating.

=====Indemnity through yajña=====

Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that the Vedas instruct one to perform yajñas, sacrificial acts to satisfy the Supreme Lord, in order to counteract or nullify reactions to unintentional violence committed in the course of daily activities. One recommendation is the performance of rituals known as the pañca-sūnā-yajña:

<blockquote>In breathing, you kill so many animals. In drinking water, you kill so many animals. This is bhūta-hatyā. You are killing. This is not intentional. You do not know. Therefore in a Vedic system there is prescription, pañca-sūnā-yajña… You have to perform yajña every day to counteract the sinful reaction of your imperceptible killings of animals. That's it. This is Vedic life.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_1.8.52_--_Los_Angeles,_May_14,_1973?terms=pa%C3%B1ca-s%C5%ABn%C4%81+pa%C3%B1ca-s%C5%ABn%C4%81+Pa%C3%B1ca-s%C5%ABn%C4%81+pa%C3%B1ca-s%C5%ABn%C4%81&first=Bh%C5%ABta-haty%C4%81%20is%20also%20recognized%20here%20as%20sinful%20activities.%20As%20wine&last=imperceptible%20killings%20of%20animals.%20That%27s%20it.%20This%20is%20Vedic%20life. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 1.8.52 – Los Angeles, May 14, 1973]</ref></blockquote>

The pañca-sūnā-yajña, however, is not the only method for coping with everyday, unconscious offenses. Śrīla Prabhupāda shows that the Vedas reveal a simpler, all-encompassing practice especially recommended for our present age. He advises this method, saṅkīrtana-yajña, for today's society:

<blockquote>The Vedic principle of pañca-yajña, five kinds of recommended sacrifice, is compulsory. In this age of Kali, however, there is a great concession given to people in general. Yajñaiḥ saṅkīrtana-prāyair yajanti hi sumedhasaḥ: ([[Vanisource:SB 11.5.32|SB 11.5.32]]) we may worship Lord Caitanya, the hidden incarnation of Kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa-varṇaṁ tviṣākṛṣṇam: although He is Kṛṣṇa Himself, He always chants Hare Kṛṣṇa and preaches Kṛṣṇa consciousness. One is recommended to worship this incarnation by chanting, the saṅkīrtana-yajña. The performance of saṅkīrtana-yajña is a special concession for human society to save people from being affected by known or unknown sinful activities. We are surrounded by unlimited sins, and therefore it is compulsory that one take to Kṛṣṇa consciousness and chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_9.16.23?terms=pa%C3%B1ca-yaj%C3%B1a&first=As%20stated%20in%20Bhagavad-g%C4%ABt%C4%81%20%283.9%29,%20yaj%C3%B1%C4%81rth%C4%81t%20karma%E1%B9%87o%20%27nyatra%20loko%20%27ya%E1%B9%81&last=take%20to%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a%20consciousness%20and%20chant%20the%20Hare%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a%20mah%C4%81-mantra. Vanisource: SB 9.16.23, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

=====Spiritualized eating=====

In addition to saṅkīrtana-yajña, Śrīla Prabhupāda recommends that we offer all foodstuffs to Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Lord, before consuming them. He explains that when foodstuffs are prepared as an offering for Kṛṣṇa and taken as remnants of yajña, persons partaking of that food – known as prasādam, or the Lord’s mercy - will not incur reaction for violence committed unwittingly in its procurement or preparation.

<blockquote>Whatever we do here within this material world, there is some sort of sinful activity. We do not know, imperceptibly. Just like killing of some animal is sinful activities. But even if we do not willingly kill some animal, when we are walking on the street, we are killing so many animals. When we are drinking water, in the, below the waterpot there are so many ants and microbes, they are being killed. When we ignite fire, there are so many small microbes, they also become burned into the fire. When you rub the pestle and mortar for rubbing spices, so many small microbes are killed. So we are responsible for that. Therefore, willingly or unwillingly, we are becoming entangled in so many sinful activities. Therefore the Bhagavad-gītā says, yajña-śiṣṭāśinaḥ santo mucyante sarva-kilbiṣaiḥ. If you take the remnants of foodstuff of yajña, after offering yajña, then you become free from all contamination. Otherwise, bhuñjate te tv aghaṁ pāpā ye pacanty ātma-kāraṇāt: ([[Vanisource:BG 3.13 (1972)|BG 3.13]]) "One who is cooking for eating personally without offering to Kṛṣṇa, he is simply all sinful resultant action." This is our position.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_7.5.30_--_London,_September_9,_1971?terms=even%20if%20we%20do%20not%20willingly%20kill%20some%20animal,%20when%20we%20are%20walking%20on%20the%20street,%20we%20are%20killing%20so%20many%20animals.%20When%20we%20are%20drinking%20water,%20in%20the,%20below%20the%20waterpot%20there%20are%20so%20many%20ants%20and%20microbes,%20they%20are%20being%20killed&first=Whatever%20we%20do%20here%20within%20this%20material%20world,%20there%20is&last=is%20simply%20all%20sinful%20resultant%20action.%22%20This%20is%20our%20position. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 7.5.30 – London, September 9, 1971]</ref></blockquote>

Automatically, this rules out any sort of meat-eating (including the remnants of the [[#Concession_for_meat-eaters|bali-dāna]]), as [[#Beyond_vegetarianism|Kṛṣṇa does not accept flesh as an offering]]. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the point is that we act to satisfy Kṛṣṇa and simply take the remnants of His food; that way, any unintentional killing that would have taken place in connection with the offering becomes Kṛṣṇa’s burden, not ours.

<blockquote> We eat kṛṣṇa-prasāda. So Kṛṣṇa says that "You give Me these foodstuffs." Patraṁ puṣpaṁ phalaṁ toyaṁ yo me bhaktyā prayacchati ([[Vanisource:BG 9.26 (1972)|BG 9.26]]). So we are not eating on the material platform. We are eating on the spiritual platform. Because we are eating, if there is anything sinful, that is Kṛṣṇa's. We are taking His remnants of foodstuff. <ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversation_with_Professor_Durckheim_German_Spiritual_Writer_--_June_19,_1974,_Germany?terms=if%20there%20is%20anything%20sinful,%20that%20is%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a%27s.%20We%20are%20taking%20His%20remnants%20of%20foodstuff&first=No,%20that%20is%20the%20law%20of%20nature,%20that%20every%20living&last=we%20eat.%20So%20responsibility%20is%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a%27s.%20This%20is%20our%20philosophy. Vanisource: Room Conversation with Professor Durckheim, German Spiritual Writer – June 19, 1974]</ref></blockquote>

=====Acting in Kṛṣṇa consciousness=====

In the broadest sense, Śrīla Prabhupāda advises that we always act in God consciousness, Kṛṣṇa consciousness, if we are to be fully protected from reactions to unintentional violence. This includes following the rules set forth in scripture (to avoid sinful activity on the conscious level) and adopting the practices of chanting and offering food as mentioned above. Even more, he teaches, it means dovetailing all one's assets and actions in devotional service of the Supreme Lord. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains the process beginning with the simple example of eating:

<blockquote>Don't think that those who are vegetarian, they are free from all these reaction. No. They are also. They are also. The law is that one has to repay which he is taking the help from other living entities. That is the law of karma. So either you eat vegetables or either you eat flesh, you have to repay that. But yajña-śiṣṭāśinaḥ santo mucyante sarva-kilbiṣaiḥ. ([[Vanisource:BG 3.13 (1972)|BG 3.13]]) The Bhagavad-gītā says that if you eat the remnants after offering sacrifice to the Lord, then you, not only you are free from all reaction, but you do not eat anything sinful. That is the direction of Bhagavad-gītā.</blockquote>

<blockquote>So in every aspect of our life... This is also one of the insignificant example of our activities of our life. If we act, dovetailing our actions with the Supreme Lord, then we are free from reaction. Otherwise we are bound up by the reaction. That is the law. So in order to get myself free from all reaction of my activities... Because so long I am... Because I am living entity, I have to act. Either I act spiritually, either act materially, I have to act... If you don't act spiritually, then you have to act materially. And if you are fully engaged in spiritual activity, then there is no chance of material activity... Just like in our ordinary life, if we do something at a particular moment, we cannot do other things; similarly, we have to engage ourselves fully in the spiritual life. Then our material activities will be stopped altogether, and then there will be no reaction.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_2.58-59_--_New_York,_April_27,_1966?terms=free+reaction+reaction+free+reaction+reaction&first=So%20in%20every%20aspect%20of%20our%20life...%20This%20is%20also&last=hanged;%20he%20is%20to%20be%20rewarded.%20This%20is%20the%20technique. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 2.58-59 -- New York, April 27, 1966]</ref></blockquote>

Elsewhere Śrīla Prabhupāda gives the same instruction:

<blockquote>We are entangled in this material world because we are creating one after another entanglement… consciously, unconsciously, we are in such a position in this material world that we have to commit sinful activities even if we are very, very careful. You have seen the Jains, they are after nonviolence. You'll find they keep a cloth like this so that the small insects may not enter the mouth. But these are artificial. You cannot check. In the air there are so many living entities. In the water there are so many living entities. We drink water. You cannot check it. It is not possible. But if you keep yourself fixed up in devotional service, then you are not bound. <ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_7.9.9_--_Mayapur,_March_1,_1977?terms=consciously,%20unconsciously,%20we%20are%20in%20such%20a%20position%20in%20this%20material%20world%20that%20we%20have%20to%20commit%20sinful%20activities%20even%20if%20we%20are%20very,%20very%20careful&first=We%20are%20entangled%20in%20this%20material%20world%20because%20we%20are&last=fixed%20up%20in%20devotional%20service,%20then%20you%20are%20not%20bound. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 7.9.9 – Mayapur, March 1, 1977]</ref></blockquote>

In the final issue, he states the ultimate solution to the problem of karmic entanglement:

<blockquote>How it is possible to become nonviolence? It is not possible. Therefore in every step we have to act in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, or God consciousness. Then there is indemnity from the sinful activities. That is recommended in the Bhagavad-gītā, that yajñarthāt karmaṇo 'nyatra loko 'yaṁ karma-bandhanaḥ. ([[Vanisource:BG 3.9 (1972)|BG 3.9]]) Unless you act in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, or God consciousness, or as ordered by Kṛṣṇa, or God, then you become bound up by the reaction. <ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_--_Los_Angeles,_December_4,_1968?terms=nonviolence+Nonviolence+nonviolence+nonviolent+nonviolence&first=We%20are%20in%20such%20a%20position%20that%20in%20every%20step&last=or%20God,%20then%20you%20become%20bound%20up%20by%20the%20reaction. Vanisource: Lecture – Los Angeles, December 4, 1968]</ref></blockquote>

==Conclusion==

Typically, advocates of nonviolence, animal rights and vegetarianism speak from the standpoint of human compassion. Some may speak from loftier heights than others, and a few may even speak of God, but very few will speak from the perspective of transcendental knowledge and wisdom to the extent that Śrīla Prabhupāda does. Śrīla Prabhupāda urges human beings, especially those in positions of leadership and responsibility, to try to understand life from a higher, spiritual perspective and to take a broader, God-centered view of what constitutes our "community" on earth. He sees that while few individuals at any given time will truly have the quality of equal vision - seeing all beings as spirit-souls, equal in quality within all varieties of bodily forms - if human culture itself would uphold the highest standard of knowledge as its guiding principle, the entire earthly community would benefit: peace and prosperity would be maintained; all levels of human society would be facilitated in spiritual advancement; and all beings would be allowed their natural right to live as intended by God and nature. Citing the words of Vedic scripture along with his scrutinizing observation of society, Śrīla Prabhupāda shows how ending the unnecessary killing of animals is an essential part of this program.

Yet even as he speaks the highest philosophy, Śrīla Prabhupāda's thinking is always very practical. He argues that while absolute nonviolence is not possible in the material world, an intelligent, principled practice of ahiṁsā is. In closing, Śrīla Prabhupāda's teaching on animal-killing may be summarized by this passage from his purport to [[Vanisource:BG 16.1-3 (1972)|Bhagavad-gītā 16.1-3]]:

<blockquote>Ahiṁsā means not arresting the progressive life of any living entity. One should not think that since the spirit spark is never killed even after the killing of the body there is no harm in killing animals for sense gratification. People are now addicted to eating animals, in spite of having an ample supply of grains, fruits and milk. There is no necessity for animal killing. This injunction is for everyone. When there is no alternative, one may kill an animal, but it should be offered in sacrifice. At any rate, when there is an ample food supply for humanity, persons who are desiring to make advancement in spiritual realization should not commit violence to animals.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_16.1-3?terms=Ahi%E1%B9%81s%C4%81%20means%20not%20arresting%20the%20progressive%20life%20of%20any%20living%20entity&first=Ahi%E1%B9%81s%C4%81%20means%20not%20arresting%20the%20progressive%20life%20of%20any%20living&last=checked%20simply%20to%20satisfy%20one%27s%20palate.%20This%20is%20called%20ahi%E1%B9%81s%C4%81. Vanisource: BG 16.1-3, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

=References and Further Reading=

==PDF of this article==

*'''[http://vanimedia.org/w/images/0/09/Animal-Killing_in_Human_Society.pdf Download a PDF of this article here]'''

==Vanisource==

===Verses and purports===

=====Bhagavad-gītā As It Is=====

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_2.13 BG 2.13] -- transmigration of the soul to different material bodies

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_2.17 BG 2.17] -- definition of soul

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_2.20 BG 2.20] -- characteristics of the soul

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_3.13 BG 3.13] -- eating only that which is offered first in sacrifice

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_5.18 BG 5.18] -- equal vision as a qualification of one who is learned

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_5.29 BG 5.29] -- devotee of the Lord is friend to all living entities

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_6.32 BG 6.32] -- perfect yogī sees the true equality of all beings

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_9.26 BG 9.26] -- foods which Kṛṣṇa accepts in sacrifice

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_10.4-5 BG 10.4-5] -- nonviolence as a godly quality; definition of ahiṁsā (purport)

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_13.8-12 BG 13.8-12] -- nonviolence as part of the process of knowledge

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_14.4 BG 14.4] -- Kṛṣṇa says, "I am the seed-giving father of all living entities"

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_16.1-3 BG 16.1-3] -- nonviolence as a godly quality; definition of ahiṁsā (purport)

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_18.44 BG 18.44] -- cow protection as occupational duty of the vaiśya class

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_18.54 BG 18.54] -- one who is transcendentally situated is equal to all living entities

=====Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam=====

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.5.15 SB 1.5.15] -- Nārada Muni and scriptural recommendation for animal sacrifice

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.7.37 SB 1.7.37] -- animal-killing and the laws of Manu (Purport)

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.10.4 SB 1.10.4] -- cheerful cows and prosperity during the reign of Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.13.47 SB 1.13.47] -- nature's law of subsistence (one living being is food for another)

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.16.4 SB 1.16.4] -- Mahārāja Parīkṣit arrests and punishes the master of Kali-yuga for hurting a cow and a bull

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.16.18 SB 1.16.18] -- cow protection and brahminical culture (Purport)

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.17.1 SB 1.17.1] -- cow protection

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.17.3 SB 1.17.3] -- religious importance of cows, cow protection

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.17.8 SB 1.17.8] -- government protects both man and animal

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.17.38 SB 1.17.38] -- four regulative principles

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_3.25.21 SB 3.25.21] –- symptoms of a sadhu

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_3.29.15 SB 3.29.15] –- violence only as necessary

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_3.29.23 SB 3.29.23] -- on envy and inimical behavior towards other living entities

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.13.40 SB 4.13.40] -- example of King Vena hunting and killing animals mercilessly

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.17.25 SB 4.17.25] -- when government may sanction meat-eating

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.22.31 SB 4.22.31] –- animals and the soul

Nārada Muni's instruction to King Prācīnabarhiṣat / Story of King Purañjana: SB 4.25.7 through SB 4.28.28

:*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.25.7 SB 4.25.7] and [http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.25.8 SB 4.25.8] - - Nārada Muni and King Prācīnabarhiṣat / animal sacrifice

:*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.26.5 SB 4.26.5] -- King Purañjana kills many animals mercilessly on his hunting expedition

:*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.26.9 SB 4.26.9] and [http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.26.10 SB 4.26.10] –- Nārada Muni sees King Purañjana hunting in the forest

:*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.27.11 SB 4.27.11] -- animal-killing in the name of religion

:*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.28.26 SB 4.28.26] -- King Purañjana suffers after death for killing many animals

Punishments in various hells for mistreatment and killing of animals:

:*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_5.26.17 SB 5.26.17]

:*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_5.26.24 SB 5.26.24]

:*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_5.26.25 SB 5.26.25]

:*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_5.26.32 SB 5.26.32]

:*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_5.26.33 SB 5.26.33]

:*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_5.26.34 SB 5.26.34]

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_6.2.5-6 SB 6.2.5-6] -- security and breach of trust

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_6.4.9 SB 6.4.9] –- another reference (in addition to SB 1.13.47) to food for various living entities; cows excluded from the four-legged class

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_6.10.9 SB 6.10.9] – compassion as religious principle

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_6.16.43 SB 6.16.43] -- Āryans equal to all living entities

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_7.14.9 SB 7.14.9]-- treat animals like own sons

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_7.15.7 SB 7.15.7 - SB 7.15.12] -- animal sacrifice not recommended (7.15.10 purport mentions Jesus Christ opposing animal slaughter in the synagogue)

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_8.8.21 SB 8.8.21] -- many persons observe religious principles but are not kind to all living entities

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_9.6.7 SB 9.6.7] –- kṣatriyas killing animals in forest

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_10.1.4 SB 10.1.4] -- animal-killers (paśu-ghna) cannot appreciate topics of the Lord

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_10.10.9 SB 10.10.9] -- aristocratic pastime of hunting as sinful

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_10.10.12 SB 10.10.12] -- animal-killing as sinful activity

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_10.10.14 SB 10.10.14] -- punishment and understanding on the platform of actual experience

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_11.5.13 SB 11.5.13] -- sacrificial offering, not mass slaughter

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_11.10.27-29 SB 11.10.27-29] -- mentions animal slaughter among other sinful activities

=====Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta=====

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Adi_17.152 CC Adi 17.152 - CC Adi 17.171] -- conversation between Sri Caitanya Mahāprabhu and Chand Kazi on cow slaughter, animal sacrifice

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Adi_17.164 CC Adi 17.164] -- animal sacrifice forbidden in this age - - quoted from Brahma-vaivarta Purāṇa (Kṛṣṇa-janma-khaṇḍa 185.180)

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Adi_17.166 CC Adi 17.166] -- karmic punishment for cow-killers

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Madhya_19.159 CC Madhya 19.159] -- animal-killing as one of the unwanted creepers that choke out devotional service

The story of Nārada Muni and the hunter Mṛgāri: [http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Madhya_24.229 CC Madhya 24.229] through [http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Madhya_24.282 CC Madhya 24.282], and also summarized in [http://vanisource.org/wiki/TLC_16?terms=a%20hunter%20who%20attained%20salvation+the%20hunter+N%C4%81rada%20Muni+the%20hunter+The%20hunter+N%C4%81rada%20Muni+N%C4%81rada%20Muni+the%20hunter+The%20hunter+the%20hunter+the%20hunter+the%20hunter+the%20hunter+the%20hunter+the%20hunter+The%20hunter+the%20hunter+the%20hunter+The%20hunter+the%20hunter+the%20hunter+the%20hunter+the%20hunter+the%20hunter+the%20hunter+the%20hunter+the%20hunter+killing%20animals+The%20hunter+the%20hunter+the%20hunter+the%20hunter+the%20hunter&first=There%20is%20one%20instance%20of%20a%20hunter%20who%20attained%20salvation&last=devotional%20service%20of%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a%20by%20the%20influence%20of%20pure%20devotees. Teachings of Lord Caitanya, Chapter 16]

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Madhya_24.249 CC Madhya 24.249] -- Nārada Muni: "If one gives another living entity unnecessary pain, one will certainly be punished by the laws of nature with a similar pain."

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Madhya_24.250 CC Madhya 24.250, Translation and Purport] -- Nārada Muni gives instruction to animal-killers

=====Other books by Śrīla Prabhupāda=====

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/ISO_1 Śrī Īśopaniṣad, Mantra 1] – everything is God's property, and each has his quota; take only what is allotted
*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/ISO_6 Śrī Īśopaniṣad, Mantra 6] - seeing all living beings as part and parcel of God

=====Other works cited=====

*Cāṇakya-śloka (10) - treating others as oneself – citations compiled in Vaniquotes: [http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/From_ordinary_moral_point_of_view,_it_is_said_by_Canakya_Pandita,_atmavat_sarva-bhutesu:_treat_all_living_entities_as_you_want_to_be_treated From ordinary moral point of view, it is said by Cāṇakya Paṇḍita, ātmavat sarva-bhūteṣu…]

*Viṣṇu Purāṇa 1.19.65 - brahminical culture and cow protection - see the Vaniquotes category [http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Go-brahmana-hitaya Go-brāhmaṇa-hitāya]

*Ṛg Veda 9.46.4 - cited in purport to [http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_14.16?terms=Cow%20slaughter%20is%20an%20act%20of%20the%20grossest%20type%20of%20ignorance&first=As%20far%20as%20the%20mode%20of%20ignorance%20is%20concerned,%20the&last=process,%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a%20consciousness,%20to%20save%20humanity%20from%20the%20greatest%20danger. BG 14.16]; see [http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Cow_slaughter_is_an_act_of_the_grossest_type_of_ignorance Vaniquotes: Cow slaughter is an act of the grossest type of ignorance]

===Lectures, Conversations and Letters===

The best way to identify key lectures, conversations and letters is through the [[#Notes|notes]] and the [[#Pages|Vaniquotes page references]] given below. The notes generally cite Vanisource directly. Vaniquotes is also very helpful for locating source material, as each quote includes a link to its full source text in Vanisource.

==Vaniquotes==

===Categories===

Vaniquotes categories are general topic areas for research and study based on key words (or phrases) and themes.

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Killing_Animals Killing Animals]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Laws_of_Nature Laws of Nature]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Animals_and_the_Soul Animals and the Soul]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Ahimsa Ahiṁsā]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Buddha_and_Ahimsa,_or_Nonviolence Buddha and Ahiṁsā, or Nonviolence]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Himsa Hiṁsā]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Thou_Shalt_Not_Kill Thou Shalt Not Kill]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Human_Form_Of_Life Human Form of Life]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Human_Form_of_Body Human Form of Body]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Animal_Slaughter Animal Slaughter]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Cow_Slaughter Cow Slaughter]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Slaughterhouse Slaughterhouse]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Killing_Cows Killing Cows]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Cutting_the_Throat Cutting the Throat]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Go-raksya Go-rakṣya]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Go-brahmana-hitaya Go-brāhmaṇa-hitāya]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Cow_Protection Cow Protection]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Animal_Protection Animal Protection]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Animal_Sacrifice Animal Sacrifice]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Vedas_and_Animal_Sacrifice Vedas and Animal Sacrifice]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Goddess_Kali Goddess Kālī]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Meat-eating Meat-eating]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Flesh-eating Flesh-eating]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Animal-eating Animal-eating]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Eating_Fish Eating Fish]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Mamsa Māṁsa]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Amisa Āmiṣa]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Nonvegetarian Nonvegetarian]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Vegetarian Vegetarian]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Meat Meat]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Milk Milk]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Beef Beef]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Questions_On..._Animal_Killing Questions On... Animal Killing] - category containing specific questions that Śrīla Prabhupāda was asked, along with his responses

===Pages===

Vaniquotes pages are compilations or selected single quotes. They are collected under the Vaniquotes categories, and their content is indicated by title. The following list is not exhaustive; additional pages may be found by browsing any of the Vaniquotes categories listed above.

=====The embodied soul and natural law (ref)=====

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Animals_have_no_soul%3F_%28Books_and_Lectures%29 Animals have no soul? (Books and Lectures)]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Animals_have_no_soul%3F_%28Conversations%29 Animals have no soul? (Conversations)]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Symptom_of_the_soul Symptom of the soul]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Since_there_is_some_consciousness_in_all_bodies_-_whether_man_or_animal_-_we_can_understand_the_presence_of_the_soul Since there is some consciousness in all bodies - whether man or animal - we can understand the presence of the soul]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/The_animals_may_be_less_intelligent,_but_that_does_not_mean_there_is_no_soul The animals may be less intelligent, but that does not mean that there is no soul]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Sarva_yoni_means Sarva yoni means]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Krsna_claims_everyone_as_His_son._Not_only_human_society_-_the_animal_society,_bird_society,_the_beast_society,_the_plant_society,_the_aquatic_society,_all._Sarva-yonisu Krsna claims everyone as his son. Not only human society...sarva yonisu]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/How_do_you_know_that_animals_have_no_souls%3F_Animals_and_children_are_of_the_same_nature._Does_this_mean_that_the_children_of_human_society_also_have_no_souls%3F How do you know that animals have no souls? Animals and children are of the same nature. Does this mean that the children of human society also have no souls?]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Animal_has_no_soul%3F_Why%3F_What_is_the_difference_between_animal_and_man%3F_What_are_the_symptoms_of_possessing_the_soul%3F What is the difference between animal and man? What are the symptoms of possessing the soul?]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/What_is_your_metaphysical_study_about_the_living_animals_that_you_say_there_is_no_soul%3F What is your metaphysical study about the living animals that you say there is no soul?]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Animal-killing_and_the_laws_of_nature Animal-killing and the laws of nature]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/The_living_entity_first_accepts_a_body_that_is_human_in_form,_but_gradually,_due_to_his_degraded_activities,_he_falls_into_lower_forms_of_life_-_into_the_animal,_plant_and_aquatic_forms The living entity first accepts a body that is human in form, but gradually, due to his degraded activities, he falls into lower forms of life]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Evolution_takes_place_in_the_lower_species_of_life,_nature%27s_law._But_when_you_come_to_the_human_form_of_life_you_have_got_your_responsibility._Wherever_you_want,_you_can_go Evolution takes place in the lower species of life, nature's law. But when you come to the human form of life you have got your responsibility. Wherever you want, you can go]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/As_stated_in_Brahma-vaivarta_Purana,_there_is_a_gradual_evolutionary_process,_but_it_is_not_the_body_that_is_evolving._All_the_bodily_forms_are_already_there As stated in Brahma-vaivarta Purāṇa, there is a gradual evolutionary process, but it is not the body that is evolving...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/This_evolutionary_process_is_very_nicely_explained_in_Vedic_literature._Asitims_caturas_caiva_bhramadbhih_jiva-jatisu This evolutionary process is nicely explained in the Vedic literature...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Ahimsa_means_not_arresting_the_progressive_life_of_any_living_entity Ahimsa means not arresting the progressive life of any living entity]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Killing_an_animal_or_any_other_living_being_simply_places_an_impediment_in_the_way_of_his_completing_his_term_of_imprisonment_in_a_certain_body Killing an animal or any other living entity simply places an impediment in the way of completing his term of imprisonment in a certain body]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Without_Krsna%27s_purpose_we_cannot_kill_even_an_ant,_we_cannot_cut_even_a_tree,_then_we_shall_be_liable_to_punishment._So_a_sadhu_sees_that_%22Here_is_also_a_living_entity.%22 Without Kṛṣṇa's purpose, we cannot kill even an ant, we cannot cut even a tree...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Man-made_law_and_animal-killing Man-made law and animal-killing]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Animal-killing_and_the_law_of_Manu_%28Manu-samhita%29 Animal-killing and the Law of Manu (Manu-Samhita)]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Animal-killing_as_murder Animal-killing as murder]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Jiva-himsana_refers_to_the_killing_of_animals_or_to_envy_of_other_living_entities Jiva-himsana refers to the killing of animals or to envy of other living entities]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Right_to_live Right to live]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Since_everything_is_the_property_of_God,_and_all_living_entities_-_not_only_human_beings_but_even_animals,_birds,_plants_and_so_on_-_are_children_of_God,_everyone_has_the_right_to_live_at_the_cost_of_God Since everything is the property of God, and all living entities – not only human beings but even animals, birds, plants and so on - are children of God, everyone has the right to live at the cost of God]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/The_animal-killers_are_encroaching_upon_others%27_right_to_live The animal-killers are encroaching upon others' right to live]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Does_the_father_give_less_protection_to_the_less_intelligent_son%3F_No._The_protection,_the_family_protection,_is_equal_for_everyone._This_is_the_conception,_bhagavata_community,_equal_right_to_everyone,_even_to_the_animals Does the father give less protection to the intelligent son? No. The protection, family protection, is equal for everyone...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/You_have_no_right_to_kill_any_animal,_even_an_ant._Because_you_cannot_give_life_to_anyone._It_is_nature%27s_law,_God%27s_law._So_infringement_on_the_laws_of_nature_or_God,_it_is_sinful_activities You have not right to kill any animal, even an ant. Because you cannot give life to anyone...]

([[#The_embodied_soul_and_natural_law|'''<u>back to section</u>, "The embodied soul and natural law"''']])

=====Food for man? (ref)=====

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Jivo_jivasya_jivanam:_one_living_being_is_food_for_another Jivo jivasya jivanam: one living entity is food for another]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/One_life_is_meant_to_be_eaten_by_another._That_is_nature%27s_law._But_we_should_use_discrimination_in_what_kind_of_foodstuff_we_shall_eat One life is meant to be eaten by another. That is nature's law. But we should use discrimination in what kind of foodstuff we shall eat]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/If_you_are_slaughtering_animals_and_you_are_comparing_that_killing_of_the_vegetables_and_the_killing_of_the_animals_is_the_same,_then_killing_your_son_and_killing_an_animal_is_also_the_same._Why_do_you_discriminate%3F If you are slaughtering animals and you are comparing that killing of the vegetables and the killing of the animals is the same, then killing your son and killing an animal is also the same. Why do you discriminate?]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/If_I_can_live_by_eating_fruits_and_grains_and_milk,_why_shall_I_kill_animal%3F If I can live by eating fruits and grains and milk, why shall I kill animal?]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Animal_food_is_not_meant_for_the_human_being Animal food is not meant for the human being]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Everything_is_food,_that%27s_all_right._But_you_can_take_only_what_is_allotted_for_you,_that%27s_all Everything is food, that's all right. But you can take only what is allotted for you, that's all]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Animals_can_kill_other_living_animals,_and_there_is_no_question_of_sin_on_their_part,_but_if_a_man_kills_an_animal_for_the_satisfaction_of_his_uncontrolled_taste,_he_must_be_responsible_for_breaking_the_laws_of_nature Animals can kill other living animals, and there is no question of sin on their part, but if a man kills an animal for the satisfaction of his uncontrolled taste, he must be responsible for breaking the laws of nature]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/If_man_wasn%27t_meant_to_eat_meat,_why_in_nature_do_the_other_animals_kill_to_eat%3F If man wasn't meant to eat meat, why in nature do other animals kill to eat?]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Is_diet_an_important_segment_of_the_word%3F Is diet an important segment of the word?]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Killing_means_that_you_have_to_eat_something._Our_philosophy_is_that_we_cannot_stop_killing,_but_there_is_no_unnecessary_killing Killing means that you have to eat something. Our philosophy is that we cannot stop killing, but there is no unnecessary killing]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/The_cow_gives_milk,_but_she_does_not_drink_that_milk;_she_eats_grass_and_straw,_and_her_milk_is_designated_as_food_for_human_beings The cow gives milk, but she does not drink that milk; she eats grass and straw and her milk is designated as food for human beings]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/The_human_being_is_meant_for_self-realization,_and_for_that_purpose_he_is_not_to_eat_anything_which_is_not_first_offered_to_the_Lord The human being is meant for self-realization, and for that purpose he is not to eat anything which is not first offered to the Lord]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/We_are_interested_in_eating_Krsna_prasadam._If_Krsna_says_%22Give_Me_meat,%22_we_shall_give_Him._But_He_does_not_say We are interested in eating Krsna prasadam. If Krsna says, "Give Me meat," we shall give Him. But He does not say]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/You_inquire,_%22Then_why_you_restrict,_%27No_meat-eating%27%3F%22 You inquire, "Then why you restrict, 'No meat-eating?'"]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/When_you_come_to_the_form_of_human_being,_you_should_have_discrimination._If_you_have_no_discrimination,_simply_you_live_like_animal,_then_where_is_the_difference%3F When you come to the form of human being, you should have discrimination...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Animal_food_is_not_meant_for_the_human_being._For_chewing_solid_food,_the_human_being_has_a_particular_type_of_teeth_meant_for_cutting_fruits_and_vegetables Animal food is not meant for the human being. For chewing solid food, the human being has a particular type of teeth...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/A_tiger_may_eat_meat._It_is_a_tiger._But_I_am_not_tiger._I_am_human_being A tiger may eat meat. It is a tiger. But I am not a tiger. I am a human being]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Sometimes_the_question_is_put_before_us:_%22You_ask_us_not_to_eat_meat,_but_you_are_eating_vegetables._Do_you_think_that_is_not_violence%3F%22 Sometimes the question is put before us: "You ask us not to eat meat, but you are eating vegetables. Do you think that is not violence?"]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Any_moving_animals_we_can_eat._But_that_is_the_natural_law_for_the_animals_and_uncivilized_man,_not_for_the_civilized_man Any moving animals we can eat. But that is the natural law for animals and uncivilized man, not for the civilized man]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Animal_killing_is_for_the_uncivilized_man,_one_who_cannot_get_the_necessities_of_life_by_intelligence Animal-killing is for the uncivilized man, one who cannot get the necessities of life by intelligence]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Milk_is_nothing_but_blood_of_cow._But_we_know_the_art,_how_to_drink_the_blood_of_cow_without_killing._That_is_civilization Milk is nothing but the blood of cow. But we know the art, how to drink the blood of cow without killing]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/The_cow_gives_milk,_but_she_does_not_drink_that_milk;_she_eats_grass_and_straw,_and_her_milk_is_designated_as_food_for_human_beings The cow gives milk, but she does not drink that milk...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Those_who_are_eating_another_animal,_they_are_not_human_being._Although_they_have_got_the_form_of_human_being,_they_are_not_considered_human_being Those who are eating another animal, they are not human being...]

([[#Food_for_man.3F|'''<u>back to section</u>, "Food for man?"''']])

=====Cow protection and human civilization (ref)=====

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Ahimsa_means_that_people_should_be_trained_in_such_a_way_that_the_full_utilization_of_the_human_body_can_be_achieved Ahiṁsā means that people should be trained in such a way that the full utilization of the human body can be achieved]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Brahminical_culture_and_civilization Brahminical culture and civilization]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Brahminical_culture_and_cow_protection Brahminical culture and cow protection]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Cow_protection_and_civilization Cow protection and civilization]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/In_one_sense_the_bull_is_the_father_of_humankind,_whereas_the_cow_is_the_mother In one sense the bull is the father of humankind, whereas the cow is the mother]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Meat-eaters,_according_to_their_different_positions_and_the_directions_of_the_sastra,_are_allowed_to_eat_flesh,_but_never_the_flesh_of_cows Meat-eaters, according to their different positions and directions of the sastra, are allowed to eat flesh, but never the flesh of cows]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Cow_protection_is_especially_recommended,_not_animal_protection Cow protection is especially recommended, not animal protection]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Go-raksya,_the_point_is_that_cow%27s_milk_is_very_important._Therefore_specifically_mentioned_go-raksya Go-rakṣya, the point is that cow's milk is very important...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/The_cow_is_a_very_important_animal The cow is a very important animal]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Cow%27s_milk_is_particularly_essential_for_developing_the_finer_tissues_of_the_human_brain_so_that_one_can_understand_the_intricacies_of_transcendental_knowledge Cow’s milk is particularly essential for developing the finer tissues of the human brain…]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Milk_is_the_miracle_food Milk is the miracle food]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Brahminical_culture_and_cow_protection Brahminical culture and cow protection]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Cow_slaughter_is_an_act_of_the_grossest_type_of_ignorance Cow slaughter is an act of the grossest type of ignorance]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Milk_is_the_miracle_food Milk is the miracle food]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Bull_helps_production_of_grains_in_the_agricultural_field Bull helps production of grains in the agricultural field]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Bull_is_the_emblem_of_the_moral_principle,_and_cow_is_the_representative_of_the_earth Bull is the emblem of the moral principle, and cow is the representative of the earth]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/No%2C_if_they_are_not_cows%2C_there_is_no_need_of_protection._When_gives_milk%2C_that_is_cow No, if they are not cows, there is no need of protection...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/The_cow_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 The cow gives milk, but she does not drink that milk: she eats grass and straw, and her milk is designated as food for human beings]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/You_are_drinking_milk,_you_are_taking_so_much_butter,_milk_product,_and_as_gratitude_you_are_killing_cows%3F You are drinking milk, you are taking so much butter, milk product, and as gratitude you are killing cows?]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Cow_is_our_mother Cow is our mother]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Those_who_desire_to_eat_meat_may_satisfy_the_demands_of_their_tongues_by_eating_lower_animals,_but_they_should_never_kill_cows Those who desire to eat meat may satisfy the demands of their tongues by eating lower animals, but they should never kill cows]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Importance_of_milk Importance of milk]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/If_you_are_staunch_meat-eaters,_then_you_cannot_touch_cow._You_can_eat_some_other_animal If you are staunch meat-eaters, then you cannot touch cow. You can eat some other animal]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Brahminical_culture_can_advance_only_when_man_is_educated_to_develop_the_quality_of_goodness,_and_for_this_there_is_a_prime_necessity_of_food_prepared_with_milk,_fruits_and_grains There is a prime necessity of food prepared with milk, fruits and grains]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Duty_of_the_vaisyas Duty of the vaisyas]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Because_milk_is_very_essential_food_for_the_human_society,_therefore_cow_protection_is_the_duty_of_the_human_society Because milk is very essential food for the human society, therefore cow protection is the duty of the human society]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/There_are_so_many_facilities_afforded_by_cow_protection,_but_people_have_forgotten_these_arts There are so many facilities afforded by cow protection, but people have forgotten these arts]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Killing_of_animals_is_a_symptom_of_barbarian_society Killing of animals is a symptom of barbarian society]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Cow_urine_and_cow_dung_are_uncontaminated%2C_and_since_even_the_urine_and_dung_of_a_cow_are_important%2C_we_can_just_imagine_how_important_this_animal_is_for_human_civilization Cow urine and cow dung are uncontaminated, and since even the urine and the dung of a cow are important, we can just imagine how important this animal is for human civilization]

([[#Cow_protection_and_human_civilization|'''<u>back to section</u>, "Cow protection and human civilization"''']])

=====Civilized community (ref)=====

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/National_means_one_who%27s_born_in_that_particular_land._So_why_not_these_animals,_nationals%3F National means one who's born in that particular land. So why not these animals, national?]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Praja_refers_not_only_to_human_beings_but_also_to_animals,_trees_and_every_other_living_entity._It_is_the_duty_of_the_king_to_give_all_living_entities_protection Prajā refers not only to human beings...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Since_everything_is_the_property_of_God,_and_all_living_entities_-_not_only_human_beings_but_even_animals,_birds,_plants_and_so_on_-_are_children_of_God,_everyone_has_the_right_to_live_at_the_cost_of_God Since everything is the property of God, and all living entities...are children of God, everyone has the right to live at the cost of God]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Does_the_father_give_less_protection_to_the_less_intelligent_son%3F_No._The_protection,_the_family_protection,_is_equal_for_everyone._This_is_the_conception,_bhagavata_community,_equal_right_to_everyone,_even_to_the_animals Does the father give less protection to the intelligent son? No. The protection, family protection, is equal for everyone...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/By_the_law_of_the_Supreme_Lord,_all_living_beings,_in_whatever_shape_they_may_be,_are_the_sons_of_the_Lord,_and_no_one_has_any_right_to_kill_another_animal,_unless_it_is_so_ordered_by_the_codes_of_natural_law By the law of the Supreme Lord, all living beings, in whatever shape they may be, are the sons of the Lord...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Universal_brotherhood_%28Lectures%29 Universal brotherhood (Lectures)]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Nonsense_philosophy._That_you_protect_your_family_but_you_eat_the_animal_family Nonsense philosophy. That you protect your family but you eat the animal family]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Let_me_help_this_cat,_give_it_some_Krsna_prasada_so_that_in_some_day_he_will_come_to_Krsna_consciousness._This_is_to_see_in_him_Krsna._Not_that,_%22Oh,_here_is_Krsna,_let_me_embrace_this_cat.%22_This_is_nonsense Let me help this cat, give it some Krsna prasada so that some day he will come to Krsna consciousness. This is to see him in Krsna...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/A_grhastha_should_be_very_much_affectionate_toward_lower_animals,_birds_and_bees,_treating_them_exactly_like_his_own_children A grhastha should be very much affectionate toward lower animals...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/One_who_is_in_Krsna_consciousness_understands_that_there_is_no_difference_between_the_animals_and_the_innocent_children_in_one%27s_home One who is in Krnsa consciousness understands that there is no difference between the animals and the innocent children in one's own home]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Men_and_animals_were_equally_protected_as_far_as_life_was_concerned._That_is_the_way_in_God%27s_kingdom Men and animals were equally protected as far as life was concerned...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Fools_and_rascals_of_modern_society_have_no_knowledge_of_the_extent_of_the_responsibility_of_the_government._Animals_are_also_citizens_of_the_land_in_which_they_happen_to_be_born%2C_and_they_also_have_the_right_to_continue_their_existence Fools and rascals of modern society have no knowledge of the extent of the responsibility of the government...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Maharaja_Pariksit_was_astonished_to_see_that_a_black_sudra,_dressed_like_a_ruler,_was_mistreating_a_cow,_the_most_important_animal_in_human_society Mahārāja Parīkṣit was astonished to see that a black śūdra, dressed like a ruler, was mistreating a cow, the most important animal in human society...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/All_animals_like_deer%2C_camel%2C_ass%2C_monkey%2C_even_flies_and_snakes%2C_none_should_be_ill_treated._Even_they_enter_into_the_house_or_in_the_fields_and_take_their_eatables%2C_they_should_not_be_stopped._Because_they_have_also_got_the_right_to_eat All animals like deer, camel, ass, monkey, even flies and snakes, none should be ill treated...]

([[#Civilized_community|'''<u>back to section</u>, "Civilized community"''']])

=====Non-theistic perspectives (ref)=====

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/From_ordinary_moral_point_of_view,_it_is_said_by_Canakya_Pandita,_atmavat_sarva-bhutesu:_treat_all_living_entities_as_you_want_to_be_treated From ordinary moral point of view, it is said by Canakya Pandita, atmavat sarva-bhutesu: treat all living entities as you want to be treated]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Atmavat_sarva-bhutesu:_one_should_feel_the_happiness_and_distress_of_others_as_his_own._It_is_on_this_basis_that_the_Buddhist_religious_principle_of_nonviolence_-_ahimsah_parama-dharmah_-_is_established Atmavat sarva bhutesu: one should feel the happiness and distress of others as his own…]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Lord_Buddha_and_animal_killing Lord Buddha and animal-killing]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Buddha_and_ahimsa,_or_nonviolence Buddha and ahimsa, or nonviolence]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Lord_Buddha_preached_ahimsa_paramo_dharmah:_%22The_best_religious_principle_is_to_become_nonviolent%22 Lord Buddha preached ahimsa paramo dharmah: The best religious principle is to become nonviolent]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Animal_food_is_not_meant_for_the_human_being Animal food is not meant for the human being]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Human_society_needs_only_sufficient_grain_and_sufficient_cows_to_solve_its_economic_problems Human society needs only sufficient grain and sufficient cows to solve its economic problems]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Milk_is_nothing_but_blood_of_cow._But_we_know_the_art,_how_to_drink_the_blood_of_cow_without_killing._That_is_civilization Milk is nothing but the blood of cow. But we know the art, how to drink the blood of cow without killing…]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/The_cow_gives_milk,_but_she_does_not_drink_that_milk;_she_eats_grass_and_straw,_and_her_milk_is_designated_as_food_for_human_beings The cow gives milk, but she does not drink that milk; she eats grass and straw and her milk is designated as food for human beings]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Animal_killing_is_for_the_uncivilized_man,_one_who_cannot_get_the_necessities_of_life_by_intelligence Animal-killing is for the uncivilized man, one who cannot get the necessities of life by intelligence]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Both_the_bulls_and_the_cows_are_important_because_the_bull_will_produce_food_grain_and_the_cow_will_give_supply_milk._They_should_be_utilized_properly._That_is_human_intelligence Both the bulls and the cows are important because...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/It_is_practical_experience_that_if_the_cows_are_assured_they_would_not_be_killed,_they_will_give_you_double_milk It is practical experience that if the cows are assured they would not be killed, they will give you double milk]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/It_is_said_here_that_the_cows_used_to_moisten_the_pasturing_land_with_milk_because_their_milk_bags_were_fatty_and_the_animals_were_joyful It is said here that the cows used to moisten the pasturing land with milk because their milk bags were fatty and the animals were joyful]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/In_the_reign_of_Yudhisthira,_the_clouds_showered_all_the_water_that_people_needed,_and_the_earth_produced_all_the_necessities_of_man_in_profusion._Due_to_its_fatty_milk_bag_and_cheerful_attitude,_the_cow_used_to_moisten_the_grazing_ground_with_milk In the reign of Yudhiṣṭhira...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/There_is_a_class_in_India,_cobbler._Their_business_is_to_take_away_the_dead_animals,_especially_cows There is a class in India, cobbler. Their business is to take away the dead animals, especially cows]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Transport_is_required_in_the_human_society,_but_you_can_utilize_so_many_animals_for_your_purpose Transport is required in the human society, but you can utilize so many animals for your purpose]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/I_have_seen_in_the_Western_countries,_they_are_growing_food_grains_for_the_animals,_and_the_food_grains_are_eaten_by_the_animals,_and_the_animal_is_eaten_by_man I have seen in the Western countries, they are growing food grains for the animals...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Animal_food_is_not_meant_for_the_human_being._For_chewing_solid_food,_the_human_being_has_a_particular_type_of_teeth_meant_for_cutting_fruits_and_vegetables Animal food is not meant for the human being. For chewing solid food, the human being has a particular type of teeth...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/In_India,_eighty_percent_people,_they_are_vegetarian._They_are_living_very_nicely In India, eighty percent people, they are vegetarian. They are living very nicely]

([[#Non-theistic_perspectives|'''<u>back to section</u>, "Non-theistic perspectives"''']])

=====Animal sacrifice (ref)=====

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Animal_sacrifice_in_the_name_of_religion_is_current_practically_all_over_the_world_in_every_established_religion Animal sacrifice in the name of religion is current practically all over the world in every established religion]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Animal_sacrifice_under_the_name_of_religion_is_conducted_by_the_influence_of_tamo-guna_%28the_mode_of_ignorance%29 Animal sacrifice under the name of religion is conducted by the influence of tamo guna (the mode of ignorance)]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Bali-dana,_animal_sacrifice_in_front_of_Goddess_Kali Bali-dāna, animal sacrifice in front of Goddess Kālī]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/No_one_should_think_that_he_has_the_freedom_to_kill_animals_and_not_suffer_the_consequences No one should think that he has the freedom to kill animals and not suffer the consequences]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Animals_sacrificed_in_the_yajna_were_not_killed._If_the_Vedic_mantras_were_properly_pronounced_during_the_sacrifice,_the_animal_sacrificed_would_come_out_again_with_a_new_life Animals sacrifice in the yajna were not killed…]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Vedas_and_animal_sacrifice Vedas and animal sacrifice]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Brahmanas_and_animal_killing Brāhmanas and animal-killing]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Sometimes_the_sacrificed_animal_is_promoted_immediately_to_the_human_form_of_life Sometimes the sacrificed animal is promoted immediately to the human form of life]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Overindulgence_in_animal_sacrifice_is_risky_because_as_soon_as_there_is_a_small_discrepancy_in_the_execution_of_such_a_sacrifice,_the_slaughtered_animal_may_not_be_promoted_to_a_human_form_of_life Overindulgence in animal sacrifice is risky…]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Formerly,_the_brahmanas_well_conversant_in_Vedic_mantras_could_show_the_potency_of_the_mantras,_but_in_this_age,_because_there_are_no_such_brahmanas,_all_such_sacrifices_are_forbidden Formerly, the brāhmanas well conversant in the Vedic mantras could show the potency of the mantras, but in this age…]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Kali-puja Kālī-puja]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Goddess_Kali_never_accepts_nonvegetarian_food_because_she_is_the_chaste_wife_of_Lord_Siva Goddess Kālī never accepts nonvegetarian because she is the chaste wife of Lord Śiva]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Narada_Muni_and_animal_sacrifice Narada Muni and animal sacrifice]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Mamsa Māṁsa]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Animal_sacrifice_is_offered_before_goddess_Kali._So_such_kind_of_worship_is_mentioned_in_the_tamasika_Purana Animal sacrifice is offered before the goddess Kālī. So such kind of worship is mentioned in the tāmasika Purāṇa]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/For_the_animal-eaters,_the_scriptures_have_sanctioned_restricted_animal_sacrifices_only,_and_such_sanctions_are_there_just_to_restrict_the_opening_of_slaughterhouses_and_not_to_encourage_animal-killing For the animal-eater, the scriptures have sanctioned restricted animal sacrifices only…]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Mother_%28Kali%29_is_witness._Mother_is_for_the_goat_and_for_you_also._So_you_are_cutting_the_throat_of_the_goat,_so_why_the_Mother_will_not_give_the_chance_to_the_goat_to_cut_your_head%3F Mother Kālī is witness. Mother is for the goat and for you also...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/In_Calcutta_there_are_many_butcher_shops_which_keep_a_deity_of_the_goddess_Kali,_and_animal-eaters_think_it_proper_to_purchase_animal_flesh_from_such_shops_in_hope_that_they_are_eating_the_remnants_of_food_offered_to_goddess_Kali In Calcutta there are many butcher shops which keep a deity of the goddess Kālī...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/There_are_many_systems_of_religion_in_which_animal_sacrifices_are_recommended._Such_animal_sacrifices_are_inauspicious_both_for_the_performer_and_for_the_animal There are many systems of religion in which animal sacrifices are recommended. Such animal sacrifices are inauspicious both for the performer and for the animal]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/If_one_violates_the_Vedic_instructions_while_performing_yajna_and_simply_makes_a_show_of_sacrifice_for_the_purpose_of_killing_animals,_he_is_punishable_after_death If one violates the Vedic instructions while performing yajña…]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/They_are_thinking_that_%22We_are_not_going_to_slaughterhouse_to_kill._They_kill;_we_purchase%22 They are thinking that "We are not going to the slaughterhouse to kill. They kill; we purchase"]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/In_the_Vedic_civilization,_meat-eaters_are_advised_to_kill_an_animal_for_the_goddess_Kali_or_a_similar_demigod._This_is_in_order_not_to_give_the_animal_unnecessary_pain,_as_slaughterhouses_do In the Vedic civilization, meat-eaters are advised to kill an animal for the goddess Kālī or a similar demigod...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Permission_to_eat_meat_after_a_sacrifice_in_the_presence_of_the_goddess_Kali_is_not_the_order_of_the_Supreme_Personality_of_Godhead._It_is_simply_a_concession_for_the_miserable_person_who_will_not_give_up_eating_meat Permission to eat meat after a sacrifice in the presence of the goddess Kālī is not the order of the Supreme Personality of Godhead…]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/A_Vaisnava_acarya_like_Narada_Muni_knows_very_well_that_persons_engaged_in_such_animal-killing_in_the_name_of_religion_are_certainly_becoming_involved_in_the_cycle_of_birth_and_death,_forgetting_the_real_aim_of_life:_to_go_home,_back_to_Godhead A Vaiṣṇava ācārya like Nārada Muni knows very well that persons engaged in such animal-killing in the name of religion...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Buddha_and_animal_sacrifice Buddha and animal sacrifice]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/It_is_said_that_Lord_Jesus_Christ,_when_twelve_years_old,_was_shocked_to_see_the_Jews_sacrificing_birds_and_animals_in_the_synagogues_and_that_he_therefore_rejected_the_Jewish_system_of_religion It is said that Lord Jesus Christ, when twelve years old, was shocked to see the Jews sacrificing birds and animals in the synagogues...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Narada_Muni_and_animal_sacrifice Nārada Muni and animal sacrifice]

([[#Animal_sacrifice|'''<u>back to section</u>, "Animal sacrifice"''']])

=====Ksatriya class and hunting (ref)=====

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/According_to_Vedic_injunctions,_however,_only_ksatriyas_are_allowed_to_hunt,_whereas_sudras_are_allowed_to_eat_flesh_after_offering_goats_or_other_insignificant_animals_before_the_deity_of_goddess_Kali_or_similar_demigods According to Vedic injunctions, however, only kṣatriyas are allowed to hunt, whereas sudras are allowed...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Hunting_animals Hunting animals]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Hunting_in_the_forest Hunting in the forest]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Four_kinds_of_sinful_activities_-_associating_with_woman_for_illicit_sex,_eating_meat,_intoxication_and_gambling_-_are_allowed_for_the_ksatriyas Four kinds of sinful activities – associating with woman for illicit sex, eating meat, intoxication and gambling – are allowed for the kṣatriyas]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/A_ksatriya_is_allowed_to_kill_only_for_maintenance_of_the_law_and_order_of_the_state;_he_is_not_allowed_to_kill_or_commit_violence_without_reason A kṣatriya is allowed to kill only for maintenance of law and order of the state; he is not allowed to commit violence without reason]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Ksatriyas_and_animal_killing Kṣatriyas and animal-killing]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Although_ksatriyas_are_allowed_to_kill_animals_in_hunting,_they_are_not_freed_from_the_resultant_contamination_of_sinful_reactions Although kṣatriyas are allowed to kill animals in hunting, they are not freed from the resultant contamination of sinful reactions]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/About_twenty-five_years_ago,_there_was_a_native_prince_in_Jaipur._Every_year_he_would_go_to_the_forest_and_face_the_tiger,_without_any_weapon About twenty-five years ago, there was a native prince in Jaipur...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Since_the_hunter_lives_a_very_ghastly_life_due_to_killing_animals,_and_since_he_will_go_to_hell_when_he_dies,_he_is_advised_to_neither_live_nor_die Since the hunter lives a very ghastly life due to killing animals...]

([[#K.E1.B9.A3atriya_class_and_hunting|'''<u>back to section</u>, "Kṣatriya class and hunting"''']])

=====Self-protection and self-preservation (ref)=====

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Why_should_you_kill_one_animal_who_is_coming_to_attack%3F_No._You_must_kill._That_is_necessity Why should you kill one animal who is coming to attack? No. You must kill. That is necessity]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/In_rare_circumstances,_when_people_are_suffering_for_want_of_grains,_meat-eating_or_flesh-eating_can_be_allowed,_but_not_otherwise In rare circumstances, when people are suffering for want of grains, meat-eating or flesh-eating can be allowed...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Just_like_in_the_desert,_Arabian_Desert,_there_is_no_food,_no_grain,_for_them_animal-eating_may_be_permissible._Because_after_all,_we_have_to_live._That_is_a_different_thing Just like in the desert, Arabian desert, there is no food, no grain; for them animal-killing may be permissable...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/According_to_the_law_of_necessity,_first_of_all_human_society_must_try_to_produce_food_grains_and_vegetables,_but_if_they_fail_in_this,_they_can_indulge_in_flesh-eating._Otherwise_not According to the law of necessity, first of all human society must try to produce food grains and vegetables...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/By_advancement_of_civilization_they_have_learned_this_art,_to_refuse_God._They_want_to_make_their_economic_problem_solved_by_themselves By advancement of civilization they have learned this art, to refuse God. They want to make their economic problem solved by themselves]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/The_human_form_of_life_is_more_important_and_valuable_than_animal_life The human form of life is more important and valuable than animal life]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/The_human_life_should_be_saved_at_the_sacrifice_of_animals._That_is_another_question._But_where_there_is_complete_facilities_to_get_very_nice,_nutritious_food,_why_these_poor_animals_should_be_killed%3F The human life should be saved at the sacrifice of animals. That is another question...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Tires_%28automobile%29 Tires (automobile)]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/You_can_take_care_of_this_animal,_I_mean_to_say,_against_the_disturbance_created_by_this_animal,_but_you_cannot_kill_them You can take care of this animal, I mean to say, against the disturbance created by this animal, but you cannot kill them]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Tiger_is_my_brother,_but_not_that_because_originally_he%27s_my_brother,_I_shall_go_and_embrace._No._I_shall_be_careful._But_not_that_I_shall_kill Tiger is my brother, but not that because originally he's my brother, I shall go and embrace...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/We_shouldn%27t_kill_them._What_about_if_they%27re_biting_you,_right_in_the_process_of_biting_you%3F We shouldn't kill them. What about if they're biting you, right in the process of biting you?]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/What_is_the_proper_spiritual_attitude_toward_rodents,_reptiles,_and_disease-bearing_insects%3F_What_should_be_the_proper_spiritual_attitude_toward_those%3F What is the proper spiritual attitude toward rodents, reptiles, and disease-bearing insects?...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/The_Indians_are_not_cow_worshippers_as_others_wrongly_interpret_it,_but_the_Indians_are_gratitudeful_to_the_species_of_cow_for_supplying_milk The Indians are not cow worshipers as other wrongly interpret it...]

([[#Self-protection_and_self-preservation|'''<u>back to section</u>, "Self-protection and self-preservation"''']])

=====Adverse consequences (ref)=====

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Man-made_law_and_animal-killing Man-made law and animal-killing]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/According_to_Manu-samhita,_when_an_animal_is_killed,_eight_persons_become_condemned_with_murdering_charges According to Manu-saṁhitā, when an animal is killed, eight persons become condemned with the murdering charges]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Animal-killing_and_the_law_of_Manu_%28Manu-samhita%29 Animal-killing and the law of Manu (Manu-saṁhitā)]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Mamsa Māṁsa]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/No_one_should_think_that_he_has_the_freedom_to_kill_animals_and_not_suffer_the_consequences No one should think that he has the freedom to kill animals and not suffer the consequences]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/They_are_thinking_that_%22We_are_not_going_to_slaughterhouse_to_kill._They_kill;_we_purchase%22 They are thinking that "We are not going to slaughterhouse to kill. They kill; we purchase"...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Only_through_ignorance_does_a_person_violate_the_laws_of_nature,_and_when_he_comes_to_knowledge_he_does_not_commit_any_more_sinful_acts Only through ignorance does a person violate the laws of nature...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/In_his_childhood_Manduka_Muni_was_playing_with_an_ant,_piercing_the_rectum_with_a_thorn._That_is_also_taken_account,_%22All_right._You_will_be_punished.%22_Just_see_how_finer_laws_are_there_in_nature In his childhood Manduka Muni was playing with an ant...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/There_is_a_story_about_a_hunter_who_was_converted_into_a_great_devotee_under_the_instruction_of_Narada_Muni There is a story about a hunter who was converted into a great devotee under the instruction of Nārada Muni]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Mrgari_the_hunter Mṛgāri the hunter] (with audio!)

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Hunting_in_the_forest Hunting in the forest]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Animal-killing_and_the_laws_of_nature Animal-killing and the laws of nature]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/If_you_maintain_slaughterhouses_then_you_have_to_suffer_the_consequence,_because_in_the_law_of_nature,_there_is_no_distinction_between_one_life_to_another If you maintain slaughterhoses then you have to suffer the consequence, because in the law of nature, there is no distinction between on life to another]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/The_animal_killers_do_not_know_that_in_the_future_the_animal_will_have_a_body_suitable_to_kill_them._That_is_the_law_of_nature The animal killers do not know that in the future the animal will have a body suitable to kill them. That is the law of nature]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/One_who_wants_to_eat_the_flesh_and_blood_of_other_animals_may_be_given_a_tiger%27s_body_equipped_with_suitable_teeth_and_claws One who wants to eat the flesh and blood of other animals may be given a tiger's body equipped with suitable teeth and claws]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/One_who_betrays_the_confidence_of_a_living_entity_who_takes_shelter_of_him_in_good_faith,_whether_that_living_entity_be_a_human_being_or_an_animal,_is_extremely_sinful One who betrays the confidence of a living entity who takes shelter of him in good faith, whether that living entity be human being or animal, is extremely sinful]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Since_the_hunter_lives_a_very_ghastly_life_due_to_killing_animals,_and_since_he_will_go_to_hell_when_he_dies,_he_is_advised_to_neither_live_nor_die Since the hunter lives a very ghastly life due to killing animals, and since he will go to hell when he dies, he is advised to neither live nor die]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/War_and_animal_slaughter War and animal slaughter]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/As_long_as_human_society_continues_to_allow_cows_to_be_regularly_killed_in_slaughterhouses,_there_cannot_be_any_question_of_peace_and_prosperity As long as human society continues to allow cows to be regularly killed in slaughterhouses, there cannot be any question of peace and prosperity]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Nature_therefore_creates_a_wholesale_slaughterhouse_in_war,_to_cut_throat_all_-_finished._Many_millions_and_millions_are_finished Nature therefore creates a wholesale slaughterhouse in war...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Animal-killing_and_abortion Animal-killing and abortion]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/%22There_is_no_soul_in_the_womb._When_they_come_out_then_the_soul_becomes%22_-_what_is_this_nonsense%3F "There is no soul in the womb. When they come out, then the soul becomes" - what is this nonsense?]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/You_cannot_maintain_slaughterhouse_in_the_human_society_and_at_the_same_time_you_want_peace You cannot maintain slaughterhouse in the human society and at the same time you want peace]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Animal_killing_is_very_prominent_amongst_demoniac_people Animal killing is very prominent amongst demoniac people]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Why_these_animals_are_being_slaughtered%3F_There_is_some_nature%27s_law._They_were_murderer_or_slaughterer_in_their_past_life_as_human_being Why these animals are being slaughtered? There is some nature's law. They were murderer or slaughterer in their past life as human being]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/For_eating,_let_there_be_slaughterhouse_and_eat_meat._And_to_digest_meat,_you_drink_wine._This_is_being_taught For eating, let there be slaughterhouse and eat meat. And to digest meat, you drink wine. This is being taught]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/If_we_want_a_happy_and_tranquil_political_situation,_we_must_select_leaders_who_eat_krsna-prasadam._Otherwise_the_leaders_will_eat_meat_and_drink_wine,_and_thus_they_will_be_asamskrtah,_unreformed,_and_kriya-hinah,_devoid_of_spiritual_behavior If we want a happy and tranquil political situation, we must select leaders who eat Krsna prasadam...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/When_they_say_they_have_a_surplus_of_grains_now,_they_are_burning_these_great_mounds_of_grains,_this_means_that_in_the_future_there_will_be_no_grains_for_this_country_to_eat%3F When they say they have a surplus of grains now, they are burning these great mounds of grains, this means that in the future there will be no grains for this country to eat?]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Human_beings_as_two-legged_animals Human beings as two-legged animals]

([[#Adverse_consequences|'''<u>back to section</u>, "Adverse consequences"''']])

=====Uplifting humanity (ref)=====

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/I_was_visiting_the_Krsna_consciousness_farm_in_British_Columbia,_and_on_the_road_we_were_passing_large_herds_of_beef_cows._We_were_discussing_that_the_farmer_thinks_of_these_cows_not_as_spirit_souls_but_as_commodities I was visiting the Krsna consciousness farm in British Columbia...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Pasu-ghna_-_killer_of_animals,_killer_of_the_soul Pasu-ghna - killer of animals, killer of the soul]

*[http://www.vaniquotes.org/wiki/Ahimsa._%22Don%27t_kill.%22_That_is_the_greatest_sin._So_Lord_Buddha_is_propagating_that_%22Let_these_people_be_saved_from_the_greatest_sinful_activities%22 Ahiṁsā. "Don't kill." That is the greatest sin...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Lord_Buddha_appeared_to_stop_animal-killing,_ahimsa._He_did_not_say_anything_more._His_only_mission_was,_%22Let_these_rascals_first_of_all_stop_this_animal-killing,_they%27ll_understand_further_about_spiritual_advancement%27%27 Lord Buddha appeared to stop animal-killing, ahiṁsā. He did not say anything more...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Those_who_are_animal-killers_and_animal-eaters,_they_cannot_understand_finer_philosophical_matter._Their_brain_is_gross._Therefore_they_are_much_inclined_to_mechanical_way_of_life Those who are animal-killers and animal-eaters, they cannot understand finer philosophical matter...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Those_who_are_animal_killers,_their_brain_is_dull_as_stone._They_cannot_understand_any_thing Those who are animal killers, their brain is dull as stone...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Unless_one_is_free_from_the_sin_of_animal-killing,_he_cannot_understand_religion_or_God Unless one is free from the sin of animal-killing, he cannot understand religion or God]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/God_consciousness,_Krsna_consciousness,_cannot_be_understood_by_the_animal-killer God consciousness, Krsna consciousness, cannot be understood by the animal-killer]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/If_man_does_not_allow_the_animals_peaceful_coexistence,_how_can_he_expect_peaceful_existence_in_human_society%3F If man does not allow the animals peaceful coexistence, how can he expect peaceful existence in human society?]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Might_is_right "Might is right"]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Ahimsa_means_that_people_should_be_trained_in_such_a_way_that_the_full_utilization_of_the_human_body_can_be_achieved Ahiṁsā means that people should be trained in such a way that full utilization of the human body can be achieved]

([[#Uplifting_humanity|'''<u>back to section</u>, "Uplifting humanity"''']])

=====Practical solutions (ref)=====

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Those_who_are_fond_of_eating_fish_and_meat,_they_can_eat_when_the_animal_is_dead._Not_killing Those who are fond of eating fish and meat, they can eat when the animal is dead. Not killing]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/There_is_a_class_in_India,_cobbler._Their_business_is_to_take_away_the_dead_animals,_especially_cows There is a class in India, cobbler. Their business is to take away the dead animals, especially the cows]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Unless_you_kill_the_animal,_you_cannot_eat._So_where_is_freshness%3F_You_have_to_kill_him._You_have_to_make_it_dead,_so_why_not_make_it_natural_dead%3F Unless you kill the animal, you cannot eat. So where is the freshness?...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Only_the_cobbler_class,_the_muci_class,_they_eat_this_cow%27s_flesh_after_taking_the_dead_animal Only the cobbler class, the muci class, they eat this cow's flesh after taking the dead animal]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Our_business_is_to_stop_slaughter._Meat-eating_we_cannot_stop Our business is to stop slaughter. Meat-eating we cannot stop]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/We_don%27t_say_that_you_stop_eating_meat._You_eat_meat,_but_don%27t_take_it_from_slaughterhouse We don't say that you stop eating meat. You eat meat, but don't take it from slaughterhouse]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/The_meat-eaters,_they_are_everywhere,_all_over_the_world,_but_in_India_meat-eating_is_allowed_-_the_fifth_class,_fifth_grade_community,_they_eat_these_cows_when_it_is_dead._And_the_sudra_class,_they_also_eat_meat_restrictively,_goats The meat-eaters, they are everywhere, all over the world...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Suppose_I_am_not_inclined_to_kill_animals_or_I_do_not_kill_animals._I_avoid_it._But_intentionally_or_unintentionally,_sometimes_we_have_to_kill_animals Suppose I am not inclined to kill animals or I do not kill animals. I avoid it. But intentionally or unintentionally, sometimes we have to kill animals]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/There_is_panca-suna-yajna._You_have_to_perform_yajna_every_day_to_counteract_the_sinful_reaction_of_your_imperceptible_killings_of_animals There is pañca-sūnā-yajña. You have to perform yajña every day to counteract the sinful reaction of your imperceptible killings of animals]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/One_may_succeed_in_avoiding_many_kinds_of_sin,_but_it_is_impossible_to_escape_committing_the_five_great_sins_called_panca-suna One may succeed in avoiding many kinds of sin, but it is impossible to escape committing the five great sins call pañca-sūnā]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/If_you_take_Krsna_prasadam,_then_if_there_is_any_sin,_it_goes_to_Krsna;_you_take_pure_prasadam If you take Kṛṣṇa prasādam, then if there is any sin, it goes to Kṛṣṇa...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Sometimes_the_question_is_put_before_us:_%22You_ask_us_not_to_eat_meat,_but_you_are_eating_vegetables._Do_you_think_that_is_not_violence%3F%22 Sometimes the question is put before us: "You ask us not to eat meat, but you are eating vegetables. Do you think that is not violence?"]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/There_is_panca-suna-yajna._You_have_to_perform_yajna_every_day_to_counteract_the_sinful_reaction_of_your_imperceptible_killings_of_animals There is pañca-sūnā-yajña. You have to perform yajña every day to counteract the sinful reaction of your imperceptible killings of animals]

([[#Practical_solutions|'''<u>back to section</u>, "Practical solutions"''']])

=====General references=====

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Since_every_living_entity_is_a_residence_of_the_Supreme_Lord_and_can_be_considered_a_temple_of_the_Lord%2C_the_unnecessary_killing_of_any_living_entity_is_not_permitted Since every living entity is a residence of the Supreme Lord and can be considered a temple of the Lord, the unnecessary killing of any living entity is not permitted]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/The_conscience,_the_so-called_conscience_is_created._You_go_on_killing,_your_conscience_will_be_killing_conscience,_%22It_is_all_right%22 The conscience, the so-called conscience is created. You go on killing, your conscience will be killing conscience, "It is all right"]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/That_is_not_humanity That is not humanity]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/You_can_defend_your_theory_but_that_will_not_help_purification_of_the_society._That_will_not_help._Take_it_for_granted._You_can_make_so_many_theories_but_if_you_remain_impure,_if_you_are_not_God_conscious,_all_these_theories_will_be_useless You can defend your theory, but that will not help the purification of society...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/The_principle_of_killing_is_forbidden_in_every_religion The principle of killing is forbidden in every religion]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Animal-killing_as_one_of_the_four_pillars_of_sinful_life Animal-killing as one of the four pillars of sinful life]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Why_should_you_kill_animals%3F Why should you kill animals?]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Foods_in_goodness Foods in goodness]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Those_who_are_eating_another_animal,_they_are_not_human_being._Although_they_have_got_the_form_of_human_being,_they_are_not_considered_human_being Those who are eating another animal, they are not human being…]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Animal-killing_as_one_of_the_four_pillars_of_sinful_life Animal-killing as one of the four pillars of sinful life]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Suna_means_unnecessarily_killing_the_animals Sūnā means unnecessarily killing the animals]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/The_animal-killers_are_encroaching_upon_others%27_right_to_live The animal-killers are encroaching upon others' right to live]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Formerly_there_was_no_slaughterhouse Formerly there was no slaughterhouse]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Unless_there_is_absolute_necessity,_we_do_not_wish_to_kill_even_a_tree,_what_to_speak_of_animals Unless there is absolute necessity, we do not wish to kill even a tree, what to speak of animals]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Whenever_they_make_some_report_about_India,_they_always_make_some_joke_about_how_the_people_will_think_the_animals_are_sacred_and_how_this_is_actually_the_real_problem Whenever they make some report about India, they always make some joke about how the people will think the animals are sacred...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Lawful_meat-eating_is... Lawful meat-eating is...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Mamsa Māṁsa]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/But_the_slaughterhouse_becomes_a_temple_of_mercy_given_these_conditions_in_which_the_animals_are... But the slaughterhouse becomes a temple of mercy given these conditions in which the animals are...] (Śrīla Prabhupāda responds to the comment)

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/We_actually_see_that_there_are_many_Hindus,_Muslims,_Christians,_Buddhists_and_religionists_of_other_cults_who_adhere_to_their_religious_principles_very_nicely_but_are_not_equal_to_all_living_entities We actually see that there are many Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Buddhist and religionists of other cults who adhere to their religious principles very nicely but are not equal to all living entities]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/The_government_shouldn%27t_allow_you_to_keep_slaughterhouses._If_anyone_wants_to_eat_meat,_let_them_eat_like_tigers_and_others._Individually,_kill_one_animal_-_a_lower_animal,_not_cows._This_should_be_the_government_law The government shouldn't allow you to keep slaughterhouses. If anyone wants to eat meat, let them eat like tigers and others. Individually, kill one animal...]

=Notes=

<references />

=Related articles (Vanipedia)=

*[[Do Animals Have Souls?]]
*[[Srila Prabhupada Counters Philosophical Justifications for Animal-Killing]]
*[[Vegetarianism]]
*[[Prasadam - Spiritualized Food]]
*[[Buddha: A Vaisnava Perspective]]
*[[Violence and Nonviolence in Human Society]]
*[[Karma - Action and Reaction]]
*[[Evolutionary Process]]
*[[Transmigration of the Soul]]
*[[Agriculture and Agricultural Society]]
*[[Cow Protection]]
*[[Brahminical Culture]]
*[[Preaching Among Christians]]
*[[Government]]
*[[Principle of Protection in Society]]
*[[Animal Sacrifice]]

__NOEDITSECTION__

Our True Identity

2026-05-17T15:09:53Z

Visnu Murti:

[[Category:List of Vanipedia Articles - completed‎]]

=Our true Identity - Introduction=

Our true Identity - Śrīla Prabhupāda presents in his teachings identity based on revealed scriptures such as the Bhagavad-gītā, the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, and the Caitanya Caritāmṛta. He firmly proposes to every conscious being to accept spiritual liberation - devotional service to the Lord - and to reject misconceptions of life such as materialism and impersonalism, which keep the living entity in material bondage. Śrīla Prabhupāda stresses that knowledge and understanding of the spirit soul and its relation to the Supreme Personality of Godhead Kṛṣṇa and its practical devotional application are essential to properly apply one’s innate tendency to love.

{{TOC left no-numbers}}[[File:The Humble Sage 1.jpg|thumb|340px|link=|Our True Identity]]
<div style="clear:both;"></div>

=Our true Identity - Summary Article=

Our true identity - Śrīla Prabhupāda presents a Vaiṣṇava ācārya's perspective on the topic refuting false identity. This article, sourced exclusively from the published archive of Śrīla Prabhupāda's books, lectures, conversations and letters, provides a summary of what Śrīla Prabhupāda had to say in regard to spiritual identity and its perverted material reflections. In addition, it includes a view into how Śrīla Prabhupāda interacted with followers of various forms of impersonalism, and followers of science based on blunt materialism.

==Forgetful of our true identity==

===Covering of our true identity===

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains why the true identity of a living entity happens to be covered. He says:
<blockquote>The living being, by his desiring to lord it over the material world and declining to cooperate with the Supreme Lord, contacts the sum total of the material world, namely the mahat-tattva, and from the mahat-tattva his false identity with the material world, intelligence, mind and senses is developed. This covers his pure spiritual identity.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.13.55 Vanisource: SB 1.13.55]</ref></blockquote>
This brings up the question on how the living entity can become forgetful of his real identity as pure spirit soul and identify with matter. Śrīla Prabhupāda elaborates on this in the next section.

===Prone to the influence of ignorance===

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the living entity - one of the Lord's potencies - has the tendency to be overpowered by another of the Lord's potencies - the material energy. He says:

<blockquote>The consciousness of the living being is always present and never changes under any circumstances, as above mentioned. When a living man moves from one place to another, he is conscious that he has changed his position. He is always present in the past, present and future, like electricity. One can remember incidents from his past and can conjecture about his future also on the basis of past experience. He never forgets his personal identity, even though he is placed in awkward circumstances. How then can the living entity become forgetful of his real identity as pure spirit soul and identify with matter unless influenced by something beyond himself? The conclusion is that the living entity is influenced by the avidyā potency, as confirmed in both the Viṣṇu Purāṇa and the beginning of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. The living entity is mentioned in Bhagavad-gītā ([[Vanisource:BG 7.5 (1972)|BG 7.5]]) as parā prakṛti, and in the Viṣṇu Purāṇa he is mentioned as the parā śakti. He is part and parcel of the Supreme Lord as potency and not as the potent. The potent can exhibit many potencies, but the potency cannot equal the potent at any stage. One potency may be overcome by another potency, but to the potent, all potencies are under control. The jīva potency, or the kṣetrajña-śakti of the Lord, has the tendency to be overpowered by the external potency, avidyā-karma-saṁjñā, and in this way he is placed in the awkward circumstances of material existence. The living entity cannot be forgetful of his real identity unless influenced by the avidyā potency. Because the living entity is prone to the influence of the avidyā potency, he can never equal the supreme potent.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_3.7.5 Vanisource: SB 3.7.5]</ref></blockquote>

Having discussed why and how a living entity can become forgetful of its true identity and be covered by the material energy, in the next section of this presentation Śrīla Prabhupāda elaborates who and/or what the living entity is.

==Intrinsic identity of the living being==

Rejecting materialism, voidism, and impersonalism, Śrīla Prabhupāda explains the spiritual nature of the living entity, and how it is related to the Supreme Lord, based on the teachings of the Bhagavad-gītā, the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, and the Caitanya Caritāmṛta.

===Eternal fragmental part===

Śrīla Prabhupāda often cites in this regard [[Vanisource:BG 15.7 (1972)|Bhagavad-gītā 15.7]] where Lord Kṛṣṇa expains to Arjuna:

<blockquote>
:mamaivāṁśo jīva-loke<br>
:jīva-bhūtaḥ sanātanaḥ<br>
:manaḥ-ṣaṣṭhānīndriyāṇi<br>
:prakṛti-sthāni karṣati<br>

The living entities in this conditioned world are My eternal fragmental parts. Due to conditioned life, they are struggling very hard with the six senses, which include the mind.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_15.7 Vanisource: BG 15.7]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda comments about this verse in his commentary as follows:

<blockquote>In this verse the identity of the living being is clearly given. The living entity is the fragmental part and parcel of the Supreme Lord—eternally. It is not that he assumes individuality in his conditional life and in his liberated state becomes one with the Supreme Lord. He is eternally fragmented. It is clearly said, sanātanaḥ. According to the Vedic version, the Supreme Lord manifests and expands Himself in innumerable expansions, of which the primary expansions are called viṣṇu-tattva and the secondary expansions are called the living entities. In other words, the viṣṇu-tattva is the personal expansion, and the living entities are the separated expansions. By His personal expansion, He is manifested in various forms like Lord Rāma, Nṛsiṁhadeva, Viṣṇumūrti and all the predominating Deities in the Vaikuṇṭha planets. The separated expansions, the living entities, are eternally servitors. The personal expansions of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the individual identities of the Godhead, are always present. Similarly, the separated expansions of living entities have their identities. As fragmental parts and parcels of the Supreme Lord, the living entities also have fragmental portions of His qualities, of which independence is one. Every living entity, as an individual soul, has his personal individuality and a minute form of independence. By misuse of that independence one becomes a conditioned soul, and by proper use of independence he is always liberated. In either case, he is qualitatively eternal, as the Supreme Lord is. In his liberated state he is freed from this material condition, and he is under the engagement of transcendental service unto the Lord; in his conditioned life he is dominated by the material modes of nature, and he forgets the transcendental loving service of the Lord. As a result, he has to struggle very hard to maintain his existence in the material world.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_15.7 Vanisource: BG 15.7]</ref></blockquote>

Based on the authority of the Bhagavad-gītā, Śrīla Prabhupāda explains the eternal nature of the living entity which is characterized by personal spiritual individuality and minute independence that either facilitates loving service to the Supreme Lord or when independence is misused leads to material bondage or conditioning. In the next section, Śrīla Prabhupāda speaks further about the living entity's natural aptitude to serve and please the Lord.

===Indestructible===

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains in [[Vanisource:MM 3|Mukunda-mālā-stotra verse three]] that neither the spirit soul nor his spiritual qualities can be killed:
<blockquote>In his original identity the living entity is indestructible, and so also are his original spiritual qualities. One can kill neither the spirit soul nor his spiritual qualities. To remember the Lord and desire to serve Him are the spiritual qualities of the spirit soul. One can curb down these spiritual qualities by artificial means, but they will be reflected in a perverted way on the mirror of material existence. The spiritual quality of serving the Lord out of transcendental affinity will be pervertedly reflected as love for wine, women, and wealth in different forms. The so-called love of material things — even love for one's country, community, religion, or family, which is accepted as a superior qualification for civilized human beings — is simply a perverted reflection of the love of Godhead dormant in every soul. The position of King Kulaśekhara is therefore the position of a liberated soul, because he does not want to allow his genuine love of God to become degraded into so-called love for material things.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/MM_3 Vanisource: MM 3.3]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda says: <q>To remember the Lord and desire to serve Him are the spiritual qualities of the spirit soul.</q> And to further establish the fact, he refers in the next section to the Caitanya Caritāmṛta.

===Eternal servant of Krishna===

Śrīla Prabhupāda often cites in this connection the [[Vanisource: CC Madhya 20.108|Śrī Caitanya Caritāmṛta, Madhya-līlā, Chapter 20, Verse 108]] where Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu instructs Sanātana Gosvāmī in the science of the Absolute Truth:

<blockquote>
:jīvera ‘svarūpa’ haya-kṛṣṇera ‘nitya-dāsa’<br>
:kṛṣṇera ‘taṭasthā-śakti’ ‘bhedābheda-prakāśa’<br>

It is the living entity’s constitutional position to be an eternal servant of Kṛṣṇa because he is the marginal energy of Kṛṣṇa and a manifestation simultaneously one with and different from the Lord.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Madhya_20.108-109 Vanisource: CC Madhya 20.108]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda establishes that it is the living entity's natural position to serve the Lord. And in the next section he further elaborates on the fact that service for Lord Kṛṣṇa is based on love and that the living entity, by its choice, can either properly or improperly place its innate love.

===Love for Kṛṣṇa===

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains in a [[Vanisource:721126_-_Lecture_BG_02.22_-_Hyderabad|Bhagavad-gītā lecture given in Hyderabad]]:
<blockquote>Everyone has prema, love. This propensity to love others. That is... There is, everywhere. But that prema, that love, is originally for Kṛṣṇa. Nitya-siddha kṛṣṇa-bhakti. That is the original prema. But because we are illusioned, that prema is being applied or used for so many māyā. Prema I have got. I have got my love. That is a fact. But I do not know where to repose that love. That is my misfortune. Therefore Kṛṣṇa says that sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja ([[Vanisource:BG 18.66 (1972)|BG 18.66]]). "You have got prema. You apply it to Me. Then you'll be benefited." Prema is already there. You are simply misusing it. Therefore you are not happy. This is the process. Prema, you have got. But you are misusing it. But if you take Kṛṣṇa's word, that "Give your prema unto Me..." Man-manā bhava mad-bhakto mad-yājī māṁ namaskuru ([[Vanisource:BG 18.65 (1972)|BG 18.65]]). This is the beginning of prema. "Always think of Me." I think of my son. I think of my child. I think of my wife. Because there is prema. So if you think of Kṛṣṇa, then you will increase your prema for Kṛṣṇa. This is the process. Prema is not you have to get it outside. It is already there. Just like a young boy, young girl. As soon as they meet, there is natural attraction. That is already there. It is not that he has brought this attraction from, purchased from some shopkeeper. No. It is already there. Simply by combination, it becomes aroused. That's all. Similarly, kṛṣṇa-prema is there. Nitya-siddha kṛṣṇa-prema sādhya kabhu naya ([[Vanisource:CC Madhya 22.107|CC Madya 22.107]]). It is not that by artificial means we are getting kṛṣṇa-prema. It is already there. But just like the attraction for young man and young woman, it comes at a certain stage, similarly, if you develop this śravaṇa-kīrtana, then that kṛṣṇa-prema will be aroused, automatically. It is already there.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/721126_-_Lecture_BG_02.22_-_Hyderabad Lecture BG 02.22 - Hyderabad]</ref></blockquote>

In the above lecture Śrīla Prabhupāda quotes from the [[Vanisource:CC Madhya 22.107|Caitanya Caritāmṛta Madya 22.107]]. Here is the quote:
<blockquote>
:nitya-siddha kṛṣṇa-prema ‘sādhya’ kabhu naya<br>
:śravaṇādi-śuddha-citte karaye udaya<br>

Pure love for Kṛṣṇa is eternally established in the hearts of the living entities. It is not something to be gained from another source. When the heart is purified by hearing and chanting, this love naturally awakens.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Madhya_22.107 Vanisource: CC Madhya 22.107]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that love for Lord Kṛṣṇa naturally awakens when the living entity engages in the service of hearing and changing about the Lord. And in the next section Śrīla Prabhupāda elaborates on the prerequisites for the successful awakening of such love of Godhead.

==Establishing real identity and refuting false identity==

It all boils down to understand the real goal of life - service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead - thus accepting one's real identity and rejecting false identity assumed from the philosophical concepts of materialism and impersonalism. Śrīla Prabhupāda establishes in this section real identity based on the authority of the Bhagavad-gītā, the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, and the Caitanya Caritāmṛta.

===Giving up the bodily conception of life===

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains:
<blockquote>In the conditioned state of life, one does not understand that the goal of life is the Supreme Lord. Na te viduḥ svārtha-gatiṁ hi viṣṇuṁ durāśayā ye bahir-artha-māninaḥ ([[Vanisource:SB 7.5.31|SB 7.5.31]]). The living entity tries to be happy within this material world, not understanding the target of his life. When he is purified, however, he gives up his bodily conception of life and his false identity as belonging to a certain community, a certain nation, a certain society, a certain family and so on (sarvopādhi-vinirmuktaṁ tat-paratvena nirmalam ([[Vanisource:CC Madhya 19.170|CC Madhya 19.170]])).<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_7.15.42 Vanisource: SB 7.15.42]</ref></blockquote>

===Rejecting the Māyāvāda theory===

Śrīla Prabhupāda further explains in [[Vanisource:TLK_9_Purifying_the_Mind_for_Self-realization|Teachings of Lord Kapila chapter nine (Purifying the Mind for Self-realization) verse seventeen]]:
<blockquote>Self-realization means seeing one's proper identity as the infinitesimal jīva. At the present moment, we are seeing the body, but this is not our proper identity. We have no vision of the real person occupying the body. The first lesson we receive from Bhagavad-gītā ([[Vanisource:BG 2.13 (1972)|2.13]]) informs us that the body and the owner of the body are different. When we can understand that we are not the body, that is the beginning of self-realization, and that is called the brahma-bhūta ([[Vanisource:SB 4.30.20|SB 4.30.20]]) stage. Ahaṁ brahmāsmi. I am not this material body, but spirit soul. And what are the characteristics of the jīva, the soul? First of all, he is aṇimānam, very minute, infinitesimal. We are also jyoti, effulgent, like God, but God is brahma-jyoti, all-pervading and infinite. According to the Māyāvāda theory, we are the same as that brahma-jyotir. Māyāvādīs give the example of a pot and the sky. Outside the pot there is sky, and within the pot there is sky. The separation is only due to the wall of the pot. When the pot is broken, the inside and outside become one. However, this example does not properly apply to the soul, as it is described in Bhagavad-gītā ([[Vanisource:BG 2.24 (1972)|2.24]]):

:acchedyo 'yam adāhyo 'yam<br>
:akledyo 'śoṣya eva ca<br>
:nityaḥ sarva-gataḥ sthāṇur<br>
:acalo 'yaṁ sanātanaḥ<br>

This individual soul is unbreakable and insoluble, and can be neither burned nor dried. He is everlasting, all-pervading, unchangeable, immovable and eternally the same." The Soul cannot be cut in pieces or segmented. This means that the soul is eternally, perpetually minute. We are the eternal parts and parcels of Śrī Kṛṣṇa. As Śrī Kṛṣṇa Himself states in Bhagavad-gītā ([[Vanisource:BG 15.7 (1972)|15.7]]).<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/TLK_9_Purifying_the_Mind_for_Self-realization Vanisource: TLK 9.17]</ref></blockquote>

==Reinstatement==

In this section Śrīla Prabhupāda reaffirms that the living entity is a part and parcel of Lord Kṛṣṇa and that his constitutional position is to serve the Lord. Liberation is defined as perpetual devotional service unto the Lord and ultimately controlled by the Lord.

===Liberation defined===

Śrīla Prabhupāda thus explains in the Bhagavad-gītā [[Vanisource:BG 18.55 (1972)|18.55]]:
<blockquote>In the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, real devotional liberation is defined as the reinstatement of the living entity in his own identity, his own constitutional position. The constitutional position is already explained: every living entity is a part-and-parcel fragmental portion of the Supreme Lord. Therefore his constitutional position is to serve. After liberation, this service is never stopped. Actual liberation is getting free from misconceptions of life.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_18.55 Vanisource: BG 18.55]</ref></blockquote>

===Kṛṣṇa can revive one's original identity===

Śrīla Prabhupāda further explains in Srimad-Bhagavatam [[Vanisource:SB 10.1.41|10.1.41]]:
:
<blockquote>Because the mind is ultimately controlled by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa, the word apasmṛtiḥ is significant. Forgetfulness of one's own identity is called apasmṛtiḥ. This apasmṛtiḥ can be controlled by the Supreme Lord, for the Lord says, mattaḥ smṛtir jñānam apohanaṁ ca: ([[Vanisource:BG 15.15 (1972)|BG 15.15]]) "From Me come remembrance, knowledge and forgetfulness." Instead of allowing one to forget one's real position, Kṛṣṇa can revive one's original identity at the time of one's death, even though the mind may be flickering. Although the mind may work imperfectly at the time of death, Kṛṣṇa gives a devotee shelter at His lotus feet. Therefore when a devotee gives up his body, the mind does not take him to another material body (tyaktvā dehaṁ punar janma naiti mām eti ([[Vanisource:BG 4.9 (1972)|BG 4.9]]); rather, Kṛṣṇa takes the devotee to that place where He is engaged in His pastimes (mām eti), as we have already discussed in previous verses.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_10.1.41 Vanisource: SB 10.1.41]</ref></blockquote>

=Quiz - test what you have learned=

[http://q51697.questionwritertracker.com/PTGH7NWN/ Start the Quiz]

=Related Articles (Vanipedia)=

under development
*[http://vanipedia.org/wiki/Definition_of_True_Religion_-_Pure_Love_of_Godhead Definition of True Religion - Pure Love of Godhead]

upcoming
*[http://vanipedia.org/wiki/Jiva_as_Tatastha-sakti,_the_Marginal_Energy_of_the_Lord Jiva as Tatastha-sakti, the Marginal Energy of the Lord]
*[http://vanipedia.org/wiki/Overcoming_the_Influence_of_Maya Overcoming the Influence of Maya]
*[http://vanipedia.org/wiki/Authority_of_the_Vedas Authority of the Vedas]
*[http://vanipedia.org/wiki/Srila_Prabhupada_Critiques_Impersonalist_Philosophy Srila Prabhupada Critiques Impersonalist Philosophy]

=References and Further Reading=

==Vanisource==

===Key texts and purports===

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.13.55 '''SB 1.13.55''', Purport] - covers his pure spiritual identity
*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_3.7.5 '''SB 3.7.5''', Purport] - avidyā potency - ignorance
*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_15.7 '''BG 15.7''', Text and Purport] - fragmental parts
*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/MM_3 '''MM 3.3''', Purport] - indestructible
*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Madhya_20.108-109 '''CC Madhya 20.108''', Text] - kṛṣṇera ‘nitya-dāsa’
*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Madhya_22.107 '''CC Madya 22.107''', Text] - love for Kṛṣṇa is eternally established in the heart
*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_7.15.42 '''SB 7.15.42''', Purport] - giving up false identity
*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/TLK_9_Purifying_the_Mind_for_Self-realization '''TK 9.17''', Purport] - rejecting Māyāvāda theory
*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_18.55 '''BG 18.55''', Purport] - liberation defined
*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_10.1.41 '''SB 10.1.41''', Purport] - reinstated by Kṛṣṇa

==Vaniquotes==

===Categories===

Vaniquotes categories are general topic areas for research and study based on key words (or phrases) and themes.

====Direct references====

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Identity Identity]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Constitutional_Position_Of_The_Living_Entity Constitutional Position of the Living Entity]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Constitutional_Position Constitutional Position]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Acintya-bhedabheda-tattva Acintya-bhedābheda-tattva]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Tatastha Taṭasthā]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Marginal_Energy Marginal Energy]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Marginal_Potency Marginal Potency]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Relationship_with_Krsna Relationship with Kṛṣṇa]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Relationship_with_God Relationship with God]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Eternal_Servant Eternal Servant]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Spiritual_Spark Spiritual Spark]

====Related topics====

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Ignorance Ignorance]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Krsna-prema Krsna-prema]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Liberation Liberation]

===Pages===

Vaniquotes pages are compilations or selected single quotes. They are collected under the Vaniquotes categories, and their content is indicated by title. The following list is not exhaustive; additional pages may be found by browsing any of the Vaniquotes categories listed above.

====Understanding true and false Identity====

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/False_identity False Identity]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Avidya_means Avidya]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Identity_as_the_eternal_servant_of_Krsna Identity as the eternal servant of Krsna]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Individual_identity Individual identity]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/It_is_not_that_by_artificial_means_we_are_getting_krsna-prema._It_is_already_there Krsna-prema is already there]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Svarupa-siddhi Svarūpa-siddhi]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Tatastha-sakti,_or_marginal_energy Taṭasthā śakti, or marginal energy]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/CC_Madhya-lila_20.108_jivera_%27svarupa%27_haya_-_krsnera_%27nitya-dasa%27..._cited_%28Bks%29 CC Madhya-lila 20.108... cited (Books)]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/CC_Madhya-lila_20.108_jivera_%27svarupa%27_haya_-_krsnera_%27nitya-dasa%27..._cited_%28Lec%29 CC Madhya-lila 20.108... cited (Lectures)]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/CC_Madhya-lila_20.108_jivera_%27svarupa%27_haya_-_krsnera_%27nitya-dasa%27..._cited_%28Con%29 CC Madhya-lila 20.108... cited (Conversations)]

==Notes==

<references />

==Subtopics for Development==

Jiva as Tatastha-sakti, the Marginal Energy of the Lord

2026-05-17T15:08:57Z

Visnu Murti:

[[Category:Introductory Articles to Vaniquotes]]

=Jiva as marginal energy of the Lord - Introduction=

{{TOC left no-numbers}}[[File:Jivaasmarginalenergy 1.jpg|thumb|340px|link=|Jiva as marginal energy]]
<div style="clear:both;"></div>

=Jiva as marginal energy of the Lord - Summary article=

==The living entity - jīvātmā - defined as mariginal energy==

<blockquote>In Vedic literature the living entity is called jīvātmā and Brahman, but he is never called Para-brahman. The living entity (jīvātmā) takes different positions—sometimes he merges into the dark material nature and identifies himself with matter, and someties he identifies himself with the superior, spiritual nature. Therefore he is called the Supreme Lord's marginal energy.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_8.3 Vanisource: BG 8.3]</ref></blockquote>

==Marginal energy also called jīva-tattva==

<blockquote>And at the end of Lord Brahmā's life, which takes place at the end of Brahmā's one hundred years of age, in our calculation at the end of 8,640,000,000 x 30 x 12 x 100 solar years, there is complete annihilation of the entire universe, and in both the periods both the material energy called the mahat-tattva and the marginal energy called jīva-tattva merge in the person of the Supreme Lord. The living beings remain asleep within the body of the Lord until there is another creation of the material world, and that is the way of the creation, maintenance and annihilation of the material manifestation.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.10.21 Vanisource: SB 1.10.21]</ref></blockquote>

==The marginal potency - living entity - is a vibhinnāṁśa expansion of the Lord==

<blockquote>The vibhinnāṁśa expansions, the marginal potencies of the Lord, are the living entities.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.28.53 Vanisource: SB 4.28.53]</ref></blockquote>

===Jīva-tattva - vibhinnāṁśa as separated expansions of the Lord===

<blockquote>It is not that by māyā we are fragmental separated; when we are liberated, we merge into the body or the effulgence of God. We are separated in..., perpetually. Although we are eternal, but we are perpetually... vibhinnāṁśa. In the Varāha Purāṇa it is said, vibhinnāṁśa, "separated part and parcel." So we should understand very clearly that, although we are eternal, part and parcel, but we are separated. Separated in this sense that we are, everyone of us, are individual, not merge into the existence. Everything is existing. In the Bhagavad-gītā, you'll find: mat-sthāni sarva-bhūtāni nāhaṁ teṣu avasthitaḥ ([[Vanisource:BG 9.4 (1972)|BG 9.4]]). Everything is existing in Him, Kṛṣṇa. But still, Kṛṣṇa is not the living entity.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_2.12_--_Hyderabad,_November_17,_1972 Vanisource: Lecture BG 02.12 - Hyderabad]</ref></blockquote>

===Jīva-tattvas meant for the transcendental sense gratification of the Supreme Lord===

<blockquote>The Lord creates this material world and impregnates the material energy with the living entities who will act in the material world. All these actions have a divine plan behind them. The plan is to give the conditioned souls who so desire a chance to enjoy sense gratification. But there is another plan behind the creation: to help the living entities realize that they are created for the transcendental sense gratification of the Lord and not for their individual sense gratification. This is the constitutional position of the living entities. The Lord is one without a second, and He expands Himself into many for His transcendental pleasure. All the expansions—the viṣṇu-tattvas, the jīva-tattvas and the śakti-tattvas (the Personalities of Godhead, the living entities and the different potential energies)—are different offshoots from the same one Supreme Lord. The jīva-tattvas are separated expansions of the viṣṇu-tattvas, and although there are potential differences between them, they are all meant for the transcendental sense gratification of the Supreme Lord. Some of the jīvas, however, wanted to lord it over material nature in imitation of the lordship of the Personality of Godhead. Regarding when and why such propensities overcame the pure living entities, it can only be explained that the jīva-tattvas have infinitesimal independence and that due to misuse of this independence some of the living entities have become implicated in the conditions of cosmic creation and are therefore called nitya-baddhas, or eternally conditioned souls.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_3.5.51 Vanisource: SB 3.5.51]</ref></blockquote>

===Falling down into the material world===

<blockquote>As stated in Bhagavad-gītā (7.27):
:icchā-dveṣa-samutthena
:dvandva-mohena bhārata
:sarva-bhūtāni sammohaṁ
:sarge yānti parantapa
"O scion of Bharata (Arjuna), O conqueror of the foe, all living entities are born into delusion, overcome by the dualities of desire and hate." This is an explanation of how the living entity falls down into this material world. In the spiritual world there is no duality, nor is there hate. ([[Vanisource:SB 4.28.53|SB 4.28.53]])</blockquote>

===Hate the service of the Lord===

<blockquote>The Supreme Personality of Godhead expands Himself into many. In order to enjoy bliss more and more, the Supreme Lord expands Himself in different categories. As mentioned in the Varāha Purāṇa, He expands Himself in viṣṇu-tattva (the svāṁśa expansion) and in His marginal potency (the vibhinnāṁśa, or the living entity). These expanded living entities are innumerable, just as the minute molecules of sunshine are innumerable expansions of the sun. The vibhinnāṁśa expansions, the marginal potencies of the Lord, are the living entities. When the living entities desire to enjoy themselves, they develop a consciousness of duality and come to hate the service of the Lord. In this way the living entities fall into the material world. ([[Vanisource: SB 4.28.53|SB 4.28.53]])</blockquote>

===Return back to Godhead===

<blockquote>In the Prema-vivarta it is said:
:kṛṣṇa-bahirmukha hañā bhoga-vāñchā kare
:nikaṭa-stha māyā tāre jāpaṭiyā dhare
The natural position of the living entity is to serve the Lord in a transcendental loving attitude. When the living entity wants to become Kṛṣṇa Himself or imitate Kṛṣṇa, he falls down into the material world. Since Kṛṣṇa is the supreme father, His affection for the living entity is eternal. When the living entity falls down into the material world, the Supreme Lord, through His svāṁśa expansion (Paramātmā), keeps company with the living entity. In this way the living entity may some day return home, back to Godhead. ([[Vanisource: SB 4.28.53|SB 4.28.53]])</blockquote>

==Living entities within this material world are swayed by Māyā==

<blockquote>My dear Lord Śambhu, who within this material world but you can surpass My illusory energy? People are generally attached to sense enjoyment and conquered by its influence. Indeed, the influence of material nature is very difficult for them to surmount.

Of the three chief demigods—Brahmā, Viṣṇu and Maheśvara—all but Viṣṇu are under the influence of māyā. In Caitanya-caritāmṛta, they are described as māyī, which means "under māyā's influence." But even though Lord Śiva associates with māyā, he is not influenced. The living entities are affected by māyā, but although Lord Śiva apparently associates with māyā, he is not affected. In other words, all living entities within this material world except for Lord Śiva are swayed by māyā. Lord Śiva is therefore neither viṣṇu-tattva nor jīva-tattva. He is between the two.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_8.12.39 Vanisource: SB 8.12.39]</ref></blockquote>

==Jīva-tattva - living entities not equal to the Supreme Lord==

<blockquote>Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura comments in this connection that in all Vedic scriptures the jīva-tattva, the truth of the living entities, is mentioned to be one of the energies of the Lord. If one does not accept the living entity to be a minute, infinitesimal spark of the Supreme but equates the jīva-tattva with the Supreme Brahman or Supreme Personality of Godhead, it must be understood that his entire philosophy is based on a misunderstanding. Unfortunately, Śrīpāda Śaṅkarācārya purposely claimed the jīva-tattva, or living entities, to be equal to the Supreme God. Therefore his entire philosophy is based on a misunderstanding, and it misguides people to become atheists, whose mission in life is unfulfilled. The mission of human life, as described in the Bhagavad-gītā, is to surrender unto the Supreme Lord and become His devotee, but the Māyāvāda philosophy misleads one to defy the existence of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and pose oneself as the Supreme Lord. Thus it has misguided hundreds of thousands of innocent men.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Adi_7.120 Vanisource: CC Adi 7.120]</ref></blockquote>

=Quiz - test what you have learned=

=Related articles (Vanipedia)=

=References and further reading=

==Vanisource==

===Key texts and purports===

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_8.3 '''BG 8.3''', Purport] - The living entity - jīvātmā - defined as mariginal energy
*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.10.21 '''SB 1.10.21''', Purport] - Marginal energy called jīva-tattva
*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.28.53 '''SB 4.28.53''', Purport] - The marginal potency - vibhinnāṁśa, or the living entity
*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_2.12_--_Hyderabad,_November_17,_1972 '''Lecture BG 02.12 - Hyderabad''', Lecture] - vibhinnāṁśa as separated expansions of the Lord
*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_3.5.51 '''SB 3.5.51''', Purport] - meant for the transcendental sense gratification of the Supreme Lord
*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Adi_7.120 '''CC Adi 7.120''', Purport] - not equal to the Supreme Lord

==Vaniquotes==

===Categories===

Vaniquotes categories are general topic areas for research and study based on key words (or phrases) and themes.

====Direct references====

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Marginal_Potency Marginal Potency]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Marginal_Energy Marginal Energy]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Tatastha Taṭasthā]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Jiva-tattva Jiva-tattva]

====Related topics====

===Pages===

Vaniquotes pages are compilations or selected single quotes. They are collected under the Vaniquotes categories, and their content is indicated by title. The following list is not exhaustive; additional pages may be found by browsing any of the Vaniquotes categories listed above.

====Understanding jiva as the Lords energy====

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Tatastha-sakti,_or_marginal_energy Taṭasthā śakti, or marginal_energy]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Jiva-tattva_(Books) Jiva-tattva (Books)]

==Notes==

<references />

==Subtopics for development==

Definition of True Religion - Pure Love of Godhead

2026-05-17T15:08:17Z

Visnu Murti:

[[Category:Introductory Articles to Vaniquotes]]

=Summary Article=

Śrīla Prabhupāda presents a Vaiṣṇava ācārya's perspective on true religion based on pure love of Godhead and refuting worldviews contradictory to pure love of Godhead - Atheism, Polytheism, Skepticism, Pantheism, Materialism, and Impersonalism. This article, sourced exclusively from the published archive of Śrīla Prabhupāda's books, lectures, conversations and letters, provides a summary of what Śrīla Prabhupāda had to say in regard to true religion - pure consciousness or prema bhakti - and its perverted material reflections based on false materialistic logic. In addition, it includes a view into how Śrīla Prabhupāda interacted with followers afflicted by materialistic philosophies.

==Principles of Dharma or Religion==

===Laid down in the Vedas===

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains: "Principles of religion are laid down in the Vedas, and any discrepancy in the matter of properly executing the rules of the Vedas makes one irreligious. In the Bhāgavatam it is stated that such principles are the laws of the Lord. Only the Lord can manufacture a system of religion. The Vedas are also accepted as originally spoken by the Lord Himself to Brahmā, from within his heart. Therefore, the principles of dharma, or religion, are the direct orders of the Supreme Personality of Godhead (dharmaṁ tu sākṣād bhagavat-praṇītam (SB 6.3.19)). These principles are clearly indicated throughout the Bhagavad-gītā. The purpose of the Vedas is to establish such principles under the order of the Supreme Lord, and the Lord directly orders, at the end of the Gītā, that the highest principle of religion is to surrender unto Him only, and nothing more. The Vedic principles push one towards complete surrender unto Him; and whenever such principles are disturbed by the demoniac, the Lord appears."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_4.7 Vanisource: BG 4.7, Purport]</ref>

===Manufacture spiritual knowledge===

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains: "You cannot manufacture any religious principle. It is not possible. That is not accepted in Vedas. Dharmaṁ tu sākṣād bhagavat-praṇī. Dharma means the rules and regulation which is given by God. That is accepted everywhere. In Bible, in Koran also. The laws of God."

==Differences in Religious Expression==

===Accepting principles and practices which are based on Love of Godhead===

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains: "That is bhakti-yoga. Because they accept God. Unless you accept God there is no question of bhakti-yoga. So Christian religion is also Vaiṣṇavism because they accept God. Maybe in the, some stage different from this. There are different stages of God realization also. The Christian religion says "God is great." Accept! That is very good. But just how great God is, that you can understand from Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. But there is acceptance that God is great. That is therefore that is beginning of bhakti. You can apply that bhakti. Even the Mohammedan religion. That is also bhakti-yoga. Any religion where God is the target, that is applied in bhakti. But when there is no God or impersonalism, there is no question of bhakti-yoga. Bhakti-yoga means bhaja jayukti bhaja-sevayā(?). Service. Service means three things: the servitor, the served, and service. One must be present who will accept service. And one must be present to render service. And in the via media, the process of service. So bhakti-yoga means service. If there is nobody to accept the service, then where is the bhakti-yoga? So any philosophy or religious principle where there is no acceptance of God, the Supreme, there is no application of bhakti."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/690221_-_Lecture_BG_06.46-47_-_Los_Angeles Vanisource: Lecture on BG 06.46-47 - Los Angeles, February 21, 1969]</ref>

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains: "Actual bhakti means minus all material... Anyābhilāṣitā-śūnyam (Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu 1.1.11). One must be freed from all material desires. But even if you have got some material desire, still you can take shelter of Kṛṣṇa."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_1.41-42_--_London,_July_29,_1973 Vanisource: Lecture on BG 1.41-42 - London, July 29, 1973]</ref>

===Rejecting Ignorance opposing Love of Godhead===

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains: "ISKCON is meant to establish a clear, practical common formulation of the common ideal of all theists, and to defeat the unnecessary dogmatic wranglings that now divide and invalidate the theistic camp. This common ideal of theism is to develop love of God."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/680824_-_Letter_to_Roland_Michener_(Governor-General_of_Canada)_written_from_Montreal Vanisource: Letter to Roland Michener (Governor-General of Canada) - Montreal, August 24, 1968]</ref>

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains: "It can be concluded that all the theories of the materialistic philosophers are generated from temporary illusory existence, like the conclusions in a dream. Such conclusions certainly cannot lead us to the Absolute Truth. The Absolute Truth can be realized only through devotional service. As the Lord says in the Bhagavad-gītā, bhaktyā mām abhijānāti: (BG 18.55) “Only by devotional service can one understand Me.” Śrīla Śrīdhara Svāmī has composed a nice verse in this regard, which states, 'My dear Lord, let others engage in false argument and dry speculation, theorizing upon great philosophical theses. Let them loiter in the darkness of ignorance and illusion, falsely enjoying as if very learned scholars, although they are without knowledge of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. As far as I am concerned, I wish to be liberated simply by chanting the holy names of the all-beautiful Supreme Personality of Godhead—Mādhava, Vāmana, Trinayana, Saṅkarṣaṇa, Śrīpati and Govinda. Simply by chanting Your transcendental names, O Lord Madhupati, let me become free from the contamination of this material existence.'"<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/KB_87 Vanisource: KB 87]</ref>

==Real Object of Pure Love==

==Refuting materialistic logic==

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains: "The philosophers and the logicians have tried to understand the intrinsic relationship of living entities with God by various conceptions and methods, on the strength of their mundane education and scholastic research. But the Absolute Truth remains above the philosophers and their acquired knowledge. The conception of the Absolute is never perfectly attained by such an ascending process, because of its being born of imperfect, material senses. These empiric philosophers and logicians cannot realize their imperfection by the vanity of material knowledge, and the ultimate conclusion of such materialistic philosophers is atheism. They deny the existence of God, who is the Supreme Person, different from all other persons. Under such a vague assumption, we remain in the same darkness as before. We are content with a conception of Godhead according to our own individual idea, without knowing the real relationship of Godhead and ourselves.
Therefore, the transcendentalists do not recognize such a process of generalization but pass over direct perception to receive the knowledge of deduction in its various stages—from authorities who have actual revelation of transcendental knowledge. This revelation is made possible from the deeper aspect within the human personality. The real knowledge of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and His relationship with us can be revealed only by this transcendental method. Since the Supreme Personality of Godhead is absolute, He reserves the right of not being exposed to the mundaners. He can be known by one absolute process, and the relative process of sense perception cannot reach Him ever. If Godhead were subject to being revealed by our relative sense perception, then our sense perception, and not Godhead, would be absolute. The process is therefore fallacious in all its manifold stages."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/MOG_Introduction Vanisource: MOG]</ref>

===Atheism===

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains: "Āstikyam means to believe firmly in the scriptures. Just like Bhagavad-gītā we are studying, or Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. We should firmly believe what Kṛṣṇa says, not interpretation. This is called āstikyam. And nāstikyam means not firm belief, atheism."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Brahmana_Initiation_Lecture_--_New_Vrindaban,_May_25,_1969 Vanisource: Initiation Lecture - New Vrindaban, May 25, 1969]</ref>

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains: "So there should be educational department to create first-class men by all these qualities: how to become controller of the mind, how to become controller of the senses, how to become cleansed, bāhyābhyantaram, inside clean and outside clean, śaucam; titikṣā, how to become tolerant, tolerant. One should be not agitated by a single cause. Tolerant, and similarly, simplicity. He should be so simple. It is said simplicity: even the enemy inquires from him some secret thing, he'll say, "Yes, it is like this." Simplicity.
And jñānam, full knowledge. Full knowledge: what is this world, what I am, what is my relation with this world, what is God, what is my relation with God. Everything full knowledge. And vijñānam. Vijñānam means completely application of the knowledge of life. And āstikyam, āstikyam means full faith in transcendental literature, that is called also āstikyam, and full faith in the existence of the Supreme Lord. Āstik... These are the brahminical qualification. So those who are claiming to become first class, learned men in the society, they must have all these qualification."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/730907_-_Lecture_BG_18.41_to_Upsala_University_Student_Assembly_-_Stockholm Vanisource: Lecture on BG 18.41 - Stockholm - September 07, 1973]</ref>

===Polytheism===

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains: "No. Knowingly means that every Indian knows that Kṛṣṇa is accepted as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. At least... The every Indian, at least Hindus, they perform Janmāṣṭamī, accepting Kṛṣṇa. But still, they will not accept Kṛṣṇa as the Supreme Personality. They'll bring many other competitors: "Why Kṛṣṇa shall be...? I have got Durgā. I have got this, Śiva. I have got that. I have got that. I have got that."
This is going on as Hinduism. So many gods. So many gods. Although the Vedic literature says, kṛṣṇas tu bhagavān svayam (SB 1.3.28), īśvaraḥ paramaḥ kṛṣṇaḥ (Bs. 5.1). In Bhagavad-gītā... Everyone reads Bhagavad-gītā. Bhagavad-gītā it says, Kṛṣṇa says, mattaḥ parataraṁ nānyat (BG 7.7): "There is no more superior than Me." Ahaṁ sarvasya prabhavaḥ (BG 10.8): "Everything is emanation from Me." Sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja (BG 18.66). These things are there, but they'll not accept. Therefore they are offenders.
Otherwise, where is the difficulty? God is one. That is accepted. Eko brahma. God cannot be two. God is one. Nityo nityānāṁ cetanaś cetanānām ekaḥ (Kaṭha Upaniṣad 2.2.13). One nitya, one eternal, one living being, that is Supreme. We are living being. We are also nitya, eternal. But He is nityo nityānām. He is the chief of the nityas. He's the chief of the living entities.
So that is chief. Kṛṣṇa personally says, mattaḥ parataraṁ nānyat (BG 7.7): "There is no more superior living being than Me." So these things are there in the Vedas, and they are supposed to be Vedic scholars, but they do not know the simple thing. So in that way they are ignorant. They read the Vedic literatures, but they do not understand, or they misinterpret in a different way for their own purpose. So they are..., they're offender. Otherwise, there is no difficulty."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/730714_-_Conversation_-_London Vanisource: Converstation: London - July 14, 1973]</ref>

===Sceptisism===

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains: "Furthermore there are many persons who cannot understand spiritual existence at all. Being embarrassed by so many theories and by contradictions of various types of philosophical speculation, they become disgusted or angry and foolishly conclude that there is no supreme cause and that everything is ultimately void. Such people are in a diseased condition of life. Some people are too materially attached and therefore do not give attention to spiritual life, some of them want to merge into the supreme spiritual cause, and some of them disbelieve in everything, being angry at all sorts of spiritual speculation out of hopelessness."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_4.10 Vanisource: BG 4.10, Purport]</ref>

===Pantheism===

===Materialism===

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains: "...it is very difficult for a person who is too materially affected to understand the personal nature of the Supreme Absolute Truth. Generally, people who are attached to the bodily conception of life are so absorbed in materialism that it is almost impossible for them to understand how the Supreme can be a person. Such materialists cannot even imagine that there is a transcendental body which is imperishable, full of knowledge and eternally blissful. In the materialistic concept, the body is perishable, full of ignorance and completely miserable. Therefore, people in general keep this same bodily idea in mind when they are informed of the personal form of the Lord. For such materialistic men, the form of the gigantic material manifestation is supreme. Consequently they consider the Supreme to be impersonal. And because they are too materially absorbed, the conception of retaining the personality after liberation from matter frightens them. When they are informed that spiritual life is also individual and personal, they become afraid of becoming persons again, and so they naturally prefer a kind of merging into the impersonal void."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_4.10 Vanisource: BG 4.10, Purport]</ref>

===Impersonalism===

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains: "In the beginning of spiritual realization, while one is trying to give up one's attachment to materialism, there is some leaning towards impersonalism, but when one is further advanced he can understand that there are activities in the spiritual life and that these activities constitute devotional service. Realizing this, he becomes attached to the Supreme Personality of Godhead and surrenders to Him. At such a time one can understand that Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa's mercy is everything, that He is the cause of all causes, and that this material manifestation is not independent from Him. He realizes the material world to be a perverted reflection of spiritual variegatedness and realizes that in everything there is a relationship with the Supreme Lord Kṛṣṇa."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_7.19 Vanisource: BG 7.19, Purport]</ref>

=Related articles (Vanipedia)=

[http://vanipedia.org/wiki/Our_True_Identity Our True Identity]

=References and Further Reading=

==Vanisource==

===Key texts and purports===

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_4.7 '''BG 4.7''', Purport] - Principles of religion are laid down in the Vedas
*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_4.10 '''BG 4.10''', Purport] - People who are attached to the bodily conception of life are so absorbed in materialism that it is almost impossible for them to understand how the Supreme can be a person.
*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_7.19 '''BG 7.19''', Purport] - There are activities in the spiritual life and that these activities constitute devotional service.

===Lectures, Conversations and Letters===
The best way to identify key lectures, conversations and letters is through the notes and the Vaniquotes page references given below. The notes generally cite Vanisource directly. Vaniquotes is also very helpful for locating source material, as each quote includes a link to its full source text in Vanisource.

==Vaniquotes==

===Categories===

Vaniquotes categories are general topic areas for research and study based on key words (or phrases) and themes.

====Direct references====

====Related topics====

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Ignorance Ignorance]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Krsna-prema Krsna-prema]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Liberation Liberation]

===Pages===

Vaniquotes pages are compilations or selected single quotes. They are collected under the Vaniquotes categories, and their content is indicated by title. The following list is not exhaustive; additional pages may be found by browsing any of the Vaniquotes categories listed above.

====Understanding true Religion (ref)====

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Dharma_means_the_rules_and_regulation_which_is_given_by_God._That_is_accepted_everywhere._In_Bible,_in_Koran_also._The_laws_of_God Dharma means the rules and regulation which is given by God. That is accepted everywhere. In Bible, in Koran also. The laws of God]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/In_the_beginning_of_spiritual_realization,_while_one_is_trying_to_give_up_one%27s_attachment_to_materialism,_there_is_some_leaning_towards_impersonalism,_but_when_one_is_further_advanced_he_can_understand_that_there_are_activities_in_the_spiritual_life In the beginning of spiritual realization, while one is trying to give up one's attachment to materialism, there is some leaning towards impersonalism, but when one is further advanced he can understand that there are activities in the spiritual life]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Nastikyam_means Nastika means]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/ISKCON_is_meant_to_establish_a_clear,_practical_common_formulation_of_the_common_ideal_of_all_theists,_and_to_defeat_the_unnecessary_dogmatic_wranglings_that_now_divide_%26_invalidate_the_theistic_camp._This_common_ideal_of_theism_is_to_develop_love_of_God ISKCON is meant to establish a clear, practical common formulation of the common ideal of all theists, and to defeat the unnecessary dogmatic wranglings that now divide & invalidate the theistic camp. This common ideal of theism is to develop love of God.]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Actual_bhakti_means_minus_all_material_desires Actual bhakti means minus all material desires.]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/False_arguments False arguments]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/These_empiric_philosophers_and_logicians_cannot_realize_their_imperfection_by_the_vanity_of_material_knowledge,_and_the_ultimate_conclusion_of_such_materialistic_philosophers_is_atheism._They_deny_the_existence_of_God These empiric philosophers and logicians cannot realize their imperfection by the vanity of material knowledge, and the ultimate conclusion of such materialistic philosophers is atheism. They deny the existence of God]

==Notes==

<references />

==Subtopics for Development==

Buddha: A Vaisnava Perspective

2026-05-17T15:07:05Z

Visnu Murti:

[[Category:List of Vanipedia Articles - completed]]
<div style="text-align:center">This article is located at:<br />
'''[http://vanipedia.org/wiki/Buddha:_A_Vaisnava_Perspective vanipedia.org/wiki/Buddha: A Vaisnava Perspective]'''</div>

Śrīla Prabhupāda gives a unique presentation of Lord Buddha which provides an explanation of who Buddha was, what Buddha taught, how Buddha’s teachings fit into the larger scheme of spiritual knowledge, and why Buddha taught the way he did. While Vaiṣṇavas do not agree with the materialist or voidist aspects of Buddha's philosophy, they do worship him as an ''āvatāra'' of Kṛṣṇa and respect him for his mission, his qualities and his basic instruction of nonviolence and renunciation. Śrīla Prabhupāda discusses Lord Buddha, his teachings and his preaching in light of scriptural revelation and the Vaiṣṇava conclusions, taking into account the context of Buddha's ministry as well as its tenets.

{{TOC left no-numbers}}[[File:Buddha.jpg|thumb|340px|link=|Lord Buddha]]
[[File:Das-avatara.jpg|thumb|340px|link=|Lord Buddha is revealed in ''Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam'' as one of the ten principle incarnations of Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead]]

<div style="clear:both;"></div>

=Summary Article=

Śrīla Prabhupāda presents a Vaiṣṇava ācārya's perspective on Lord Buddha and the Buddhist mission. This article, sourced exclusively from the published archive of Śrīla Prabhupāda's books, lectures, conversations and letters, provides a summary of what Śrīla Prabhupāda had to say in regard to Lord Buddha and his ministry. In addition, it includes a view into how Śrīla Prabhupāda interacted with followers of Buddhism in the course of his own preaching.

(To go directly to '''References and Further Reading''', [[#References_and_Further_Reading|'''<u>click here</u>''']].)

==Historical overview==

Śrīla Prabhupāda offers only a brief historical sketch of Lord Buddha and his ministry, summarized as follows. Lord Buddha, he says, appeared in India roughly 2,500 years<ref>This is the approximate date that Śrīla Prabhupāda quoted for Lord Buddha's appearance. See [http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Lord_Buddha_appeared_2,500_or_2,600_years_ago Vaniquotes: Lord Buddha appeared 2,500 or 2,600 years ago]</ref> ago in a Hindu family as the son of a high-grade ''kṣatriya'' king. He left his princely life as a young man and renounced himself fully to a life of ''tapasya'' (austerity), engaging in meditation for self-realization.

<blockquote> He was Hindu, ''kṣatriya'', Hindu prince, born in a ''kṣatriya'' family, and he was prince, a very luxurious life. So as young man, when he saw an old man and he is traveling, walking with great difficulty, he asked his servant, "What is this? Why this man is walking in this way?" He was explained that "This is old age, and in old age everyone has to become like this." So he at once left home and sat down in Gayāpradesh, a province in Bihar in India. And he began to meditate how to make solution of this old age. <ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_%28Day_after_Lord_Rama%27s_Appearance_Day%29_--_Los_Angeles,_April_16,_1970?terms=Buddha+Buddha+Buddha+Buddha+prince+prince&first=So%20Lord%20Buddha,%20when%20he%20saw%20that%20people%20are%20sacrificing&last=to%20meditate%20how%20to%20make%20solution%20of%20this%20old%20age. Vanisource: Lecture, Day after Lord Rama's Appearance Day -- Los Angeles, April 16, 1970] </ref> </blockquote>

Although Lord Buddha lived within Vedic culture, he rejected the authority of the Vedas to establish a new cult rooted in the principles of [[Vaniquotes:Category:Ahimsa|''ahiṁsā'']] (nonviolence) and [[Vaniquotes:Category:Nirvana|''nirvāṇa'']] (ending the process of material life). Lord Buddha's teachings came to be patronized by the Hindu Emperor Aśoka, resulting in the spread of Buddhism throughout India and the Far East during the second century BC. Later on, Lord Buddha’s cult was driven from
the borders of India by way of the philosophical arguments of Śrīpāda Śaṅkarācārya, whose teachings re-established the authority of the Vedas in India. Buddhism, however, maintained its hold in areas outside of India.

(Go to [[#Historical_overview_.28ref.29|references]])

==Incarnation of God==
====Scriptural reference====

Śrīla Prabhupāda shows that the Vedas establish Lord Buddha as an [[Vaniquotes:Category:Avatara|''avatāra'']], or incarnation of the Supreme Lord. Lord Buddha's advent, he explains, is predicted in ''Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam'', the Vedānta commentary authored by Vyāsadeva (compiler of ''Vedānta-sutra'') approximately 5000 years ago.<ref> [http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Srimad-Bhagavatam_was_compiled_by_Vyasadeva_five_thousand_years_ago,_and_Lord_Buddha_appeared_about_two-thousand-six-hundred_years_ago._Therefore_the_appearance_of_Lord_Buddha_was_foretold,_in_future_tense._This_is_called_sastra Vaniquotes: ''Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam'' was compiled by Vyāsadeva...]</ref> Śrīla Prabhupāda cites Canto 1, Chapter 3, Text 24, one of a series of verses in which Vyāsadeva lists twenty-five ''līlā-avatāras'' <ref>[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Names_of_twenty-five_lila-avataras_who_appear_in_one_day_of_Brahma,_which_is_called_a_kalpa,_so_are_sometimes_called_kalpa-avataras Vaniquotes: Names of twenty-five ''līla-avatāras''...]. Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī also enumerates and describes these ''līlā-avatāras'' in his book ''Laghu-bhāgavatāmṛta''.</ref> who are incarnations of the Supreme Lord:

:tataḥ kalau sampravṛtte<br>
:sammohāya sura-dviṣām<br>
:buddho nāmnāñjana-sutaḥ<br>
:kīkaṭeṣu bhaviṣyati<br>

"Then, in the beginning of Kali-yuga, the Lord will appear as Lord Buddha, the son of Añjanā, in the province of Gayā, just for the purpose of deluding those who are envious of the faithful theist."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.3.24 Vanisource: SB 1.3.24]</ref>

Thus it is on the strength of śāstric authority that Vaiṣṇavas accept Lord Buddha as an incarnation of God. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes the critical necessity of such evidence when identifying an incarnation: "Each and every ''avatāra'', or incarnation of the Lord, has a particular mission, and they are all described in the revealed scriptures. No one should be accepted as an ''avatāra'' unless he is referred to by scriptures."<ref>[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Without_reference_to_the_sastras_%28scriptures%29_there_can_be_no_question_of_accepting_anyone_as_an_incarnation_of_the_Supreme_Personality_of_Godhead Vaniquotes: Without reference to the ''śāstras''...]</ref>

====Buddha avatāra====

The Buddha is a [[Vaniquotes:Category:Lila-avataras|''līlā-avatāra'']], a scheduled incarnation who appears in each ''kalpa'', or day of Brahmā. The Lord Buddha of whom we speak is the Buddha incarnation for the ''kalpa'' in which we are presently living. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains the purpose of these Buddha ''avatāras'': "Lord Buddha incarnates at a time when the people are most materialistic and preaches common-sense religious principles."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_2.7.37?terms=Lord%20Buddha%20incarnates%20at%20a%20time%20when%20the%20people%20are%20most%20materialistic%20and%20preaches%20common-sense%20religious%20principles&first=This%20incarnation%20of%20Lord%20Buddha%20is%20not%20the%20same%20Buddha&last=principles,%20generally%20known%20as%20upadharma,%20or%20nearness%20to%20religious%20principles. Vanisource: SB 2.7.37, Purport]</ref> In ''Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam'' we also find the sage Visvarupa, priest to the demigods, praying to the ''avatāras'', "May Lord Buddhadeva protect me from activities opposed to Vedic principles and from laziness that causes one to madly forget the Vedic principles of knowledge and ritualistic action."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_6.8.19?terms=Buddha+buddha+Buddha+Buddha&first=This%20verse%20mentions%20various%20incarnations%20of%20the%20Supreme%20Personality%20of&last=can%20help%20one%20avoid%20misusing%20the%20injunctions%20of%20the%20Vedas. Vanisource: SB 6.8.19, Text]</ref>

More specifically, Śrīla Prabhupāda states that Lord Buddha is a [[Vaniquotes:Category:Saktyavesa-avataras|''ṣaktyāveṣa avatāra'']], or empowered incarnation. These ''avatāras'' are defined as "incarnations of Viṣṇu's power invested in a living entity,"<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.19.37?terms=%C5%9Bakty%C4%81ve%C5%9Ba+Buddha+%C5%9Bakty%C4%81ve%C5%9Ba&first=In%20two%20hands%20Lord%20Vi%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87u%20always%20carries%20a%20club%20and&last=incarnation%20of%20Vi%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87u,%20he%20is%20especially%20empowered%20by%20the%20Lord. Vanisource: SB 4.19.37, Purport]</ref> or souls whom God has "invested with transcendental power of attorney"<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_3.5.21?terms=%C5%9Bakty%C4%81ve%C5%9Ba-avat%C4%81ras,%20or%20incarnations%20invested%20with%20transcendental%20power%20of%20attorney&first=Yamar%C4%81ja,%20the%20great%20controller%20of%20life%20after%20death,%20decides%20the&last=called%20%C5%9Bakty%C4%81ve%C5%9Ba-avat%C4%81ras,%20or%20incarnations%20invested%20with%20transcendental%20power%20of%20attorney. Vanisource: SB 3.5.21, Purport]</ref> for a particular purpose. Śrīla Prabhupāda states:

<blockquote> When a ''jīva tattva'' becomes specifically empowered by the Lord, he is called ''ṣaktyāveṣa avatāra''. Lord Buddha and Lord Jesus Christ were in this group of ''ṣaktyāveṣa avatāra''. But they were not in conditioned state when they appeared; they came to teach here.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Letter_to_Aniruddha_--_Los_Angeles_14_November,_1968?terms=saktyavesa+Buddha+saktyavesa&first=Yes,%20Lord%20Jesus%20was%20jivatattva.%20He%20is%20not%20Visnu%20tattva.&last=must%20be%20able%20to%20answer%20all%20questions%20for%20becoming%20preachers. Vanisource: Letter to Aniruddha -- Los Angeles, 14 November 1968]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda further notes Lord Buddha’s extraordinary quality of renunciation as testimony to his empowerment as an ''avatāra''.<ref>[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/The_Supreme_Personality_of_Godhead,_out_of_His_six_opulences,_one_opulence_is_renouncement._So_Lord_Buddha%27s_life_is_renouncement Vaniquotes: The Supreme Personality of Godhead, out of his six opulences...]</ref>

(Go to [[#Incarnation_of_God_.28ref.29|references]])

==Mission of Lord Buddha==

====Scriptural revelation====

Lord Buddha's mission is indicated in Vedic scripture and elucidated by authoritative teachers. In this connection Śrīla Prabhupāda most frequently cites Śrīla Vyāsadeva’s ''Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam'' and the transcendental song "Daśāvatāra-stotra" by the great Vaiṣṇava poet and ''ācārya'' Jayadeva Gosvāmī.

Vyāsadeva writes:

:tataḥ kalau sampravṛtte<br>
:sammohāya sura-dviṣām<br>
:buddho nāmnāñjana-sutaḥ<br>
:kīkaṭeṣu bhaviṣyati<br>

"Then, in the beginning of Kali-yuga, the Lord will appear as Lord Buddha, the son of Añjanā, in the province of Gayā, just for the purpose of deluding those who are envious of the faithful theist." <ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.3.24 Vanisource: SB 1.3.42. Text]</ref>

Jayadeva Gosvāmī reveals another dimension of Buddha's mission:

:nindasi yajña-vidher ahaha śruti-jātaṁ<br>
:sadaya-hṛdaya-darśita-paśu-ghātam<br>
:keśava dhṛta-buddha-śarīra jaya jagad-īśa hare<br>

"My dear Lord, you have assumed now the buddha-śarīra, body, just to, by taking compassion on the poor animals, and therefore you are also deprecating the animal sacrifices recommended in the Vedas."<ref>Translation from [http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_4.20-24_--_New_York,_August_9,_1966?terms=Vai%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87ava%20poet+nindasi%20yaj%C3%B1a-vidher+ahaha%20%C5%9Bruti-j%C4%81ta%E1%B9%81+sadaya-h%E1%B9%9Bdaya+dar%C5%9Bita-pa%C5%9Bu-gh%C4%81tam+ke%C5%9Bava%20dh%E1%B9%9Bta-buddha-%C5%9Bar%C4%ABra+jaya%20jagad%C4%AB%C5%9Ba%20hare&first=So%20Lord%20Buddha%20started%20his%20movement,%20completely%20stopping%20this%20animal&last=are%20also%20deprecating%20the%20animal%20sacrifices%20recommended%20in%20the%20Vedas.%22 Vanisource: Lecture on BG 4.20-24 -- New York, August 9, 1966]. See also [http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/As_described_by_Srila_Jayadeva_Gosvami_in_his_Dasavatara-stotra,_Lord_Buddha_apparently_decried_the_Vedic_knowledge Vaniquotes: As described by Śrīla Jayadeva Gosvāmī...]</ref>

====Mission in context====

Śrīla Prabhupāda elaborates on the context of Lord Buddha’s ministry - how it had a purpose and method according to the time, place and persons involved.

<blockquote>From the Bhāgavatam we understand that Lord Buddha is the incarnation of Kṛṣṇa who appeared when materialism was rampant and materialists were using the pretext of the authority of the Vedas. Although there are certain restrictive rules and regulations regarding animal sacrifice for particular purposes in the Vedas, people of demonic tendency still took to animal sacrifice without reference to the Vedic principles. Lord Buddha appeared to stop this nonsense and to establish the Vedic principles of nonviolence.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_4.7?terms=Buddha+animal%20sacrifice+animal%20sacrifice+Buddha&first=The%20Vedic%20principles%20push%20one%20towards%20complete%20surrender%20unto%20Him;&last=to%20God%20consciousness%20and%20obedience%20to%20the%20principles%20of%20religion. Vanisource: BG 4.7, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

Because there is some prescription for animal sacrifice in the Vedas, Lord Buddha rejected the authority of the Vedas in order to uphold his teachings to contemporary practitioners, who, ignorant of the principles behind the Vedic injunctions, were citing the Vedas to justify their actions. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that Buddha, as an incarnation of the Supreme Lord, could hardly be opposed to the Vedic teachings;<ref>[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Lord_Buddha_is_the_incarnation_of_Godhead._As_such,_he_is_the_original_propounder_of_Vedic_knowledge._He_therefore_cannot_reject_Vedic_philosophy Vaniquotes: Lord Buddha is the incarnation of Godhead. As such, he is the original propounder of Vedic knowledge...]</ref> yet unless people are brought to a basic standard of understanding and behavior, there is no question of understanding religion or God. This is particularly true in regard to animal-killing.<ref>[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/God_consciousness,_Krsna_consciousness,_cannot_be_understood_by_the_animal-killer Vaniquotes: God consciousness, Kṛṣṇa consciousness, cannot be understood by the animal-killer] Śrīla Prabhupāda refers to [http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_10.1.4 SB 10.1.4] in this connection. See also [http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Unless_one_is_free_from_the_sin_of_animal-killing,_he_cannot_understand_religion_or_God Vaniquotes: Unless one is free from the sin of animal-killing...]</ref> Lord Buddha therefore came to stop the people from committing sinful activities and to teach the prerequisites of spiritual life, beginning with the principle and practice of ''ahiṁsā'', or nonviolence.

<blockquote>What is sin, what is pious activities, these things are not understood by them because they are animal killers. It is not possible. Therefore Lord Buddha propagated ''ahiṁsā''. ''Ahiṁsā''. Because he saw the whole human race is going to hell by this animal killing. "Let me stop them so that they may, in future, they may become sober."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_2.18_--_London,_August_24,_1973?terms=Buddha+Buddha+Buddha&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20Par%C4%ABk%E1%B9%A3it%20Mah%C4%81r%C4%81ja.%20He%20said%20that%20God%20consciousness,%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a%20consciousness,&last=K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a,%20he%20immediately%20gets%20salvation.%20So%20these%20thing%20are%20there. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 2.18 -- London, August 24, 1973]</ref></blockquote>

While the immediate objective was to stop animal slaughter, Lord Buddha had to teach in a way suitable for the type of people with whom he was dealing. As Vyāsadeva states in ''Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam'', "Propounding speculative philosophy, the Lord, as Buddha, will bewilder the unworthy performers of Vedic sacrifices."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_11.4.22 Vanisource: SB 11.4.22, Text]</ref> Śrīla Prabhupāda summarizes Lord Buddha's mission thus:

<blockquote>Lord Buddha preached nonviolence, taking pity on the poor animals. He preached that he did not believe in the tenets of the Vedas and stressed the adverse psychological effects incurred by animal-killing. Less intelligent men of the age of Kali, who had no faith in God, followed his principle, and for the time being they were trained in moral discipline and nonviolence, the preliminary steps for proceeding further on the path of God realization. He deluded the atheists because such atheists who followed his principles did not believe in God, but they kept their absolute faith in Lord Buddha, who himself was the incarnation of God. Thus the faithless people were made to believe in God in the form of Lord Buddha.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.3.24?terms=Buddha%20preached%20nonviolence,%20taking%20pity%20on%20the%20poor%20animals.%20He%20preached%20that%20he%20did%20not%20believe%20in%20the%20tenets%20of%20the%20Vedas%20and%20stressed%20the%20adverse%20psychological%20effects%20incurred%20by%20animal-killing&first=Lord%20Buddha,%20a%20powerful%20incarnation%20of%20the%20Personality%20of%20Godhead,&last=things%20which%20are%20to%20take%20place%20on%20distant%20future%20dates. Vanisource: SB 1.3.24, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

(Go to [[#Mission_of_Lord_Buddha_.28ref.29|references]])

==Preaching and teachings==

====Ahiṁsā====

The main thrust of Lord Buddha’s preaching is ''ahiṁsā'', or nonviolence. Śrīla Prabhupāda writes of ''ahiṁsā'':

<blockquote>Lord Buddha incarnates at a time when the people are most materialistic and preaches common-sense religious principles. Such ahiṁsā is not a religious principle itself, but it is an important quality for persons who are actually religious. It is a common-sense religion because one is advised to do no harm to any other animal or living being because such harmful actions are equally harmful to he who does the harm.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_2.7.37?terms=Such%20ahi%E1%B9%81s%C4%81%20is%20not%20a%20religious%20principle%20itself,%20but%20it%20is%20an%20important%20quality%20for%20persons%20who%20are%20actually%20religious&first=This%20incarnation%20of%20Lord%20Buddha%20is%20not%20the%20same%20Buddha&last=principles,%20generally%20known%20as%20upadharma,%20or%20nearness%20to%20religious%20principles. Vanisource: SB 2.7.37, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

Although ''ahiṁsā'' is a Vedic precept, Buddha’s approach was not based on the Vedic authority, but rather on observable experience in material life.

<blockquote>''Sadaya-hṛdaya darśita'': Two sides. First of all he was very much compassionate, that poor animals, they are being killed. And another side, he saw "The whole human race is going to hell. So let me do something." Therefore he had to deny the existence of the soul because their brain will not tolerate such things. Therefore he did not say anything about the soul or God. He said that "You stop animal killing." If I pinch you, you feel pain. So why should you give pain to others? Never mind he has no soul; that's all right. He did not talk anything about soul. So these people say the animals have no soul. But that's all right, but he's feeling pain when you are killing the animal. So you also feel pain. So why should you give pain to others? That is Lord Buddha's theory.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_2.18_--_London,_August_24,_1973?terms=If%20I%20pinch%20you,%20you%20feel%20pain.%20So%20why%20should%20you%20give%20pain%20to%20others&first=Par%C4%ABk%E1%B9%A3it%20Mah%C4%81r%C4%81ja.%20He%20said%20that%20God%20consciousness,%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a%20consciousness,%20cannot&last=He%20was%20so%20kind%20and%20compassionate.%20That%20is%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a%20consciousness. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 2.18 -- London, August 24, 1973]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>''Ātmavat sarva-bhūteṣu'': one should feel the happiness and distress of others as his own. It is on this basis that the Buddhist religious principle of nonviolence—''ahiṁsaḥ parama-dharmaḥ''—is established. We feel pain when someone disturbs us, and therefore we should not inflict pain upon other living beings. Lord Buddha's mission was to stop unnecessary animal killing, and therefore he preached that the greatest religious principle is nonviolence.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_6.10.9?terms=%C4%80tmavat%20sarva-bh%C5%ABte%E1%B9%A3u+Buddhist+Buddha&first=One%20generally%20follows%20different%20types%20of%20religious%20principles%20or%20performs&last=Vai%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87ava%20is%20always%20busy%20preaching%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a%20consciousness%20throughout%20the%20world. Vanisource:SB 6.10.9, Purport] "''Ātmavat sarva-bhūteṣu''" is from ''Cāṇakya-śloka'' 10 by Cāṇakya Paṇḍita, a famous political figure and moralist from Vedic history.</ref></blockquote>

====Denial of Vedic authority====

Due to widespread misuse of Vedic injunctions allowing violence, it was necessary for Lord Buddha to reject the Vedas altogether in order to promote ''ahiṁsā'' culture.

<blockquote>So Lord Buddha although incarnation of Kṛṣṇa, He said that "I do not believe in Vedas." What was the reason? The reason was to save the poor animals. At that time people were sacrificing the poor animals under the plea of Vedic sacrifice. So demonic persons, they want to do something under the protection of authority. Just like a big lawyer takes the protection of the lawbook and he makes the law unlawful. Similarly, the demons are so intelligent that they take advantage of scriptural injunction and do all nonsense. So these things were going on. In the name of Vedic sacrifice, they were killing animals like anything. So Lord became very much compassionate these poor animals, and He appeared as Lord Buddha, and His philosophy was nonviolence.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Varaha-dvadasi,_Lord_Varaha%27s_Appearance_Day_Lecture_Dasavatara-stotra_Purport_--_Los_Angeles,_February_18,_1970?terms=the%20demons%20are%20so%20intelligent%20that%20they%20take%20advantage%20of%20scriptural%20injunction%20and%20do%20all%20nonsense&first=And%20the%20next%20incarnation%20is%20Lord%20Buddha.%20Lord%20Buddha,%20He&last=acting%20for%20His%20different%20purposes.%20Others,%20they%20do%20not%20know. Varāha-dvādaśi, Lord Varāha's Appearance Day Lecture - Daśāvatāra-stotra Purport -- Los Angeles, February 18, 1970]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>Lord Buddha did not accept the Vedas. He had to do that because his mission was to stop animal sacrifice and animal killing. "Now if these foolish persons, without knowing the Vedic purpose, if they present, 'Oh, here it is recommended in the Vedas,' then there will be disturbance." So he had to discard, he had to go out of the Vedic rules and regulation, and he preached his own philosophy.
<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_4.20-24_--_New_York,_August_9,_1966?terms=mission%20was%20to%20stop&first=The%20Vedic%20mantra%20are%20so%20powerful%20that%20that%20was%20a&last=Vedic%20rules%20and%20regulation,%20and%20he%20preached%20his%20own%20philosophy. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 4.20-24 – New York, August 9, 1966]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda notes how the great sage Nārada Muni, the spiritual master of Vyāsadeva, had foreseen this degradation, to a time when the purpose of the Vedic rituals would be forgotten and materialistic activities would be carried out in the name of religion.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.5.15?terms=N%C4%81rada+sacrificing%20animals+animal%20sacrifice+N%C4%81rada+animal%20sacrifice&first=%C5%9Ar%C4%ABla%20Vy%C4%81sadeva%27s%20compilation%20of%20different%20Vedic%20literatures%20on%20the%20basis&last=are%20actually%20in%20a%20position%20to%20explain%20the%20Vedic%20rites. Vanisource:SB 1.5.15, Text and Purport]</ref> The case in point centers on Vedic sacrificial rituals, which, if understood and executed properly, result in renewed life for the slaughtered animal.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_2.18_--_London,_August_24,_1973?terms=in%20the%20Vedas%20there%20is%20sometimes%20recommendation,%20not%20for%20killing,%20but%20for%20giving%20rejuvenation%20to%20an%20animal.%20But%20killing,%20in%20that%20sense,%20is%20there%20for%20sacrifice.%20But%20Lord%20Buddha%20did%20not%20accept%20even%20animal%20killing%20in%20sacrifice&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20But%20we%20get%20evidence,%20the%20presence%20of%20the%20soul,&last=K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a,%20he%20immediately%20gets%20salvation.%20So%20these%20thing%20are%20there. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 2.18 -- London, August 24, 1973] See also the Vaniquotes category [http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Vedas_and_Animal_Sacrifice Vedas and Animal Sacrifice]</ref> As Śrīla Prabhupāda states, "Nārada Muni did not directly deprecate the value of performing sacrifices in which animals are sacrificed. Lord Buddha, however, directly rejected all animal sacrifice."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.25.9?terms=N%C4%81rada%20Muni%20did%20not%20directly%20deprecate%20the%20value%20of%20performing%20sacrifices%20in%20which%20animals%20are%20sacrificed.%20Lord%20Buddha,%20however,%20directly%20rejected%20all%20animal%20sacrifice&first=The%20great%20sage%20N%C4%81rada%20Muni%20turned%20toward%20another%20topic%E2%80%94the%20history&last=that%20the%20path%20of%20karma-k%C4%81%E1%B9%87%E1%B8%8Da%20is%20very%20difficult%20and%20risky. Vanisource: SB 4.5.29, Purport]</ref> In short, Nārada had also spoken critically of animal slaughter, but Buddha, in keeping with his mission, opposed it entirely.

====Materialist basis====

Lord Buddha never spoke of a Supreme Person or of the spirit soul. Teaching solely from the material platform, his philosophy begins from the premise that consciousness is the product of a combination of matter.

<blockquote>This is the opinion of the modern scientists or the Buddha philosophy, that soul, there is nothing like soul separately, but by combination of matter, at a certain stage, the living symptoms are manifest. And as it is combination of several chemicals, so it is also finished as soon as the body is finished. There is no, nothing as soul. That is their opinion.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_2.26_--_Hyderabad,_November_30,_1972?terms=Buddha+soul+soul+soul&first=%28recites%20verse%29nitya%E1%B9%81%20v%C4%81%20manyase%20m%E1%B9%9Btamtath%C4%81pi%20tva%E1%B9%81%20mah%C4%81-b%C4%81honaina%E1%B9%81%20%C5%9Bocitum&last=combination%20of%20chemicals%20in%20the%20laboratory.%20Nobody%20can%20do%20that. Vanisource:Lecture on BG 2.26 -- Hyderabad, November 30, 1972]</ref></blockquote>

Despite this materialist perspective, Buddha did not propose that one seek happiness in material existence, but rather seek peace in its cessation.

<blockquote>So Lord Buddha did not speak anything about the spiritual world, but his philosophy said that "Dismantle this material existence." Nirvāṇa. Nobody has preached that "You become happy here," either Lord Buddha or Lord Christ or Kṛṣṇa or anybody, Śaṅkara. Nobody.<ref> [http://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversation_with_Two_Buddhist_Monks_--_July_12,_1973,_London?terms=Buddha%20did%20not&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20...deha%E1%B9%81%20punar%20janma%20naiti.%20Such%20person,%20those%20who%20are&last=any%20other%20paradise%20than%20this%20paradise.%20They%20have%20no%20idea. Vanisource: Room Conversation with Two Buddhist Monks – July 12, 1973]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda describes how Lord Buddha gave no information on spiritual reality, but instructed only to the end of material consciousness.

<blockquote>The body, because Buddha philosophy does not give any idea of soul - bodily concept. The body is combination of matter, so dismantle this combination. Just like you have got a skyscraper building, so you have to pay tax. Break it, make it zero, so no tax. This is philosophy. Do you follow? You have got a very big building, so you have to pay tax. To save tax, break the building. No more taxes. No more pains and pleasure. No more anxiety. That is Buddha philosophy.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversation_--_February_15,_1972,_Madras?terms=Buddha%20philosophy+Buddha%20philosophy+Buddha%20philosophy&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20You%20have%20now%20attachment%20for%20sense%20gratification,%20desire%20for&last=means%20these%20philosophers%20are%20called%20fools%20and%20rascal,%20less%20intelligent. Vanisource: Room Conversation -- February 15, 1972, Madras]</ref></blockquote>

Vaiṣṇavas, who do not accept the materialist premise of Lord Buddha's philosophy, see his teaching as limited but not entirely untrue. Śrīla Prabhupāda gives this perspective:

<blockquote>When the spiritual spark, which is described as one ten-thousandth part of the tip of a hair, is forced into material existence, that spark is covered by gross and subtle material elements. The material body is composed of five gross elements—earth, water, fire, air and ether—and three subtle elements—mind, intelligence and ego. When one attains liberation, he is freed from these material coverings. Indeed, success in yoga involves getting free from these material coverings and entering into spiritual existence. Lord Buddha's teachings of nirvāṇa are based on this principle. Lord Buddha instructed his followers to give up these material coverings by means of meditation and yoga. Lord Buddha did not give any information about the soul, but if one follows his instructions strictly, he will ultimately become free from the material coverings and attain nirvāṇa... Unfortunately, unless the living entity has information of the spiritual world and the Vaikuṇṭhas, there is a 99.9 percent chance of his falling down again into material existence.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.23.15?terms=Lord%20Buddha%20did%20not%20give%20any%20information%20about%20the%20soul,%20but%20if%20one%20follows%20his%20instructions%20strictly,%20he%20will%20ultimately%20become%20free%20from%20the%20material%20coverings%20and%20attain%20nirv%C4%81%E1%B9%87a&first=When%20the%20spiritual%20spark,%20which%20is%20described%20as%20one%20ten-thousandth&last=ultimately%20become%20free%20from%20the%20material%20coverings%20and%20attain%20nirv%C4%81%E1%B9%87a. Vanisource: SB 4.23.15, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

====Nirvāṇa and śūnyavāda====

''Nirvāṇa'' is the Vedic principle of ending the process of material life – material desires, material activity, and the pangs of material existence.<ref>[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Nirvana_means Vaniquotes:Nirvāṇa means]</ref> Lord Buddha taught that the ultimate goal of life is ''nirvāṇa''. "Nirvāṇa, the Buddha philosophy, is just above the material conditional life but on the margin of spiritual existence." <ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_5.26-29_--_Los_Angeles,_February_12,_1969?terms=nirv%C4%81%E1%B9%87a,%20the%20Buddha%20philosophy%20is%20just%20above%20the%20material%20conditional%20life%20but%20on%20the%20margin%20of%20spiritual%20existence&first=All%20the%20yoga%20practice%20or%20philosophical%20speculation%20or%20anything%E2%80%94all%20practice&last=have%20this%20perfection.%20That%20is%20personal%20conception%20of%20spiritual%20perfection. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 5.26-29 -- Los Angeles, February 12, 1969]</ref> Śrīla Prabhupāda further describes Buddha's ''nirvāṇa'' philosophy:

<blockquote>The Buddha philosophy advocates ''nirvāṇa'', no more desire. That is their philosophy. "By desire, you are becoming implicated, so make all your desires extinct. Then there will be no more feelings of pains and pleasure. Desirelessness."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_16.13-15_--_Hawaii,_February_8,_1975?terms=nirv%C4%81%E1%B9%87a+nirv%C4%81%E1%B9%87a+Desirelessness+desireless&first=%22No%20desire%22%20does%20not%20mean%20no%20desire%20for%20serving%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a.&last=This%20is%20artificial,%20to%20make%20desireless.%20That%20is%20not%20possible. Vanisource:Lecture on BG 16.13-15 – Hawaii, February 8, 1975]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>Just like this house is made of stone, brick and wood and so many. So you break it, and there is no more stone and no more brick. This is distributed to the earth. Throw it on the earth. Then there is no house. Similarly, if you become zero, no body, then you are free from pains and pleasure. This is their philosophy, ''nirvāṇa'' philosophy, ''śūnyavādī'': "Make it zero."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_2.14_--_Germany,_June_21,_1974?terms=nirv%C4%81%E1%B9%87a+nirv%C4%81%E1%B9%87a+Nirv%C4%81%E1%B9%87a+nirv%C4%81%E1%B9%87a+nirv%C4%81%E1%B9%87a&first=Therefore%20Buddha%20philosophy%20is%20also%20same%20thing,%20that%20you%20finish&last=will%20be%20explained.%20You%20are%20eternal.%20You%20cannot%20be%20zero. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 2.14 -- Germany, June 21, 1974]</ref></blockquote>

The final destination, according to Lord Buddha’s version, is one of complete negation - a void or zero (''śūnya'') state. Because Buddha's philosophy ignored the presence of the spirit soul or of God, there could be no question of anything positive beyond the material realm - neither bliss, nor cognizance, nor even real existence. As Śrīla Prabhupāda writes, "His ''nirvāṇa'' philosophy means stopping all material activities. Lord Buddha did not recognize the presence of transcendental forms and spiritual activities beyond the material world. He simply described voidism beyond this material existence."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Madhya_6.168?terms=Lord%20Buddha%20did%20not%20recognize%20the%20presence%20of%20transcendental%20forms%20and%20spiritual%20activities%20beyond%20the%20material%20world.%20He%20simply%20described%20voidism%20beyond%20this%20material%20existence&first=Although%20the%20Buddhists%20are%20directly%20opposed%20to%20Vai%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87ava%20philosophy,%20it&last=brahmajyoti.%20Consequently,%20they%20fall%20down%20again%20into%20this%20material%20world. Vanisource: CC Madhya 6.168, Purport]</ref>

Therefore, with its ''śūnyavāda'' conclusion, Lord Buddha’s ''nirvāṇa'' teaching differs from that of the Vaiṣṇavas, who speak of purified, spiritual desires and active, variegated spiritual life after extinguishing material consciousness. Śrīla Prabhupāda states the Vaiṣṇava version succinctly:

<blockquote>After ''nirvāṇa'', or material cessation, there is the manifestation of spiritual activities, or devotional service to the Lord, known as Kṛṣṇa consciousness. In the words of the Bhāgavatam, ''svarūpeṇa vyavasthitiḥ'': this is the "real life of the living entity." <ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_6.20-23?terms=nirv%C4%81%E1%B9%87a&first=After%20nirv%C4%81%E1%B9%87a,%20or%20material%20cessation,%20there%20is%20the%20manifestation%20of&last=is%20easily%20achieved%20by%20execution%20of%20devotional%20service,%20or%20bhakti-yoga. Vanisource: BG 6.20-23, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

By comparison, he shows how Buddha's ''nirvāṇa'' conception agrees and disagrees with Vaiṣṇava teachings:

<blockquote>So zero, that is Buddhist philosophy to make zero, śūnyavādī, to make everything void. No. That cannot be. I cannot make my desires zero. That is not possible because I am living being. I may select what kind of desires I will have. That is intelligence. But desirelessness is not possible. Therefore the next item is that ''anyābhilāṣitā-śūnyam'' (CC Madhya 19.167). You make your material desires zero, void. "Then? What shall I do next? Shall I become void and finish?" No. Then your real life begins.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_6.1.51_--_Detroit,_August_4,_1975?terms=You%20make%20your%20material%20desires%20zero,%20void+Then%20your%20real%20life%20begins&first=K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a%20is%20situated%20everyone%27s%20heart,%20and%20as%20I%20am%20desiring,&last=k%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87%C4%81nu%C5%9B%C4%ABlanam:%20%28CC%20Madhya%2019.167%29%20what%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a%20says,%20you%20do%20that. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 6.1.51 -- Detroit, August 4, 1975]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>If you have got a pinch of desire to enjoy this material world, then you'll have to remain here as, either as Lord Brahmā or as a small ant, according to your karma. But when you completely become free from material attachment, then the spiritual world is... So when the Buddha philosophy says ''śūnyavāda'', ''nirvāṇa'', ''nirvāṇa'', it means the same thing, ''vīta-rāga'', you have to become detached. You have to make this material enjoyment zero. The ''bhakti'' also says, ''bhakti'' formula, ''anyābhilāṣitā-śūnyam'': (Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu 1.1.11) "You have to make your heart cleansed of all material desire." Then spiritual life will begin.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_4.11_--_Bombay,_March_31,_1974?terms=Buddha+%C5%9B%C5%ABnyav%C4%81da+Buddha+%C5%9B%C5%ABnyav%C4%81da+zero+Buddha+zero+zero+zero+zero&first=Just%20like%20Lord%20Buddha,%20he%20did%20not%20say%20anything%20further&last=mother%20of%20enjoyment.%20We%20cannot%20remain%20in%20the%20zero%20position. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 4.11 – Bombay, March 31, 1974]</ref></blockquote>

(Go to [[#Preaching_and_teachings_.28ref.29|references]])

==Understanding Lord Buddha and his mission==

;The Vaiṣṇava view

Śrīla Prabhupāda makes it clear that Vaiṣṇavas are critical of many points of Lord Buddha’s philosophy.<ref>For more on Śrīla Prabhupāda's critique of Buddhist philosophy, please consult the Vaniquotes categories: [http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Buddhist_Philosophy Buddhist Philosophy] and its related categories, plus [http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Sunyavadi Sunyavadi], [http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Zero Zero], [http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Make_it_Zero Make It Zero], and [http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Void Void].</ref> Yet they worship Lord Buddha as an ''avatāra'' of Kṛṣṇa.

<blockquote>Lord Buddha, He decried the Vedic principles. Therefore He is calculated as atheist. Anyone who does not agree with the Vedic principles, he is considered as atheist. . . So people will be surprised that Lord Buddha is designated as atheist and still the Vaiṣṇavas, they are offering their respectful prayers to Lord Viṣṇu (Buddha). Why? Because the Vaiṣṇava knows how the God is acting for His different purposes. Others, they do not know. <ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Varaha-dvadasi,_Lord_Varaha%27s_Appearance_Day_Lecture_Dasavatara-stotra_Purport_--_Los_Angeles,_February_18,_1970?terms=people%20will%20be%20surprised%20that%20Lord%20Buddha%20is%20designated%20as%20atheist%20and%20still%20the%20Vai%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87avas,%20they%20are%20offering%20their%20respectful%20prayers%20to%20Lord%20Vi%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87u&first=And%20the%20next%20incarnation%20is%20Lord%20Buddha.%20Lord%20Buddha,%20He&last=acting%20for%20His%20different%20purposes.%20Others,%20they%20do%20not%20know. Vanisource: Varāha-dvādaśi, Lord Varāha's Appearance Day Lecture - Daśāvatāra-stotra Purport – Los Angeles, February 18, 1970]</ref></blockquote>

Over the course of his expositions and discussions Śrīla Prabhupāda follows the declarations of the Vedas as well as the words of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu (a direct incarnation of Kṛṣṇa) and other Vaiṣṇava ''ācāryas'' to show how the Vaiṣṇavas – though Vedāntists, theists, and promoters of a different philosophy – can accept Lord Buddha as a genuine representative of the Supreme Lord while simultaneously refuting many specifics of his teaching.

===Time, place and persons involved===

Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that an ācārya or avatāra will teach in various ways according to circumstances. In general, he states:

<blockquote>To surrender to God the great and to abide by His instruction, that is called religion. It may be that the Hindus may be following the same principle in a different way or the Christian may be following the same principle in different way. That is called ''deśa-kāla-pātra''. According to time, atmosphere, and the performer, there may be little difference. But real purpose of ''dharma'' is to surrender to God and try to love Him. <ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_7.1_--_Fiji,_May_24,_1975?terms=de%C5%9Ba-k%C4%81la-p%C4%81tra&first=So%20our%20request%20is%20that%20you%20take%20knowledge%20from%20Bhagavad-g%C4%ABt%C4%81&last=God%20consciousness.%20Then%20his%20human%20form%20of%20life%20is%20successful. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 7.1 -- Fiji, May 24, 1975]</ref></blockquote>

This realization underlies Śrīla Prabhupāda’s presentation of Lord Buddha and his ministry.

====Philosophy in context====

Although Buddhist religious philosophy may be seen as incomplete or incorrect from the Vedic perspective, Śrīla Prabhupāda nonetheless maintains that such teaching was appropriate and necessary under the circumstances of Lord Buddha's appearance in order to give his followers a first step toward further spiritual advancement.

=====Nirvāṇa and śūnyavāda=====

Buddha's ''nirvāṇa'' and ''sūnyavāda'' philosophies, Śrīla Prabhupāda explains, were meant for the extreme materialist who could not begin to understand spiritual life.

<blockquote>In human life, this is, this intelligence required, ''vairāgya'', not to serve this material world, but to serve Kṛṣṇa. The Māyāvādī philosophers, they simply stop these material activities. Just like Buddha philosophy, ''nirvāṇa''. He simply advises to stop this. But after stopping, what is, sir? "No, zero. Zero." That cannot be. That is not possible. This is their mistake. But the people to whom Buddha philosophy was preached, they are not so intelligent that there can be better service after giving up this service. Therefore Lord Buddha said, "You stop this service. You become happy because ultimately everything is zero." ''Śūnyavādī''. ''Nirviśeṣavādī''.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_1.30_--_London,_July_23,_1973?terms=Buddha+zero+Zero+Buddha+Buddha+zero+%C5%9A%C5%ABnyav%C4%81d%C4%AB&first=%22I%20have%20served%20my%20senses,%20lust,%20greediness,%20and%20other%20things&last=You%20become%20happy%20because%20ultimately%20everything%20is%20zero.%22%20%C5%9A%C5%ABnyav%C4%81d%C4%AB.%20Nirvi%C5%9Be%E1%B9%A3av%C4%81d%C4%AB. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 1.30 -- London, July 23, 1973]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>''Nirvāṇa'', ''nirvāṇa'' means that you give up all material desires. Not that "But he did not say anything more than that." Because it was meant for the fourth-class men, so he did not say. He simply asked that you finish this material desire… It is not misleading. It is truth, but the truth as much as you can understand. It is not misleading because Lord Buddha knew that "This rascal will not understand more than this." So he did not say further knowledge.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Morning_Walk_--_May_3,_1976,_Fiji?terms=desirelessness+Desireless+desirelessness+desirelessness+Nirv%C4%81%E1%B9%87a+nirv%C4%81%E1%B9%87a&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20Any%C4%81bhil%C4%81%E1%B9%A3it%C4%81-%C5%9B%C5%ABnyam.%20First%20make%20all%20desires%20zero.%20That%20is%20the&last=more%20than%20this.%22%20So%20he%20did%20not%20say%20further%20knowledge. Vanisource: Morning Walk – May 3, 1976, Fiji]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>Lord Buddha's teaching is... That is also detachment from matter, nirvāṇa. Nirvāṇa. But he does not speak anything about the spirit soul. Because the position in which he was speaking, that position, for the human, humanity, was not suitable for understanding what is the constitution of spirit, therefore he did not say anything about spirit. He simply preached nonviolence. So far our body is concerned, he stressed on the point that we should be nonviolent. We should not be killing animals anymore. <ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_2.58-59_--_New_York,_April_27,_1966?terms=Buddha%20did%20not&first=Lord%20Buddha%27s%20teachings%20is...%20That%20is%20also%20detachment%20from%20matter,&last=account%20of%20the%20kingdom%20of%20God,%20but%20he%20gave%20hint. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 2.58-59 – New York, April 27, 1966]</ref></blockquote>

=====Ahiṁsā=====

Similarly, Lord Buddha's stress on the ''ahiṁsā'' principle was due to the nature and activities of the people with whom he was dealing.

<blockquote>This atheist class, they were killing animals in the name of yajña like anything. So ''yadā yadā hi dharmasya glānir bhavati'' (BG 4.7), so He came as Buddha to stop this animal killing. His real business was stop the animal killing, that these rascals are going to hell in the name of religion, so at least stop their activities of animal killing. So therefore he started the mission, ''ahiṁsā paramo dharma'': "Don't kill animals."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Evening_Darsana_--_July_11,_1976,_New_York?terms=Buddha+Buddha+Buddha+ahi%E1%B9%81s%C4%81+Buddha&first=Indian%20man%20%284%29:%20Prabhup%C4%81da?%20Buddha%20was%20the%20Supreme%20Personality%20of&last=but%20you%20stop%20this%20animal%20killing.%22%20That%20was%20his%20mission. Vanisource: Evening Darsana -- July 11, 1976]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>Now just like in the commandment "Thou shalt not kill" this is a moral instruction for the sinful man. Similarly Lord Buddha also emphasized ''ahimsa paramadharma'', "the highest religion is nonviolence." So these instructions are for the sinful men.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Letter_to_Bhagavan_--_Los_Angeles_2_March,_1970?terms=ahimsa%20paramadharma&first=Regarding%20the%20end%20of%20devotees%20of%20Lord%20Jesus%20Christ,%20they&last=to%20the%20heavenly%20planets%20which%20are%20within%20this%20material%20world. Vanisource: Letter to Bhagavan -- Los Angeles, 2 March 1970]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>So Lord Buddha's philosophy is like that. The atheistic people, they are against God. "Yes, there is no God. But you take this philosophy, ''ahiṁsā''. Don't kill animals." That means if they stop animal-killing, then one day they will be able to understand what is God. Some day. Because so long one is accustomed to kill animals, he will never be able to understand what is God. <ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Initiation_of_Lokanatha_dasa_--_New_Vrindaban,_May_21,_1969?terms=Buddha+Buddha+cheating+cheating+cheating+cheating+cheating+Buddha&first=So%20Lord%20Buddha%27s%20philosophy%20is%20like%20that.%20The%20atheistic%20people,&last=God%22;%20another%20is%20saying,%20%22It%20is%20impersonal,%22%20in%20this%20way. Vanisource: Initiation of Lokanatha dasa – New Vrindaban, May 21, 1969]</ref></blockquote>

As Śrīla Prabhupāda summarized, "First of all, the Buddha wanted to make them sinless. 'Don't kill.'"<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversation_--_October_3,_1977,_Vrndavana?terms=First%20of%20all%20the%20Buddha%20wanted%20to%20make%20them%20sinless&first=Ha%E1%B9%81sad%C5%ABta:%20The%20Buddhists,%20they%20have%20very%20nice%20temples%20there.%20In&last=giving%20up,%20and%20that%20is%20nirv%C4%81%E1%B9%87a.%20It%20requires%20expert%20presentation. Vanisource: Room Conversation -- October 3, 1977, Vrndavana]</ref>

====Nāstika preaching====

Lord Buddha is referred to as ''nāstika'', or atheist, by followers of the Vedas, due to his rejection of Vedic authority. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda describes this apparent atheism as "an act of camouflage by the Lord."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.3.24?terms=Technically%20Lord%20Buddha%27s%20philosophy%20is%20called%20atheistic%20because%20there%20is%20no%20acceptance%20of%20the%20Supreme%20Lord%20and%20because%20that%20system%20of%20philosophy%20denied%20the%20authority%20of%20the%20Vedas.%20But%20that%20is%20an%20act%20of%20camouflage%20by%20the%20Lord&first=Lord%20Buddha,%20a%20powerful%20incarnation%20of%20the%20Personality%20of%20Godhead,&last=the%20path%20towards%20a%20realization%20of%20going%20back%20to%20Godhead. Vanisource: SB 1.3.24, Purport]</ref>

=====No mention of God=====

Recalling the message of ''Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam'', Śrīla Prabhupāda spoke many times on how Buddha's 'Godless' preaching was designed to persuade atheistically minded people to accept God and obey His instructions. As Śrīla Prabhupāda expressed it, "So this is, in one way, cheating. But this cheating is not cheating. Just like father or guardian sometimes cheats the young boy. That is not cheating; that is for his good." <ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Initiation_of_Lokanatha_dasa_--_New_Vrindaban,_May_21,_1969?terms=Buddha+Buddha+cheating+cheating+cheating+cheating+cheating+Buddha&first=So%20Lord%20Buddha%27s%20philosophy%20is%20like%20that.%20The%20atheistic%20people,&last=God%22;%20another%20is%20saying,%20%22It%20is%20impersonal,%22%20in%20this%20way. Vanisource: Initiation of Lokanatha dasa – New Vrindaban, May 21, 1969]</ref>

<blockquote>Now, how he is cheating? He is the incarnation of God, but he is preaching amongst people who don't believe in God. So he is cheating in this way, that "Yes, there is no God. You hear me." But he is God. The people amongst whom he is preaching, they don't believe in God, but they accept Lord Buddha. But he is God. So by cheating, he is making others to worship God. God is there. But superficially they think, "We don't believe in God. We believe in Lord Buddha." And Lord Buddha is God. Therefore in the Bhāgavata it is said that his business will be cheat the atheist class of men. ''Sura-dviṣām''. ''Sammohita-sura-dviṣām''.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversation_with_Maharishi_Impersonalists_--_April_7,_1972,_Melbourne?terms=Buddha+Buddha+Buddha+Buddha+Buddha+cheat+cheating+cheating+Buddha+cheating+Buddha+Buddha+cheat&first=Impersonalist:%20What%20about%20Buddha?%20Would%20you%20say%20that%20he%20is&last=%22Let%20these%20people%20be%20saved%20from%20the%20greatest%20sinful%20activities.%22 Vanisource: Room Conversation with Maharishi Impersonalists]</ref></blockquote>

Lord Buddha gave his followers preliminary spiritual instruction in a way they would accept.

<blockquote>Although he did not speak about God, because it is considered that he was himself God, but the people amongst whom he preached, they were mostly atheistic people; therefore he did not preach about God. But he did not deny also. He simply wanted to make extinction of this present worldly activities. That was, yes... ''Nirvāṇa''. And he represented the sacrifice of renouncement. <ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_CC_Madhya-lila_20.367-84_--_New_York,_December_31,_1966?terms=Buddha+nirv%C4%81%E1%B9%87a+Nirv%C4%81%E1%B9%87a+Buddha+Buddha&first=So%20far%20Buddha%20is%20concerned,%20he%27s%20also%20considered%20%C5%9Bakty%C4%81ve%C5%9Ba%20avat%C4%81ra.&last=out%20of%20the%20opulence%20of%20the%20Supreme%20Personality%20of%20Godhead. Vanisource: Lecture on CC Madhya-lila 20.367-84 – New York, December 31, 1966]</ref></blockquote>

As a side note, Śrīla Prabhupāda makes an interesting point in connection with the officially ''nāstika'' stance of Buddha's following:

<blockquote>Now, those who follow the Buddha philosophy, they say that "There is no soul. There is no God." But there are thousands and thousands of temples of Lord Buddha, and they worship. Especially in the countries like Japan and China and Burma there are thousands of temples, and they exactly worship in the same way as we are worshiping Jagannātha. The lamp is given, the candle is burned, they offer very respectfully, and there are brahmacārīs, sannyāsīs. The whole principles is there. But officially, there is no question of God.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_1.2.6_--_Montreal,_August_3,_1968?terms=Buddha+Buddha+Buddha+Buddha+Buddha+temples+Buddha+temples&first=So%20far%20Lord%20Buddha%20is%20concerned,%20in%20the%20Bh%C4%81gavatam%20the&last=question%20of%20God.%20So%20this%20is%20mentioned%20in%20the%20Bh%C4%81gavata. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 1.2.6 -- Montreal, August 3, 1968]</ref></blockquote>

=====No reference to Vedas=====

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that actually Lord Buddha decried the Vedas in order to emphasize genuine Vedic principle (in this case, nonviolence) over details prescribed in Vedic ritual which were being abused at the time (in this case, animal sacrifice, which was recommended in certain Vedic literatures).

<blockquote>The mission of Lord Buddha was to save people from the abominable activity of animal killing and to save the poor animals from being unnecessarily killed. When ''pāṣaṇḍīs'' were cheating by killing animals on the plea of sacrificing them in Vedic ''yajñas'', the Lord said, "If the Vedic injunctions allow animal killing, I do not accept the Vedic principles." Thus he actually saved people who acted according to Vedic principles. One should therefore surrender to Lord Buddha so that he can help one avoid misusing the injunctions of the Vedas.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_6.8.19?terms=As%20described%20by%20%C5%9Ar%C4%ABla%20Jayadeva%20Gosv%C4%81m%C4%AB%20in%20his%20Da%C5%9B%C4%81vat%C4%81ra-stotra,%20Lord%20Buddha%20apparently%20decried%20the%20Vedic%20knowledge+Jayadeva%20Gosv%C4%81m%C4%AB+nindasi%20yaj%C3%B1a-vidher+ahaha%20%C5%9Bruti-j%C4%81ta%E1%B9%81+sadaya-h%E1%B9%9Bdaya+dar%C5%9Bita-pa%C5%9Bu-gh%C4%81tam+ke%C5%9Bava%20dh%E1%B9%9Bta-buddha-%C5%9Bar%C4%ABra+jaya%20jagad-%C4%AB%C5%9Ba%20hare&first=This%20verse%20mentions%20various%20incarnations%20of%20the%20Supreme%20Personality%20of&last=atheists%20and%20will%20save%20only%20the%20devotees%20of%20the%20Lord. Vanisource: SB6.8.19, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>So Buddha wanted to stop this nonsense, who were eating and killing animals on the strength of Vedas. They did not know what is the meaning, but they would say in the Vedas it is stated, ''paśavo vadhyaḥ sṛṣṭaḥ'': "The animals are created for being killed." And what purpose it is killed? They, without knowing... Actually, they wanted to satisfy their tongue by eating the flesh, but they would give Vedic evidences.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversation_with_Prof._Regamay,_Professor_of_Sanskrit_at_the_University_of_Lausanne_--_June_4,_1974,_Geneva?terms=Buddha+Buddha+nonviolence+buddha+buddha&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20So%20Buddha%20wanted%20to%20stop%20this%20nonsense,%20who%20were&last=that%20He%20is%20God.%20He%20is%20God,%20incarnation%20of%20God. Vanisource: Room Conversation with Professor Regamay, Professor of Sanskrit at the University of Lausanne -- June 4, 1974, Geneva]</ref></blockquote>

====According to capacity====

Śrīla Prabhupāda discusses Lord Buddha's teachings alongside those of other well-known ''avatāras'' to show how circumstance has played a part in the way that spiritual understanding has been conveyed.

<blockquote>Although Lord Buddha was an incarnation of Kṛṣṇa, he did not speak about God, for the people were unable to understand. He simply wanted to stop animal-killing. Śrīpāda Śaṅkarācārya wanted to establish the predominance of one's spiritual identity; therefore he wanted to convert the atheists through an imaginary interpretation of the Vedic literatures. These are the secrets of the ācāryas. Sometimes they conceal the real purport of the Vedas and explain the Vedas in a different way. Sometimes they enunciate a different theory just to bring the atheists under their control.<ref> [http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Madhya_25.42?terms=%C5%9Aa%E1%B9%85kar%C4%81c%C4%81rya&first=%22%C5%9Ar%C4%ABp%C4%81da%20%C5%9Aa%E1%B9%85kar%C4%81c%C4%81rya%20has%20given%20his%20interpretation%20and%20imaginary%20meaning.%20It&last=to%20convince%20the%20atheists%20and%20bring%20them%20under%20his%20control.%22 Vanisource: CC Madhya 25.42, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>Teachings of Christ, teaching of Buddha, they are meant for a particular type of men. Generally it is meant for everyone, but specifically for a particular type of men. Just like Lord Buddha, he preached ahiṁsā. They were a particular type of men. Lord Jesus Christ also preached to a particular type of men. "Thou shall not kill." That means they were killing. Is it not? If I say, "Thou shall not steal," that means you are thief, you are stealing. So a kind of preaching among the thieves and a kind of teaching among the philosophers must be different. That is the difference. Lord Buddha is Kṛṣṇa, Lord Jesus Christ was Kṛṣṇa incarnation, but they were preaching to a different type of people. Therefore you'll find difference of Lord Jesus Christ teaching, Buddha's teaching, Kṛṣṇa's teaching. Kṛṣṇa's teaching also is there, which is also Buddha's teaching. But more than that, because the persons amongst whom He was teaching, they were far, far elevated than the thieves and the rogues. That is the difference.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversation_--_May_4,_1972,_Mexico?terms=Buddha+Buddha+Buddha+Jesus+Buddha+Jesus+Jesus+Buddha+Buddha&first=Martin:%20Can%20a%20true%20devotee%20come%20face-to-face%20with%20God%20through&last=than%20the%20thieves%20and%20the%20rogues.%20That%20is%20the%20difference. Vanisource: Room Conversation – May 4, 1972, Mexico]</ref></blockquote>

In connection with various scriptures, Śrīla Prabhupāda explains:

<blockquote>Bible begins, "God is the supreme authority," and Bhagavad-gītā concludes, "You surrender." Where is the difference? Simply the description is according to the time, society, and place and people. That's all. They are not Arjuna. You see? So the things to be understood by Arjuna is not possible by the persons who had crucified Lord Jesus Christ. You have to study in that light. The same thing. A dictionary, a pocket dictionary, child's dictionary, and the dictionary, international dictionary, both of them dictionary, but the value is different. That dictionary is meant for a class of children, and that dictionary is meant for high scholars. But none of them you can say it is not dictionary. That you cannot say. Both of them are dictionaries. So we have to take consideration of the time, place, persons, everything. Just like Lord Buddha, he simply said that "Stop this nonsense animal killing." That was his propaganda. They were so low-grade people, simply taking pleasure in animal killing. So in order to elevate them, Lord Buddha wanted to stop this nonsense: "Please stop killing." So in every time a different representative of God or God comes to teach people at different circumstances. So according to the circumstances there may be some difference in explanation, but the primary factor remains the same. Lord Buddha said, "All right, there is no God, but you surrender to me." Then where is the difference? That means one has to accept the authority of God either this way or that way. <ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_--_Seattle,_October_2,_1968?terms=Jesus+Buddha+Buddha+Buddha&first=So%20we%20have%20to%20understand%20what%20is%20the%20condition%20of&last=the%20authority%20of%20God%20either%20this%20way%20or%20that%20way. Vanisource: Lecture – Seattle, October 2, 1968]</ref></blockquote>

===Progressive development of spiritual philosophy===

Śrīla Prabhupāda tells that historically, Lord Buddha’s cult was driven from the borders of India by the philosophy of Śrīpāda Śaṅkarācārya, the founder of the Māyāvādi school of Vedāntists. Śaṅkarācārya’s purpose, Śrīla Prabhupāda explains, was to reestablish Vedic authority, which Lord Buddha had thrown out of his teaching. Śrīla Prabhupāda views this development, along with more following later, as part of a great progression of spiritual philosophy in the Vedic tradition, of which Lord Buddha’s mission was an integral part. In overview, he writes:

<blockquote>Lord Buddha preached the preliminary principles of the Vedas in a manner suitable for the time being (and so also did Śaṅkarācārya) to establish the authority of the Vedas. Therefore both Lord Buddha and Ācārya Śaṅkara paved the path of theism, and Vaiṣṇava ācāryas, specifically Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, led the people on the path towards a realization of going back to Godhead.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.3.24?terms=Buddha+Buddha+Buddha+Buddha+%C5%9Aa%E1%B9%85kar%C4%81c%C4%81rya+Buddha+%C5%9Aa%E1%B9%85kara&first=Technically%20Lord%20Buddha%27s%20philosophy%20is%20called%20atheistic%20because%20there%20is&last=the%20path%20towards%20a%20realization%20of%20going%20back%20to%20Godhead. Vanisource: SB 1.3.24, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

Tracing this development of doctrine, Śrīla Prabhupāda says:

<blockquote>Śaṅkara... A little more than Buddha. He said, "No, no. Matter is not all. The spirit is real thing. Matter is false." Brahma satyaṁ jagan mithyā. Now, he did not say about the activities of spiritual life. He simply gave hint that there, that matter is false. Matter is generated by spirit. Spirit is the real, principle thing. Just like Buddha did not say anything about spirit. He simply wanted that detachment of, from matter. But detachment from matter... Then where is my stand? Where is my stand? If I leave this room, I must have another room to stay. So that is the position of Buddha. He did not say about the spirit. But Śaṅkara, Śaṅkara said, "No, matter is our false position. Spirit is real position." But he did not say anything, what are the activities of the spiritual life. Then Śrī Rāmānujācārya came. He described the actual position of spiritual life. These are gradual development. Your, I mean to say, Lord Jesus, also, Lord Jesus Christ, he also gave hints of spiritual life, kingdom of God. So when we speak of kingdom of God, a kingdom, vacant, cannot be. Kingdom means there must be activities. Otherwise, what is the meaning of kingdom? So, of course, he did not give any detailed account of the kingdom of God, but he gave hint.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_2.58-59_--_New_York,_April_27,_1966?terms=%C5%9Aa%E1%B9%85kara%20said+No,%20matter%20is%20our%20false%20position.%20Spirit%20is%20real%20position+But%20he%20did%20not%20say%20anything,%20what%20are%20the%20activities%20of%20the%20spiritual%20life&first=This,%20all%20these%20Vedic%20scriptures,%20they%20are%20interrelated.%20They%20are&last=to%20understand%20his%20spiritual%20position.%20That%20is%20the%20whole%20program. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 2.58-59 – New York, April 27, 1966]</ref></blockquote>

Śrīla Prabhupāda gives credit that although the ultimate level of spiritual realization is taught by the Vaiṣṇavas, Lord Buddha and his teachings should be respected for what they are.

<blockquote>There were many great ācāryas, I mean to say, reformers, came. Lord Buddha also appeared in India. Then, after Lord Buddha, Śaṅkarācārya came. Then, after Śaṅkarācārya, Śrī Rāmānujācārya came. Then, after Śrī Rāmānujācārya, Madhvācārya, and then, lately, Śrī Caitanya, Lord Caitanya. He came. But you will find a link, a link, although superficially we may see that Lord Buddha is speaking something which is contradictory to Lord Śaṅkarācārya's teaching, or Rāmānujācārya is speaking something which is contradiction to Śaṅkara. No. There is no contradiction. It is the question of studying how they are paving way for ultimate spiritual realization. That requires a very, I mean to say, substantial knowledge, how they are paving the way, just step by step.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_2.58-59_--_New_York,_April_27,_1966?terms=Buddha+Buddha+%C5%9Aa%E1%B9%85kar%C4%81c%C4%81rya+%C5%9Aa%E1%B9%85kar%C4%81c%C4%81rya+Buddha+%C5%9Aa%E1%B9%85kar%C4%81c%C4%81rya+%C5%9Aa%E1%B9%85kara&first=This,%20all%20these%20Vedic%20scriptures,%20they%20are%20interrelated.%20They%20are&last=how%20they%20are%20paving%20the%20way,%20just%20step%20by%20step. Vanisource: Lecture on BG 2.58-59 – New York, April 27, 1966]</ref></blockquote>

(Go to [[#Understanding_Lord_Buddha_and_his_mission_.28ref.29|references]])

==Śrīla Prabhupāda speaks to present-day followers==

The record of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books, letters, lectures and conversations gives some indication of how he dealt with present-day followers (or would-be followers) of Lord Buddha’s cult. While benevolent and never antagonistic, he did not hesitate to engage critically in philosophically-oriented dialogue to guide such persons on a better path, be it to recognize the limits or weaknesses he saw in Buddhist philosophy or merely to better understand what Lord Buddha preached and exemplified. Śrīla Prabhupāda’s interaction and approach, of course, varied per individual case; however, some general themes may be identified.

====Know and follow====

Śrīla Prabhupāda did not attack Buddhists or prospective Buddhists for their faith. For those who showed interest in the Buddhist path, he compassionately challenged them to demonstrate in both word and deed that they understood what Buddha taught. In one conversation, he used Buddha's teaching to help a seeker overcome speculative misunderstanding:

::Prabhupāda: But how do you respect these words of Lord Buddha, first thing is.

::Guest (1): No, I have got one thing, you see, that it is through the diffusion...

::Prabhupāda: No, no, no. Lord Buddha, we have to accept him as an authority, Lord Buddha. Now, he gives you idea that no misery. So how do you accept these words of Lord Buddha?

::Guest (1): No, I do not because that was not..., has not come into...

::Prabhupāda: Yes. That means he was giving that hint in spiritual life, not in this life. <ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversation_--_January_17,_1971,_Allahabad?terms=Lord%20Buddha,%20we%20have%20to%20accept%20him%20as%20an%20authority,%20Lord%20Buddha.%20Now,%20he%20gives%20you%20idea%20that%20no%20misery.%20So%20how%20do%20you%20accept%20these%20words%20of%20Lord%20Buddha&first=Guest%20%281%29:%20Now,%20how%20that%20kind%20of%20living%20or%20what&last=giving%20that%20hint%20in%20spiritual%20life,%20not%20in%20this%20life. Vanisource: Room Conversation -- January 17, 1971]</ref>

Further, Śrīla Prabhupāda insisted that if one professes to be a follower of Buddha, then he must be willing to perfect this knowledge with practical action. Śrīla Prabhupāda recommended to a guest with whom he spoke at a university city in the United States:

<blockquote>You practice Buddha if you appreciate him. You give up everything like Buddha and meditate. But that you will not do. Then what is the talking of, useless talking about this? Do something. Either you believe Buddha or Jesus Christ or Kṛṣṇa. Do something. Don't talk simply. Lord Buddha is very nice. He gave up his kingdom in youthful life. He was prince. He thought, "It is all nonsense. Let me meditate." Do like that. That is the disease. We won't do anything. We talk much of this, that, this, that. Do anything, but do it perfectly. "Jack of all trade, master of none." That is not good. Be master of something. It doesn't differ. Either you follow Lord Jesus Christ or Lord Buddha or Kṛṣṇa, it doesn't matter much. But do it perfectly. That is our request.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversation_--_May_10,_1969,_Columbus,_Ohio?terms=Either%20you%20believe%20Buddha%20or%20Jesus%20Christ%20or%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a.%20Do%20something.%20Don%27t%20talk%20simply&first=Guest%20%283%29:%20Buddha%20taught%20very%20similar%20things%20to%20what%20the&last=matter%20much.%20But%20do%20it%20perfectly.%20That%20is%20our%20request. Vanisource: Room Conversation – May 10, 1969]</ref></blockquote>

In another exchange, Śrīla Prabhupāda responded to an aspiring devotee in Germany, writing:

<blockquote>You have got a strong tendency to accept the Buddha philosophy, but you should know it also that if you want to accept Buddha philosophy you should act practically for this purpose. Lord Buddha was the embodiment of renunciation. He was in the princely order, grown up very luxuriantly, and he accepted the order of a mendicant, devoting his whole time to meditation. I meet many people who talk of Buddha philosophy, but their practical life is different.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Letter_to_Bertl_--_Los_Angeles_18_April,_1970?terms=I%20meet%20many%20people%20who%20talk%20of%20Buddha%20philosophy,%20but%20their%20practical%20life%20is%20different&first=Please%20accept%20my%20blessings.%20I%20am%20very%20much%20glad%20to&last=will%20never%20be%20cured%20of%20your%20present%20diseased%20mental%20condition. Vanisource: Letter to Bertl -- Los Angeles, 18 April 1970]</ref></blockquote>

In the end, Śrīla Prabhupāda recommends the Vaiṣṇava process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness (devotional service and chanting the Lord's holy name) as the superior path both philosophically and practically. Nonetheless, to arrive to that conclusion, he was willing to take the intermediate step of addressing Lord Buddha's teachings seriously.

====Stop animal slaughter====

Another clear theme along these lines is Śrīla Prabhupāda’s call for Buddhists to be true to the teachings of their ''ācārya'' and oppose slaughterhouse culture. In one instance, Śrīla Prabhupāda spoke about meat-eating when at a business meeting with representatives from Dai Nippon, the Japanese company that was handling the printing of his books.

::Dai Nippon representative: I am Buddhist.

::Prabhupāda: So Buddhist religion I think animal sacrifice is prohibited, or what? Animal killing? What your religion says about animal killing. Stop or not?

::Dai Nippon representative: In Buddhism, in my religion, originally it was, prohibited, but now, (laughs) somewhat changed.

::Prabhupāda: So you come to again to the original. Yes. This Kṛṣṇa consciousness, we are teaching no animal killing, no illicit sex, no gambling, no intoxication. All my students, they are strictly following these principles all over the world.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversation_with_Dai_Nippon_--_April_22,_1972,_Tokyo?terms=So%20Buddhist%20religion%20I%20think%20animal%20sacrifice%20is%20prohibited,%20or%20what?%20Animal%20killing&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20So%20Lord%20Buddha%20appeared%20to%20stop%20animal%20killing.%20Ke%C5%9Bava&last=doesn%27t%20matter.%20If%20you%20are%20satisfied,%20their%20business%20is%20successful. Vanisource: Room Conversation with Dai Nippon – April 22, 1972]</ref>

Śrīla Prabhupāda also discussed the topic with a Buddhist monk, who had himself been preaching against organized animal slaughter. Here he appeals for cooperation in a common mission:

::Prabhupāda: This ghee-producing animal, and they're killing. Just see how much injustice. They have no sense even. I exact from you all the resources, and then I kill you. What is this?

::Buddhist Monk (1): For no other reason but for greed again.

::Prabhupāda: Yes. Simply... I have seen. I was telling that these people take meat, a small slice, not very much. But because they are taking, everyone, so many slaughterhouse are maintained. If they give up little, and we can replace it by other thing, then so many lives are saved. Swamiji, if you, your most philosophical thesis is ahiṁsā, you can teach them and that will help us also. <ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversation_with_Two_Buddhist_Monks_--_July_12,_1973,_London?terms=slaughterhouse&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20This%20ghee-producing%20animal,%20and%20they%27re%20killing.%20Just%20see%20how&last=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20Mind. Vanisource: Room Conversation with Two Buddhist Monks – July 12, 1973]</ref>

And beyond conversation, we find this clear request in the purport to ''Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam'' 1.3.24 - testimony to Śrīla Prabhupāda’s emphasis on this point:

<blockquote>We are glad that people are taking interest in the nonviolent movement of Lord Buddha. But will they take the matter very seriously and close the animal slaughterhouses altogether? If not, there is no meaning to the ahiṁsā cult.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.3.24?terms=We%20are%20glad%20that%20people%20are%20taking%20interest%20in%20the%20nonviolent%20movement%20of%20Lord%20Buddha.%20But%20will%20they%20take%20the%20matter%20very%20seriously%20and%20close%20the%20animal%20slaughterhouses%20altogether&first=Mah%C4%81r%C4%81ja%20Par%C4%ABk%E1%B9%A3it%20said%20that%20only%20the%20animal-killer%20cannot%20relish%20the&last=If%20not,%20there%20is%20no%20meaning%20to%20the%20ahi%E1%B9%81s%C4%81%20cult. Vanisource: SB 1.3.24, Purport]</ref></blockquote>

====Common ground====

Many times Śrīla Prabhupāda would highlight the common ground between the Buddhists and the Vaisnavas. The excerpts cited above <ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.3.24?terms=We%20are%20glad%20that%20people%20are%20taking%20interest%20in%20the%20nonviolent%20movement%20of%20Lord%20Buddha.%20But%20will%20they%20take%20the%20matter%20very%20seriously%20and%20close%20the%20animal%20slaughterhouses%20altogether&first=Mah%C4%81r%C4%81ja%20Par%C4%ABk%E1%B9%A3it%20said%20that%20only%20the%20animal-killer%20cannot%20relish%20the&last=If%20not,%20there%20is%20no%20meaning%20to%20the%20ahi%E1%B9%81s%C4%81%20cult. Vanisource: SB 1.3.24, Purport] and [http://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversation_with_Two_Buddhist_Monks_--_July_12,_1973,_London?terms=slaughterhouse&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20This%20ghee-producing%20animal,%20and%20they%27re%20killing.%20Just%20see%20how&last=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20Mind. Vanisource: Room Conversation with Two Buddhist Monks – July 12, 1973]</ref> show two examples based on common philosophy. Other times, Prabhupāda would appeal to common points of heritage. In 1961, prior to the founding of ISKCON, he approached the Japanese organizers of the upcoming International Congress for Cultivating Human Spirit, writing:

<blockquote>Without spiritual culture a human society is another polished edition of the animals. There is no value of education in the animal society as the trained-up lion in a circus is never to be trusted. The lion is not trusted because it cannot assimilate spiritual knowledge. But a man is able to take up this knowledge and his formation of the brain is meant for it. It is nothing extraordinary for him because he is prepared for this culture and is awaiting proper administration only. The ways and means were envisaged by the liberated souls and especially by the sages of India and I proud to feel that Lord Buddha happened to be an Indian and we worship Him as incarnation of Godhead. His holy name is mentioned in the Vedic literature like Bhagavata. We can take help from the Bhagavata, the cream and ripen fruit of the Vedic literature, and stop at once the quarrel and turmoil of the present world.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Letter_to_Sir_--_Delhi_15_April,_1961?terms=The%20ways%20and%20means%20were%20envisaged%20by%20the%20liberated%20souls%20and%20especially%20by%20the%20sages%20of%20India%20and%20I%20proud%20to%20feel%20that%20Lord%20Buddha%20happened%20to%20be%20an%20Indian%20and%20we%20worship%20Him%20as%20incarnation%20of%20Godhead&first=Dear%20Sir,&last=this%20will%20meet%20you%20alright%20and%20more%20when%20we%20meet. Vanisource: Letter to Sir – Delhi, 15 April 1961]</ref></blockquote>

Some years later, writing to his budding following in Japan, Śrīla Prabhupāda opened a lengthy philosophical letter by drawing a parallel between Lord Caitanya and Lord Buddha:

<blockquote>It is a great opportunity that Sriman Sudama Das Adhikari, one of my American students, has gone to your country to spread the gospel of Krishna Consciousness under superior order. The original order is from Lord Caitanya Who appeared 484 years ago at Navadvipa, a district in Bengal, India, as Lord Buddha appeared at Gaya, a district in Behar, India. We, the followers of Vedic culture, accept both Lord Buddha and Lord Caitanya as incarnations of God, as both of them are stated to be so in the authorized Vedic scriptures.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Letter_to_Japanese_brothers_and_sisters_--_Los_Angeles_10_March,_1970?terms=We,%20the%20followers%20of%20Vedic%20culture,%20accept%20both%20Lord%20Buddha%20and%20Lord%20Caitanya%20as%20incarnations%20of%20God,%20as%20both%20of%20them%20are%20stated%20to%20be%20so%20in%20the%20authorized%20Vedic%20scriptures&first=My%20Dear%20Japanese%20brothers%20and%20sisters,&last=and%20thus%20be%20happy.%20Thank%20you%20very%20much. Vanisource: Letter to Japanese brothers and sisters – Los Angeles, 10 March 1970]</ref></blockquote>

====Lord Buddha as an incarnation of Kṛṣṇa====

Lord Buddha’s stature as an incarnation of Kṛṣṇa was fundamental to Śrīla Prabhupāda’s preaching among Buddhists. Speaking with a representative of Dai Nippon, he advised:

<blockquote>If you can preach Lord Buddha or Kṛṣṇa, it doesn't matter. I have already explained Lord Buddha is expansion of Kṛṣṇa. So if Lord Buddha is satisfied, then your life is successful. It doesn't matter what you are doing, but by your action Lord Buddha must be satisfied.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Room_Conversation_with_Dai_Nippon_--_April_22,_1972,_Tokyo?terms=If%20you%20can%20preach%20Lord%20Buddha%20or%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a,%20it%20doesn%27t%20matter.%20I%20have%20already%20explained%20Lord%20Buddha%20is%20expansion%20of%20K%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87a&first=Prabhup%C4%81da:%20We%20are%20all%20priests%20because%20we%20are%20preaching.%20All&last=doesn%27t%20matter.%20If%20you%20are%20satisfied,%20their%20business%20is%20successful. Vanisource: Room Conversation with Dai Nippon – April 22, 1972]</ref></blockquote>

In 1957, Śrīla Prabhupāda wrote to a prospective preacher in India:

<blockquote>For all practical purposes if we systematically preach to chant the holy name of Godhead, I think nobody, even the religious fanatic, will take objection to it. Every human being has a conception of the supreme truth. That conception is presented in some concrete shape. If therefore the Mussulman or the Christian denies to chant the name of Rama or Krishna we may ask him to chant the name of Allah or God respectively, and I think therefore there will be no objection even by the Buddhists if we simply ask them to chant the name of Lord of Buddha in the systematic way.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Letter_to_Sri_Padampat_Singhania_--_Kanpur_7_May,_1957?terms=I%20think%20therefore%20there%20will%20be%20no%20objection%20even%20by%20the%20Buddhists%20if%20we%20simply%20ask%20them%20to%20chant%20the%20name%20of%20Lord%20of%20Buddha%20in%20the%20systematic%20way&first=I%20have%20already%20mentioned%20about%20this%20Mantra%20in%20my%20previous&last=in%20the%20process%20of%20chanting,%20which%20are%20all%20philosophical%20truths. Vanisource: Letter to Sri Padampat Singhania – Kanpur, 7 May 1957]</ref></blockquote>

Later, he guided his young Western preachers who were questioning how to bring the Hare Kṛṣṇa movement to Buddhist Thailand: "Don't establish Deity. Talk on philosophy. We accept Lord Buddha as incarnation of God. Show in our books that we have got all respect for Buddha. We do not disrespect Lord Buddha, neither go against him."<ref>[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/So_they_will_not_make_some_objection_if_they_think_we_are_thinking_we_have_come_to_preach_Hinduism_in_a_Buddhist_country%3F Vaniquotes: So they will not make some objection if they thing we are thinking we have come to preach Hinduism in a Buddhist country?] - VedaBase reference: Room Conversation -- July 31, 1976, New Mayapur (French farm) [second conversation] See also [http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/First_of_all_the_Buddha_wanted_to_make_them_sinless,_%22Don%27t_kill%22 Vaniquotes: First of all the Buddha wanted to make them sinless...], for a short conversation between Śrīla Prabhupāda and a disciple about integrating Buddha's teachings into Vaisnava preaching in the Buddhist community</ref>

(Go to [[#.C5.9Ar.C4.ABla_Prabhup.C4.81da_speaks_to_present-day_followers_.28ref.29|references]])

==Conclusion==

[[File:All-incarnations-BBT.JPG|thumb|108px|link=]]

To conclude, Śrīla Prabhupāda's view of Lord Buddha, his teachings and his ministry may be summarized by Śrīla Prabhupāda's own words:

<blockquote>We should accept the instruction given by Vāsudeva and the śāstra, sādhu. Sādhu, śāstra, guru, they'll speak the same thing. Guru means who speaks on the basis of śāstra; otherwise he's not guru. And śāstra means the opinion of the great authorities. Just like Vyāsadeva, Parāśara Muni, Nārada Muni, modern ācāryas. We do not neglect. We may differ from the philosophical point of view—just like Buddha, Śaṅkarācārya. Vaiṣṇavas, they do not accept the philosophy of Buddha or Śaṅkarācārya. Buddha's philosophy: zero, śūnyavādi; and Śaṅkara's philosophy: nirviśeṣa-vādi, impersonal. So we defy these, nirviśeṣa-śūnyavādi. But we have got all respect for them. Don't think that we disrespect. Keśava dhṛta-buddha-śarīra jaya jagadīśa hare. And the Vaiṣṇavas know Śaṅkarācārya. Śaṅkara, svayaṁ śaṅkara, he is incarnation of Lord Śiva, and Lord Buddha is incarnation of Kṛṣṇa. So they come for particular purpose, to benefit the whole world. But that is for the time being. That is not permanent. The permanent solution is mataṁ ca vāsudevasya. That is permanent.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_SB_1.7.32-33_--_Vrndavana,_September_27,_1976?terms=Buddha+%C5%9Aa%E1%B9%85kar%C4%81c%C4%81rya+Buddha+%C5%9Aa%E1%B9%85kar%C4%81c%C4%81rya+Buddha+%C5%9Aa%E1%B9%85kara+buddha+%C5%9Aa%E1%B9%85kar%C4%81c%C4%81rya+%C5%9Aa%E1%B9%85kara+%C5%9Ba%E1%B9%85kara+Buddha&first=S%C4%81dhu,%20%C5%9B%C4%81stra,%20guru,%20they%27ll%20speak%20the%20same%20thing.%20Guru%20means&last=v%C4%81sudevasya.%20That%20is%20permanent.%20Mata%E1%B9%81%20ca%20v%C4%81sudevasya.%20That%20is%20permanent. Vanisource: Lecture on SB 1.7.32-33 -- Vrndavana, September 27, 1976] "Mataṁ ca vāsudevasya": the opinion or instruction of Vāsudeva, Kṛṣṇa</ref></blockquote>

<div style="clear:both;">
=References and Further Reading=

==PDF of this article==

*'''[http://vanimedia.org/w/images/6/6a/Buddha_A_Vaisnava_Perspective.pdf Download a PDF of this article here]'''

==Vanisource==

===Key verses and purports===

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_4.7 '''BG 4.7''', Purport] – Lord Buddha as incarnation, or avatāra

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.3.24 '''SB 1.3.24''', Text and Purport] – primary reference to the appearance of Lord Buddha and his mission as an incarnation of the Supreme Lord; purport gives a concise summary of the various aspects Śrīla Prabhupāda discusses throughout

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.3.28 '''SB 1.3.28''',Text] – explanation of incarnations in reference to previous verses (including SB 1.3.24)

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_2.7.37 '''SB 2.7.37''', Purport] – text refers to a Buddha incarnation from another yuga; however, Śrīla Prabhupāda explains the common purpose of all Buddha incarnations in his purport

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_6.8.19 '''SB 6.8.19''', Text and Purport] – Buddha incarnation and his mission

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Madhya_6.168 '''CC Madhya 6.168''', Text and Purport] – Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu on Buddhist philosophy

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Madhya_9.49 '''CC Madhya 9.49''', Text and Purport] - Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu defeats the Buddhist philosophy; Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport expounds on this critique

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Madhya_25.42 '''CC Madhya 25.42''', Purport] – Mission and purpose of Lord Buddha

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/NOD_7 '''Nectar of Devotion 7''', Following in the footsteps of saintly persons] - Lord Buddha and his mission mentioned in Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī's ''Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu''

*'''Daśāvatāra-stotra''', by Śrīla Jayadeva Gosvāmī – Vaiṣṇava ācārya's prayer indicating Lord Buddha's mission, frequently cited by Śrīla Prabhupāda. See the Vaniquotes compilation, [http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/As_described_by_Srila_Jayadeva_Gosvami_in_his_Dasavatara-stotra,_Lord_Buddha_apparently_decried_the_Vedic_knowledge As described by Śrīla Jayadeva Gosvāmī in his Daśāvatāra-stotra...]

'''Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam texts in which Lord Buddha is specifically mentioned:'''

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.3.24 '''SB 1.3.24''']
*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_5.15.1 '''SB 5.15.1''']
*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_6.8.19 '''SB 6.8.19''']
*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_8.3.12 '''SB 8.3.12''']
*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_10.40.22 '''SB 10.40.22''']
*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_11.4.22 '''SB 11.4.22''']

'''Related texts:'''

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.5.15 '''SB 1.5.15''', Text and Purport] - Śrī Nārada Muni foresees the abuse of recommendations in the Vedic literature
*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_3.28.35 '''SB 3.28.25''', Text and Purport] - Vaiṣṇava explanation of ''nirvāṇa''
*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_10.1.4 '''SB 10.1.4''', Text and Purport] - reference to ''paśu-ghnāt'' (animal-killers), frequently cited by Śrīla Prabhupāda
* '''Cāṇakya-śloka 10''' - Śrīla Prabhupāda draws a parallel between Lord Buddha's teaching and the moral instruction of Cāṇakya Pandita. See the Vaniquotes compilation, [http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/From_ordinary_moral_point_of_view,_it_is_said_by_Canakya_Pandita,_atmavat_sarva-bhutesu:_treat_all_living_entities_as_you_want_to_be_treated From ordinary moral point of view, it is said by Cāṇakya Pandita, ātmavat sarva-bhūteṣu: treat all living entities as you want to be treated]

===Lectures, Conversations and Letters===

The best way to identify key lectures, conversations and letters is through the [[#Notes|notes]] and the [[#Pages|Vaniquotes page references]] given below. The notes generally cite Vanisource directly. Vaniquotes is also very helpful for locating source material, as each quote includes a link to its full source text in Vanisource.

==Vaniquotes==

===Categories===

Vaniquotes categories are general topic areas for research and study based on key words (or phrases) and themes.

====Direct references====

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Buddha Buddha]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Buddha_Incarnation Buddha Incarnation]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Appearance_of_Lord_Buddha Appearance of Lord Buddha]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Nirvana_and_Buddha%27s_Philosophy Nirvāṇa and Buddha’s Philosophy]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Buddha_and_Atheism Buddha and Atheism]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Buddha_and_Ahimsa,_or_Nonviolence Buddha and Ahiṁsā, or Nonviolence]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Buddha_and_Vedic_Authority Buddha and Vedic Authority]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Lord_Buddha%27s_Preaching Lord Buddha’s Preaching]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Buddhist_Philosophy Buddhist Philosophy]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Buddhist_Philosophy_and_Mayavada_Philosophy Buddhist Philosophy and Mayavada Philosophy]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Buddhism Buddhism]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Buddhist Buddhist]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Buddha_and_Sankaracarya Buddha and Śaṅkarācārya]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Questions_on..._Buddha Questions on... Buddha]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Questions_on..._Buddhism Questions on... Buddhism]

====Related topics====

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Ahimsa Ahiṁsā]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Nonviolence Nonviolence]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Nirvana Nirvāṇa]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Desireless Desireless]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Sunyavadi Śūnyavādī]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Void Void]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Zero Zero]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Make_it_Zero Make It Zero]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Incarnations Incarnations]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Avatara Avatāra]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Lila-avataras Lila-avatāras]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Saktyavesa-avataras Śaktyavesa-avatāras]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Killing_Animals Killing Animals]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Vedas_and_Animal_Sacrifice Vedas and Animal Sacrifice]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Animal_Slaughter Animal Slaughter]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Authority_of_the_Vedas Authority of the Vedas]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Atheism Atheism]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:There_Is_No_God "There Is No God"]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Dasavatara-stotra Daśāvatāra-stotra]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Emperor_Asoka Emperor Aśoka]

===Pages===
Vaniquotes pages are compilations or selected single quotes. They are collected under the Vaniquotes categories, and their content is indicated by title. The following list is not exhaustive; additional pages may be found by browsing any of the Vaniquotes categories listed above.

Page references are listed here according to sections of this article. (Many pages will also cover more than one subtopic.)

====Historical overview (ref)====

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Srimad-Bhagavatam_was_compiled_by_Vyasadeva_five_thousand_years_ago,_and_Lord_Buddha_appeared_about_two-thousand-six-hundred_years_ago._Therefore_the_appearance_of_Lord_Buddha_was_foretold,_in_future_tense._This_is_called_sastra ''Śrīmad Bhāgavatam'' was compiled by Vyāsadeva five thousand years ago, and Lord Buddha appeared about two-thousand-six-hundred years ago…]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Lord_Buddha_was_a_prince Lord Buddha was a prince]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Lord_Buddha%27s_renunciation Lord Buddha’s renunciation]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Under_the_patronage_of_a_Hindu_king,_Maharaja_Asoka,_the_Buddhist_religion_was_spread_all_over_India_and_the_adjoining_countries Under the patronage of a Hindu king, Mahārāja Aśoka, the Buddhist religion was spread all over India and the adjoining countries]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Sankaracarya_drove_Buddhism_out_of_India Śaṅkarācārya drove Buddhism out of India]

([[#Historical_overview|back to section]])

====Incarnation of God (ref)====

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/In_the_Srimad-Bhagavatam_there_is_a_great_list_of_incarnations,_and_Buddha,_Lord_Buddha,_is_accepted_as_one_of_the_incarnations_who_would_appear In the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam there is a great list of incarnations...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Lord_Buddha_as_a_saktyavesa-avatara Lord Buddha as a ṣaktyāveṣa avatāra]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/As_described_by_Srila_Jayadeva_Gosvami_in_his_Dasavatara-stotra,_Lord_Buddha_apparently_decried_the_Vedic_knowledge As described by Srila Jayadeva Gosvāmī in his Daśāvatāra-stotra...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/The_Supreme_Personality_of_Godhead,_out_of_His_six_opulences,_one_opulence_is_renouncement._So_Lord_Buddha%27s_life_is_renouncement The Supreme Personality of Godhead, out of His six opulences, one opulence is renouncement...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Buddha_avatara Buddha avatāra]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Srimad-Bhagavatam_was_compiled_by_Vyasadeva_five_thousand_years_ago,_and_Lord_Buddha_appeared_about_two-thousand-six-hundred_years_ago._Therefore_the_appearance_of_Lord_Buddha_was_foretold,_in_future_tense._This_is_called_sastra Srimad-Bhagavatam was compiled by Vyāsadeva five thousand years ago...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Names_of_twenty-five_lila-avataras_who_appear_in_one_day_of_Brahma,_which_is_called_a_kalpa,_so_are_sometimes_called_kalpa-avataras Names of twenty-five līlā-avatāras...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Saktyavesa-avataras_are_incarnations_invested_with_transcendental_power_of_attorney Ṣaktyāveṣa avatāras are incarnations invested with transcendental power of attorney]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Without_reference_to_the_sastras_there_can_be_no_question_of_accepting_anyone_as_an_incarnation_of_the_Supreme_Personality_of_Godhead Without reference to the śāstras, there can be no question of accepting anyone as an incarnation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead]

([[#Incarnation_of_God|back to section]])

====Mission of Lord Buddha (ref)====

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Lord_Buddha_incarnates_at_a_time_when_the_people_are_most_materialistic_and_preaches_common-sense_religious_principles Lord Buddha incarnates at a time when the people are most materialistic and preaches common-sense religious principles]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Kalpa-avataras Kalpa-avatāras]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Lila-avataras Līlā-avatāras]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/As_described_by_Srila_Jayadeva_Gosvami_in_his_Dasavatara-stotra,_Lord_Buddha_apparently_decried_the_Vedic_knowledge As described by Śrīla Jayadeva Gosvāmī in his Daśāvatāra-stotra...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Buddha_and_animal_sacrifice Buddha and animal sacrifice]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Lord_Buddha_is_the_incarnation_of_Godhead._As_such,_he_is_the_original_propounder_of_Vedic_knowledge._He_therefore_cannot_reject_Vedic_philosophy Lord Buddha is the incarnation of Godhead. As such, he is the original propounder of Vedic knowledge. He therefore cannot reject Vedic philosophy]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Lord_Buddha%27s_only_mission_was,_%22Let_these_rascals_first_of_all_stop_this_animal-killing,_then_they%27ll_understand_further_about_spiritual_advancement%22 Lord Buddha's only mission was, "Let these rascals first of all stop this animal-killing..."]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/God_consciousness,_Krsna_consciousness,_cannot_be_understood_by_the_animal-killer God consciousness, Krsna consciousness, cannot be understood by the animal-killer]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Lord_Buddha%27s_mission_was_to_stop_animal_sacrifice_and_animal_killing Lord Buddha's mission was to stop animal sacrifice and animal killing]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Lord_Buddha_and_animal_killing Buddha and animal killing]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Buddha_and_ahimsa,_or_nonviolence Buddha and ahiṁsā, or nonviolence]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Unless_one_is_free_from_the_sin_of_animal-killing,_he_cannot_understand_religion_or_God Unless one is free from the sin of animal-killing, he cannot understand religion or God]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Ahimsa._%22Don%27t_kill.%22_That_is_the_greatest_sin._So_Lord_Buddha_is_propagating_that_%22Let_these_people_be_saved_from_the_greatest_sinful_activities%22 Ahiṁsā. Don't kill. That is the greatest sin...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Pasu-ghna_-_killer_of_animals,_killer_of_the_soul Paśu-ghna - killer of animals, killer of the soul]

([[#Mission_of_Lord_Buddha|back to section]])

====Preaching and teachings (ref)====

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Lord_Buddha_preached_that_there_is_no_God Lord Buddha preached that there is no God]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/According_to_Lord_Buddha,_his_theory_is_that_due_to_the_combination_of_material_elements,_this_body_has_come_into_existence._Now,_some_way_or_other,_if_these_material_elements_are_separated_or_dismantled,_then_the_cause_of_distress_is_removed According to Lord Buddha, his theory is that due to the combination of material elements...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Buddha_philosophy_means_that_this_whole_existence_of_our_body_or_our_self_is_the_combination_of_matter._That_is_the_way_of_thinking_of_modern_scientists_also Buddha philosophy means that this whole existence of our body or our self is the combination of matter. That is the way of thinking of modern scientists also]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Take_Lord_Jesus_Christ_or_Krsna_or_Mohammed_or_Lord_Buddha._Nobody_has_said_that_%22You_will_be_happy_in_this_material_world.%22 Take Lord Jesus Christ or Kṛṣṇa or Mohammed or Lord Buddha. Nobody has said that "You will be happy in this material world."]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/When_Lord_Buddha_preached_his_theory_of_nonviolence,_he_was_obliged_to_deny_the_authority_of_the_Vedas When Lord Buddha preached his theory of nonviolence, he was obliged to deny the authority of the Vedas]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/The_Buddhists,_they_are_called_nastika_according_to_our_sastra,_because_Lord_Buddha_denied_the_authority_of_the_Vedas The Buddhists, they are called nāstika according to our śāstra, because Lord Buddha denied the authority of the Vedas]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Narada_Muni_did_not_directly_deprecate_the_value_of_performing_sacrifices_in_which_animals_are_sacrificed._Lord_Buddha,_however,_directly_rejected_all_animal_sacrifice Nārada Muni did not directly deprecate the value of performing sacrifices in which animals are sacrificed. Lord Buddha, however, directly rejected all animal sacrifice]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Buddhist_philosophy_does_not_admit_the_existence_of_the_spirit_soul Buddha philosophy does not admit the existence of the spirit soul]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Lord_Buddha%27s_mission_was_to_stop_animal_sacrifice_and_animal_killing Lord Buddha's mission was to stop animal sacrifice and animal killing]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/The_main_principle_of_Lord_Buddha%27s_preaching_was_ahimsa_-_non-violence,_no_animal-killing,_no_meat-eating The main principle of Lord Buddha's preaching was ahimsa - non-violence, no animal-killing, no meat-eating]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Lord_Buddha_promulgamated_a_new_type_of_religion_-_ahimsa_paramo_dharmah._%22Don%27t_commit_violence._If_I_pinch_your_body,_you_feel_pain._You_should_not_pinch_others%22 Lord Buddha promulgated a new type of religion - ahiṁsaḥ paramo-dharmaḥ. Don't commit violence. If I pinch your body, you feel pain. You should not pinch others]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Lord_Buddha_preached_ahimsa_paramo_dharmah:_%22The_best_religious_principle_is_to_become_nonviolent%22 Lord Buddha preached ahiṁsaḥ paramo dharmaḥ: The best religious principle is to become nonviolent]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Atmavat_sarva-bhutesu:_one_should_feel_the_happiness_and_distress_of_others_as_his_own._It_is_on_this_basis_that_the_Buddhist_religious_principle_of_nonviolence_-_ahimsah_parama-dharmah_-_is_established Ātmavat sarva-bhūteṣu: one should feel the happiness and distress of others as his own. It is on this basis that the Buddhist religious principle of nonviolence - ahiṁsaḥ parama-dharmaḥ - is established.]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Desirelessness_and_nirvana Desirelessness and nirvāṇa]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/The_Buddhists_are_not_so_advanced_that_there_is_spiritual_desire._That_they_do_not_understand._But_so_far_the_material_desirelessness,_that_is_accepted_by_us_also The Buddhists are not so advanced that there is spiritual desire...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Lord_Buddha_preached_ahimsa_paramo_dharmah:_%22The_best_religious_principle_is_to_become_nonviolent%22 Lord Buddha preached ahiṁsaḥ paramo dharmaḥ: The best religious principle is to become nonviolent]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/In_the_Vedas_there_is_sometimes_recommendation,_not_for_killing,_but_for_giving_rejuvenation_to_an_animal._But_killing,_in_that_sense,_is_there_for_sacrifice._But_Lord_Buddha_did_not_accept_even_animal_killing_in_sacrifice In the Vedas there is sometimes recommendation, not for killing, but for giving rejuvenation to an animal...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Buddha_and_animal_sacrifice Buddha and animal sacrifice]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Lord_Buddha_and_animal_killing Lord Buddha and animal killing]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Nirvana_and_Buddha%27s_philosophy_%28Books%29 Nirvāṇa and Buddha's philosophy (Books)]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Nirvana_and_Buddha%27s_philosophy_%28Lectures%29 Nirvāṇa and Buddha's philosophy (Lectures)]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Nirvana_and_Buddha%27s_philosophy_%28Conv._and_Letters%29 Nirvāṇa and Buddha's philosophy (Conversations and Letters)]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Buddha%27s_philosophy:_zero,_sunyavada Buddha's philosophy: zero, śūnyavāda]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/The_people_for_whom_this_Buddha_philosophy_was_preached,_they_were_not_very_intelligent_class_of_men The people for whom this Buddha philosophy was preached, they were not very intelligent class of men]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/The_void_philosophy,_nirvana,_that_indicates_that_you_should_completely_finish_these_material_desires._That_is_Lord_Buddha%27s_philosophy,_nirvana The void philosophy, nirvāṇa, that indicates that you should completely finish these material desires. That is Lord Buddha's philosophy, nirvana] - Vaiṣṇava version of nirvāṇa

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/As_in_the_material_world_there_is_material_construction,_in_the_spiritual_world_there_is_spiritual_construction As in the material world there is material construction, in the spiritual world there is spiritual construction] - broad comparison of Buddhist philosophy with Vaiṣṇava and Māyāvāda philosophies

([[#Preaching_and_teachings|back to section]])

====Understanding Lord Buddha and his mission (ref)====

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Lord_Buddha_came_to_cheat_the_atheists Lord Buddha came to cheat the atheists]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Lord_Buddha_appeared_for_the_purpose_of_bewildering_the_demons_or_atheists Lord Buddha appeared for the purpose of bewildering the demons or atheists]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Buddha_and_ahimsa,_or_nonviolence Buddha and ahimsa, or nonviolence]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Lord_Buddha_preached_that_there_is_no_God Lord Buddha preached that there is no God]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/First_of_all_the_Buddha_wanted_to_make_them_sinless,_%22Don%27t_kill%22 First of all the Buddha wanted to make them sinless, "Don't kill"]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/When_Lord_Buddha_preached_his_theory_of_nonviolence,_he_was_obliged_to_deny_the_authority_of_the_Vedas When Lord Buddha preached his theory of nonviolence, he was obliged to deny the authority of the Vedas]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/The_Buddhists,_they_are_called_nastika_according_to_our_sastra,_because_Lord_Buddha_denied_the_authority_of_the_Vedas The Buddhists, they are called nāstika, because Lord Buddha denied the authority of the Vedas]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/The_people_for_whom_this_Buddha_philosophy_was_preached,_they_were_not_very_intelligent_class_of_men The people for whom this Buddha philosophy was preached, they were not very intelligent class of men]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Lord_Buddha_knew_that_they_cannot_meditate._But_in_order_to_stop_their_nonsense,_he_simply_said,_%22Sit_down._Meditate.%22_That%27s_all Lord Buddha know that they cannot meditate. But in order to stop their nonsense, he simply said, "Sit down. Meditate." That's all]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/There_is_consideration,_desa-kala-patra:_desa_means_situation,_and_kala,_time,_and_patra,_and_the_subject There is consideration, deśa-kāla-pātra...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/According_to_the_time,_circumstances,_different_types_of_philosophies_are_there According to time, circumstances, different types of philosophies are there]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Buddha_and_Jesus Buddha and Jesus]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Buddha_and_Sankaracarya_%28Books%29 Buddha and Śaṅkarācārya (Books)]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Buddha_and_Sankaracarya_%28Lectures%29 Buddha and Śaṅkarācārya (Lectures)]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Buddha_and_Śaṅkarācārya_%28Conv._and_Letters%29 Buddha and Sankaracarya (Conv. and Letters)]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Buddhist_temples Buddhist temples]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/The_point_is_that_in_any_religion_there_is_a_conception_of_worshiping_God_or_symbol_of_God The point is that in any religion there is a conception of worshiping God or a symbol of God]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Lord_Buddha_preached_the_preliminary_principles_of_the_Vedas_in_a_manner_suitable_for_the_time_being Lord Buddha preached the preliminary principles of the Vedas in a manner suitable for the time being]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/We_are_preaching_the_highest_principles_of_loving_service_to_the_Supreme_Personality_of_Godhead,_and_as_such,_there_is_no_scope_for_compromising_with_any_of_the_kinds_of_philosophies_of_the_impersonalist_school We are preaching the highest principles of loving service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and as such there is no scope for compromising with any of the kinds of philosophies of the impersonalist school] - historical overview and comparisons

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/There_are_different_kinds_of_philosophies_in_the_world,_but_Lord_Caitanya%27s_philosophy_is_the_superphilosophy There are different kinds of philosophies in the world, but Lord Caitanya's philosophy is the superphilosophy]

(Note: Most references for the section [[#Preaching and teachings (ref)|Preaching and teachings]] will contain material pertinent to this section as well.)

([[#Understanding_Lord_Buddha_and_his_mission|back to section]])

====Śrīla Prabhupāda speaks to present-day followers (ref)====

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/So_how_you_will_adjust_Krsna_philosophy_and_Buddha_philosophy%3F So how will you adjust Krsna philosophy and Buddha philosophy?]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/I_meet_many_people_who_talk_of_Buddha_philosophy,_but_their_practical_life_is_different I meet many people who talk of Buddha philosophy, but their practical life is different]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Either_you_believe_Buddha_or_Jesus_Christ_or_Krsna._Do_something._Don%27t_talk_simply Either you believe Buddha or Jesus Christ or Krsna. Do something. Don’t talk simply]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/So_they_will_not_make_some_objection_if_they_think_we_are_thinking_we_have_come_to_preach_Hinduism_in_a_Buddhist_country%3F So they will not make some objection if they think we are thinking we have come to preach Hinduism in a Buddhist country?]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Your_temple_%28in_Tokyo%29_can_be_named_as_New_Gaya Your temple in Tokyo can be named New Gaya]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Lord_Buddha,_we_have_to_accept_him_as_an_authority,_Lord_Buddha._Now,_he_gives_you_idea_that_no_misery._So_how_do_you_accept_these_words_of_Lord_Buddha%3F Lord Buddha, we have to accept him as an authority...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/All_great_sages_of_the_world_-_like_Lord_Krishna,_Lord_Buddha,_Lord_Christ,_Hazrat_Mohammed,_Acarya_Sankara,_Acarya_Ramanuja,_Lord_Caitanya_-_all_lived_for_enlightening_men_in_this_culture_of_human_spirit All great sages of the world...lived for enlightening men in this culture of human spirit]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/So_Buddhist_religion_I_think_animal_sacrifice_is_prohibited,_or_what%3F_Animal_killing%3F So Buddhist religion, I think animal sacrifice is prohibited, or what? Animal-killing?]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/The_ways_and_means_were_envisaged_by_the_liberated_souls_and_especially_by_the_sages_of_India,_and_I_am_proud_to_feel_that_Lord_Buddha_happened_to_be_an_Indian_and_we_worship_Him_as_incarnation_of_Godhead The ways and means were envisaged by the liberated souls and especially by the sages of India...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/We,_the_followers_of_Vedic_culture,_accept_both_Lord_Buddha_and_Lord_Caitanya_as_incarnations_of_God,_as_both_of_them_are_stated_to_be_so_in_the_authorized_Vedic_scriptures We, the followers of Vedic culture, accept both Lord Buddha and Lord Caitanya as incarnations of God...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/The_Buddhists_are_not_so_advanced_that_there_is_spiritual_desire._That_they_do_not_understand._But_so_far_the_material_desirelessness,_that_is_accepted_by_us_also The Buddhists are not so advanced that there is spiritual desire...]

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/We_are_glad_that_people_are_taking_interest_in_the_nonviolent_movement_of_Lord_Buddha._But_will_they_take_the_matter_very_seriously_and_close_the_animal_slaughterhouses_altogether%3F We are glad that people are taking interest in the nonviolent movement of Lord Buddha...]

([[#.C5.9Ar.C4.ABla_Prabhup.C4.81da_speaks_to_present-day_followers|back to section]])

==Notes==

<references />

==Related articles in Vanipedia==

*[[Animal-Killing in Human Society]]
*[[Avataras - Incarnations of God]]
*[[Srila Prabhupada Critiques Impersonalist Philosophy]]
*[[Krsna's Expansions, Potencies and Incarnations]] (Index)

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==References and Further Reading==

===Vaniquotes===

====Categories====

Vaniquotes categories are general topic areas for research and study based on key words (or phrases) and themes.

====Pages====

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===Vanisource===

Key texts and purports

==Subtopics for Development==

Srila Prabhupada and the Bhaktivedanta Institute

2026-05-17T15:03:06Z

Visnu Murti:

[[Category:Introductory Articles to Vaniquotes]]
Srila Prabhupada and the Bhaktivedanta Institute

This article is to research Srila Prabhupada’s instructions on scientific
preaching, and come up with a clear vision for the future of scientific preaching
and the Bhaktivedanta Institute. And give a thorough research of Srila Prabhupada's
instructions on scientific preaching and about the BI.

First I want to present, through quotes of Srila Prabhupada, what his ideas are concerning the Bhaktivedanta Instute:

We also want to point out the validity of the BI, and also that in some sense they hold a greater authority then Srila Prabhupada on certain so-called scientific matters, like the scientists, or so-called scientists opinion on the moon: [[Vaniquotes:Regarding the scientists' opinion on the moon, we have entrusted our own three scientists namely Svarupa Damodara, Sadaputa, and Madhva and we leave the matter to them, we do not say anything ourselves, but are leaving it to them|Regarding the scientists' opinion on the moon, we have entrusted our own three scientists namely Svarupa Damodara, Sadaputa, and Madhva and we leave the matter to them, we do not say anything ourselves, but are leaving it to them]]

Further I will try to present quotes that describe the purpose of BI according to Srila Prabhupada:
[[Vaniquotes:We have formed the Bhaktivedanta Institute for organizing scientific presentations of Krishna Consciousness. This party is our most important preaching arm with which we will be able to destroy the bogus speculation and cheating|We have formed the Bhaktivedanta Institute for organizing scientific presentations of Krishna Consciousness. This party is our most important preaching arm with which we will be able to destroy the bogus speculation and cheating]]

Then we want to present the general way Srila Prabhupada preached himself to scientists. As he is our acarya in ISKCON, he expected us to follow him, and of course Srila Prabhupada also on numerous occasions, is instructing his disciples, not so much to cooperate with the scientists, or to build bridges etc, rather he instructed them to do a whole other thing: Challenge the scientists: [[Vaniquotes:Prabhupada Challenging the Scientists|Prabhupada Challenging the Scientists]].

We also want to make a category where Prabhuapa instructs how scientists should behave themselves: [[Vaniquotes:By your knowledge. If you are scientist, you are chemist, through chemical challenge you try to glorify the Supreme Lord. If you are physicist, from physical point of view, try to explain|By your knowledge. If you are scientist, you are chemist, through chemical challenge you try to glorify the Supreme Lord. If you are physicist, from physical point of view, try to explain]]

This does not mean that we should put all our efforts into changing the existing scientists. This is simply a recommendation.
So one suggestion is that the BI can maintain their good relations and the they create a new entity who can challenge the scientists.

Srila Prabhupada felt the current scientists are challenging the established order of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Krsna: [[Vaniquotes:Ravana and Hiranyakasipu and many others become very famous due to advancing material civilization by the help of material science and other activities with a spirit of challenging the established order of the Lord|Ravana and Hiranyakasipu and many others become very famous due to advancing material civilization by the help of material science and other activities with a spirit of challenging the established order of the Lord]]. And thus he compared them with such characters as Ravana and Hiranyakasipu…

Personally I have not found any quotes where Prabhupada wants us to cooperate with the scientists, rather Srila Prabhupada wanted us to challenge the current establishment: [[Vaniquotes:Blind man leading other blind men. There is no sense. Whole civilization. It is, this Krsna con..., our movement is a challenge to everyone, a challenge, genuine challenge. After all, everyone wants happiness, but they do not know what is happiness|Blind man leading other blind men. There is no sense. Whole civilization. It is, this Krsna con..., our movement is a challenge to everyone, a challenge, genuine challenge. After all, everyone wants happiness, but they do not know what is happiness]]

[[Vaniquotes:I am very much encouraged to learn that you are bold enough to challenge any nondevotee as you did with that impersonalist yoga student. That should be the temperament of all our preachers|I am very much encouraged to learn that you are bold enough to challenge any nondevotee as you did with that impersonalist yoga student. That should be the temperament of all our preachers]]

This is not just some incident to encourage a disciple, this is a general instruction, and it reflects Prabhupada's mood how to deal with Western, so called scientists: [[Vaniquotes:The Krsna consciousness movement is the only challenge to this devilish life of the human society|The Krsna consciousness movement is the only challenge to this devilish life of the human society]]

[[Vaniquotes:I am very much encouraged to learn that you are bold enough to challenge any nondevotee as you did with that impersonalist yoga student. That should be the temperament of all our preachers|I am very much encouraged to learn that you are bold enough to challenge any nondevotee as you did with that impersonalist yoga student. That should be the temperament of all our preachers]]

Prabhupada wanted especially Darwin's theory to be challenged:
[[Vaniquotes:The rascal Darwin's theory. So many, based on this foolish theory, wrong conception of life. So we have to challenge, protest. defeat. This will be our work|The rascal Darwin's theory. So many, based on this foolish theory, wrong conception of life. So we have to challenge, protest. defeat. This will be our work]]

Prabhupada gave us different examples how to challenge Darwin: [[Vaniquotes:According to Darwin's theory, 5000 years ago, men were uncivilized. Now this literature is written by uncivilized men. Just see. So highly intellectual writings, they were uncivilized. Now they have become civilized. That is Darwin's theory|According to Darwin's theory, 5000 years ago, men were uncivilized. Now this literature is written by uncivilized men. Just see. So highly intellectual writings, they were uncivilized. Now they have become civilized. That is Darwin's theory]]

[[Vaniquotes:According to the foolish Darwinian theory of the anthropologists, it is said that forty thousand years ago Homo sapiens had not appeared on this planet because the process of evolution had not reached that point|According to the foolish Darwinian theory of the anthropologists, it is said that forty thousand years ago Homo sapiens had not appeared on this planet because the process of evolution had not reached that point]]
Here is another interesting example how to challenge Darwin's theory: [[Vaniquotes:Darwin's theory is a failure because he cannot explain that why there are different types humans, white men, black men, colored men, deformed men and no one's face is identical to anyone|Darwin's theory is a failure because he cannot explain that why there are different types humans, white men, black men, colored men, deformed men and no one's face is identical to anyone]]
We leave it up to the Bhaktivedanta Institute to find the right way to present this, i.e. how to proof this particular statement, how to find and present the evidence, and how to formulate the conclusion.
For more examples please see [[Vaniquotes:Category:Examples How To Challenge Darwin|Examples How To Challenge Darwin]]

In fact we can challenge anyone, not just Darwin, but scientists, or so-called scientists and philosophers: [[Vaniquotes:There is no doubt about it that our philosophy is the supermost perfect presentation. We can challenge any other philosophy and establish that this Krishna Consciousness is the panacea for all material problems|There is no doubt about it that our philosophy is the supermost perfect presentation. We can challenge any other philosophy and establish that this Krishna Consciousness is the panacea for all material problems]]

From the following quotes we can see Srila Prabhupada wanted us to especially the challenge the universities, or rather its professors and students: [[vaniquotes:All the universities and educational institutions are in darkness and still they are very much proud of advancement of knowledge. This we shall challenge everywhere and come out victorious|All the universities and educational institutions are in darkness and still they are very much proud of advancement of knowledge. This we shall challenge everywhere and come out victorious]]

It seems university preaching requires a bit more tact though, because we want to cooperate with them as well. Still we should challenge the professors. More one this can be found in the following Vaniquotes category: [[Vaniquotes:Category:University and Preaching|University and Preaching]]

[[vaniquotes:All the universities and educational institutions are in darkness and still they are very much proud of advancement of knowledge. This we shall challenge everywhere and come out victorious
|All the universities and educational institutions are in darkness and still they are very much proud of advancement of knowledge. This we shall challenge everywhere and come out victorious]]

And we don't need to have any College degrees either or "infiltrate", as Prabhupada explains from his own experience: [[vaniquotes:I have never studied science, but I am challenging them. They may take me as crazy, but I am not crazy. I am right|I have never studied science, but I am challenging them. They may take me as crazy, but I am not crazy. I am right]]

For more quotes on Srila Prabhupada challenging the scientists, please go to [[Vaniquotes:Category:Prabhupada Challinging the Scientists|Prabhupada Challinging the Scientists]]

Definition of True Religion - Pure Love of Godhead

2026-05-17T15:00:26Z

Visnu Murti:

[[Category:Philosophy, Science and Religion]]
[[Category:Introductory Articles to Vaniquotes]]

=Summary Article=

Śrīla Prabhupāda presents a Vaiṣṇava ācārya's perspective on true religion based on pure love of Godhead and refuting worldviews contradictory to pure love of Godhead - Atheism, Polytheism, Skepticism, Pantheism, Materialism, and Impersonalism. This article, sourced exclusively from the published archive of Śrīla Prabhupāda's books, lectures, conversations and letters, provides a summary of what Śrīla Prabhupāda had to say in regard to true religion - pure consciousness or prema bhakti - and its perverted material reflections based on false materialistic logic. In addition, it includes a view into how Śrīla Prabhupāda interacted with followers afflicted by materialistic philosophies.

==Principles of Dharma or Religion==

===Laid down in the Vedas===

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains: "Principles of religion are laid down in the Vedas, and any discrepancy in the matter of properly executing the rules of the Vedas makes one irreligious. In the Bhāgavatam it is stated that such principles are the laws of the Lord. Only the Lord can manufacture a system of religion. The Vedas are also accepted as originally spoken by the Lord Himself to Brahmā, from within his heart. Therefore, the principles of dharma, or religion, are the direct orders of the Supreme Personality of Godhead (dharmaṁ tu sākṣād bhagavat-praṇītam (SB 6.3.19)). These principles are clearly indicated throughout the Bhagavad-gītā. The purpose of the Vedas is to establish such principles under the order of the Supreme Lord, and the Lord directly orders, at the end of the Gītā, that the highest principle of religion is to surrender unto Him only, and nothing more. The Vedic principles push one towards complete surrender unto Him; and whenever such principles are disturbed by the demoniac, the Lord appears."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_4.7 Vanisource: BG 4.7, Purport]</ref>

===Manufacture spiritual knowledge===

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains: "You cannot manufacture any religious principle. It is not possible. That is not accepted in Vedas. Dharmaṁ tu sākṣād bhagavat-praṇī. Dharma means the rules and regulation which is given by God. That is accepted everywhere. In Bible, in Koran also. The laws of God."

==Differences in Religious Expression==

===Accepting principles and practices which are based on Love of Godhead===

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains: "That is bhakti-yoga. Because they accept God. Unless you accept God there is no question of bhakti-yoga. So Christian religion is also Vaiṣṇavism because they accept God. Maybe in the, some stage different from this. There are different stages of God realization also. The Christian religion says "God is great." Accept! That is very good. But just how great God is, that you can understand from Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. But there is acceptance that God is great. That is therefore that is beginning of bhakti. You can apply that bhakti. Even the Mohammedan religion. That is also bhakti-yoga. Any religion where God is the target, that is applied in bhakti. But when there is no God or impersonalism, there is no question of bhakti-yoga. Bhakti-yoga means bhaja jayukti bhaja-sevayā(?). Service. Service means three things: the servitor, the served, and service. One must be present who will accept service. And one must be present to render service. And in the via media, the process of service. So bhakti-yoga means service. If there is nobody to accept the service, then where is the bhakti-yoga? So any philosophy or religious principle where there is no acceptance of God, the Supreme, there is no application of bhakti."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/690221_-_Lecture_BG_06.46-47_-_Los_Angeles Vanisource: Lecture on BG 06.46-47 - Los Angeles, February 21, 1969]</ref>

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains: "Actual bhakti means minus all material... Anyābhilāṣitā-śūnyam (Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu 1.1.11). One must be freed from all material desires. But even if you have got some material desire, still you can take shelter of Kṛṣṇa."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_1.41-42_--_London,_July_29,_1973 Vanisource: Lecture on BG 1.41-42 - London, July 29, 1973]</ref>

===Rejecting Ignorance opposing Love of Godhead===

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains: "ISKCON is meant to establish a clear, practical common formulation of the common ideal of all theists, and to defeat the unnecessary dogmatic wranglings that now divide and invalidate the theistic camp. This common ideal of theism is to develop love of God."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/680824_-_Letter_to_Roland_Michener_(Governor-General_of_Canada)_written_from_Montreal Vanisource: Letter to Roland Michener (Governor-General of Canada) - Montreal, August 24, 1968]</ref>

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains: "It can be concluded that all the theories of the materialistic philosophers are generated from temporary illusory existence, like the conclusions in a dream. Such conclusions certainly cannot lead us to the Absolute Truth. The Absolute Truth can be realized only through devotional service. As the Lord says in the Bhagavad-gītā, bhaktyā mām abhijānāti: (BG 18.55) “Only by devotional service can one understand Me.” Śrīla Śrīdhara Svāmī has composed a nice verse in this regard, which states, 'My dear Lord, let others engage in false argument and dry speculation, theorizing upon great philosophical theses. Let them loiter in the darkness of ignorance and illusion, falsely enjoying as if very learned scholars, although they are without knowledge of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. As far as I am concerned, I wish to be liberated simply by chanting the holy names of the all-beautiful Supreme Personality of Godhead—Mādhava, Vāmana, Trinayana, Saṅkarṣaṇa, Śrīpati and Govinda. Simply by chanting Your transcendental names, O Lord Madhupati, let me become free from the contamination of this material existence.'"<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/KB_87 Vanisource: KB 87]</ref>

==Real Object of Pure Love==

==Refuting materialistic logic==

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains: "The philosophers and the logicians have tried to understand the intrinsic relationship of living entities with God by various conceptions and methods, on the strength of their mundane education and scholastic research. But the Absolute Truth remains above the philosophers and their acquired knowledge. The conception of the Absolute is never perfectly attained by such an ascending process, because of its being born of imperfect, material senses. These empiric philosophers and logicians cannot realize their imperfection by the vanity of material knowledge, and the ultimate conclusion of such materialistic philosophers is atheism. They deny the existence of God, who is the Supreme Person, different from all other persons. Under such a vague assumption, we remain in the same darkness as before. We are content with a conception of Godhead according to our own individual idea, without knowing the real relationship of Godhead and ourselves.
Therefore, the transcendentalists do not recognize such a process of generalization but pass over direct perception to receive the knowledge of deduction in its various stages—from authorities who have actual revelation of transcendental knowledge. This revelation is made possible from the deeper aspect within the human personality. The real knowledge of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and His relationship with us can be revealed only by this transcendental method. Since the Supreme Personality of Godhead is absolute, He reserves the right of not being exposed to the mundaners. He can be known by one absolute process, and the relative process of sense perception cannot reach Him ever. If Godhead were subject to being revealed by our relative sense perception, then our sense perception, and not Godhead, would be absolute. The process is therefore fallacious in all its manifold stages."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/MOG_Introduction Vanisource: MOG]</ref>

===Atheism===

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains: "Āstikyam means to believe firmly in the scriptures. Just like Bhagavad-gītā we are studying, or Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. We should firmly believe what Kṛṣṇa says, not interpretation. This is called āstikyam. And nāstikyam means not firm belief, atheism."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Brahmana_Initiation_Lecture_--_New_Vrindaban,_May_25,_1969 Vanisource: Initiation Lecture - New Vrindaban, May 25, 1969]</ref>

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains: "So there should be educational department to create first-class men by all these qualities: how to become controller of the mind, how to become controller of the senses, how to become cleansed, bāhyābhyantaram, inside clean and outside clean, śaucam; titikṣā, how to become tolerant, tolerant. One should be not agitated by a single cause. Tolerant, and similarly, simplicity. He should be so simple. It is said simplicity: even the enemy inquires from him some secret thing, he'll say, "Yes, it is like this." Simplicity.
And jñānam, full knowledge. Full knowledge: what is this world, what I am, what is my relation with this world, what is God, what is my relation with God. Everything full knowledge. And vijñānam. Vijñānam means completely application of the knowledge of life. And āstikyam, āstikyam means full faith in transcendental literature, that is called also āstikyam, and full faith in the existence of the Supreme Lord. Āstik... These are the brahminical qualification. So those who are claiming to become first class, learned men in the society, they must have all these qualification."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/730907_-_Lecture_BG_18.41_to_Upsala_University_Student_Assembly_-_Stockholm Vanisource: Lecture on BG 18.41 - Stockholm - September 07, 1973]</ref>

===Polytheism===

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains: "No. Knowingly means that every Indian knows that Kṛṣṇa is accepted as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. At least... The every Indian, at least Hindus, they perform Janmāṣṭamī, accepting Kṛṣṇa. But still, they will not accept Kṛṣṇa as the Supreme Personality. They'll bring many other competitors: "Why Kṛṣṇa shall be...? I have got Durgā. I have got this, Śiva. I have got that. I have got that. I have got that."
This is going on as Hinduism. So many gods. So many gods. Although the Vedic literature says, kṛṣṇas tu bhagavān svayam (SB 1.3.28), īśvaraḥ paramaḥ kṛṣṇaḥ (Bs. 5.1). In Bhagavad-gītā... Everyone reads Bhagavad-gītā. Bhagavad-gītā it says, Kṛṣṇa says, mattaḥ parataraṁ nānyat (BG 7.7): "There is no more superior than Me." Ahaṁ sarvasya prabhavaḥ (BG 10.8): "Everything is emanation from Me." Sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja (BG 18.66). These things are there, but they'll not accept. Therefore they are offenders.
Otherwise, where is the difficulty? God is one. That is accepted. Eko brahma. God cannot be two. God is one. Nityo nityānāṁ cetanaś cetanānām ekaḥ (Kaṭha Upaniṣad 2.2.13). One nitya, one eternal, one living being, that is Supreme. We are living being. We are also nitya, eternal. But He is nityo nityānām. He is the chief of the nityas. He's the chief of the living entities.
So that is chief. Kṛṣṇa personally says, mattaḥ parataraṁ nānyat (BG 7.7): "There is no more superior living being than Me." So these things are there in the Vedas, and they are supposed to be Vedic scholars, but they do not know the simple thing. So in that way they are ignorant. They read the Vedic literatures, but they do not understand, or they misinterpret in a different way for their own purpose. So they are..., they're offender. Otherwise, there is no difficulty."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/730714_-_Conversation_-_London Vanisource: Converstation: London - July 14, 1973]</ref>

===Sceptisism===

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains: "Furthermore there are many persons who cannot understand spiritual existence at all. Being embarrassed by so many theories and by contradictions of various types of philosophical speculation, they become disgusted or angry and foolishly conclude that there is no supreme cause and that everything is ultimately void. Such people are in a diseased condition of life. Some people are too materially attached and therefore do not give attention to spiritual life, some of them want to merge into the supreme spiritual cause, and some of them disbelieve in everything, being angry at all sorts of spiritual speculation out of hopelessness."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_4.10 Vanisource: BG 4.10, Purport]</ref>

===Pantheism===

===Materialism===

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains: "...it is very difficult for a person who is too materially affected to understand the personal nature of the Supreme Absolute Truth. Generally, people who are attached to the bodily conception of life are so absorbed in materialism that it is almost impossible for them to understand how the Supreme can be a person. Such materialists cannot even imagine that there is a transcendental body which is imperishable, full of knowledge and eternally blissful. In the materialistic concept, the body is perishable, full of ignorance and completely miserable. Therefore, people in general keep this same bodily idea in mind when they are informed of the personal form of the Lord. For such materialistic men, the form of the gigantic material manifestation is supreme. Consequently they consider the Supreme to be impersonal. And because they are too materially absorbed, the conception of retaining the personality after liberation from matter frightens them. When they are informed that spiritual life is also individual and personal, they become afraid of becoming persons again, and so they naturally prefer a kind of merging into the impersonal void."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_4.10 Vanisource: BG 4.10, Purport]</ref>

===Impersonalism===

Śrīla Prabhupāda explains: "In the beginning of spiritual realization, while one is trying to give up one's attachment to materialism, there is some leaning towards impersonalism, but when one is further advanced he can understand that there are activities in the spiritual life and that these activities constitute devotional service. Realizing this, he becomes attached to the Supreme Personality of Godhead and surrenders to Him. At such a time one can understand that Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa's mercy is everything, that He is the cause of all causes, and that this material manifestation is not independent from Him. He realizes the material world to be a perverted reflection of spiritual variegatedness and realizes that in everything there is a relationship with the Supreme Lord Kṛṣṇa."<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_7.19 Vanisource: BG 7.19, Purport]</ref>

=Related articles (Vanipedia)=

[http://vanipedia.org/wiki/Our_True_Identity Our True Identity]

=References and Further Reading=

==Vanisource==

===Key texts and purports===

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_4.7 '''BG 4.7''', Purport] - Principles of religion are laid down in the Vedas
*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_4.10 '''BG 4.10''', Purport] - People who are attached to the bodily conception of life are so absorbed in materialism that it is almost impossible for them to understand how the Supreme can be a person.
*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_7.19 '''BG 7.19''', Purport] - There are activities in the spiritual life and that these activities constitute devotional service.

===Lectures, Conversations and Letters===
The best way to identify key lectures, conversations and letters is through the notes and the Vaniquotes page references given below. The notes generally cite Vanisource directly. Vaniquotes is also very helpful for locating source material, as each quote includes a link to its full source text in Vanisource.

==Vaniquotes==

===Categories===

Vaniquotes categories are general topic areas for research and study based on key words (or phrases) and themes.

====Direct references====

====Related topics====

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Ignorance Ignorance]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Krsna-prema Krsna-prema]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Liberation Liberation]

===Pages===

Vaniquotes pages are compilations or selected single quotes. They are collected under the Vaniquotes categories, and their content is indicated by title. The following list is not exhaustive; additional pages may be found by browsing any of the Vaniquotes categories listed above.

====Understanding true Religion (ref)====

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Dharma_means_the_rules_and_regulation_which_is_given_by_God._That_is_accepted_everywhere._In_Bible,_in_Koran_also._The_laws_of_God Dharma means the rules and regulation which is given by God. That is accepted everywhere. In Bible, in Koran also. The laws of God]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/In_the_beginning_of_spiritual_realization,_while_one_is_trying_to_give_up_one%27s_attachment_to_materialism,_there_is_some_leaning_towards_impersonalism,_but_when_one_is_further_advanced_he_can_understand_that_there_are_activities_in_the_spiritual_life In the beginning of spiritual realization, while one is trying to give up one's attachment to materialism, there is some leaning towards impersonalism, but when one is further advanced he can understand that there are activities in the spiritual life]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Nastikyam_means Nastika means]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/ISKCON_is_meant_to_establish_a_clear,_practical_common_formulation_of_the_common_ideal_of_all_theists,_and_to_defeat_the_unnecessary_dogmatic_wranglings_that_now_divide_%26_invalidate_the_theistic_camp._This_common_ideal_of_theism_is_to_develop_love_of_God ISKCON is meant to establish a clear, practical common formulation of the common ideal of all theists, and to defeat the unnecessary dogmatic wranglings that now divide & invalidate the theistic camp. This common ideal of theism is to develop love of God.]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Actual_bhakti_means_minus_all_material_desires Actual bhakti means minus all material desires.]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/False_arguments False arguments]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/These_empiric_philosophers_and_logicians_cannot_realize_their_imperfection_by_the_vanity_of_material_knowledge,_and_the_ultimate_conclusion_of_such_materialistic_philosophers_is_atheism._They_deny_the_existence_of_God These empiric philosophers and logicians cannot realize their imperfection by the vanity of material knowledge, and the ultimate conclusion of such materialistic philosophers is atheism. They deny the existence of God]

==Notes==

<references />

==Subtopics for Development==

Jiva as Tatastha-sakti, the Marginal Energy of the Lord

2026-05-17T14:56:47Z

Visnu Murti:

[[Category:Philosophy, Science and Religion]]
[[Category:Introductory Articles to Vaniquotes]]

=Jiva as marginal energy of the Lord - Introduction=

{{TOC left no-numbers}}[[File:Jivaasmarginalenergy 1.jpg|thumb|340px|link=|Jiva as marginal energy]]
<div style="clear:both;"></div>

=Jiva as marginal energy of the Lord - Summary article=

==The living entity - jīvātmā - defined as mariginal energy==

<blockquote>In Vedic literature the living entity is called jīvātmā and Brahman, but he is never called Para-brahman. The living entity (jīvātmā) takes different positions—sometimes he merges into the dark material nature and identifies himself with matter, and someties he identifies himself with the superior, spiritual nature. Therefore he is called the Supreme Lord's marginal energy.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_8.3 Vanisource: BG 8.3]</ref></blockquote>

==Marginal energy also called jīva-tattva==

<blockquote>And at the end of Lord Brahmā's life, which takes place at the end of Brahmā's one hundred years of age, in our calculation at the end of 8,640,000,000 x 30 x 12 x 100 solar years, there is complete annihilation of the entire universe, and in both the periods both the material energy called the mahat-tattva and the marginal energy called jīva-tattva merge in the person of the Supreme Lord. The living beings remain asleep within the body of the Lord until there is another creation of the material world, and that is the way of the creation, maintenance and annihilation of the material manifestation.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.10.21 Vanisource: SB 1.10.21]</ref></blockquote>

==The marginal potency - living entity - is a vibhinnāṁśa expansion of the Lord==

<blockquote>The vibhinnāṁśa expansions, the marginal potencies of the Lord, are the living entities.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.28.53 Vanisource: SB 4.28.53]</ref></blockquote>

===Jīva-tattva - vibhinnāṁśa as separated expansions of the Lord===

<blockquote>It is not that by māyā we are fragmental separated; when we are liberated, we merge into the body or the effulgence of God. We are separated in..., perpetually. Although we are eternal, but we are perpetually... vibhinnāṁśa. In the Varāha Purāṇa it is said, vibhinnāṁśa, "separated part and parcel." So we should understand very clearly that, although we are eternal, part and parcel, but we are separated. Separated in this sense that we are, everyone of us, are individual, not merge into the existence. Everything is existing. In the Bhagavad-gītā, you'll find: mat-sthāni sarva-bhūtāni nāhaṁ teṣu avasthitaḥ ([[Vanisource:BG 9.4 (1972)|BG 9.4]]). Everything is existing in Him, Kṛṣṇa. But still, Kṛṣṇa is not the living entity.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_2.12_--_Hyderabad,_November_17,_1972 Vanisource: Lecture BG 02.12 - Hyderabad]</ref></blockquote>

===Jīva-tattvas meant for the transcendental sense gratification of the Supreme Lord===

<blockquote>The Lord creates this material world and impregnates the material energy with the living entities who will act in the material world. All these actions have a divine plan behind them. The plan is to give the conditioned souls who so desire a chance to enjoy sense gratification. But there is another plan behind the creation: to help the living entities realize that they are created for the transcendental sense gratification of the Lord and not for their individual sense gratification. This is the constitutional position of the living entities. The Lord is one without a second, and He expands Himself into many for His transcendental pleasure. All the expansions—the viṣṇu-tattvas, the jīva-tattvas and the śakti-tattvas (the Personalities of Godhead, the living entities and the different potential energies)—are different offshoots from the same one Supreme Lord. The jīva-tattvas are separated expansions of the viṣṇu-tattvas, and although there are potential differences between them, they are all meant for the transcendental sense gratification of the Supreme Lord. Some of the jīvas, however, wanted to lord it over material nature in imitation of the lordship of the Personality of Godhead. Regarding when and why such propensities overcame the pure living entities, it can only be explained that the jīva-tattvas have infinitesimal independence and that due to misuse of this independence some of the living entities have become implicated in the conditions of cosmic creation and are therefore called nitya-baddhas, or eternally conditioned souls.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_3.5.51 Vanisource: SB 3.5.51]</ref></blockquote>

===Falling down into the material world===

<blockquote>As stated in Bhagavad-gītā (7.27):
:icchā-dveṣa-samutthena
:dvandva-mohena bhārata
:sarva-bhūtāni sammohaṁ
:sarge yānti parantapa
"O scion of Bharata (Arjuna), O conqueror of the foe, all living entities are born into delusion, overcome by the dualities of desire and hate." This is an explanation of how the living entity falls down into this material world. In the spiritual world there is no duality, nor is there hate. ([[Vanisource:SB 4.28.53|SB 4.28.53]])</blockquote>

===Hate the service of the Lord===

<blockquote>The Supreme Personality of Godhead expands Himself into many. In order to enjoy bliss more and more, the Supreme Lord expands Himself in different categories. As mentioned in the Varāha Purāṇa, He expands Himself in viṣṇu-tattva (the svāṁśa expansion) and in His marginal potency (the vibhinnāṁśa, or the living entity). These expanded living entities are innumerable, just as the minute molecules of sunshine are innumerable expansions of the sun. The vibhinnāṁśa expansions, the marginal potencies of the Lord, are the living entities. When the living entities desire to enjoy themselves, they develop a consciousness of duality and come to hate the service of the Lord. In this way the living entities fall into the material world. ([[Vanisource: SB 4.28.53|SB 4.28.53]])</blockquote>

===Return back to Godhead===

<blockquote>In the Prema-vivarta it is said:
:kṛṣṇa-bahirmukha hañā bhoga-vāñchā kare
:nikaṭa-stha māyā tāre jāpaṭiyā dhare
The natural position of the living entity is to serve the Lord in a transcendental loving attitude. When the living entity wants to become Kṛṣṇa Himself or imitate Kṛṣṇa, he falls down into the material world. Since Kṛṣṇa is the supreme father, His affection for the living entity is eternal. When the living entity falls down into the material world, the Supreme Lord, through His svāṁśa expansion (Paramātmā), keeps company with the living entity. In this way the living entity may some day return home, back to Godhead. ([[Vanisource: SB 4.28.53|SB 4.28.53]])</blockquote>

==Living entities within this material world are swayed by Māyā==

<blockquote>My dear Lord Śambhu, who within this material world but you can surpass My illusory energy? People are generally attached to sense enjoyment and conquered by its influence. Indeed, the influence of material nature is very difficult for them to surmount.

Of the three chief demigods—Brahmā, Viṣṇu and Maheśvara—all but Viṣṇu are under the influence of māyā. In Caitanya-caritāmṛta, they are described as māyī, which means "under māyā's influence." But even though Lord Śiva associates with māyā, he is not influenced. The living entities are affected by māyā, but although Lord Śiva apparently associates with māyā, he is not affected. In other words, all living entities within this material world except for Lord Śiva are swayed by māyā. Lord Śiva is therefore neither viṣṇu-tattva nor jīva-tattva. He is between the two.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_8.12.39 Vanisource: SB 8.12.39]</ref></blockquote>

==Jīva-tattva - living entities not equal to the Supreme Lord==

<blockquote>Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura comments in this connection that in all Vedic scriptures the jīva-tattva, the truth of the living entities, is mentioned to be one of the energies of the Lord. If one does not accept the living entity to be a minute, infinitesimal spark of the Supreme but equates the jīva-tattva with the Supreme Brahman or Supreme Personality of Godhead, it must be understood that his entire philosophy is based on a misunderstanding. Unfortunately, Śrīpāda Śaṅkarācārya purposely claimed the jīva-tattva, or living entities, to be equal to the Supreme God. Therefore his entire philosophy is based on a misunderstanding, and it misguides people to become atheists, whose mission in life is unfulfilled. The mission of human life, as described in the Bhagavad-gītā, is to surrender unto the Supreme Lord and become His devotee, but the Māyāvāda philosophy misleads one to defy the existence of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and pose oneself as the Supreme Lord. Thus it has misguided hundreds of thousands of innocent men.<ref>[http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Adi_7.120 Vanisource: CC Adi 7.120]</ref></blockquote>

=Quiz - test what you have learned=

=Related articles (Vanipedia)=

=References and further reading=

==Vanisource==

===Key texts and purports===

*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/BG_8.3 '''BG 8.3''', Purport] - The living entity - jīvātmā - defined as mariginal energy
*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_1.10.21 '''SB 1.10.21''', Purport] - Marginal energy called jīva-tattva
*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_4.28.53 '''SB 4.28.53''', Purport] - The marginal potency - vibhinnāṁśa, or the living entity
*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/Lecture_on_BG_2.12_--_Hyderabad,_November_17,_1972 '''Lecture BG 02.12 - Hyderabad''', Lecture] - vibhinnāṁśa as separated expansions of the Lord
*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/SB_3.5.51 '''SB 3.5.51''', Purport] - meant for the transcendental sense gratification of the Supreme Lord
*[http://vanisource.org/wiki/CC_Adi_7.120 '''CC Adi 7.120''', Purport] - not equal to the Supreme Lord

==Vaniquotes==

===Categories===

Vaniquotes categories are general topic areas for research and study based on key words (or phrases) and themes.

====Direct references====

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Marginal_Potency Marginal Potency]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Marginal_Energy Marginal Energy]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Tatastha Taṭasthā]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Category:Jiva-tattva Jiva-tattva]

====Related topics====

===Pages===

Vaniquotes pages are compilations or selected single quotes. They are collected under the Vaniquotes categories, and their content is indicated by title. The following list is not exhaustive; additional pages may be found by browsing any of the Vaniquotes categories listed above.

====Understanding jiva as the Lords energy====

*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Tatastha-sakti,_or_marginal_energy Taṭasthā śakti, or marginal_energy]
*[http://vaniquotes.org/wiki/Jiva-tattva_(Books) Jiva-tattva (Books)]

==Notes==

<references />

==Subtopics for development==

Demons in Vrindavan

2026-05-17T14:55:42Z

Visnu Murti:

[[Category:Introductory Articles to Vaniquotes]]

{{TOCright}}
== Kesi (horse) ==

=== Anartha: Roughness ===

Vanity of thinking, “I am a big devotee and guru.” <ref name=one>Bhaktivinoda Thakur, Srila, “How Krishna Destroys Our Impurities: His Pastime of Killing Demons” in Radha-Krishna Nectar. Comp. and trans. by Dasarath-suta dasa (Nectar Books 1992) pp. 62-65.</ref>

False ego of attachment to wealthy opulences surrounding mundane worldly accomplishments. <ref name=one/>

Practitioners’ conception of being more expert than others in devotional service. <ref name=two>Bhaktivinoda Thakur, Srila, Sri Krsna-Samhita. Trans. by Bhumipati Dasa (Vrajraj Press 1998) chapter 8.</ref>

As a Vaisnava gradually begins proclaiming his own superiority, a mentality of disrespect for the Lord arises and the devotee falls from his position <ref name=two/>

'''Vanity:'''

;[[Vanisource:SB 1.4.1|SB 1.4.1 purport]]
:[V]anity, attempt to show one's own learning by trying to surpass the previous ācārya.

;((Essays and articles, Caitanya-caritamrta adi-lila Chapter 3))
:[Lord Caitanya] maintained His Brahmachary designation of Shri Chaitanya even after His regular acceptance of Sanyas. Nobody, who has dealt with His life and teaching, has mentioned anywhere His Sanyas name as Bharati as it ought to have been. But there is a meaning in this connection why Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu maintained His Brahmachary designation. The Mayavadi Sanyasins, just after the acceptance of Sanyas order become the Personality of Godhead themselves (? ) At least they are puffed up by such false vanity. And most probably Shi Chaitanya Mahaprabhu did not like to keep pace with such false vanity and continued to be known as Chaitanya in which such vanity is conspicuous by its absence. A Brahmachary constantly and that also most humbly considers himself as the servitor of his spiritual master which is not unfavourable to the cult of devotion.

'''Mundane worldly accomplishments:'''

;[[Vanisource:SB 1.18.47|SB 1.18.47 purport]]
:There are occasions when a brāhmaṇa may furiously curse a subordinate kṣatriya or vaiśya, etc., but in the case of Mahārāja Parīkṣit there were no grounds, as already explained. The foolish boy had done it out of sheer vanity in being a brāhmaṇa's son, and thus he became liable to be punished by the law of God. . . . the demons who acted inimically toward the Personality of Godhead but were not killed by the Lord were allowed to take birth in the families of brāhmaṇas to take advantage of the age of Kali. The all-merciful Lord gave them a chance to have their births in the families of pious brāhmaṇas so that they could progress toward salvation. But the demons, instead of utilizing the good opportunity, misused the brahminical culture due to being puffed up by vanity in becoming brāhmaṇas. The typical example is the son of Śamīka Ṛṣi, and all the foolish sons of brāhmaṇas are warned hereby not to become as foolish as Śṛṅgi and be always on guard against the demoniac qualities which they had in their previous births.

;[[Vanisource:KB 78|Krsna Book, Chapter 78]]
:As stated in the Bhagavad-gītā, a person who is actually a brāhmaṇa and is very learned must automatically become very gentle also. But although Romaharṣaṇa Sūta was very learned and had been given the chance to become a brāhmaṇa, he had not become gentle. From this we can understand that one who is puffed up by material acquisitions cannot acquire the gentle behavior befitting a brāhmaṇa.

;[[Vanisource:LOB 8|Light of the Bhagavata, Verse 8]]
:The colorful greenery of the newly grown grass, the seasonal flowers, the frog's umbrellas, the butterflies, and the other variegatedness of the rainy season perfectly represent a well-to-do family absorbed in vanity over their personal assets.

;[[Vanisource:LOB 8|Light of the Bhagavata, Verse 8, purport]]
:A rich man displays his opulence in various colorful ways. He has a good residential bungalow with sufficient property and a well-trimmed garden. The bungalow is decorated with up-to-date furniture and carpets. There are motorcars with dazzling polish, and a radio set receiving and broadcasting colorful news and melodious songs. All these captivate their proprietor as though he were in a dreamland of his own creation. When the same man was as dry as fallow land and had none of these opulences, he was plain in behavior, but since obtaining all these material means of enjoyment he has forgotten the principle that everything in the world comes and goes away like the changing seasons.

;[[Vanisource:Letter to Satsvarupa — Montreal 3 July, 1968|Letter to Satsvarupa, July 3, 1968]]
:Bali Maharaja was puffed up with his material vanities, and Vamanadeva as He is Visnu, all-peaceful, without interrupting his attitude, just approached him in the form of a Brahmin, Who has a right to beg something from the princely order.

;[[Vanisource:SB 11.16.35|SB 11.16.35]]
:Among those dedicated to brahminical culture I am Bali Mahārāja, the son of Virocana

=== Divine Quality: Humility ===

Being a perfect gentleman and give proper respect to others <ref name=three>[[Vanisource:ISO 10|Sri Isopanisad Mantra 10]] Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, His Divine Grace A.C., Sri Ispopanisad (Bhaktivedanta Book Trust 1969) Bhaktivedanta purport to mantra 10.</ref>

One should not be anxious to have the satisfaction of being honored by others. The material conception of life makes us very eager to receive honor from others, but from the point of view of a man in perfect knowledge – who knows that he is not this body – anything, honor or dishonor, pertaining to this body is useless. <ref name=four>Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, His Divine Grace A.C., Bhagavad-Gita As It Is (Bhaktivedanta Book Trust Int’l.1989) verse 13.8-12.</ref>

'''Gentle:'''

Any person who neither becomes impudent nor exhibits a puffed-up nature is called “gentle.”

The example of Krsna’s gentle behavior was manifested when He was coming to the arena of the Rajasuya sacrifice arranged by Maharaja Yudhisthira, Krsna’s older cousin. Maharaja Yudhisthira knew that Krsna was the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and he was attempting to get down from his chariot to receive Krsna. But before Yudhisthira could get down, Lord Krsna got down from His own chariot and immediately fell at the feet of the King. Even though Krsna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, He never forgets to show social etiquette in His dealings. <ref name=five>Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, His Divine Grace A.C., Nectar of Devotion (Bhaktivedanta Book Trust 1982) chapters 21-22.</ref>(#34)

;((Srila Prabhupada Lecture on November 2, 1970 in Bombay, India))
:When one is learned, advanced in education, he must be very gentle, not haughty.

;((Lecture on November 18, 1968 in Los Angeles))
:Dhīra means must be gentle, perfectly gentle. (Lecture on September 8, 1972, in Los Angeles, USA) Dhīra, dhīra means gentle, and adhīra means ruffians, not gentle.

;((Lecture on July 6, 1975, in Chicago))
:So by the contact of this prostitute, the result was naṣṭa-sadācāra, he became lost of all gentle activities. Naṣṭa-sadācāra. Sadācāra means... Sat means gentle, and ācāra means behavior, gentleman's behavior. What is that gentleman's behavior? That we teach, that "You don't take meat, don't have illicit sex, no gambling, no intoxication, rise early in the morning, take bath, chant Hare Kṛṣṇa, attend maṅgala-ārātrika." These are called sadācāra.

;((Narada-bhakti-sutra 27 purport))
:Although all transcendentalists may aspire to humility, bhakti-yoga is the best way to cultivate it. In bhakti-yoga one cannot advance without pleasing Lord Kṛṣṇa by acts of humility, whereas karma, jñāna, and yoga do not directly culture humility. Therefore a person who follows these other processes is more likely to think he is advancing by his own effort. The karmī may think he is accumulating wealth by his hard endeavor, the jñānī that he is gaining knowledge by his tedious study, and the yogī that he has attained mystic powers by long years of austerity. By contrast, the pure bhakta knows that the bliss he feels in the course of his devotional service is due simply to the mercy of the Supreme Lord. Thus the devotee alone is always aware that his advancement depends on his humility before Kṛṣṇa. One cannot be puffed up and at the same time be a devotee.

;((Lecture on July 1, 1972 in San Diego))
:He must become very humble. Humbler than the grass. Just like we trample over the grass; it does not protest. "All right, sir, you go." That type of humble.

;((Lecture on May 24, 1969 in New Vrindavan))
:In this age, simply by fighting, argument, it is very difficult to preach. Better to become humble and meek. Just like Prabodhānanda Sarasvatī is teaching us: dante nidhāya tṛṇakam. In India there is a system to become humble. If you take one blade of grass in your, between your lips and approach somebody, it is to be understood that you are approaching with great humbleness. Therefore he said, dante nidhāya tṛṇakam. Tṛṇakam means blade of grass. Dante means teeth. Padayor nipatya: "And falling down on your feet." Kāku-śataṁ kṛtvā: "And flattering you hundred times, 'My dear sir, you are so great. You are so big. You are so learned. You are so rich. You are so beautiful,' and everything," although he may be not. So dante nidhāya tṛṇakaṁ padayor nipatya kāku-śataṁ kṛtvā ca. Śatam. Śatam means "Hundred times flattering, I have come to you to say something."

;Śikṣāṣṭaka 3
:tṛṇād api sunīcena
:taror api sahiṣṇunā
:amāninā mānadena
:kīrtanīyaḥ sadā hariḥ

:"One can chant the holy name of the Lord in a humble state of mind, thinking himself lower than the straw in the street. One should be more tolerant than the tree, devoid of all sense of false prestige and ready to offer all respects to others. In such a state of mind one can chant the holy name of the Lord constantly."

'''Respectful:'''

A person who shows adequate respect to a spiritual master, a brahmana, and an old person is understood as being “respectful.”

When superior persons assembled before Krsna, Krsna first of all offered respect to His spiritual master, then to His father, and then to His elder brother, Balarama. In this way Lord Krsna, the lotus-eyed, was completely happy and pure at heart in all of His dealings.<ref name=five/>(#33)

;((Lecture on November 25, 1968 in Los Angeles))
:Prabhupāda: This is another indication how superiors should be shown respect. Arjuna says, "Although they have become avaricious, still, they are my superior." Avaricious, why? "They have got full affection for me. My grandfather Bhīṣma has got full affection for me. And Droṇācārya, I am his very dear student so he has also my very affection... good affection for me. But because Duryodhana has paid them, he has accepted their service. Paid them. So avaricious. Simply for money, in spite of so much affection and intimate relationship, they have accepted the service of Duryodhana, counting on money. So therefore they are avaricious. But in spite of their being avaricious, they are my respectful." This is respect.

:This is respect, that the respectful person who is my respectful, even there are some characteristics who does not command respect, still respect should be offered. This is a respectful offering. Yes. Sometimes it may be. The example is given. In the Bhagavad-gītā you'll find, api cet sudarācāro bhajate mām ananya-bhāk sādhur eva sa mantavyaḥ [Bg. 9.30]. "Even a devotee is sometimes found not acting properly, but because he has got that unflinching faith and devotion upon Me," Kṛṣṇa says, "therefore he is saint." Only for that one qualification—he does not know except Kṛṣṇa. So to such person, even some flaws are found in their character...

:Just like we have imposed some rules that illicit sex relationship and intoxication, meat-eating, so many things. So... Of course, intentionally one should not break these laws. But even sometimes we may find that there is some flaw in one's part... Suppose if I see somebody smoking, but he is doing Kṛṣṇa consciousness very nicely. So we should not deride. We shall give him concession to reform. It does not mean that because he has accidentally smoked, smoking, that does not mean he has become immediately disqualified.

:As Arjuna is showing: "Although they have become avaricious, still, they are my superiors. Still. Still, they are my superiors." This is called unflinching faith. In spite of seeing my respectful superior abominable, not willingly, but by accident, still, I should not withdraw my respect. That is the... Hmm.

;[[Vanisource:SB 1.7.42|SB 1.7.42]]
:'''Śrī Sūta Gosvāmī said: Draupadī then saw Aśvatthāmā, who was bound with ropes like an animal and silent for having enacted the most inglorious murder [of her five sons]. Due to her female nature, and due to her being naturally good and well-behaved, she showed him due respects as a brāhmaṇa.'''

;((SB 1.7.42 purport))
:Aśvatthāmā was condemned by the Lord Himself, and he was treated by Arjuna just like a culprit, not like the son of a brāhmaṇa or teacher. But when he was brought before Śrīmatī Draupadī, she, although begrieved for the murder of her sons, and although the murderer was present before her, could not withdraw the due respect generally offered to a brāhmaṇa or to the son of a brāhmaṇa. This is due to her mild nature as a woman. Women as a class are no better than boys, and therefore they have no discriminatory power like that of a man. Aśvatthāmā proved himself to be an unworthy son of Droṇācārya or of a brāhmaṇa, and for this reason he was condemned by the greatest authority, Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa, and yet a mild woman could not withdraw her natural courtesy for a brāhmaṇa.

:Even to date, in a Hindu family a woman shows proper respect to the brāhmaṇa caste, however fallen and heinous a brahma-bandhu may be. But the men have begun to protest against brahma-bandhus who are born in families of good brāhmaṇas but by action are less than śūdras.

:The specific words used in this śloka are vāma-svabhāvā, "mild and gentle by nature." A good man or woman accepts anything very easily, but a man of average intelligence does not do so. But, anyway, we should not give up our reason and discriminatory power just to be gentle. One must have good discriminatory power to judge a thing on its merit. We should not follow the mild nature of a woman and thereby accept that which is not genuine. Aśvatthāmā may be respected by a good-natured woman, but that does not mean that he is as good as a genuine brāhmaṇa.

;(KRSNA Book Ch 78)
:When Lord Balarāma saw that Romaharṣaṇa Sūta did not understand the highest principle of religion in spite of his having studied all the Vedas, He certainly could not support his position. Romaharṣaṇa Sūta had been given the chance to become a perfect brāhmaṇa, but because of his ill behavior in his relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, his low birth was immediately remembered. Romaharṣaṇa Sūta had been given the position of a brāhmaṇa, but he had not been born in the family of a brāhmaṇa; he had been born in a pratiloma family. According to the Vedic concept, there are two kinds of mixed family heritage, called anuloma and pratiloma. When a male is united with a female of a lower caste, the offspring is called anuloma; but when a male unites with a woman of a higher caste, the offspring is called pratiloma. Romaharṣaṇa Sūta belonged to a pratiloma family because his father was a kṣatriya and his mother a brāhmaṇa. Because Romaharṣaṇa’s transcendental realization was not perfect, Lord Balarāma remembered his pratiloma heritage. The idea is that any man may be given the chance to become a brāhmaṇa, but if he improperly uses the position of a brāhmaṇa without actual realization, then his elevation to the brahminical position is not valid.

;(Lecture October 23, 1972 in Vrndavana)
:Mahā-bhāgavata does not see anyone nondevotee. He sees everyone better devotee than himself. Just like Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī. He writes in the Caitanya-caritāmṛta:

:jagāi mādhāi haite muñi se pāpiṣṭha
:purīṣera kīṭa muñi se lagiṣṭha

:So he's not pretending. Actually, a mahā-bhāga, bhāgavata, thinks like that, that "I am the lowest." But he's the highest. One who thinks like that, humble...

:tṛṇād api sunīcena
:taror api sahiṣṇunā
:amāninā mānadena...

:He wants to give respect to everyone, but he doesn't expect any respect for him, himself. That is mahā-bhāgavata. And if one wants respect for him, that means he's still in kaniṣṭha-adhikārī. A mahā-bhāgavata is ready to give respect to, even to the ant. And for himself he doesn't any, want any respect. That is mahā-bhāgavata. As Caitanya Mahāprabhu teaches. Tṛṇād api sunīcena taror api sahiṣṇunā, amāninā. For himself, he doesn't require any respect. Mānadena. But he's ready to give respect to everyone, even to the ant. That is mahā-bhāgavata. So generally, we are in the lower stage of devotional service. Just like generally, people come to res..., offer respect to the Deities in the temple, but one does not know how to give respect to the devotee, how to help others to become devotee. They are in the lowest stage.

;(Lecture September 11, 1971 in Mombassa)
:Another thing is harīḥ sarveṣu bhūteṣu bhagavān ananta īśvaraḥ. So we should practice to see every man as the temple, every man, every living entity, because Bhagavān, the Supreme Personality of Godhead as Antaryāmī or Paramātmā is residing with every living entity. So in higher status, a devotee sees everybody as temple of God, because the God is there. So this should be also practiced. As we respect a temple or a church, similarly, we should give respect to all living entities. Harīḥ sarveṣu bhūteṣu bhagavān ananta īśvaraḥ. Bhagavān ananta. If some foolish person says how God can be in every..., within everybody? No, He is ananta, He is unlimited, He can be, that is His omnipotency. Bhagavān ananta īśvaraḥ, iti bhūtāni manasā kāmais taiḥ sādhu mānayet. In this way, we should offer respect to everyone. Caitanya Mahāprabhu also says, amāninā mānadena, give respect to everyone and for yourself don't expect any respect. One may insult you, don't mind, but you give respect to others. Just see how bhakti-yoga is perfect.

;(Lecture March 17, 1974 in Vrndavana)
:Respect cannot be demanded. It must be commanded. By seeing you, they will give you respect. Then dhīrādhīra-jana-priyau. This is gosvāmī. Automatically they'll offer respect. So unless you become perfectly clean and Vaiṣṇava, pure Vaiṣṇava... Automatically they'll give you respect. You haven't got to... Just like sometimes we see a person, by seeing us, they chant Hare Kṛṣṇa. It is not that at the spot we are asking them to chant Hare Kṛṣṇa, but automatically they are chanting. So that means we have to keep ourself so clean, nice Vaiṣṇava, gosvāmī, that people will offer you respect. Dhīrādhīra-jana-priyau tri-bhuvane mānyau śaraṇyākarau. Dhīrādhīra-jana-priyau priya-karau nirmatsarau.

;(SB 4.9.47)
:Unto one who has transcendental qualities due to friendly behavior with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, all living entities offer honor, just as water automatically flows down by nature.

;(SB 4.9.47 purport)
:The question may be raised in this connection why Suruci, who was not at all favorably disposed towards Dhruva, blessed him, "Long may you live," which means that she also desired good fortune for him. The answer is given in this verse. Since Dhruva Mahārāja was blessed by the Lord, due to his transcendental qualities everyone was bound to offer him all respects and benediction, just as water, by its nature, flows downward. A devotee of the Lord does not demand respect from anyone, but wherever he goes he is honored by everyone throughout the whole world with all respect. Śrīnivāsa Ācārya said that the six Gosvāmīs of Vṛndāvana are respected throughout the entire universe because a devotee, having pleased the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the source of all emanations, automatically pleases everyone, and thus everyone offers him respect.

'''Expert:'''

Any person who can quickly execute a very difficult task is called “expert.”

About the expertise of Krsna there is a statement in the Tenth Canto, Fifty-ninth Chapter, verse 17, of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, wherein Śukadeva Gosvāmī tells Mahārāja Parīkṣit, "O best of the Kurus, Śrī Krsna cut to pieces all the different weapons used by different fighters." Formerly, fighting was done by releasing different kinds of arrows. One party would release a certain arrow, and the other party had to defeat it by counteracting it with another arrow. For example, one party might release an arrow which would cause water to pour from the sky, and to counteract this the opposing party would have to release an arrow which could immediately turn the water into clouds. So from this statement it appears that Krsna was very expert in counteracting the enemy's arrows. Similarly, at the rāsa dance, each and every gopī requested that Krsna individually become her partner, and Krsna immediately expanded Himself into so many Krsnas in order to be coupled with each and every gopī. The result was that each gopī found Krsna by her side.<ref name=five/>#16)

A devotee is always expert because he fully knows the essence of all activities of life and he is convinced of the authoritative scriptures. (BG 12.16 purport)

An expert devotee of the Lord can mold his life in such a way that while performing all kinds of duties either for this or the next life, he can constantly remember the Lord's name, fame, qualities, etc. (SB 1.5.36 purport)

[T]he bona fide, expert spiritual master is competent to direct a disciple from any stage of life: tamas, rajas or sattva. (SB 1.2.24 purport)

The expert devotees also can discover novel ways and means to convert the nondevotees in terms of particular time and circumstance. Devotional service is dynamic activity, and the expert devotees can find out competent means to inject it into the dull brains of the materialistic population. (SB 1.5.16 purport)

The expert spiritual master knows the art of utilizing everything to glorify the Lord, and therefore under his guidance the whole world can be turned into the spiritual abode by the divine grace of the Lord's servant. (SB 1.5.23 purport)

As all surrender unto Me, I reward them accordingly. (BG 4.11) I am the . . . ability in man. (BG 7.8)

The Lord inspires the individual soul to create what is already created by the Lord, and by the good will of the Lord a discoverer of something in the world is accredited as the discoverer. . . . by dint of his past service unto the Lord . . . This ability is also awarded by the Lord according to one's willingness to render service unto the Lord. One must therefore be voluntarily willing to render service unto the Lord, and thus the Lord will empower the doer in proportion to his surrender unto the lotus feet of the Lord. . . .

Those who are not surrendered souls are put under the care of the material nature (bhrāmayan sarva-bhūtāni yantrārūḍhāni māyayā [Bg. 18.61]); therefore, they are allowed to do things on their own account and suffer the consequences themselves. Devotees like Brahmā and Arjuna do not do anything on their own account, but as fully surrendered souls they always await indications from the Lord; therefore they attempt to do something which appears very wonderful to ordinary vision. (SB 2.5.17 purport)

In the process of surrender unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead devotees[] always to feel inability without the help of Krsna and always to think oneself inferior to Krsna, even though one may have full capacity to perform something on his own. (5 at Chap 39 “Ways of Meeting Krsna”)

== Bakasura (stork) ==

=== Anartha: Pride ===

Cunning duplicity, deceptive behavior, and hypocrisy characterize a false life-style of cheating activities. <ref name=one/>

Cheating religion <ref name=two/>

Namaparadha, offenses against the holy name of the Lord <ref name=two/>

Those who do not understand their qualification, but accept instruction of a bogus guru and engage in the process of worship meant for exalted devotees, are cheated asslike people. <ref name=two/>

Those who have understood their ineligibility, yet with a goal to accumulate money and prestige, still follow the process of worship meant for exalted devotees are called cheaters. <ref name=two/>

People who deceive the entire world by making a show of sectarian formalities and pseudo-renunciation. <ref name=two/>

People are very anxious to be famous for their religion. Consequently, it is found that without understanding the principles of religion, one enters into some group which is not actually following religious principles. One then wants to advertise himself as a religious mentor. <ref name=four/>

If at any point a devotee becomes proud of being a distinguished Vaiṣṇava, then he has developed an Anartha (unwanted thing). This is confirmed in the Caitanya-caritāmṛta (Antya 20.28): "Wherever there is a relationship of love of Godhead, its natural symptom is that the devotee does not think himself a devotee. Instead, he always thinks that he has not even a drop of love for Kṛṣṇa". (Narada-bhakti-sutra 27 purport)

=== Divine Quality: Pridelessness ===

Not posing as a religionist simply for name and fame <ref name=three/>

One can test how far he is progressing by judging against the twenty qualities of knowledge. <ref name=four/>

All-famous: A person who becomes well known due to his spotless character is called “famous.”

It is stated that the diffusion of Krsna's fame is like the moonshine, which turns darkness into light. In other words, if Krsna consciousness is preached all over the world, the darkness of ignorance and the anxiety of material existence will turn into the whiteness of purity, peacefulness and prosperity.

When the great sage Nārada was chanting the glories of the Lord, the bluish line on the neck of Lord Śiva disappeared. Upon seeing this, Gaurī, the wife of Lord Śiva, suspected Lord Śiva of being someone else disguised as her husband, and out of fear she immediately left his company. Upon hearing the chanting of Krsna's name, Lord Balarāma saw that His dress had become white, although He was generally accustomed to a bluish dress. And the cowherd girls saw all of the water of the Yamunā River turn into milk, so they began to churn it into butter. In other words, by the spreading of Krsna consciousness, or the glories of Krsna, everything became white and pure. (5 at #43)

When a devotee, in spite of possessing all the qualities of pure realization, is not proud of his position, he is called prideless. In the Padma Purāṇa it is stated that King Bhagīratha was the emperor above all other kings, yet he developed such ecstatic love for Krsna that he became a mendicant and went out begging even to the homes of his political enemies and untouchables. He was so humble that he respectfully bowed down before them.

There are many similar instances in the history of India. Even very recently, about two hundred years ago or less, one big landlord known as Lāl Bābu, a Calcutta landholder, became a Vaiṣṇava and lived in Vṛndāvana. He was also begging from door to door, even at the homes of his political enemies. Begging involves being ready to be insulted by persons to whose home one has come. That is natural. But one has to tolerate such insults for the sake of Krsna. The devotee of Krsna can accept any position in the service of Krsna. (5 at Chap 18 “Character of One in Ecstatic Love”)

== Kaliya (serpent) ==

=== Anartha: Violence ===

False pride, envy, wrong-doing unto others, snake-like crookedness, and mercilessness. <ref name=one/>

Malice <ref name=two/>

People in general are trapped by ignorance, in the material concept of life, and they perpetually suffer material pains. Unless one elevates people to spiritual knowledge, one is practicing violence. <ref name=four/>

?? [W]hen one considers even heat as dull matter and animal consciousness as superior, one attains the third level, Ganapatya-dharma. (2 at p. 8)

[O]f serpents I am Vāsuki. (BG 10.28) [T]he celestial serpent upon which the Garbhodakaśāyī Viṣṇu lies in the lower regions of the universe. This snake bed is called Vāsuki. There are also other snakes known as Vāsuki. (BG 11.15. purport) Beneath Rasātala is another planetary system, known as Pātāla or Nāgaloka, where there are many demoniac serpents, the masters of Nāgaloka, such as Śaṅkha, Kulika, Mahāśaṅkha, Śveta, Dhanañjaya, Dhṛtarāṣṭra, Śaṅkhacūḍa, Kambala, Aśvatara and Devadatta. The chief among them is Vāsuki. They are all extremely angry, and they have many, many hoods—some snakes five hoods, some seven, some ten, others a hundred and others a thousand. These hoods are bedecked with valuable gems, and the light emanating from the gems illuminates the entire planetary system of bila-svarga. (SB 5.24.31)

The holy messages of Godhead, as inculcated in the Bhagavad-gītā or in the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, are undoubtedly transcendental subjects, but even though they are so, such transcendental matters are not to be received from the professional man, who spoils them as the serpent spoils milk simply by the touch of his tongue. (BG 1.2.12 purport)

Brahmā continued: Even though the sages had been bitten by the serpent of anger, . . . (SB 3.16.13)

No one is unhappy when a serpent is killed. It is a practice among village boys to catch a serpent by the tail and play with it for some time and then kill it. (SB 3.18.24 purport) Saintly persons are generally very kind to all kinds of living entities, but they are not unhappy when a serpent or a scorpion is killed. It is not good for saintly persons to kill, but they are encouraged to kill demons, who are exactly like serpents and scorpions. (4.14.31 purport)

Although the six qualities education, austerity, wealth, beauty, youth and heritage are for the highly elevated, one who is proud of possessing them becomes blind, and thus he loses his good sense and cannot appreciate the glories of great personalities. (SB 4.3.17)

It may be argued that since Dakṣa was very learned, wealthy and austere and had descended from a very exalted heritage, how could he be unnecessarily angry towards another? The answer is that when the qualities of good education, good parentage, beauty and sufficient wealth are misplaced in a person who is puffed up by all these possessions, they produce a very bad result. Milk is a very nice food, but when milk is touched by an envious serpent it becomes poisonous. Similarly, material assets such as education, wealth, beauty and good parentage are undoubtedly nice, but when they decorate persons of a malicious nature, then they act adversely. Another example, given by Cāṇakya Paṇḍita, is that a serpent that has a jewel on its head is still fearful because it is a serpent. A serpent, by nature, is envious of other living entities, even though they be faultless. When a serpent bites another creature, it is not necessarily because the other creature is at fault; it is the habit of the serpent to bite innocent creatures. Similarly, although Dakṣa was qualified by many material assets, because he was proud of his possessions and because he was envious, all those qualities were polluted. It is sometimes, therefore, detrimental for a person advancing in spiritual consciousness, or Kṛṣṇa consciousness, to possess such material assets.

Kuntīdevī, while offering prayers to Kṛṣṇa, addressed Him as akiñcana-gocara, one who is easily approached by those who are bereft of all material acquisitions. Material exhaustion is an advantage for advancement in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, although if one is conscious of his eternal relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one can utilize one's material assets, such as great learning and beauty and exalted ancestry, for the service of the Lord; then such assets become glorious. In other words, unless one is Kṛṣṇa conscious, all his material possessions are zero, but when this zero is by the side of the Supreme One, it at once increases in value to ten. Unless situated by the side of the Supreme One, zero is always zero; one may add one hundred zeros, but the value will still remain zero. Unless one's material assets are used in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, they may play havoc and degrade the possessor. (SB 4.3.17 purport)

A serpent who is maintained with milk and bananas simply stores poison in his teeth and awaits the day to bite his master. (SB 4.14.10 purport)

However, if a venomous serpent is bereft of its poison fangs, it is no longer fearful. Similarly, if the senses are engaged in the service of the Lord, there is no need to fear their activities. (SB 5.1.17 purport)

The vital force of a living entity includes the five kinds of air working within the body, which are known as prāṇa, apāna, vyāna, samāna and udāna. The vital force is compared to a serpent because a serpent can live by simply drinking air. The vital force carried by the air is described as the pratīhāra, or the bodyguard. Without the vital force one cannot live for a moment. Indeed, all the senses are working under the protection of the vital force. (SB 4.25.21 purport)

When one is sleeping, the life air remains active in different dreams. The five hoods of the snake indicate that the life air is surrounded by five kinds of air, known as prāṇa, apāna, vyāna, udāna and samāna. When the body is inactive, the prāṇa, or the life air, is active. Up to the age of fifty one can actively work for sense gratification, but after the fiftieth year one's energy decreases, although one can with great strain work for two or three more years—perhaps up to the fifty-fifth year. Thus the fifty-fifth year is generally taken by government regulations as the final year for retirement. The energy, which is fatigued after fifty years, is figuratively described herein as a serpent with five hoods. (SB 4.27.15 purport)

The soul passes through the kuṇḍalinī-cakra like a serpent crawling on the ground. The life air is compared to uraga, the serpent. (4.29.6 purport)

=== Divine Quality: Nonviolence ===

Not be a source of anxiety to others by the actions of one body, thoughts of one’s mind, or by one’s words <ref name=three/>

To not put others in distress <ref name=four/>

Distribute real knowledge to the people, so that they may become enlightened and leave this material entanglement. <ref name=four/>

I am nonviolence among vows. (SB 11.16.23)

Fluent: A person who can speak meaningful words with all politeness and good qualities is called vavaduka, or “fluent.”

There is a nice statement in Srimad-Bhagavatam regarding Krsna’s speaking politely. When Krsna politely bade his father, Nanda Maharaja, to stop the ritualistic offering of sacrifice to the rain-god, Indra, a wife of one of the village cowherd men became captivated. She later thus described the speaking of Krsna to her friends: “Krsna was speaking to His father so politely and gently that it was as if He were pouring nectar into the ears of all present there. After hearing such sweet words from Krsna, who will not be attracted to Him?”

Krsna’s speech, which contains all good qualities in the universe, is described in the following statement by Uddhava: “The words of Krsna are so attractive that they can immediately change the heart of even His opponent. His words can immediately solve all the questions and problems of the world. Although He does not speak very long, each and every word from His mouth contains volumes of meaning. The speeches of Krsna are very pleasing to my heart.” (5 at #10)

Compassionate: A person who is unable to bear another’s distress is called “compassionate.”

Krsna’s compassion for distressed persons was exhibited when He released all of the kings imprisoned by Magahendra. While dying, Grandfather Bhisma prayed to Krsna and described Him as the sune that which eradicates darkness. The kings imprisoned by Magahendra were put into dark cells, and when Krsna appeared there, the darkness immediately disappeared, just as if the sun had risen. In other words, although Magahendra was able to imprison so many kings, upon the appearance of Krsna they were all released. Krsna released the kings out of His sincere compassion for them.

Krsna’s compassion was also exhibited when Grandfather Bhisma was lying on the bed of arrows which had been shot through his body. While lying in this position, Bhisma was very anxious to see Krsna, and thus Krsna appeared there. Upon seeing the pitiable condition of Bhisma, Krsna began speaking with tears in His eyes. Not only was He shedding tears, but He also forgot Himself in his compassion.

Therefore, instead of offering obeisances to Krsna directly, devotees offer obeisances to His compassionate nature. Actually, because Krsna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, it is very difficult to approach Him. But the devotees, taking advantage of His compassionate nature, which his represented by Radharani, always pray to Radharani for Krsna’s compassion. (5 at #32)

Well-wisher of His devotees: It is said of Krsna's devotees that if they offer even a little water or a tulasi leaf in devotion to Lord Vishnu, Lord Vishnu is so kind that He will sell Himself to them.

Krsna's favoritism toward His devotees was exhibited in His fight with Bhisma. When Grandfather Bhisma was lying at the point of death on the bed of arrows, Krsna was present before him, and Bhisma was remembering how Krsna had been kind to him on the battlefield. Krsna had promised that in the Battle of Kurukshetra He would not even touch a weapon to help either side; He would remain neutral. Although Krsna was Arjuna's charioteer, He had promised that He would not help Arjuna by using any weapons. But one day Bhisma, in order to nullify Krsna's promise, exhibited his fighting spirit so magnificently against Arjuna that Krsna was obliged to get down from His chariot. Taking up a broken chariot wheel, He ran toward Grandfather Bhisma as a lion runs toward an elephant to kill it. Grandfather Bhisma remembered this scene, and He later praised Krsna for His glorious favoritism toward His devotee, Arjuna, even at the risk of breaking His own promise. (5 at #39)

My dear Uddhava, I am the Supersoul of all living entities, and therefore I am naturally their well-wisher and supreme controller. (SB 11.16.10)

All-auspicious: A person who is always engaged in auspicious welfare activities for everyone is known as “all-auspicious.”

After the disappearance of Lord Krsna from this planet, Uddhava began to remember the activities of the Lord and said, "Krsna satisfied all great sages by His wonderful pastimes. He demolished all of the demoniac activities of the cruel royal order, protected all pious men and killed all cruel fighters on the battlefield. Therefore He is all-auspicious for all men." (5 at #41)

Pure devotional service is the beginning of all auspiciousness. (5 at Chap 1 “Characteristics of Pure Devotional Service)

Srila Rūpa Gosvāmī has given a definition of auspiciousness. He says that actual auspiciousness means welfare activities for all the people of the world. At the present moment groups of people are engaged in welfare activities in terms of society, community or nation. . . . The Krsna consciousness movement, however, is so nice that it can render the highest benefit to the entire human race. Everyone can be attracted by this movement, and everyone can feel the result. (5 at Chap 1 “Characteristics of Pure Devotional Service”)

== Aghasura (snake) ==

=== Anartha: Anger ===

Cruelty to others. Violent tendencies caused by envy. <ref name=one/>

Intolerance <ref name=two/>

Cruelty <ref name=two/>

Due to a lack of compassion for the living entities there is a possibility that one’s attachment will gradually diminish. <ref name=two/>

A person who is very cruel is regarded as dead even while living, for while he is living or after his death, everyone condemns him. And after the death of a person in the bodily concept of life, he is undoubtedly transferred to the hell known as Andhatama. (10.2.22)

Kamsa considered that if he killed his sister, while living he would be condemned by everyone, and after death he would go to the darkest region of hellish life because of his cruelty. It is said that a cruel person like a butcher is advised not to live and not to die. While living, a cruel person creates a hellish condition for his next birth, and therefore he should not live; but he is also advised not to die, because after death he must go to the darkest region of hell. Thus in either circumstance he is condemned. Kamsa, therefore, having good sense about the science of the soul's transmigration, deliberately refrained from killing Devaki. (10.2.22 purport)

As for the agitations of the flickering mind, they are divided into two divisions. . . . The [second] is called virodha-yukta-krodha, anger arising from frustration. . . . Frustration of material desires produces anger. (6 at Text One purport)

=== Divine Quality: Tolerance ===

Forebearance even in the face of provocation from others <ref name=three/>

Bear insult and dishonor from others. If one is engaged in the advancement of spiritual knowledge, there will be so many insults and much dishonor from others. This is expected because material nature is so constituted. <ref name=four/>

Even a boy like Prahlada, who, only five years old, was engaged in the cultivation of spiritual knowledge, was endangered when his father became antagonistic to his devotion. The father tried to kill him in so many ways, but Prahlada tolerated him. <ref name=four/>

'''Forebearing:'''

A person who tolerates all kinds of troubles, even though such troubles appear to be unbearable, is called “forebearing.”

When Krsna was residing at the place of His spiritual master, He did not mind taking all troubles in rendering service to His guru, although His body was very soft and delicate.

It is the duty of the disciple to execute all services unto the spiritual master, despite all kinds of difficulties. The disciple living at the residence of the spiritual master has to go begging from door to door and bring back everything to the spiritual master. When prasada is being served, the spiritual master is supposed to call a disciple to come eat. If by chance the spiritual master forgets to call a disciple to partake of the prasada, it is enjoined in the scriptures that the student should fast on that day rather than accept food on his own initiative.

There are many such strictures. Sometimes, also, Krsna went to the forest to collect dry wood for fuel. (5 at #24)

;(Lecture on July 1, 1972 in San Diego)
:Tṛṇād api sunīcena taror api sahiṣṇunā. Taru means tree. Tree is so much forbearing.

;(Lecture on October 23, 1976 in Vrindavan)
:A tree gives us all benefit, but in return we give the tree so much trouble. We snatch away the twigs, we snatch away the leaves. Sometimes for our fuel we cut down. But there is no protest.

;Śikṣāṣṭaka 3
:tṛṇād api sunīcena
:taror api sahiṣṇunā
:amāninā mānadena
:kīrtanīyaḥ sadā hariḥ

"One can chant the holy name of the Lord in a humble state of mind, thinking himself lower than the straw in the street. One should be more tolerant than the tree, devoid of all sense of false prestige and ready to offer all respects to others. In such a state of mind one can chant the holy name of the Lord constantly."

;(SB 11.16.21)`
:Of all trees I am the banyan tree (BG 10.26) The banyan tree (aśvattha) is one of the highest and most beautiful trees, and people in India often worship it as one of their daily morning rituals. (BG 10.26 purport) Among trees I am the holy fig tree

'''Forgiving:'''

A person who can tolerate all kinds of offenses from the opposite party is known to be “forgiving.”

Lord Krsna’s forgiving quality is described in the Sisupala-vadha in connection with His forbidding the killing of Sisupala, King Sisupala was the monarch of the Cedi kingdom, and although he happened to be a cousin of Krsna’s, he was always envious of Him. Whenever they would meet, Sisupala would try to insult Krsna and call Him ill names as much as possible. In the arena of the Rajasuya sacrifice of Maharaja Yudhisthira, when Sisupala began to call Lord Krsna ill names, Krsna did not care and remained silent. Some of the people at the arena were prepared to kill Sisupala, but Krsna restricted them. He was so forgiving.

It is said that when there is a thundering sound in the clouds, the mighty lion immediately replies with his thundering roar. But the lion does not care when all the foolish jackals begin to make their less important sounds.

Sri Yamunacarya praises Krsna’s power of forgiveness with the following statement: “My dear Ramacandra, You are so merciful to have excused the crow’s clawing on the nipples of Janaki simply because of his bowing down before You.” Once Indra, the King of Heaven, assumed the form of a crow and attacked Sita (Janaki), the Lord Ramacandra’s wife, by striking her on the breast. This was certainly an insult to the universal mother, Sita, and Lord Ramacandra was immediately prepared to kill the crow. But because the crow later on bowed down before the Lord, the Lord excused His offense. Sri Yamunacarya further says in his prayer that the forgiving power of Lord Krsna is even greater than that of Lord Ramacandra, because Sisupala was always in the habit of insulting Krsna – not only in one lifetime, but continually throughout three lives. Still, Krsna was so kind that He gave Sisupala the salvation of merging into His existence. From this we can understand that the goal of the monist to merge into the effulgence of the Supreme Lord is not a very difficult problem. Persons like Sisupala who are constantly inimical to Krsna can also get this liberation. (5 at #25)

;(SB 11.16.31)
:I am the forgiveness of the tolerant . . .

;(SB 1.7.43)
:[Draupadi] could not tolerate Aśvatthāmā's being bound by ropes, and being a devoted lady, she said: Release him, for he is a brāhmaṇa, our spiritual master.

;(SB 1.7.43 purport)
:As soon as Aśvatthāmā was brought before Draupadī [after he killed her five sons], she thought it intolerable that a brāhmaṇa should be arrested like a culprit and brought before her in that condition, especially when the brāhmaṇa happened to be a teacher's son. . . . Draupadī desired that Aśvatthāmā be at once released, and it was all the same a good sentiment for her. This means that a devotee of the Lord can tolerate all sorts of tribulation personally, but still such devotees are never unkind to others, even to the enemy. These are the characteristics of one who is a pure devotee of the Lord.

;(Mahabharata)
:Out of pity, [Kamsa] immediately released Vasudeva and Devakī from the bondage of their shackles and very politely began to address them. He said, “My dear sister and brother-in-law, I have acted just like a demon in killing my own nephews—your children—and thereby I have given up all consideration of our intimate relationship. . . . My dear sister Devakī and brother-in-law Vasudeva, kindly excuse the atrocities I have committed against you. I am very poor-hearted, and you are so great-hearted, so take compassion upon me and excuse me.”

:While Kaṁsa was speaking to his brother-in-law and sister, tears flowed from his eyes, and he fell down at their feet. Believing the words of Durgā-devī, whom he had tried to kill, Kaṁsa immediately released his brother-in-law and sister. He personally unlocked the iron shackles and very sympathetically showed his friendship for his family members.

:When Devakī saw her brother so repentant, she also became pacified and forgot all his atrocious activities against her children. Vasudeva also, forgetting all past incidents, spoke smilingly with his brother-in-law. (KRSNA Ch 4 “Kamsa Begins His Persecutions”)

:One should not tolerate blasphemy of the Lord or His devotees. In this connection, in the Tenth Canto, Seventy-fourth Chapter, verse 40, of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Śukadeva Gosvāmī tells Parīkṣit Mahārāja, "My dear King, if a person, after hearing blasphemous propaganda against the Lord and His devotees, does not go away from that place, he becomes bereft of the effect of all pious activities."

:In one of Lord Caitanya's Śikṣāṣṭaka verses it is stated, "The devotee should be more tolerant than the tree and more submissive than the grass. He should offer all honor to others, but may not accept any honor for himself." In spite of Lord Caitanya's being so humble and meek as a devotee, when He was informed about injuries inflicted on the body of Śrī Nityānanda, He immediately ran to the spot and wanted to kill the offenders, Jagāi and Mādhāi. This behavior of Lord Caitanya's is very significant. It shows that a Vaiṣṇava may be very tolerant and meek, foregoing everything for his personal honor, but when it is a question of the honor of Kṛṣṇa or His devotee, he will not tolerate any insult.

:There are three ways of dealing with such insults. If someone is heard blaspheming by words, one should be so expert that he can defeat the opposing party by argument. If he is unable to defeat the opposing party, then the next step is that he should not just stand there meekly, but should give up his life. The third process is followed if he is unable to execute the above-mentioned two processes, and this is that one must leave the place and go away. If a devotee does not follow any of the above-mentioned three processes, he falls down from his position of devotion.

:Krsna did not forgive the offense Draupadi suffered in the assembly hall, and vowed to make the offenders pay

;(Sri Caitanya Bhagavat)
:After Srila Haridasa Thakura was beated in the marketplaces, he told the other devotees why he was punished. He said the reason is that while in the courtroom, he had heard the judge blaspheme the Lord, and he had remained silent

'''Liberal:'''

Any person who by his natural behavior is very mild is called “liberal.”

A statement by Uddhava after the Syamantaka jewel plundering confirms that Krsna is so kind and favorable that if a servitor is accused even of great offenses, Krsna does not take this into consideration. He simply considers the service that is rendered by His devotee. (5 at #35)

;Srila Prabhupada lecture on 10/17/76 in Chandigarh, India
:Liberal means “not miserly.”

;(10.1.54)
:Vasudeva said: O best of the sober [Kamsa], you have nothing to fear from your sister Devaki because of what you have heard from the unseen omen. The cause of death will be her sons. Therefore I promise that when she gives birth to the sons from whom your fear has arisen, I shall deliver them all unto your hands.

;(10.1.54 purport)
:Kamsa feared Devaki's existence because after her eighth pregnancy she would give birth to a son who would kill him. Vasudeva, therefore, to assure his brother-in-law the utmost safety, promised to bring him all the sons. He would not wait for the eighth son, but from the very beginning would deliver to the hands of Kamsa all the sons to which Devaki would give birth. This was the most liberal proposition offered by Vasudeva to Kamsa.

;(CC Madhya 15.163)
:Vāsudeva Datta told Caitanya Mahāprabhu, “My dear Lord, You incarnate just to deliver all conditioned souls. I now have one petition, which I wish You would accept. (CC Madhya 15.160) My Lord, my heart breaks to see the sufferings of all the conditioned souls; therefore I request You to transfer the karma of their sinful lives upon my head. (CC Madhya 15.162) My dear Lord, let me suffer perpetually in a hellish condition, accepting all the sinful reactions of all living entities. Please finish their diseased material life.”

;(CC Madhya 15.163 purport)
:Śrīla Vāsudeva Datta knew very well that Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu was the original Personality of Godhead, Transcendence itself, above the material conception of illusion and māyā. Lord Jesus Christ certainly finished the sinful reactions of his followers by his mercy, but that does not mean he completely delivered them from the pangs of material existence. A person may be relieved from sins once, but it is a practice among Christians to confess sins and yet commit them again. By getting freed from sins and again engaging in them, one cannot attain freedom from the pangs of material existence. A diseased person may go to a physician for relief, but after he leaves the hospital he may again be infected due to his unclean habits. Thus material existence continues. Śrīla Vāsudeva Datta wanted to completely relieve the conditioned souls from material existence so that they would no longer have an opportunity to commit sinful acts. This is the significant difference between Śrīla Vāsudeva Datta and Lord Jesus Christ. It is a great offense to receive pardon for sins and then commit the same sins again. Such an offense is more dangerous than the sinful activity itself. Vāsudeva Datta was so liberal that he requested Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu to transfer all offensive activity upon him so the conditioned souls would be purified and go back home, back to Godhead.

A sober person who can tolerate . . . the actions of anger . . . is qualified to make disciples all over the world. (6 at Text One)

[A]nger can be controlled. We cannot stop anger altogether, but if we simply become angry with those who blaspheme the Lord or the devotees of the Lord, we control our anger in Krsna consciousness. Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu became angry with the miscreant brothers Jagai and Madhai, who blasphemed and struck Nityananda Prabhu. In His Siksastaka Lord Caitanya wrote, trnad api sunicena taror api sahisnuna: "One should be humbler than the grass and more tolerant than the tree." One may then ask why the Lord exhibited His anger. The point is that one should be ready to tolerate all insults to one's own self, but when Krsna or His pure devotee is blasphemed, a genuine devotee becomes angry and acts like fire against the offenders. Krodha, anger, cannot be stopped, but it can be applied rightly. It was in anger that Hanuman set fire to Lanka, but he is worshiped as the greatest devotee of Lord Ramacandra. This means that he utilized his anger in the right way. Arjuna serves as another example. He was not willing to fight, but Krsna incited his anger: "You must fight!" To fight without anger is not possible. Anger is controlled, however, when utilized in the service of the Lord. (6 at Text One purport)

== Vyomasura (sky) ==

=== Anartha: Untruth ===

Company of thieves and other rascals <ref name=one/>

Company of cheating impersonalists who disguise themselves as so-called devotees of Lord Krsna. <ref name=one/>

Stealing others’ property <ref name=two/>

Speaking lies <ref name=two/>

;(SB 10.1.60)
:[Kamsa said,] O Vasudeva, you may take back your [first-born] child and go home. I have no fear of your first child. It is the eighth child of you and Devaki I am concerned with because that is the child by whom I am destined to be killed.

;(SB 10.1.61)
:Vasudeva agreed and took his child back home, but because Kamsa had no character and no self-control, Vasudeva knew that he could not rely on Kamsa's word.

;(BG 3.12)
:In charge of the various necessities of life, the demigods, being satisfied by the performance of yajña [sacrifice], will supply all necessities to you. But he who enjoys such gifts without offering them to the demigods in return is certainly a thief.

;(BG 3.12 purport)
:The demigods are authorized supplying agents on behalf of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Viṣṇu. Therefore, they must be satisfied by the performance of prescribed yajñas. . . .

:One should know, however, that all the necessities of life that the human society requires are supplied by the demigod agents of the Lord. No one can manufacture anything. Take, for example, all the eatables of human society. These eatables include grains, fruits, vegetables, milk, sugar, etc., for the persons in the mode of goodness, and also eatables for the nonvegetarians, like meats, none of which can be manufactured by men. Then again, take for example heat, light, water, air, etc., which are also necessities of life—none of them can be manufactured by the human society. Without the Supreme Lord, there can be no profuse sunlight, moonlight, rainfall, breeze, etc., without which no one can live. Obviously, our life is dependent on supplies from the Lord. Even for our manufacturing enterprises, we require so many raw materials like metal, sulphur, mercury, manganese, and so many essentials—all of which are supplied by the agents of the Lord, with the purpose that we should make proper use of them to keep ourselves fit and healthy for the purpose of self-realization, leading to the ultimate goal of life, namely, liberation from the material struggle for existence.

:This aim of life is attained by performance of yajñas. If we forget the purpose of human life and simply take supplies from the agents of the Lord for sense gratification and become more and more entangled in material existence, which is not the purpose of creation, certainly we become thieves, and therefore we are punished by the laws of material nature. A society of thieves can never be happy, because they have no aim in life. The gross materialist thieves have no ultimate goal of life. They are simply directed to sense gratification; nor do they have knowledge of how to perform yajñas. Lord Caitanya, however, inaugurated the easiest performance of yajña, namely the saṅkīrtana-yajña, which can be performed by anyone in the world who accepts the principles of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.

=== Divine Quality: Simplicity ===

Avoid duplicity in dealings with others <ref name=three/>

Without diplomacy [pleasing speech], one should be so straightforward that he can disclose the real truth, even to an enemy. <ref name=four/>

Truthful: A person whose word of honor is never broken is called “truthful.”

Krsna once promised Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas, that He would bring her five sons back from the Battlefield of Kuruksetra. After the battle was finished, when all the Pandavas had come home, Kunti praised Krsna because His promise was so nicely fulfilled. She said, Even the sunshine may one day become cool and the moonshine one day become hot, but still Your promise will not fail.”

Similarly, when Krsna, along with Bhima and Arjuna went to challenge Jarasandha, He plainly told Jarasandha that He was the eternal Krsna, present along with two of the Pandavas. The story is that both Krsna and the Pandavas – in this case Bhima and Arjuna – were ksatriyas (warrior kings). Jarasandha was also a ksatriya and was very charitable toward the brahmanas. Thus Krsna, who had planned to fight with Jarasandha, went to him with Bhima and Arjuna in the dress of brahmanas. Jarasandha, being very charitable toward the brahmanas, asked them what they wanted, and they expressed their desire to fight with him. Then Krsna, dresses as a brahmana, declared Himself to be the same Krsna who was the King’s mortal enemy. (5 at #8)

I [Vasudeva] promise that when she gives birth to the sons from whom your fear has arisen, I shall deliver them all unto your hands. (SB 10.1.54) Vasudeva was very much disturbed by fear of becoming a liar by breaking his promise. Thus with great pain he delivered his first-born son, named Kīrtimān, into the hands of Kamsa. (SB 10.1.57)

Although Kamsa was a sinful demon, he believed that Vasudeva would never deviate from his word. The character of a pure devotee like Vasudeva is such that even so great a demon as Kamsa firmly believed in his words and was satisfied. (SB 10.1.55 purport)

Grateful: Any person who is conscious of his friend’s beneficient activities and never forgets his service is called “grateful.”

In the Mahabharata, Krsna says, “When I was away from Draupadi, she cried with the words, ‘He govinda!’ This call for Me has put Me in her debt, and that indebtedness is gradually increasing in My heart!” This statement by Krsna gives evidence of how one can please the Supreme Lord simply by addressing Him, “He krsna! He govinda!”

The maha-mantra (Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare) is also simply an address to the Lord and His energy. So to anyone who is constantly engaged in addressing the Lord and His energy, we can imagine how much the Supreme Lord is obliged. It is impossible for the Lord to ever forget such a devotee. It is clearly stated in this verse that anyone who addresses the Lord immediately attracts the attention of the Lord, who always remains obliged to him.

Another instance of Krsna’s feeling of obligation is stated in connection with His dealings with Jambavan. When the Lord was present as Lord Ramacandra, Jambava, the great king of the monkeys, rendered very faithful service to Him. When the Lord again appeared as Lord Krsna, He married Jambavan’s daughter and paid him all respects that is usually given to superiors.

Any honest person is obliged to his friend if some service has been rendered unto him. Since Krsna is the supreme honest personality, how can He forget an obligation to His servitor? (5 at #17)

Of sacrifices I am the chanting of the holy names [japa] (BG 10.25) Of all sacrifices, the chanting of Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare/ Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare is the purest representation of Kṛṣṇa. Sometimes animal sacrifices are recommended, but in the sacrifice of Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, there is no question of violence. It is the simplest and the purest. (BG 10.25 purport)

Among sacrifices I am study of the Veda (SB 11.16.23)

[O]f oblations I am ghee and other ingredients obtained from the cow. (SB 11.16.30) Pañca-gavya refers to five sacrificial ingredients obtained from the cow, namely milk, ghee, yogurt, dung and urine. The cow is so valuable that even its dung and urine are antiseptic and fit for sacrificial offering. (SB 11.16.30 purport)

[A]mong plants I am those that bear grains. (SB 11.16.21) Oṣadhīnām here indicates those plants that fructify once and then die. Among them, those that give grains, which sustain human life, represent Kṛṣṇa. Without grains it is not possible to produce milk products, nor can one properly perform Vedic fire sacrifices without offerings of grains. (SB 11.16.21 purport)

== Putana (witch) ==

=== Anartha: Cheating ===

Bogus guru who preaches impersonal liberation, materialistic sense gratification <ref name=one/>

One who accepts argument as his guru and who learns the process of worship from such a guru is said to have accepted the shelter of a bogus guru <ref name=two/>

One who does not know the path of attachment yet instructs his disciples without considering their qualifications is a bogus guru. <ref name=two/>

[A]mong the cheaters I am gambling. (SB 11.16.31) I am also the gambling of cheats (BG 10.36) There are many kinds of cheaters all over the universe. Of all cheating processes, gambling stands supreme and therefore represents Kṛṣṇa. As the Supreme, Kṛṣṇa can be more deceitful than any mere man. If Kṛṣṇa chooses to deceive a person, no one can surpass Him in His deceit. His greatness is not simply one-sided-it is all-sided. . . . No one can surpass Him in cheating (BG 10.36 purport)

In three out of the four millenniums (namely Satya-yuga, Tretā-yuga and Dvāpara-yuga) people had the honor to be able to understand transcendence through the path of disciplic succession. However, in the present age, people have no interest in the disciplic succession. Instead, they have invented many paths of logic and argument. This individual attempt to understand the supreme transcendence (called the ascending process) is not approved by the Vedas. The Absolute Truth must descend from the absolute platform. He is not to be understood by the ascending process. The holy name of the Lord—Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare/ Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare—is a transcendental vibration because it comes from the transcendental platform, the supreme abode of Kṛṣṇa. Because there is no difference between Kṛṣṇa and His name, the holy name of Kṛṣṇa is as pure, perfect and liberated as Kṛṣṇa Himself. Academic scholars have no entrance by means of logic and other argument into the understanding of the transcendental nature of the holy name of God. The single path in understanding the transcendental nature of Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare/ Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare is the chanting of these names with faith and adherence. Such chanting will release one from designated conditions arising from the gross and subtle bodies. (TLC 18 Conversations with Prakacananda)

=== Divine Quality: Approaching a bona fide spiritual master ===

There are two types of gurus—antaranga, or internal, and bahiranga, or external. The living entity who is situated in samadhi is his own antaranga guru. The external guru is he from whom the science of worship is learned. One who knows the proper path of attachment and who instructs his disciples according to their qualifications is sad-guru, or eternal guru. <ref name=two/>

Search out a bona fide spiritual master who can lead a person gradually to the stage of spiritual realization, submit to such a spiritual master, render him service, and ask relevant questions <ref name=three/>

One should approach the spiritual master with all humility and offer him all services so that he will be pleased to bestow his blessings upon the disciple. Because a bona fide spiritual master is a representative of Krsna, if he bestows any blessings upon his disciple, that will make the disciple immediately advanced without the disciple’s following the regulative principles. Or, the regulative principles will be easier for one who has served the spiritual master without reservation. <ref name=four/>

Expert judge of time and circumstance: Krsna was very expert in dealing with people according to circumstances, country, time, and paraphernalia.

How He could take advantage of a particular time, circumstance, and person is expressed by Him while talking to Uddhava about His rasa dance with the gopis. He says, “The most opportune time is the full-moon night in autumn, like tonight. The best place within the universe is Vrindavan, and the most beautiful girls are the gopis. So, my dear friend Uddhava, I think I should now take advantage of all these circumstances and engage myself in the rasa dance.” (5 at #19)

The duty of the guru is to find the means, according to the time, the circumstances and the candidate, by which one can be induced to render devotional service, which Krsna accepts from a candidate who wants to be successful in going back home, back to Godhead. After wandering throughout the universe, a fortunate person within this material world seeks shelter of such a guru, or ācārya, who trains the devotee in the suitable ways to render service according to the circumstances so that the Supreme Personality of Godhead will accept the service. (SB 10.2.31 purport)

When the head of the BBT was working so hard he was unable to chant his rounds, Srila Prabhupada said that if that was true, he would close the BBT. When another devotee was unable to chant his rounds, Srila Prabhupada told him to continue his service and never mind about the rounds. (Memories of Srila Prabhupada)

A sober person who can tolerate the urge to speak, the mind's demands, the actions of anger and the urges of the tongue, belly and genitals is qualified to make disciples all over the world. (6 at Text One)

When a person realizes himself to be an eternal servitor of Krsna, he loses interest in everything but Krsna's service. Always thinking of Krsna, devising means by which to spread the holy name of Krsna, he understands that his only business is in spreading the Krsna consciousness movement all over the world. Such a person is to be recognized as an uttama-adhikari, and his association should be immediately accepted according to the six processes (dadati

pratigrhnati, etc.). Indeed, the advanced uttama-adhikari Vaisnava devotee should be accepted as a spiritual master. Everything one possesses should be offered to him, for it is enjoined that one should deliver whatever he has to the spiritual master. The brahmacari in particular is supposed to beg alms from others and offer them to the spiritual master. However, one should not imitate the behavior of an advanced devotee or maha-bhagavata without being self-realized, for by such imitation one will eventually become degraded.

In this verse Srila Rupa Gosvami advises the devotee to be intelligent enough to distinguish between the kanistha-adhikari, madhyama-adhikari and uttama-adhikari. The devotee should also know his own position and should not try to imitate a devotee situated on a higher platform. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura has given some practical hints to the effect that an uttama-adhikari Vaisnava can be recognized by his ability to convert many fallen souls to Vaisnavism. One should not become a spiritual master unless he has attained the platform of uttama-adhikari.

A neophyte Vaisnava or a Vaisnava situated on the intermediate platform can also accept disciples, but such disciples must be on the same platform, and it should be understood that they cannot advance very well toward the ultimate goal of life under his insufficient guidance. Therefore a disciple should be careful to accept an uttama-adhikari as a spiritual master. (6 at Text Five purport)

One can distinguish between a neophyte Vaisnava and an advanced Vaisnava by their activities. The advanced Vaisnava is always situated as the spiritual master, and the neophyte is always considered his disciple. The spiritual master must not be subjected to the advice of a disciple, nor should a spiritual master be obliged to take instructions from those who are not his disciples. (6 at Text Six purport)

When one thus criticizes a pure devotee, he commits an offense (vaisnava-aparadha) that is very obstructive and dangerous for those who desire to advance in Krsna consciousness. A person cannot derive any spiritual benefit when he offends the lotus feet of a Vaisnava. Everyone should therefore be very careful not to be jealous of an empowered

Vaisnava, or a suddha-vaisnava. It is also an offense to consider an empowered Vaisnava an object of disciplinary action. It is offensive to try to give him advice or to correct him. (6 at Text Six purport)

So this whole Vedic civilization is made just to train how you can be detached from this so-called family affection. This is Vedic training. First of all brahmacārī. Brahmacārī means to lead the life of austerity. A brahmacārī is supposed to live to serve the spiritual master at his home, and he has to work just like a menial. He may be a king's son or a very great brāhmaṇa's son, but as soon as he agrees to live with the spiritual master, he has to live just like a menial servant. Whatever the spiritual master will order, he has to do it. This is brahmacārī. And they will gladly do, because they are children. Brahmacārī life begins from five years. So you ask any child do anything, he will do. They are learned. They are given education, "Go from door to door, house to house, and bring some alms." So brahmacārī means the neighborhood, their sons. So when the brahmacārī goes for begging, "Mother, give me something, alms," so immediately, some rice, some dāhl, some atta, is given, or some vegetables, sometimes some money. So they bring everything to the spiritual master and it becomes the property of the spiritual master. Because he has begged, it is not his property. Sarvasvaṁ guru-veditam(?). Everything is guru's property. So much so that after cooking everything, the spiritual master will call, "My dear boys, come on. Take prasādam." But if he forgets to call somebody, he will not touch. He will not touch. This is brahmacārī. "Oh, spiritual master has not called me; so I will fast." (laughter) He begged the rice and vegetables and atta and dāhl. It is cooked. But when it is cooked, that is also spiritual master's property. If the spiritual master does not ask him to take, he cannot take. He cannot touch. This is brahmacārī life. So therefore the first training is given, to become austere, tolerate, how to tolerate, how to call other women as "mother." He is learning from the beginning, a small child. He is trained up to call any woman, even of his own age, not "sister,"—"mother." This is the training. Mātṛvat para-dāreṣu. This is education. Mātṛvat para-dāreṣu. (Srila Prabhupada Lecture on July 21, 1973 in London, England)

Śrīla Prabhupāda: You see, Kṛṣṇa says: ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo/mokṣayiṣyāmi mā śucaḥ [Bg. 18.66] "I will deliver you from all sinful reaction. Do not fear." So Kṛṣṇa is so powerful that He can immediately take up all the sins of others and immediately make them right. But when a living entity plays the part on behalf of Kṛṣṇa, he also takes the responsibility for the sinful activities of his devotees. Therefore to become a guru is not an easy task. You see? He has to take all the poisons and absorb them. So sometimes—because he is not Kṛṣṇa—sometimes there is some trouble. Therefore Caitanya Mahāprabhu has forbidden, "Don't make many śiṣyas, many disciples." But for preaching work we have to accept many disciples—for expanding preaching—even if we suffer. That's a fact. The spiritual master has to take the responsibility for all the sinful activities of his disciples. Therefore to make many disciples is a risky job unless one is able to assimilate all the sins. (Perfect Questions, Perfect Answers #6)

[T]he bona fide, expert spiritual master is competent to direct a disciple from any stage of life: tamas, rajas or sattva. (SB 1.2.24 purport)

The expert devotees also can discover novel ways and means to convert the nondevotees in terms of particular time and circumstance. Devotional service is dynamic activity, and the expert devotees can find out competent means to inject it into the dull brains of the materialistic population. (SB 1.5.16 purport)

The expert spiritual master knows the art of utilizing everything to glorify the Lord, and therefore under his guidance the whole world can be turned into the spiritual abode by the divine grace of the Lord's servant. (SB 1.5.23 purport)

== Quick Reference ==

{| cellspacing="0" border="1" cellpadding="3" style="font-size:x-small"
|-
| '''DEMON'''
| '''VERSE '''
(Krsna Samhita Chapter 8)
| '''ANARTHA'''
(Nectar of Devotion Chapter 23)
| '''DIVINE QUALITY'''
([[Vanisource:BG 13.8-12 (1972)|BG 13.8-12]])
|-
| Kesi (horse)
| 29
| Roughness
| Humility
|-
| Bakasura (stork)
| 16
| Pride
| Pridelessness
|-
| Kaliya (serpent)
| 22
| Violence
| Nonviolence
|-
| Aghasura (snake)
| 18
| Anger
| Tolerance
|-
| Vyomasura (sky)
| 25
| Untruth
| Simplicity
|-
| Putana (witch)
| 14
| Cheating
| Approaching a bona fide spiritual master
|-
| Sakata (cart)
| 15
| Exhaustion
| Cleanliness
|-
| Aristasura (bull)
| 21
| Restlessness
| Steadiness
|-
| Kidnap Nanda to Varuna’s abode
| 26
| Fatigue
| Self-control
|-
| Sankhacuda (conch-shell)
| 27
| Material lust
| Renounce objects of sense gratification
|-
| Two forest fires
| 22
| Seeing duality
| Absence of false ego
|-
| Dhenuka (jackass)
| 20
| Desire to lord over universe
| Perceive evil of birth, death, disease, old age
|-
| Rescue Nanda from snake
| 28
| Dependence
| Non-entanglement with wife, home, children, etc.
|-
| Yamalarjuna (breaking twin Arjuna trees)
| -----
| ---
| Detachment
|-
| Vatsasura (calf)
| 15
| Disgrace
| Even-mindedness amid pleasant and unpleasant events
|-
| Indra worship
| 24
| Hankering
| Constant and unalloyed devotion to Krsna
|-
| Brahma steals calves, etc.
| 19
| Illusion
| Aspiring to live in a solitary place
|-
| Smarta-brahmanas
| 17
| ---
| Detachment from the gen’l mass of people
|-
| Trnavarta (whirlwind)
| 14
| Errors
| Accept importance of self-realization
|-
| Pralambasura
| 23
| Envy
| Philosophical search for Absolute Truth
|}

== Footnotes ==

<small><references/></small>

6. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, His Divine Grace A.C., Nectar of Instruction (Bhaktivedanta Book Trust 1983)

Category:Vanipedia Gemini - Articles

2026-05-17T14:49:42Z

Visnu Murti:

These articles serve as dynamic gateways into the vast ocean of Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings. Created through a pioneering collaboration between Vanipedia's editorial team and advanced AI, each article synthesizes the essence of a specific Vaniquotes category. They are designed to attract the intelligence and capture the heart, providing an engaging summary that leads you directly to the source. Consider these articles your invitation: read the articles, grasp the essence, and then click through to experience the full depth of Śrīla Prabhupāda's verbatim Vāṇī.

Go directly to All [[#mw-pages|<span style="color:blue">'''4,415+''' Articles in this category '''Vanipedia Gemini - Articles'''</span>]]

[[Category:List of Vanipedia Articles]]

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*Content 1% complete

[[Category:List of Vanipedia Articles - in development|0]]

==Related articles (Vanipedia)==

==References and Further Reading==

===Vaniquotes===

====Categories====

Vaniquotes categories are general topic areas for research and study based on key words (or phrases) and themes.

====Pages====

Vaniquotes pages are compilations or selected single quotes. They are collected under the Vaniquotes categories, and their content is indicated by title. The following list is not exhaustive; additional pages may be found by browsing any of the Vaniquotes categories listed above.

===Vanisource===

Key texts and purports

==Subtopics for Development==

Category:Who is Srila Prabhupada

2026-05-17T10:22:22Z

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[[Category:vs-search]]
[[Category:Study Resources]]
[[Category:Introductory Articles to Vaniquotes|8]]
[[Category:Site Map|1]]
Srila Prabhupada, a glorious modern sage, shares his love with all he meets, via his profound teachings, which bring to life Lord Chaitanya's message: how to develop pure love for Krishna, or God. Srila Prabhupada's outstanding personality - his transcendental desires, qualities, character and personal history - is abundantly expressed in his lectures, conversations, letters and, to some degree, in his books.

Here we place a series of introductory articles on '''Who is Srila Prabhupada.'''

The resources for these articles come from these four Umbrella Categories.
*'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Prabhupada|Prabhupada ]]''' and '''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Prabhupada ( I ) - Umbrella Category|Prabhupada ( I )]]''' -
*'''[[Vaniquotes:Category: Prabhupada (Me) - Umbrella Category|Prabhupada (Me)]]''' and '''[[Vaniquotes:Category: Prabhupada (My) - Umbrella Category|Prabhupada (My)]]'''
*We launched this project on 10th of January 2017

Category:Srila Prabhupada Training Disciples

2026-05-17T10:21:53Z

Visnu Murti:

[[Category:vs-search]]
[[Category:Study Resources]]
[[Category:Introductory Articles to Vaniquotes|8]]
As a well-wishing teacher, guide, and guru, Srila Prabhupada constantly trained students to progress to more mature stages of discipleship. His numerous instructions were recorded in his books, letters, lectures, and conversations. After many years of thematically mapping those instructions, Vanipedia now offers these introductory articles showing the training Srila Prabhupada personally imparted to his disciples.

The resources for these articles come from these two Umbrella Categories.
*'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Disciples of Srila Prabhupada (Our) - Umbrella Category‎ |Disciples of Srila Prabhupada (Our) - Umbrella Category‎ ]]'''
*'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Disciples of Srila Prabhupada|Disciples of Srila Prabhupada]]'''
*We launched this project on 10th of January 2017

Category:Glorious Personalities

2026-05-17T10:21:21Z

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[[Category:vs-search]]
[[Category:Study Resources]]
[[Category:Introductory Articles to Vaniquotes|8]]
[[Category:Site Map]]
*This category of introductory articles, '''Glorious Personalities,''' is currently being developed. On the auspicious appearance day of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, 2016 we completed our first Glorious Personalities article titled '''[[:Radharani - the most glorious personality|Radharani - the most glorious personality]]. Now we have over 215!'''

*Contact visnu.murti.vani@gmail.com if you are interested to help out with this project.

*You can also find lists of personalities at Vaniquotes: '''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Personalities and Names - Umbrella Category|Personalities and Names - Umbrella Category]]'''

Category:Essential Subjects

2026-05-17T10:20:49Z

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[[Category:vs-search]]
[[Category:Introductory Articles to Vaniquotes|8]]
[[Category:Study Resources]]
[[Category:Site Map]]
* Here we present introductory articles from the various themes Srila Prabhupada addresses within his books. This series of over 900 articles offers our readers a glimpse into the broad array of subjects found within the teachings of Srila Prabhupada.

Category:Essential Subjects

2026-05-17T10:20:27Z

Visnu Murti:

[[Category:vs-search]]
[[Category:Introductory Articles to Vaniquotes]]
[[Category:Study Resources]]
[[Category:Site Map]]
* Here we present introductory articles from the various themes Srila Prabhupada addresses within his books. This series of over 900 articles offers our readers a glimpse into the broad array of subjects found within the teachings of Srila Prabhupada.

Srila Prabhupada Citing Verses Throughout His Teachings

2026-05-17T10:18:12Z

Visnu Murti:

==Introduction==

In this category, [[Vaniquotes:Category:Prabhupada_Citing_Verses_From_Different_Scriptures|Prabhupada Citing Verses From Different Scriptures]], we have undertaken the monumental project of studying the verses Srila Prabhupada quoted in his teachings. We focused mainly on the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, but we have also found and organized verses from 13 other sources. All of the sources are listed in the table at the bottom of this page. The work is not yet complete, but already it is a testament to the vast scope of Srila Prabhupada's knowledge, and his ability to recall hundreds of scriptural references to establish his arguments. By studying where and how Srila Prabhupada quotes these verses, we can better understand how to represent and defend Srila Prabhupada.

==Completed Sections==

So far the sections we have completed are the [[Vaniquotes:List_of_cited_verses_from_Bhagavad-gita_As_It_Is|Bhagavad-gita As It Is]], and the [[Vaniquotes:List_of_cited_verses_from_Srimad-Bhagavatam_canto_01|first]], [[Vaniquotes:List_of_cited_verses_from_Srimad-Bhagavatam_canto_02|second]] and [[Vaniquotes:List_of_cited_verses_from_Srimad-Bhagavatam_canto_03|third]] cantos of the Srimad Bhagavatam. Every verse quoted from these sources has its own page, showing the context of each time that Srila Prabhupada used it.

Let us look at the Bhagavad-gita section to get an idea of how extensive this project is. There are a total of 700 verses in the 18 chapters of Bhagavad-gītā, and '''588''' of them, or 84%, are cited by Śrīla Prabhupāda throughout his purports, lectures, conversations and letters. We have gathered all of these citations into 628 pages, which are organized into three categories, each covering six chapters.

* [[Vaniquotes:Category:Bhagavad-gita_Ch.01-06_-_Cited_Verses|Bhagavad-gita Ch.01-06 - Cited Verses]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Category:Bhagavad-gita_Ch.07-12_-_Cited_Verses|Bhagavad-gita Ch.07-12 - Cited Verses]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Category:Bhagavad-gita_Ch.13-18_-_Cited_Verses|Bhagavad-gita Ch.13-18 - Cited Verses]]

==Lists of Top-Quoted Verses==

Another valuable result that has come from this detailed study is that, for the first time, we have been able to analyze our results and create extensive lists of the verses Srila Prabhupada quoted the most. Now we know, for example, that the most-quoted verse, with almost twice as many citations (1,320) as any other verse, is BG 18.66, sarva-dharman parityajya. Below are presented the top thirty Bhagavad-gita verses and the top twenty Srimad Bhagavatam Canto One verses.

===Top 30 Quoted Verses From Bhagavad-gita===

{| class="wikitable"
|-
| '''01''' - BG 18.66 sarva-dharman parityajya... [[Vaniquotes:BG 18.66 sarva-dharman parityajya... cited (Bks)|cited = 1,320]]
|-
| '''02''' - BG 02.13 dehino 'smin yatha dehe... [[Vaniquotes:BG 02.13 dehino 'smin yatha dehe... cited (Bks)|cited = 738]]
|-
| '''03''' - BG 04.09 janma karma ca me divyam... [[Vaniquotes:BG 04.09 janma karma ca me divyam... cited (Bks)|cited = 733]]
|-
| '''04''' - BG 07.19 bahunam janmanam ante... [[Vaniquotes:BG 07.19 bahunam janmanam ante... cited (Bks)|cited = 622]]
|-
| '''05''' - BG 07.14 daivi hy esa guna-mayi... [[Vaniquotes:BG 07.14 daivi hy esa guna-mayi... cited (Bks)|cited = 582]]
|-
| '''06''' - BG 18.54 brahma-bhutah prasannatma... [[Vaniquotes:BG_18.54_brahma-bhutah_prasannatma..._cited_(Bks)|cited = 529]]
|-
| '''07''' - BG 07.15 na mam duskrtino mudhah.. [[Vaniquotes:BG 07.15 na mam duskrtino mudhah... cited (Bks)|cited = 497]]
|-
| '''08''' - BG 03.27 prakrteh kriyamanani... [[Vaniquotes:BG 03.27 prakrteh kriyamanani... cited (Bks)|cited = 489]]
|-
| '''09''' - BG 18.61 isvarah sarva-bhutanam... [[Vaniquotes:BG 18.61 isvarah sarva-bhutanam... cited (Bks)|cited = 488]]
|-
| '''10''' - BG 15.15 sarvasya caham hrdi sannivisto... [[Vaniquotes:BG 15.15 sarvasya caham hrdi sannivisto... cited (Bks)|cited = 487]]
|-
| '''11''' - BG 18.65 man-mana bhava mad-bhakto... [[Vaniquotes:BG 18.65 man-mana bhava mad-bhakto... cited (Bks & Lec)|cited = 451]]
|-
| '''12''' - BG 10.08 aham sarvasya prabhavo... [[Vaniquotes:BG 10.08 aham sarvasya prabhavo... cited (Bks)|cited = 431]]
|-
| '''13''' - BG 13.08-12 amanitvam adambhitvam... [[Vaniquotes:BG 13.08-12 amanitvam adambhitvam... cited (Bks)|cited = 397]]
|-
| '''14''' - BG 02.20 na jayate mriyate va kadacin... [[Vaniquotes:BG 02.20 na jayate mriyate va kadacin... cited (Bks)|cited = 384]]
|-
| '''15''' - BG 05.29 bhoktaram yajna-tapasam... [[Vaniquotes:BG 05.29 bhoktaram yajna-tapasam... cited (Bks)|cited = 356]]
|-
| '''16''' - BG 09.10 mayadhyaksena prakrtih... [[Vaniquotes:BG 09.10 mayadhyaksena prakrtih... cited (Bks)|cited = 354]]
|-
| '''17''' - BG 18.55 bhaktya mam abhijanati... [[Vaniquotes:BG_18.55_bhaktya_mam_abhijanati..._cited_(Bks)|cited = 338]]
|-
| '''18''' - BG 07.03 manusyanam sahasresu... [[Vaniquotes:BG 07.03 manusyanam sahasresu... cited (Bks)|cited = 335]]
|-
| '''19''' - BG 04.13 catur-varnyam maya srstam... [[Vaniquotes:BG 04.13 catur-varnyam maya srstam... cited (Bks)|cited = 334]]
|-
| '''20''' - BG 04.02 evam parampara-praptam... [[Vaniquotes:BG 04.02 evam parampara-praptam... cited (Bks)|cited = 325]]
|-
| '''21''' - BG 09.11 avajananti mam mudha... [[Vaniquotes:BG 09.11 avajananti mam mudha... cited (Bks)|cited = 315]]
|-
| '''22''' - BG 04.07 yada yada hi dharmasya... [[Vaniquotes:BG 04.07 yada yada hi dharmasya... cited|cited = 310]]
|-
| '''23''' - BG 07.07 mattah parataram nanyat... [[Vaniquotes:BG 07.07 mattah parataram nanyat... cited (Bks)|cited = 301]]
|-
| '''24''' - BG 04.08 paritranaya sadhunam... [[Vaniquotes:BG 04.08 paritranaya sadhunam... cited|cited = 297]]
|-
| '''25''' - BG 10.12-13 param brahma param dhama... [[Vaniquotes:BG 10.12-13 param brahma param dhama... cited|cited = 282]]
|-
| '''26''' - BG 09.26 patram puspam phalam toyam... [[Vaniquotes:BG 09.26 patram puspam phalam toyam... cited|cited = 275]]
|-
| '''27''' - BG 15.07 mamaivamso jiva-loke... [[Vaniquotes:BG 15.07 mamaivamso jiva-loke... cited (Bks)|cited = 274]]
|-
| '''28''' - BG 14.04 sarva-yonisu kaunteya... [[Vaniquotes:BG 14.04 sarva-yonisu kaunteya... cited|cited = 273]]
|-
| '''29''' - BG 07.04 bhumir apo 'nalo vayuh... [[Vaniquotes:BG 07.04 bhumir apo 'nalo vayuh... cited (Bks)|cited = 261]]
|-
| '''30''' - BG 04.34 tad viddhi pranipatena... [[Vaniquotes:BG 04.34 tad viddhi pranipatena... cited|cited = 256]]
|}

===Top 20 Quoted Verses From Srimad Bhagavatam Canto One===

{| class="wikitable"
|-
| '''01''' - SB 01.01.01 janmady asya yatah... [[Vaniquotes:SB 01.01.01 janmady asya yatah... cited (Bks)|cited = 731]]
|-
| '''02''' - SB 01.02.06 sa vai pumsam paro dharmo... [[Vaniquotes:SB 01.02.06 sa vai pumsam paro dharmo... cited (Bks)|cited = 436]]
|-
| '''03''' - SB 01.02.11 vadanti tat tattva-vidas... [[Vaniquotes:SB 01.02.11 vadanti tat tattva-vidas... cited (Bks)|cited = 294]]
|-
| '''04''' - SB 01.03.28 ete camsa-kalah pumsah... [[Vaniquotes:SB 01.03.28 ete camsa-kalah pumsah... cited (Bks)|cited = 269]]
|-
| '''05''' - SB 01.01.02 dharmah projjhita-kaitavo... [[Vaniquotes:SB 01.01.02 dharmah projjhita-kaitavo... cited (Bks)|cited = 236]]
|-
| '''06''' - SB 01.02.17 srnvatam sva-kathah krsnah... [[Vaniquotes:SB 01.02.17 srnvatam sva-kathah krsnah... cited (Bks)|cited = 222]]
|-
| '''07''' - SB 01.02.13 atah pumbhir dvija-srestha... [[Vaniquotes:SB 01.02.13 atah pumbhir dvija-srestha... cited (Bks)|cited = 210]]
|-
| '''08''' - SB 01.02.08 dharmah svanusthitah pumsam... [[Vaniquotes:SB 01.02.08 dharmah svanusthitah pumsam... cited (Bks)|cited = 192]]
|-
| '''09''' - SB 01.01.10 prayenalpayusah sabhya... [[Vaniquotes:SB 01.01.10 prayenalpayusah sabhya... cited (Bks)|cited = 183]]
|-
| '''10''' - SB 01.02.18 nasta-prayesv abhadresu... [[Vaniquotes:SB 01.02.18 nasta-prayesv abhadresu... cited|cited = 124]]
|-
| '''11''' - SB 01.02.10 kamasya nendriya-pritir... [[Vaniquotes:SB 01.02.10 kamasya nendriya-pritir... cited|cited = 112]]
|-
| '''12''' - SB 01.02.19 tada rajas-tamo-bhavah... [[Vaniquotes:SB 01.02.19 tada rajas-tamo-bhavah... cited|cited = 110]]
|-
| '''13''' - SB 01.07.06 anarthopasamam saksad... [[Vaniquotes:SB 01.07.06 anarthopasamam saksad... cited|cited = 100]]
|-
| '''14''' - SB 01.08.26 janmaisvarya-sruta-sribhir... [[Vaniquotes:SB 01.08.26 janmaisvarya-sruta-sribhir... cited|cited = 74]]
|-
| '''15''' - SB 01.10.04 kamam vavarsa parjanyah... [[Vaniquotes:SB 01.10.04 kamam vavarsa parjanyah... cited|cited = 69]]
|-
| '''16''' - SB 01.02.12 tac chraddadhana munayo... [[Vaniquotes:SB 01.02.12 tac chraddadhana munayo... cited|cited = 62]]
|-
| '''17''' - SB 01.02.09 dharmasya hy apavargyasya... [[Vaniquotes:SB 01.02.09 dharmasya hy apavargyasya... cited|cited = 60]]
|-
| '''18''' - SB 01.13.47 ahastani sahastanam.. [[Vaniquotes:SB 01.13.47 ahastani sahastanam.. cited|cited = 58]]
|-
| '''19''' - SB 01.02.20 evam prasanna-manaso... [[Vaniquotes:SB 01.02.20 evam prasanna-manaso... cited|cited = 58]]
|-
| '''20''' - SB 01.01.03 nigama-kalpa-taror galitam phalam... [[Vaniquotes:SB 01.01.03 nigama-kalpa-taror galitam phalam... cited|cited = 47]]
|}

==Bhakti-Sastri Verses==

We have created this category, [[Vaniquotes:Category:Bhakti-sastri_VTE_-_Cited_Verses|Bhakti sastri VTE - Cited Verses]], as a gift to Bhakti-Sastri students and teachers all over the world. The twenty-seven verses here are the Key Memorization Verses from the VTE (Vaishnava Training and Education) syllabus. For each of these important verses, we can study how and when Srila Prabhupada used them in his preaching.

==All Quoted Sources==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
| [[Vaniquotes:Category:Auspicious_Invocation_Mantras_-_Cited_Verses|Auspicious Invocation Mantras]] (3)
| [[Vaniquotes:Category:Katha_Upanisad_-_Cited_Verses|Katha Upanisad]] (1)
| [[Vaniquotes:Category:Srimad-Bhagavatam_Canto_08_-_Cited_Verses|Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 08]] (1)
|-
| [[Vaniquotes:Category:Bhagavad-gita_Ch.01-06_-_Cited_Verses|Bhagavad-gita Ch.01-06]] (285)
| [[Vaniquotes:Category:Nectar_of_Instruction_-_Cited_Verses|Nectar of Instruction]] (6)
| [[Vaniquotes:Category:Srimad-Bhagavatam_Canto_09_-_Cited_Verses|Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 09]] (5)
|-
| [[Vaniquotes:Category:Bhagavad-gita_Ch.07-12_-_Cited_Verses|Bhagavad-gita Ch.07-12]] (209)
| [[Vaniquotes:Category:Siksastaka_-_Cited_Verses|Siksastaka]] (10)
| [[Vaniquotes:Category:Srimad-Bhagavatam_Canto_10_-_Cited_Verses|Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 10]] (29)
|-
| [[Vaniquotes:Category:Bhagavad-gita_Ch.13-18_-_Cited_Verses|Bhagavad-gita Ch.13-18]] (137)
| [[Vaniquotes:Category:Sri_Isopanisad_-_Cited_Verses|Sri Isopanisad]] (22)
| [[Vaniquotes:Category:Srimad-Bhagavatam_Canto_11_-_Cited_Verses|Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 11]] (27)
|-
| [[Vaniquotes:Category:Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu_-_Cited_Verses|Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu]] (17)
| [[Vaniquotes:Category:Srimad-Bhagavatam_Canto_01_-_Cited_Verses|Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 01]] (318)
| [[Vaniquotes:Category:Srimad-Bhagavatam_Canto_12_-_Cited_Verses|Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 12]] (17)
|-
| [[Vaniquotes:Category:Brahma-samhita_-_Cited_Verses|Brahma-samhita]] (33)
| [[Vaniquotes:Category:Srimad-Bhagavatam_Canto_02_-_Cited_Verses|Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 02]] (83)
| [[Vaniquotes:Category:Svetasvatara_Upanisad_-_Cited_Verses|Svetasvatara Upanisad]] (2)
|-
| [[Vaniquotes:Category:Caitanya-caritamrta_Adi-lila_-_Cited_Verses|Caitanya-caritamrta Adi-lila]] (22)
| [[Vaniquotes:Category:Srimad-Bhagavatam_Canto_03_-_Cited_Verses|Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 03]] (132)
| [[Vaniquotes:Category:Unknown_Sources_-_Cited_Verses|Unknown Sources]] (2)
|-
| [[Vaniquotes:Category:Caitanya-caritamrta_Madhya-lila_-_Cited_Verses|Caitanya-caritamrta Madhya-lila]] (38)
| [[Vaniquotes:Category:Srimad-Bhagavatam_Canto_04_-_Cited_Verses|Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 04]] (3)
| [[Vaniquotes:Category:Bhakti-sastri_VTE_-_Cited_Verses|Bhakti-sastri VTE]] (73)
|-
| [[Vaniquotes:Category:Caitanya-caritamrta_Antya-lila_-_Cited_Verses|Caitanya-caritamrta Antya-lila]] (8)
| [[Vaniquotes:Category:Srimad-Bhagavatam_Canto_05_-_Cited_Verses|Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 05]] (52)
| [[Vaniquotes:Category:Vedanta-sutra_-_Cited_Verses|Vedanta-sutra]] (12)
|-
| [[Vaniquotes:Category:Canakya_Pandita_-_Cited_Verses|Canakya Pandita]] (1)
| [[Vaniquotes:Category:Srimad-Bhagavatam_Canto_06_-_Cited_Verses|Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 06]] (89)
| [[Vaniquotes:Category:Visnu_Purana_-_Cited_Verses|Visnu Purana]] (1)
|-
| [[Vaniquotes:Category:Gurv-astaka_Prayers_to_the_Spiritual_Master_-_Cited_Verses|Gurv-astaka Prayers to the Spiritual Master]] (8)
| [[Vaniquotes:Category:Srimad-Bhagavatam_Canto_07_-_Cited_Verses|Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 07]] (126)
|
|}

[[Category:Introductory Articles to Vaniquotes|9]]

Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - Appearance days

2026-05-17T10:14:12Z

Visnu Murti:

[[Category:Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life|2]]
[[Category:Timeline Resources]]
{{Toc right no-numbers}}
== <div style="font-size:1em; text-align:center;">'''Appearance Days - 1896 to 1977'''</div> ==
<div class="center">'''Where Śrīla Prabhupāda was physically present for his [[Vaniquotes:Category:Vyasa-puja|Vyasa-puja]] celebrations'''</div>
== <div class="timelineh2">'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Date 1896|1896]]''' - took birth on September 1</div> ==
<div class="mainleft" style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
* 1897 - age 1
* 1898 - age 2
* 1899 - age 3
* 1900 - age 4 on August 19
* 1901 - age 5 on September 7
* 1902 - age 6 on August 28
* 1903 - age 7 on August 17
* 1904 - age 8 on September 4
* 1905 - age 9 on August 24
* 1906 - age 10 on August 13
* 1907 - age 11 on September 1
* 1908 - age 12 on August 20
* 1909 - age 13 on September 8
* 1910 - age 14 on August 29
* 1911 - age 15 on August 19
* 1912 - age 16 on September 6
* 1913 - age 17 on August 26
* 1914 - age 18 on August 15
* 1915 - age 19 on September 3
* 1916 - age 20 on August 22
* 1917 - age 21 on August 11
* 1918 - age 22 on August 30
* 1919 - age 23 on August 20
* 1920 - age 24 on September 7
* 1921 - age 25 on August 28
* 1922 - age 26 on August 17
* 1923 - age 27 on September 4
* 1924 - age 28 on August 23
* 1925 - age 29 on August 12
* 1926 - age 30 on August 31
* 1927 - age 31 on August 21
* 1928 - age 32 on September 8
* 1929 - age 33 on August 29
* 1930 - age 34 on August 18
* 1931 - age 35 on September 6
* 1932 - age 36 on August 25
* 1933 - age 37 on August 14
* 1934 - age 38 on September 2
* 1935 - age 39 on August 22
* 1936 - age 40 on August 11
* 1937 - age 41 on August 30
* 1938 - age 42 on August 20
* 1939 - age 43 on September 8
* 1940 - age 44 on August 27
* 1941 - age 45 on August 16
* 1942 - age 46 on September 4
* 1943 - age 47 on August 24
* 1944 - age 48 on August 12
* 1945 - age 49 on August 31
* 1946 - age 50 on August 21
* 1947 - age 51 on September 9
* 1948 - age 52 on August 29
* 1949 - age 53 on August 18
* 1950 - age 54 on September 6
* 1951 - age 55 on August 25
* 1952 - age 56 on August 14
* 1953 - age 57 on September 1
* 1954 - age 58 on August 22
* 1955 - age 59 on August 12
* 1956 - age 60 on August 30
* 1957 - age 61 on August 20
* 1958 - age 62 on September 7
* 1959 - age 63 on August 27
* 1960 - age 64 on August 15
* 1961 - age 65 on September3
* 1962 - age 66 on August 23
* 1963 - age 67 on August 13
* 1964 - age 68 on August 31
</div>
== <div class="timelineh2">'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Date 1965|1965]]''' - age 69 on August 21</div> ==

==== On Board the Jaladuta Boat====

*'''[[Vanisource:August_1965|The Jaladuta Diary, August 1965 - Journey to the U.S.A.]]'''

== <div class="timelineh2">'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Date 1966|1966]]''' - age 70 on September 9</div> ==

==== New York ====

*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - September 09|September 09]] - '''[[Vanisource:660909 - Lecture BG 06.21-27 - New York|Lecture BG 06.21-27 - New York]]'''

== <div class="timelineh2">'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Date 1967|1967]]''' - age 71 on August 29</div> ==

==== Vṛndāvana ====

*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 29|August 29]] - '''[[Vanisource:670829 - Letter to Hansadutta written from Vrndavana|Letter to Hansadutta written from Vṛndāvana]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 29|August 29]] - '''[[Vanisource:670829 - Letter to Hayagriva written from Vrndavana|Letter to Hayagriva written from Vṛndāvana]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 29|August 29]] - '''[[Vanisource:670829 - Letter to Satsvarupa written from Vrndavana|Letter to Satsvarupa written from Vṛndāvana]]

== <div class="timelineh2">'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Date 1968|1968]]''' - age 72 on August 17</div> ==

==== Montreal ====

*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 17|August 17]] - '''[[Vanisource:680817 - Lecture SB 07.09.11 - Montreal|Lecture SB 07.09.11 - Montreal]]'''
{{youtube_ditl|89k-dfVOhu8|One Can Satisfy the Lord Simply by Love and Devotional Service - 0791|6:37 minute excerpt of Lecture SB 07.09.11 - Montreal}}
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 17|August 17]] - '''[[Vanisource:680817 - Letter to Hayagriva written from Montreal|Letter to Hayagriva written from Montreal]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 17|August 17]] - '''[[Vanisource:680817 - Letter to Jayananda written from Montreal|Letter to Jayananda written from Montreal]]

== <div class="timelineh2">'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Date 1969|1969]]''' - age 73 on September 5</div> ==

==== Hamburg ====

*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - September 05|September 05]] - '''[[Vanisource:690905 - Lecture Festival Appearance Day, Sri Vyasa-puja - Hamburg|Vyāsa-pūjā, appearance day of Śrīla Prabhupāda]]'''
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - September 05|September 05]] - '''[[Vanisource:690905 - Letter to Brahmananda written from Hamburg|Letter to Brahmananda written from Hamburg]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - September 05|September 05]] - '''[[Vanisource:690905 - Letter to Dr. Syama Sundardas Brahmacari written from Hamburg|Letter to Dr. Syama Sundardas Brahmacari written from Hamburg]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - September 05|September 05]] - '''[[Vanisource:690905 - Letter to Hansadutta written from Hamburg|Letter to Hansadutta written from Hamburg]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - September 05|September 05]] - '''[[Vanisource:690905 - Letter to Mukunda written from Hamburg|Letter to Mukunda written from Hamburg]]

== <div class="timelineh2">'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Date 1970|1970]]''' - age 74 on August 25</div> ==

==== Tokyo ====

*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 25|August 25]] - '''[[Vanisource:700825 - Letter to Bali-mardana written from Tokyo|Letter to Bali-mardana written from Tokyo]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 25|August 25]] - '''[[Vanisource:700825 - Letter to Jaya Gopala written from Tokyo|Letter to Jaya Gopala written from Tokyo]]

== <div class="timelineh2">'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Date 1971|1971]]''' - age 75 on August 15</div> ==

==== London ====

*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Lecture SB 01.01.02 - London|SB 01.01.02 - London]]'''
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Conversation - London|Conversation - London]]'''
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to Damodara, Patita Pavana, Michael, Tom, Emily, Tosan, Roset, Mrganetridevi, Gulab, Patrick and others written from London|Letter to Damodara, Patita Pavana, Michael, Tom, Emily, Tosan, Roset, Mrganetridevi, Gulab, Patrick and others written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to Indira written from London|Letter to Indira written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON Amsterdam written from London|Letter to ISKCON Amsterdam written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON Boston written from London|Letter to ISKCON Boston written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON Boulder written from London|Letter to ISKCON Boulder written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON Calcutta written from London|Letter to ISKCON Calcutta written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON Chicago written from London|Letter to ISKCON Chicago written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON Cleveland written from London|Letter to ISKCON Cleveland written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON Detroit written from London|Letter to ISKCON Detroit written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON Hamburg written from London|Letter to ISKCON Hamburg written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON L.A. written from London|Letter to ISKCON L.A. written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON Laguna Beach written from London|Letter to ISKCON Laguna Beach written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON Malaysia written from London|Letter to ISKCON Malaysia written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON N.Y. written from London|Letter to ISKCON N.Y. written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON New Orleans written from London|Letter to ISKCON New Orleans written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON Ocean City written from London|Letter to ISKCON Ocean City written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON Pittsburgh written from London|Letter to ISKCON Pittsburgh written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON Portland written from London|Letter to ISKCON Portland written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON Press written from London|Letter to ISKCON Press written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON San Diego written from London|Letter to ISKCON San Diego written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON St. Louis written from London|Letter to ISKCON St. Louis written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON Trinidad written from London|Letter to ISKCON Trinidad written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON Tucson written from London|Letter to ISKCON Tucson written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to Mahamsa, Ksudhi, Rsi Kumar, Nanda Kumar, Tusta Krishna, Krsna Tulasi, Gurukrpa, Madhudvisa Swami and others written from London|Letter to Mahamsa, Ksudhi, Rsi Kumar, Nanda Kumar, Tusta Krishna, Krsna Tulasi, Gurukrpa, Madhudvisa Swami and others written from London]]

== <div class="timelineh2">'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Date 1972|1972]]''' - age 76 on September 2</div> ==

==== New Vrindaban ====

*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - September 02|September 02]] - '''[[Vanisource:720902 - Lecture Festival Sri Vyasa-puja - New Vrindaban, USA|Vyāsa-pūjā, appearance day of Śrīla Prabhupāda]]'''
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - September 02|September 02]] - '''[[Vanisource:720902 - Interview - New Vrindaban, USA|Interview - New Vrindaban]]'''
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - September 02|September 02]] - '''[[Vanisource:720902 - Letter to Brahmananda written from New Vrindaban, USA|Letter to Brahmananda written from New Vrindaban, USA]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - September 02|September 02]] - '''[[Vanisource:720902 - Letter to Lalitananda written from New Vrindaban, USA|Letter to Lalitananda written from New Vrindaban, USA]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - September 02|September 02]] - '''[[Vanisource:720902 - Letter to Radha-Damodara written from New Vrindaban, USA|Letter to Radha-Damodara written from New Vrindaban, USA]]

== <div class="timelineh2">'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Date 1973|1973]]''' - age 77 on August 22</div> ==

==== London ====

*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 22|August 22]] - '''[[Vanisource:730822 - Lecture BG 02.16 - London|Lecture BG 02.16 - London]]'''
{{youtube_ditl|v-Uv2N_FsWk|There is No Difference Between Instruction. Therefore Guru Is One - 0793|5:15 minute excerpt of Lecture BG 02.16 - London}}
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 22|August 22]] - '''[[Vanisource:730822 - Lecture Festival Appearance Day, Sri Vyasa-puja - London|Vyāsa-pūjā, appearance day of Śrīla Prabhupāda]]'''
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 22|August 22]] - '''[[Vanisource:730822 - Lecture - London|Lecture - London]]'''

== <div class="timelineh2">'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Date 1974|1974]]''' - age 78 on August 12</div> ==

==== Vṛndāvana ====

*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 12|August 12]] - '''[[Vanisource:740812 - Lecture BG 07.06 - Vrndavana|Lecture BG 07.06 - Vṛndāvana]]'''
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 12|August 12]] - '''[[Vanisource:740812 - Lecture SB 01.05.31 - Vrndavana|Lecture SB 01.05.31 - Vṛndāvana]]'''

== <div class="timelineh2">'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Date 1975|1975]]''' - age 79 on August 31</div> ==

==== Vṛndāvana ====

*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 31|August 31]] - '''[[Vanisource:750831 - Lecture Hindi - Vrndavana|Lecture Hindi - Vṛndāvana]]'''
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 31|August 31]] - '''[[Vanisource:750831 - Letter to Minister for Land & Revenue written from Vrndavana|Letter to Minister for Land & Revenue written from Vṛndāvana]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 31|August 31]] - '''[[Vanisource:750831 - Letter to Sri Rameshji Mahalingam written from Vrndavana|Letter to Sri Rameshji Mahalingam written from Vṛndāvana]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 31|August 31]] - '''[[Vanisource:750831 - Letter to Svarupa Damodara written from Vrndavana|Letter to Svarupa Damodara written from Vṛndāvana]]

== <div class="timelineh2">'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Date 1976|1976]]''' - age 80 on August 19</div> ==

==== Hyderabad ====

*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 19|August 19]] - '''[[Vanisource:760819 - Lecture Festival Appearance Day, Sri Vyasa-puja - Hyderabad|Vyāsa-pūjā, appearance day of Śrīla Prabhupāda]]'''
{{youtube_ditl|eHE8YlYZGDc|A Person Being Worshiped as Most Exalted Personality is Something Revolution - 0540|7:26 minute excerpt of Vyasa-puja Lecture - Hyderabad}}
{{youtube_ditl|Vj0n3mvev_M|If You Love Me, Love My Dog - 0541|5:52 minute excerpt of Vyasa-puja Lecture - Hyderabad}}
{{youtube_ditl|1g0jo9JpQ_4|What is that Qualification of the Guru? How Everyone can Become Guru? - 0542|6:14 minute excerpt of Vyasa-puja Lecture - Hyderabad}}
{{youtube_ditl|_Cq4rVuphkQ|It is not That you Have to Make a Gigantic Show of Becoming Guru - 0543|5:19 minute excerpt of Vyasa-puja Lecture - Hyderabad}}
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 19|August 19]] - '''[[Vanisource:760819 - Conversation A - Hyderabad|Conversation A - Hyderabad]]'''
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 19|August 19]] - '''[[Vanisource:760819 - Conversation B - Hyderabad|Conversation B - Hyderabad]]'''
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 19|August 19]] - '''[[Vanisource:760819 - Letter to All GBC Secretaries written from Unknown Place|Letter to All GBC Secretaries written from Unknown Place]]

== <div class="timelineh2">'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Date 1977|1977]]''' - age 81 on September 7</div> ==

==== London ====

Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life - Appearance days

2026-05-17T10:12:37Z

Visnu Murti:

[[Category:Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life]]
[[Category:Timeline Resources]]
{{Toc right no-numbers}}
== <div style="font-size:1em; text-align:center;">'''Appearance Days - 1896 to 1977'''</div> ==
<div class="center">'''Where Śrīla Prabhupāda was physically present for his [[Vaniquotes:Category:Vyasa-puja|Vyasa-puja]] celebrations'''</div>
== <div class="timelineh2">'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Date 1896|1896]]''' - took birth on September 1</div> ==
<div class="mainleft" style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
* 1897 - age 1
* 1898 - age 2
* 1899 - age 3
* 1900 - age 4 on August 19
* 1901 - age 5 on September 7
* 1902 - age 6 on August 28
* 1903 - age 7 on August 17
* 1904 - age 8 on September 4
* 1905 - age 9 on August 24
* 1906 - age 10 on August 13
* 1907 - age 11 on September 1
* 1908 - age 12 on August 20
* 1909 - age 13 on September 8
* 1910 - age 14 on August 29
* 1911 - age 15 on August 19
* 1912 - age 16 on September 6
* 1913 - age 17 on August 26
* 1914 - age 18 on August 15
* 1915 - age 19 on September 3
* 1916 - age 20 on August 22
* 1917 - age 21 on August 11
* 1918 - age 22 on August 30
* 1919 - age 23 on August 20
* 1920 - age 24 on September 7
* 1921 - age 25 on August 28
* 1922 - age 26 on August 17
* 1923 - age 27 on September 4
* 1924 - age 28 on August 23
* 1925 - age 29 on August 12
* 1926 - age 30 on August 31
* 1927 - age 31 on August 21
* 1928 - age 32 on September 8
* 1929 - age 33 on August 29
* 1930 - age 34 on August 18
* 1931 - age 35 on September 6
* 1932 - age 36 on August 25
* 1933 - age 37 on August 14
* 1934 - age 38 on September 2
* 1935 - age 39 on August 22
* 1936 - age 40 on August 11
* 1937 - age 41 on August 30
* 1938 - age 42 on August 20
* 1939 - age 43 on September 8
* 1940 - age 44 on August 27
* 1941 - age 45 on August 16
* 1942 - age 46 on September 4
* 1943 - age 47 on August 24
* 1944 - age 48 on August 12
* 1945 - age 49 on August 31
* 1946 - age 50 on August 21
* 1947 - age 51 on September 9
* 1948 - age 52 on August 29
* 1949 - age 53 on August 18
* 1950 - age 54 on September 6
* 1951 - age 55 on August 25
* 1952 - age 56 on August 14
* 1953 - age 57 on September 1
* 1954 - age 58 on August 22
* 1955 - age 59 on August 12
* 1956 - age 60 on August 30
* 1957 - age 61 on August 20
* 1958 - age 62 on September 7
* 1959 - age 63 on August 27
* 1960 - age 64 on August 15
* 1961 - age 65 on September3
* 1962 - age 66 on August 23
* 1963 - age 67 on August 13
* 1964 - age 68 on August 31
</div>
== <div class="timelineh2">'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Date 1965|1965]]''' - age 69 on August 21</div> ==

==== On Board the Jaladuta Boat====

*'''[[Vanisource:August_1965|The Jaladuta Diary, August 1965 - Journey to the U.S.A.]]'''

== <div class="timelineh2">'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Date 1966|1966]]''' - age 70 on September 9</div> ==

==== New York ====

*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - September 09|September 09]] - '''[[Vanisource:660909 - Lecture BG 06.21-27 - New York|Lecture BG 06.21-27 - New York]]'''

== <div class="timelineh2">'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Date 1967|1967]]''' - age 71 on August 29</div> ==

==== Vṛndāvana ====

*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 29|August 29]] - '''[[Vanisource:670829 - Letter to Hansadutta written from Vrndavana|Letter to Hansadutta written from Vṛndāvana]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 29|August 29]] - '''[[Vanisource:670829 - Letter to Hayagriva written from Vrndavana|Letter to Hayagriva written from Vṛndāvana]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 29|August 29]] - '''[[Vanisource:670829 - Letter to Satsvarupa written from Vrndavana|Letter to Satsvarupa written from Vṛndāvana]]

== <div class="timelineh2">'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Date 1968|1968]]''' - age 72 on August 17</div> ==

==== Montreal ====

*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 17|August 17]] - '''[[Vanisource:680817 - Lecture SB 07.09.11 - Montreal|Lecture SB 07.09.11 - Montreal]]'''
{{youtube_ditl|89k-dfVOhu8|One Can Satisfy the Lord Simply by Love and Devotional Service - 0791|6:37 minute excerpt of Lecture SB 07.09.11 - Montreal}}
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 17|August 17]] - '''[[Vanisource:680817 - Letter to Hayagriva written from Montreal|Letter to Hayagriva written from Montreal]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 17|August 17]] - '''[[Vanisource:680817 - Letter to Jayananda written from Montreal|Letter to Jayananda written from Montreal]]

== <div class="timelineh2">'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Date 1969|1969]]''' - age 73 on September 5</div> ==

==== Hamburg ====

*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - September 05|September 05]] - '''[[Vanisource:690905 - Lecture Festival Appearance Day, Sri Vyasa-puja - Hamburg|Vyāsa-pūjā, appearance day of Śrīla Prabhupāda]]'''
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - September 05|September 05]] - '''[[Vanisource:690905 - Letter to Brahmananda written from Hamburg|Letter to Brahmananda written from Hamburg]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - September 05|September 05]] - '''[[Vanisource:690905 - Letter to Dr. Syama Sundardas Brahmacari written from Hamburg|Letter to Dr. Syama Sundardas Brahmacari written from Hamburg]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - September 05|September 05]] - '''[[Vanisource:690905 - Letter to Hansadutta written from Hamburg|Letter to Hansadutta written from Hamburg]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - September 05|September 05]] - '''[[Vanisource:690905 - Letter to Mukunda written from Hamburg|Letter to Mukunda written from Hamburg]]

== <div class="timelineh2">'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Date 1970|1970]]''' - age 74 on August 25</div> ==

==== Tokyo ====

*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 25|August 25]] - '''[[Vanisource:700825 - Letter to Bali-mardana written from Tokyo|Letter to Bali-mardana written from Tokyo]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 25|August 25]] - '''[[Vanisource:700825 - Letter to Jaya Gopala written from Tokyo|Letter to Jaya Gopala written from Tokyo]]

== <div class="timelineh2">'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Date 1971|1971]]''' - age 75 on August 15</div> ==

==== London ====

*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Lecture SB 01.01.02 - London|SB 01.01.02 - London]]'''
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Conversation - London|Conversation - London]]'''
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to Damodara, Patita Pavana, Michael, Tom, Emily, Tosan, Roset, Mrganetridevi, Gulab, Patrick and others written from London|Letter to Damodara, Patita Pavana, Michael, Tom, Emily, Tosan, Roset, Mrganetridevi, Gulab, Patrick and others written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to Indira written from London|Letter to Indira written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON Amsterdam written from London|Letter to ISKCON Amsterdam written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON Boston written from London|Letter to ISKCON Boston written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON Boulder written from London|Letter to ISKCON Boulder written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON Calcutta written from London|Letter to ISKCON Calcutta written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON Chicago written from London|Letter to ISKCON Chicago written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON Cleveland written from London|Letter to ISKCON Cleveland written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON Detroit written from London|Letter to ISKCON Detroit written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON Hamburg written from London|Letter to ISKCON Hamburg written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON L.A. written from London|Letter to ISKCON L.A. written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON Laguna Beach written from London|Letter to ISKCON Laguna Beach written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON Malaysia written from London|Letter to ISKCON Malaysia written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON N.Y. written from London|Letter to ISKCON N.Y. written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON New Orleans written from London|Letter to ISKCON New Orleans written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON Ocean City written from London|Letter to ISKCON Ocean City written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON Pittsburgh written from London|Letter to ISKCON Pittsburgh written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON Portland written from London|Letter to ISKCON Portland written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON Press written from London|Letter to ISKCON Press written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON San Diego written from London|Letter to ISKCON San Diego written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON St. Louis written from London|Letter to ISKCON St. Louis written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON Trinidad written from London|Letter to ISKCON Trinidad written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to ISKCON Tucson written from London|Letter to ISKCON Tucson written from London]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 15|August 15]] - '''[[Vanisource:710815 - Letter to Mahamsa, Ksudhi, Rsi Kumar, Nanda Kumar, Tusta Krishna, Krsna Tulasi, Gurukrpa, Madhudvisa Swami and others written from London|Letter to Mahamsa, Ksudhi, Rsi Kumar, Nanda Kumar, Tusta Krishna, Krsna Tulasi, Gurukrpa, Madhudvisa Swami and others written from London]]

== <div class="timelineh2">'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Date 1972|1972]]''' - age 76 on September 2</div> ==

==== New Vrindaban ====

*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - September 02|September 02]] - '''[[Vanisource:720902 - Lecture Festival Sri Vyasa-puja - New Vrindaban, USA|Vyāsa-pūjā, appearance day of Śrīla Prabhupāda]]'''
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - September 02|September 02]] - '''[[Vanisource:720902 - Interview - New Vrindaban, USA|Interview - New Vrindaban]]'''
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - September 02|September 02]] - '''[[Vanisource:720902 - Letter to Brahmananda written from New Vrindaban, USA|Letter to Brahmananda written from New Vrindaban, USA]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - September 02|September 02]] - '''[[Vanisource:720902 - Letter to Lalitananda written from New Vrindaban, USA|Letter to Lalitananda written from New Vrindaban, USA]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - September 02|September 02]] - '''[[Vanisource:720902 - Letter to Radha-Damodara written from New Vrindaban, USA|Letter to Radha-Damodara written from New Vrindaban, USA]]

== <div class="timelineh2">'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Date 1973|1973]]''' - age 77 on August 22</div> ==

==== London ====

*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 22|August 22]] - '''[[Vanisource:730822 - Lecture BG 02.16 - London|Lecture BG 02.16 - London]]'''
{{youtube_ditl|v-Uv2N_FsWk|There is No Difference Between Instruction. Therefore Guru Is One - 0793|5:15 minute excerpt of Lecture BG 02.16 - London}}
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 22|August 22]] - '''[[Vanisource:730822 - Lecture Festival Appearance Day, Sri Vyasa-puja - London|Vyāsa-pūjā, appearance day of Śrīla Prabhupāda]]'''
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 22|August 22]] - '''[[Vanisource:730822 - Lecture - London|Lecture - London]]'''

== <div class="timelineh2">'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Date 1974|1974]]''' - age 78 on August 12</div> ==

==== Vṛndāvana ====

*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 12|August 12]] - '''[[Vanisource:740812 - Lecture BG 07.06 - Vrndavana|Lecture BG 07.06 - Vṛndāvana]]'''
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 12|August 12]] - '''[[Vanisource:740812 - Lecture SB 01.05.31 - Vrndavana|Lecture SB 01.05.31 - Vṛndāvana]]'''

== <div class="timelineh2">'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Date 1975|1975]]''' - age 79 on August 31</div> ==

==== Vṛndāvana ====

*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 31|August 31]] - '''[[Vanisource:750831 - Lecture Hindi - Vrndavana|Lecture Hindi - Vṛndāvana]]'''
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 31|August 31]] - '''[[Vanisource:750831 - Letter to Minister for Land & Revenue written from Vrndavana|Letter to Minister for Land & Revenue written from Vṛndāvana]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 31|August 31]] - '''[[Vanisource:750831 - Letter to Sri Rameshji Mahalingam written from Vrndavana|Letter to Sri Rameshji Mahalingam written from Vṛndāvana]]
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 31|August 31]] - '''[[Vanisource:750831 - Letter to Svarupa Damodara written from Vrndavana|Letter to Svarupa Damodara written from Vṛndāvana]]

== <div class="timelineh2">'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Date 1976|1976]]''' - age 80 on August 19</div> ==

==== Hyderabad ====

*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 19|August 19]] - '''[[Vanisource:760819 - Lecture Festival Appearance Day, Sri Vyasa-puja - Hyderabad|Vyāsa-pūjā, appearance day of Śrīla Prabhupāda]]'''
{{youtube_ditl|eHE8YlYZGDc|A Person Being Worshiped as Most Exalted Personality is Something Revolution - 0540|7:26 minute excerpt of Vyasa-puja Lecture - Hyderabad}}
{{youtube_ditl|Vj0n3mvev_M|If You Love Me, Love My Dog - 0541|5:52 minute excerpt of Vyasa-puja Lecture - Hyderabad}}
{{youtube_ditl|1g0jo9JpQ_4|What is that Qualification of the Guru? How Everyone can Become Guru? - 0542|6:14 minute excerpt of Vyasa-puja Lecture - Hyderabad}}
{{youtube_ditl|_Cq4rVuphkQ|It is not That you Have to Make a Gigantic Show of Becoming Guru - 0543|5:19 minute excerpt of Vyasa-puja Lecture - Hyderabad}}
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 19|August 19]] - '''[[Vanisource:760819 - Conversation A - Hyderabad|Conversation A - Hyderabad]]'''
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 19|August 19]] - '''[[Vanisource:760819 - Conversation B - Hyderabad|Conversation B - Hyderabad]]'''
*[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada - August 19|August 19]] - '''[[Vanisource:760819 - Letter to All GBC Secretaries written from Unknown Place|Letter to All GBC Secretaries written from Unknown Place]]

== <div class="timelineh2">'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Date 1977|1977]]''' - age 81 on September 7</div> ==

==== London ====

Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life

2026-05-17T10:11:12Z

Visnu Murti:

[[Category:Timeline of Srila Prabhupada's Life]]
{{Timelinenav}}

*Here we are placing, in chronological order, all recorded teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, including as many events as possible from his life. This time-line will provide a complete unparalleled online repository.
*We '''[[Contact|invite devotees to assist]]''' in building this historic document that will surely help to successfully glorify all of Srila Prabhupada's global preaching and achievements during the 12 years of 50th anniversary celebrations '''(2015 - 2027)'''.
*This timeline is being used to compile pages for the '''[[A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada|A Day in the Life of Srila Prabhupada]]''' project.
*There is also a work in progress on a visualization of '''[[Srila Prabhupada traveling around the world|Srila Prabhupada's travels around the world]]'''.

<span style="font-size:1.2em;">'''Timeline Summary'''</span>
<div style="border:thin solid grey; border-radius:1em; box-shadow:0.5em 0.5em 0.5em #888888; background:#FFFFCC; min-width:75em; margin:1em auto 3em auto; padding:0.5em; text-align:center;">
{{Randomicon-MWalk-48px}}'''[[Vanisource:Category:Morning Walks - by Date|490 Morning Walks from 1968 to 1977]]'''
{{Randomicon-Lect-48px}}'''[[Vanisource:Category:Lectures - by Date|1,914 Lectures from 1966 to 1977]]'''
{{Randomicon-Conv-48px}}'''[[Vanisource:Category:Conversations - by Date|907 Conversations from 1967 to 1977]]'''
<br />

{{Randomicon-Conv-48px}}'''[[Vanisource:Category:Conversations_with_Media|62 Interviews from 1968 to 1977]]'''
{{Randomicon-Lett-48px}}'''[[Vanisource:Category:Letters - by Date|6,579+ Letters from 1947 to 1977]]'''
[[File:Aircraft icon 108px.png|link=|48px]] '''[[Vanisource:Category:Lectures, Conversations and Letters by Place|108+ Places visited from 1966 to 1977]]'''
<br />

[[File:1966-NATIONAL-DIARY.jpg|link=|48px]] '''[[Vanisource:Essays_and_Articles|36 Articles from 1936 to 1972]]'''
[[File:1962-65-Srimad-Bhagwatams-1st-canto-dust-covers.png|link=|48px]] '''[[Vanisource:Category:Poems, Documents and Articles|80+ Volumes of Books from 1944 to 1977]]'''
[[File:030 1966 01-01.jpg|link=|48px]] '''[[Vanisource:Back to Godhead magazines 1944 to 1977|130 Back to Godhead Magazines published from 1944 to 1977]]'''
</div>
{{Toc right no-numbers}}<span style="font-size:1.2em;">'''1896 to 1964 - Events'''</span>

* 1896 - September 01 - Calcutta - '''[[Vaniquotes:Category:My Birth (Prabhupada)|took birth]]'''
* 1902 - July 7th till July 15th Srila Prabhupada celebrates '''[[Vaniquotes:In childhood I used to take my ratha with my little friends, about 60 years ago. Again I am reviving the same attempt with my young disciples. I have become old, and you are also old. We may pass away, but my disciples will carry on this festival yearly|Rathayatra in his neighborhood.]]'''
* 1922 - '''[[Vaniquotes:The eternal bond between disciple and spiritual master begins from the first day he hears. Just like my spiritual master. In 1922 he said in our first meeting, you are educated boys, why don't you preach this cult|Meets for the first time Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Gosvāmī Mahārāja]]'''
* 1933 - Allahabad - Accepts formal '''[[Vaniquotes:From 1922 to 1933 practically I was not initiated, but I got the impression of preaching Caitanya Mahaprabhu's cult. That I was thinking. And that was the initiation by my Guru Maharaja. Then officially I was initiated in 1933|dīkṣā initiation]]'''
* 1944 - February 14 - '''[[Vaniquotes:I started my paper Back to Godhead in 1944|Started]][[Vanisource:1944 Back to Godhead Volume 1 Part 01-4|'Back to Godhead']]'''
* 1951 - '''[[Vaniquotes:Taking of sannyasa order is in one sense only a formality. I was preaching and writing for eight or nine years as Vanaprastha and then in 1959 I took sannyasa. So if after a few years as Vanaprastha your behavior is ideal sannyasa can be considered|Accepts vanaprastha]]'''
* 1953 - Jhansi - Initiates first disciple - Acarya Prabhakar
* 1956 - Moves to Vṛndāvana
* 1959 - September 17 - '''[[Vaniquotes:I took sannyasa|Awarded Sannyasa in Mathura]]''' by one of his Godbrothers, His Holiness B.P. Kesava Maharaja
* 1962 - September - '''[[Vanisource:SB (1962) Canto One, Volume 1 Index|Publishes Volume 1, Canto 1 of Śrīmad Bhāgavatam]]'''
* 1964 - '''[[Vanisource:SB (1964) Canto One, Volume 2 Index|Publishes Volume 2, Canto 1 of Śrīmad Bhāgavatam]]'''

<br />
== <div style="font-size:1em; text-align:center;">'''1896 to 1964'''</div> ==

== <div class="timelineh2">'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Date 1896|1896]]''' - took birth on September 1</div> ==
* 1896 - September 01 - Calcutta - '''[[Vaniquotes:Category:My Birth (Prabhupada)|took birth]]''' on a '''[[Vaniquotes:I_was_born_September_1,_1896,_Tuesday_at_about_4:00_in_the_afternoon._My_rasi_is_Metthuna|Tuesday at about 4:00 in the afternoon (rasi is Metthuna)]]''' as '''[[Vaniquotes:Abhaya Charan De|Abhay Charan De]]''' to '''[[Vaniquotes:I was born 1st September 1896 in Calcutta as the third son of my father, the late Gaura Mohon Dev, and mother, the late Rajani Devi, in the family of one of very respectable Gold merchant aristocracy of Calcutta| Gaura Mohan De and Rajani Devi]]'''
* 1902 - '''[[Vaniquotes:When I was six years old my father gave me a ratha and I was performing the Ratha yatra in my neighborhood. And now in the western world you are worshiping Lord Jagannatha so gorgeously and it pleases me very, very much|At age six was performing Ratha yatra in the neighborhood]]'''
* 1904 to 1907 - Primary school, Calcutta - age 8 to 11 yrs
* 1908 to 1915 - Higher secondary school, Calcutta - age 12 to 19 yrs
* 1910 - '''[[Vaniquotes:I lost my mother when I was only 14 years old. So I didn't get much of my mother's affection in my childhood. But in my old age, Krishna has given me so many young mothers to take care of me|Śrīla Prabhupāda's mother Rajani Devi dies]]'''
* 1911 - Experiences danger - '''[[Vaniquotes:I had some experience in my childhood, in 1911. I was thirteen years old. There was a riot. So our house was there in Mahatma Gandhi Road, and all sides Muhammadans|riots in Calcutta]]'''
* 1916 to 1920 - '''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Scottish Churches College|Scottish Churches College]]''' run by the Scottish Church missionaries - age 20 to 24 yrs
* 1918 - '''[[Vaniquotes:I was married during my student life in 1918 with Radharani Devi|Enters married life]]''' with '''[[Vaniquotes:Category:My Wife (Prabhupada)|Radharani Datta]]''' (grhastha ashrama)
* 1920 - '''[[Vaniquotes:I was educated in Scottish Churches College, appeared for my B.A. in 1920 and then joined Gandhi's movement and gave up education. I met my Guru Maharaja in 1922|Passed his final examination (B.A)]]''' at Scottish Churches College, but rejected diploma and gave up college education
* 1921 - '''[[Vaniquotes:My wife gave birth at the age of fourteen years. She is still living. She is ten years younger than me. So sixty-eight, sixty-nine she is. She gave birth child at the age of fourteen. In 1918 I was married, and 1921 she gave birth to child, my first son|Birth of first son]]'''

== <div class="timelineh2">'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Date 1922|1922]]''' - age 26 on August 17</div> ==
* 1922 - Joins '''[[Vaniquotes:In 1922, I was at that time very much engaged in Congress activity. I was very much devout follower of Mahatma Gandhi|Gandhi's non-cooperation movement]]'''
* 1922 - Induced by his intimate friend, '''[[Vaniquotes:Narendranath Mullik|Śrī Narendranath Mullik]]''', Abhay Charan De '''[[Vaniquotes:The eternal bond between disciple and spiritual master begins from the first day he hears. Just like my spiritual master. In 1922 he said in our first meeting, you are educated boys, why don't you preach this cult|meets for the first time Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Gosvāmī Mahārāja]]'''—his future initiating spiritual master—and is asked to '''[[Vaniquotes:Immediately after my meeting, he (my Guru Maharaja) said this, that "Why don't you preach this Caitanya's cult in the Western countries?" That is a memorable day. Of course, I did not know that I will have to do it|"preach this Caitanya's cult in the Western countries"]]'''
* 1923 - Allahabad - Leaves Calcutta to start a new business - '''Prayāg pharmacy'''
* 1925 - Purchases one '''[[Vaniquotes:I purchased one motorcar in 1925, Buick car. Not for personal use, but for using it as a taxi. My one nephew, he was a good driver, so my father, "Why don't you give him? He can do that, we can use it our own car, also taxi"|Buick car for nephew to use as a taxi]]'''
* 1925 - Visits Vṛndāvana-dhāma for the first time and hears more from Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Mahārāja
* 1927 - Goes to '''[[Vaniquotes:I have connection with Bombay since 1927. In 1927 I first went to Bombay|Bombay for the first time]]'''
* 1928 - Allahabad - Kumbhamelā is held. Around this time the Gauḍīya Maṭha opens a branch in Allahabad and members visit '''[[Vaniquotes:Abhaya Babu|Abhaya Babu]]''' in his pharmacy shop
* 1930 - '''[[Vaniquotes:I was pet child of my father whom I lost in 1930, and since then nobody was taking care of me as affectionate son. But Krishna has sent me so many fathers to take care of me in a far distant place in USA|Śrīla Prabhupāda's father Gour Mohan De dies]]'''

== <div class="timelineh2">'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Date 1933|<span id="1933">1933</span>]]''' - age 37 on August 14</div> ==
* 1933 - Allahabad - Accepts formal '''[[Vaniquotes:From 1922 to 1933 practically I was not initiated, but I got the impression of preaching Caitanya Mahaprabhu's cult. That I was thinking. And that was the initiation by my Guru Maharaja. Then officially I was initiated in 1933|dīkṣā initiation]]''' from Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Mahārāja
* 1935 - '''[[Vaniquotes:Sometime in the year 1935 when His Divine Grace was staying at Radha-kunda, I went to see him from Bombay. At that time, he gave me many important instructions in regard to constructing temples and publishing books|Visits Rādhā-kunda to see Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Mahārāja]]''' and receives instructions on constructing temples and publishing books
* 1936 - February 12 - '''[[Vanisource:19360212 Vyas Puja Homage to Bhaktisiddhanta|Vyas Puja Homage to Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Mahārāja]]'''
* 1936 - December 31 - Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Mahārāja '''[[Vanisource:My Guru Maharaja passed in 1936, and I started this movement in 1965, thirty years after. Then? I am getting the mercy of guru. This is vani|passes from this world]]''' leaving a message for Śrīla Prabhupāda to preach in English language

== <div class="timelineh2">'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Date 1944|1944]]''' - age 48 on August 12</div> ==
* 1944 - February 14 - '''[[Vaniquotes:I started my paper Back to Godhead in 1944|Publishes]]''' the '''[[Vanisource:1944 Back to Godhead Volume 1 Part 01-4|first 'Back to Godhead']]''' magazine on Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura's appearance day.
* 1944 - October - Publishes '''[[Vanisource:1944 Back to Godhead Volume 1 Part 02|'Back to Godhead' Volume 1 Part 02]]'''
* <span id="1947">'''[[Vanisource:Category:1947 to 1964 - Letters|1947 - Letters]]'''</span>
* 1947 - Receives the honorary '''[[Vaniquotes:This Bhaktivedanta title was given on this vedanta-vadi because in our society there was no Vedanta. So some of the Vaisnavas selected me to get this title Bhaktivedanta|title of 'Bhaktivedanta']]''' from his God-brothers of the Gaudiya Math
* 1947 - July 12 - Writes a '''[[Vanisource:Letter to Mahatma Gandhi -- Cawnpore 12 July, 1947|Letter to Mahatma Gandhi]]''' advising: "you must immediately retire from active politics if you do not desire to die an inglorious death".
* '''[[Vanisource:Category:1947 to 1964 - Letters|1949 - Letters]]
*1949 - February 28 - Writes a '''[[Vanisource:Letter to Sardar Patel -- Calcutta 28 February, 1949|Letter to Sardar Patel (Deputy Prime Minister of India)]]'''
* <span id="1950">'''[[Vanisource:Category:1947 to 1964 - Letters|1950 - Letters]]'''</span>
* 1950 - September 10 - Wrote and published:'''[[Vanisource:Solution of Present Crisis by Bhagwat Geeta|Solution of Present Crisis by Bhagwat Geeta]]'''
* <span id="1951">'''[[Vanisource:Category:1947 to 1964 - Letters|1951 - Letters]]'''</span>
* 1951 - '''[[Vaniquotes:Taking of sannyasa order is in one sense only a formality. I was preaching and writing for eight or nine years as Vanaprastha and then in 1959 I took sannyasa. So if after a few years as Vanaprastha your behavior is ideal sannyasa can be considered|Accepts vanaprastha]]''' (retirement from family life)
* <span id="1952">'''[[Vanisource:Category:1947 to 1964 - Letters|1952 - Letters]]'''</span>
* 1952 - January 20 - Writes a letter to '''[[Vanisource:520120 - Letter to Jawaharlal Nehru written from Allahabad|Jawaharlal Nehru - 1st Prime Minister of India]]'''
* 1952 - February 16 - Publishes '''[[Vanisource:1952 Back to Godhead Volume 1 Part 08|'Back to Godhead' Volume 1 Part 08]]'''
* 1952 - March - Publishes '''[[Vanisource:1952 Back to Godhead Volume 1 Part 09|'Back to Godhead' Volume 1 Part 09]]'''
* 1952 - June 08 - Wrote an: '''[[Vanisource:Fragment of an Untitled Essay on His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Maharaja|Essay on His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Maharaja]]'''
* <span id="1953">'''[[Vanisource:Category:1947 to 1964 - Letters|1953 - Letters]]'''</span>
* 1953 - Jhansi - Initiates first disciple - Acarya Prabhakar
* 1953 - March 30 - Wrote the essay: '''[[Vanisource:Divinity of Lord Caitanya|Divinity of Lord Caitanya]]'''
* 1953 - May 16 - '''[[Vanisource:LD7|Incorporates]]''' the '''[[Vaniquotes:Category:League of Devotees|League of devotees]]''' in Jhansi
* <span id="1955">'''[[Vanisource:Category:1947 to 1964 - Letters|1955 - Letters]]'''</span>

== <div class="timelineh2">'''[[Vaniquotes:Category:Date 1956|1956]]''' - age 60 on August 30</div> ==
* <span id="1956">'''[[Vanisource:Letters 1956|1956 - Letters]]'''</span>
* 1956 - Moves to Vṛndāvana
* 1956 - March 01 - Publishes '''[[Vanisource:1956 Back to Godhead Volume 3 Part 01|'Back to Godhead' Volume 3 Part 01]]'''
* 1956 - March 16 - Publishes '''[[Vanisource:1956 Back to Godhead Volume 3 Part 02|'Back to Godhead' Volume 3 Part 02]]'''
* 1956 - April 05 - Publishes '''[[Vanisource:1956 Back to Godhead Volume 3 Part 03|'Back to Godhead' Volume 3 Part 03]]'''
* 1956 - April 20 - Publishes '''[[Vanisource:1956 Back to Godhead Volume 3 Part 04|'Back to Godhead' Volume 3 Part 04]]'''
* 1956 - May 05 - Publishes '''[[Vanisource:1956 Back to Godhead Volume 3 Part 05|'Back to Godhead' Volume 3 Part 05]]'''
* 1956 - May 20 - Publishes '''[[Vanisource:1956 Back to Godhead Volume 3 Part 06|'Back to Godhead' Volume 3 Part 06]]'''
* 1956 - June 05 - Publishes '''[[Vanisource:1956 Back to Godhead Volume 3 Part 07|'Back to Godhead' Volume 3 Part 07]]'''
* 1956 - June 20 - Publishes '''[[Vanisource:1956 Back to Godhead Volume 3 Part 08|'Back to Godhead' Volume 3 Part 08]]'''
* 1956 - October 05 - Publishes '''[[Vanisource:1956 Back to Godhead Volume 3 Part 09|'Back to Godhead' Volume 3 Part 09]]'''
* 1956 - October 20 - Publishes '''[[Vanisource:1956 Back to Godhead Volume 3 Part 10|'Back to Godhead' Volume 3 Part 10]]'''
* 1956 - November - Delhi
* 1956 - November 05 - Publishes '''[[Vanisource:1956 Back to Godhead Volume 3 Part 11|'Back to Godhead' Volume 3 Part 11]]'''
* 1956 - November 20 - Publishes '''[[Vanisource:1956 Back to Godhead Volume 3 Part 12|'Back to Godhead' Volume 3 Part 12]]'''
* <span id="1957">'''[[Vanisource:Letters 1957|1957 - Letters]]'''</span>
* <span id="1958">'''[[Vanisource:Letters 1958|1958 - Letters]]'''</span>
* 1958 - Writes '''[[Vanisource:Vrndavana Bhajana|Vrndavana Bhajana]]'''
* 1958 - August 04 - Writes a '''[[Vanisource:Letter to Jawaharlal Nehru -- Bombay 4 August, 1958|Letter to Jawaharlal Nehru (Prime Minister of India)]]'''
* 1958 - October 20 - Publishes '''[[Vanisource:1958 Back to Godhead Volume 3 Part 13|'Back to Godhead' Volume 3 Part 13]]'''
* 1958 - November 20 - Publishes '''[[Vanisource:1958 Back to Godhead Volume 3 Part 14|'Back to Godhead' Volume 3 Part 14]]'''
* 1958 - December - Writes '''[[Vanisource:Viraha Astaka|Viraha Astaka]]''' (Eight Prayers in Separation From My Spiritual Master)
* 1959 - '''Begins translating Śrīmad Bhāgavatam'''
* 1959 - July - Vṛndāvana - moves into an upstairs room at the Rādhā-Damodar temple
* 1959 - September 17 - '''[[Vaniquotes:I took sannyasa|Awarded Sannyasa in Mathura]]''' by one of his Godbrothers, His Holiness B.P. Kesava Maharaja
* <span id="1960">'''[[Vanisource:Letters 1960|1960 - Letters]]'''</span>
* 1960 - '''[[Vanisource:Easy Journey to Other Planets|Publishes first book - 'Easy Journey to Other Planets']]'''
* 1960 - February 20 - Publishes '''[[Vanisource:1960 Back to Godhead Volume 3 Part 15|'Back to Godhead' Volume 3 Part 15]]'''
* 1960 - March 20 - Publishes '''[[Vanisource:1960 Back to Godhead Volume 3 Part 16|'Back to Godhead' Volume 3 Part 16]]'''
* 1960 - April 05 - Publishes '''[[Vanisource:1960 Back to Godhead Volume 3 Part 17|'Back to Godhead' Volume 3 Part 17]]'''
* 1960 - April 20 - Publishes '''[[Vanisource:1960 Back to Godhead Volume 3 Part 18|'Back to Godhead' Volume 3 Part 18]]'''
* 1960 - May 05 - Publishes '''[[Vanisource:1960 Back to Godhead Volume 3 Part 19|'Back to Godhead' Volume 3 Part 19]]'''
* 1960 - May 20 - Publishes '''[[Vanisource:1960 Back to Godhead Volume 3 Part 20|'Back to Godhead' Volume 3 Part 20]]'''
* 1960 - June 05 - Publishes '''[[Vanisource:1960 Back to Godhead Volume 3 Part 21|'Back to Godhead' Volume 3 Part 21]]'''
* 1960 - July 05 - Publishes '''[[Vanisource:1960 Back to Godhead Volume 3 Part 22|'Back to Godhead' Volume 3 Part 22]]'''
* 1960 - July 20 - Publishes '''[[Vanisource:1960 Back to Godhead Volume 3 Part 23|'Back to Godhead' Volume 3 Part 23]]'''
* 1960 - August 05 - Publishes '''[[Vanisource:1960 Back to Godhead Volume 3 Part 24|'Back to Godhead' Volume 3 Part 24]]'''
* 1960 - September 05 - Publishes '''[[Vanisource:1960 Back to Godhead Volume 4 Part 01|'Back to Godhead' Volume 4 Part 01]]'''
* <span id="1961"> '''[[Vanisource:Letters 1961|1961 - Letters]]'''</span>
* 1961 - February 06 - '''[[Vanisource:1961 Vyasa-puja Offering to Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Maharaja|Vyāsa-pūjā Offering to Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Gosvāmī Mahārāja]]'''
* <span id="1962"> '''[[Vanisource:Letters 1962|1962 - Letters]]'''</span>
* 1962 - July - Vṛndāvana - Moves into downstairs rooms at the Rādhā-Damodar temple
* 1962 - September - '''[[Vanisource:SB (1962) Canto One, Volume 1 Index|Publishes Volume 1, Canto 1 of Śrīmad Bhāgavatam]]'''
* <span id="1963">'''[[Vanisource:Letters 1963|1963 - Letters]]'''</span>
* 1963 - February 09 - Vṛndāvana - '''presents the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam to his Excellency Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, (President of India)'''
* 1963 - July 09 - Vṛndāvana - Writes a letter to '''[[Vanisource:630709 - Letter to Dr. S. Radhakrishnan President of India written from Vrndavana|Dr. S. Radhakrishnan (President of India)]]'''
* <span id="1964">'''[[Vanisource:Letters 1964|1964 - Letters]]'''</span>
* 1964 - '''[[Vanisource:SB (1964) Canto One, Volume 2 Index|Publishes Volume 2, Canto 1 of Śrīmad Bhāgavatam]]'''
* 1964 - February to April - Delhi
* 1964 - May - Vṛndāvana

{{Timelinenav}}

Category:Vanipedia Gemini - Articles

2026-05-10T08:56:27Z

Visnu Murti:

These articles serve as dynamic gateways into the vast ocean of Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings. Created through a pioneering collaboration between Vanipedia's editorial team and advanced AI, each article synthesizes the essence of a specific Vaniquotes category. They are designed to attract the intelligence and capture the heart, providing an engaging summary that leads you directly to the source. Consider these articles your invitation: read the articles, grasp the essence, and then click through to experience the full depth of Śrīla Prabhupāda's verbatim Vāṇī.

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New Mayapura - Establishing a Vaikuṇṭha Atmosphere

2026-05-09T16:46:27Z

Visnu Murti: Redirected page to Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Vision for New Mayāpura - A Vaikuṇṭha Community in France

#REDIRECT [[Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Vision for New Mayāpura - A Vaikuṇṭha Community in France]]

Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Vision for New Mayāpura - A Vaikuṇṭha Community in France

2026-05-09T16:42:58Z

Visnu Murti: Visnu Murti moved page Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Vision for New Mayāpur - A Vaikuṇṭha Community in France to Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Vision for New Mayāpura - A Vaikuṇṭha Community in France

Śrīla Prabhupāda personally visited the New Mayāpur community in France in 1975 and 1976 to establish a practical alternative to the "horrible" factory-driven civilization of the cities. In 1975, he inaugurated the project by installing the Deities of Śrī Śrī Kṛṣṇa-Balarāma, bringing the spirit of Vṛndāvana to the French countryside. Centered on a 250-acre property with a large castle, he envisioned the community as a "first-class place" where devotees could live peacefully by growing their own food and protecting cows. Far removed from the anxiety and pollution of hellish city life, the community was designed to allow residents to live simply and fully absorb themselves in pure devotion as sincere servants of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

<div class="toc-right">__TOC__</div>

===Encouraging the Devotees through His Personal Presence===

Śrīla Prabhupāda’s visits to New Mayāpur were primarily driven by his desire to encourage the devotees in their spiritual lives and oversee the development of the community around the newly installed Deities. Despite his advanced age and the physical toll of international travel, he made the journey to this remote village to personally ensure the residents were ecstatic in their service. He took a fatherly interest in their daily lives, even suggesting a practical, self-dependent breakfast of puffed grains, fruits, and milk to keep them healthy and satisfied.

* [[Vaniquotes:Oh. Yes, there was no hope for my coming (to New Mayapura). Now I've come, they (the devotees) must be (ecstatic)|Oh. Yes, there was no hope for my coming (to New Mayapura). Now I've come, they (the devotees) must be (ecstatic).]]

* [[Vaniquotes:I come (to New Mayapura) in this old age to encourage the devotees|I come (to New Mayapura) in this old age to encourage the devotees.]]

* [[Vaniquotes:How many devotees are there (in New Mayapura) and are they all happy?|How many devotees are there (in New Mayapura) and are they all happy?]]

* [[Vaniquotes:In the morning you can give them (devotees in New Mayapura) this puffed grains, then fruits and milk, very good breakfast. I mean to say all self-dependent|In the morning you can give them (devotees in New Mayapura) this puffed grains, then fruits and milk, very good breakfast. I mean to say all self-dependent.]]

* [[Vaniquotes:So Ratha-yatra was functioned here (in New Mayapura)?|So Ratha-yatra was functioned here (in New Mayapura)?]]

* [[Vaniquotes:I think this part (New Mayapura) is better situated than New Vrindaban, eh? What do you think?|I think this part (New Mayapura) is better situated than New Vrindaban, eh? What do you think?]]

=== Escaping the Horrible City Life ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda viewed the peaceful rural environment of New Mayāpur as a necessary refuge from the artificial demands of modern society. He described the factory-driven schedules of urban life as "horrible" and "hellish," noting that such an existence robs the human being of the peace required for spiritual culture. By settling hundreds of miles away from these centers of anxiety, he urged the devotees to abandon the rushed life of the city and instead utilize the "outdoors" of the French countryside to focus on the real business of life: chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa and following the philosophy he provided in his books.

* [[Vaniquotes:Bluffing rascals. Don't be misled. Live peacefully here (in New Mayapura), chant Hare Krsna. Now I have given the ideas, the philosophy, in the books; so it is your business to develop all over the world|Bluffing rascals. Don't be misled. Live peacefully here (in New Mayapura), chant Hare Krsna. Now I have given the ideas, the philosophy, in the books; so it is your business to develop all over the world.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Let them come (to New Mayapura) and work little, grow food, eat and chant. Why should they bother going to the factory, running at five o'clock. Horrible life, horrible civilization|Let them come (to New Mayapura) and work little, grow food, eat and chant. Why should they bother going to the factory, running at five o'clock. Horrible life, horrible civilization.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:This (New Mayapura) is a first-class place. You can develop it into a Vaikuntha. It is already Vaikuntha, Krsna is there. But develop it very nicely, peacefully live. Hundreds of miles away from the hellish cities|This (New Mayapura) is a first-class place. You can develop it into a Vaikuntha. It is already Vaikuntha, Krsna is there. But develop it very nicely, peacefully live. Hundreds of miles away from the hellish cities.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Now this place (New Mayapura) is very nice. The outside, so pleasing, the outdoors. This facility is nowhere in America, outdoors|Now this place (New Mayapura) is very nice. The outside, so pleasing, the outdoors. This facility is nowhere in America, outdoors.]]

=== Establishing Agricultural Self-Sufficiency ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda’s vision for the 250-acre French estate was centered on absolute independence from the materialistic economy. He instructed the devotees to utilize the land for the production of fruits, flowers, vegetables, and grains in "ample quantities," emphasizing that the community should be fully self-sufficient. Rather than seeking luxury, the residents were encouraged to build simple cottages and depend on the milk of protected cows. For Śrīla Prabhupāda, this agricultural life was the necessary foundation for a peaceful, spiritual existence, free from the artificial complexities of the modern world.

* [[Vaniquotes:I am presently en route to Bombay, and I have stopped here for one day. Here we have got a very nice land of 250 acres with a big French castle. They are starting to grow vegetables, fruits, and flowers, and they are keeping cows|I am presently en route to Bombay, and I have stopped here for one day. Here we have got a very nice land of 250 acres with a big French castle. They are starting to grow vegetables, fruits, and flowers, and they are keeping cows.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Gradually develop (New Mayapura), make little cottages, grow little vegetable, little barley or wheat and milk. That is sufficient. We don't require much. We don't want luxury|Gradually develop (New Mayapura), make little cottages, grow little vegetable, little barley or wheat and milk. That is sufficient. We don't require much. We don't want luxury.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:You have got sufficient space. Produce flowers, fruits, vegetables and grains in ample quantities. We should be fully self-sufficient. I like New Mayapur very much|You have got sufficient space. Produce flowers, fruits, vegetables and grains in ample quantities. We should be fully self-sufficient. I like New Mayapur very much.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Give facility to the people. Here (in New Mayapura) is very nice arrangement. Now make plan how to utilize. You have got enough land. You can utilize for supplying the necessities of life|Give facility to the people. Here (in New Mayapura) is very nice arrangement. Now make plan how to utilize. You have got enough land. You can utilize for supplying the necessities of life.]]

=== Moving from Salary to Sincere Service ===

At New Mayāpur, Śrīla Prabhupāda challenged the conventional concept of employment, emphasizing that the institution is maintained by the sincerity of its members rather than financial incentives. He taught that the community should be comprised of "sincere servants" of Kṛṣṇa rather than "hired men" working for a salary. For the residents—especially the gṛhasthas—the priority was to maintain neat and clean homes and to remain fixed in the consciousness that all material necessities would be provided "automatically" by the Lord if they remained absorbed in His service.

* [[Vaniquotes:Why salary? Krsna's servant. We are eternal servant. That is the beauty of our institution. We have no hired men (in New Mayapura). Unless one is sincere, why he'll work?|Why salary? Krsna's servant. We are eternal servant. That is the beauty of our institution. We have no hired men (in New Mayapura). Unless one is sincere, why he'll work?]]
* [[Vaniquotes:My point is that here in this New Mayapura, if you simply carry on this man-mana bhava mad-bhaktah, then all your necessities will come automatically, don't bother|My point is that here in this New Mayapura, if you simply carry on this man-mana bhava mad-bhaktah, then all your necessities will come automatically, don't bother.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:The same comfort and discomfort is in this cottage. But if I think, "Now I am in the France palace, or Bhaktivedanta Manor palace. I am happy," that is foolishness|The same comfort and discomfort is in this cottage. But if I think, "Now I am in the France palace, or Bhaktivedanta Manor palace. I am happy," that is foolishness.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Ask these grhasthas (in New Mayapura) to keep their home very neat and clean. Are they keeping?|Ask these grhasthas (in New Mayapura) to keep their home very neat and clean. Are they keeping?]]

=== Dedicated Time for Spiritual Culture ===

The fundamental purpose of the farm's simplified lifestyle was to liberate the devotees' time from the struggle for existence. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasized that New Mayāpur was a place for "training" in the science of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, where residents could abandon the habits of "silly jackals" and instead follow Kṛṣṇa. By minimizing artificial comforts and personal luxuries, the devotees could "save time" to dedicate their energy to chanting the mahā-mantra and discussing transcendental literatures. In this remote village, the daily routine of hearing and chanting was the "real business" that transformed the community into a sublime spiritual environment.

* [[Vaniquotes:We should save time (in New Mayapura), as much for this purpose, for chanting, discussing grantha. Not for any personal so-called comforts|We should save time (in New Mayapura), as much for this purpose, for chanting, discussing grantha. Not for any personal so-called comforts.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:We can sit down anywhere on the grass here (in New Mayapura), and whatever available we make our food. This is the idea. Life will be sublime. Man-mana bhava mad-bhakto mad-yaji mam. That is real business|We can sit down anywhere on the grass here (in New Mayapura), and whatever available we make our food. This is the idea. Life will be sublime. Man-mana bhava mad-bhakto mad-yaji mam. That is real business.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:First of all, you remain here (in New Mayapura) for some time. Be trained up. Because every one of us, we have followed the silly jackals. Now we have to follow Krsna|First of all, you remain here (in New Mayapura) for some time. Be trained up. Because every one of us, we have followed the silly jackals. Now we have to follow Krsna.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:By your transcendental endeavor it is being fulfilled, otherwise who expected that in this remote village (New Mayapura) of France, Hare Krsna maha-mantra would be chanted?|By your transcendental endeavor it is being fulfilled, otherwise who expected that in this remote village (New Mayapura) of France, Hare Krsna maha-mantra would be chanted?]]

=== Conclusion ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda’s visits to New Mayāpur in 1975 and 1976 transformed a simple 250-acre French estate into a foundational model for "simple living and high thinking." Far from a mere theoretical project, New Mayāpur was a place where Śrīla Prabhupāda personally encouraged his students, ensuring their happiness and even guiding their daily habits. By instructing the devotees to grow their own food, protect cows, and reject the industrial "hell" of modern life, he provided a tangible path to self-sufficiency. Ultimately, he taught that the external simplicity of a 'remote village' was the key to saving time for the soul’s real business: absorbing the heart in the mahā-mantra and the transcendental message of the ''Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam''. Through his fatherly guidance, he proved that a Vaikuṇṭha atmosphere is manifested wherever the devotees prioritize spiritual culture over artificial material necessity.

=== Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani ===
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category [[Vaniquotes:Category:New Mayapura|New Mayapura]]. We invite you to click this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.

(See our [[Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles|Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles]])

[[Category:Vanipedia Gemini - Articles]]
[[Category:Vanipedia Articles - Pending Subcategories]]

<div id="vani-provenance" style="display:none;" data-source="Vanipedia" data-author="Srila Prabhupada Vani Temple" data-license="CC BY-NC-SA 4.0" data-origin-url="{{fullurl:{{PAGENAME}}}}">This content is a part of Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani Temple. Source: https://vanipedia.org</div>

Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Vision for New Mayāpura - A Vaikuṇṭha Community in France

2026-05-09T16:41:13Z

Visnu Murti: Visnu Murti moved page Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Vision for New Mayāpur A Vaikuṇṭha Community in France to Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Vision for New Mayāpur - A Vaikuṇṭha Community in France

Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Vision for New Mayāpura - A Vaikuṇṭha Community in France

2026-05-09T16:17:39Z

Visnu Murti:

Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Vision for New Mayāpura - A Vaikuṇṭha Community in France

2026-05-09T16:15:35Z

Visnu Murti:

In 1975, Śrīla Prabhupāda inaugurated the New Mayāpur project by installing the Deities of Śrī Śrī Kṛṣṇa-Balarāma, bringing the spirit of Vrindavan to the French countryside. Returning in 1976, he continued to guide the devotees in developing the 250-acre estate, envisioning it as a 'first-class place' where the atmosphere of Vaikuṇṭha was manifested through simple living and the worship of the Lord.

<div class="toc-right">__TOC__</div>

===Encouraging the Devotees through His Personal Presence===

Śrīla Prabhupāda’s visits to New Mayāpur were primarily driven by his desire to encourage the devotees in their spiritual lives. Despite his advanced age and the physical toll of international travel, he made the journey to this remote village to personally ensure the residents were ecstatic in their service. He took a fatherly interest in their daily lives, even suggesting a practical, self-dependent breakfast of puffed grains, fruits, and milk to keep them healthy and satisfied.

* [[Vaniquotes:Oh. Yes, there was no hope for my coming (to New Mayapura). Now I've come, they (the devotees) must be (ecstatic)|Oh. Yes, there was no hope for my coming (to New Mayapura). Now I've come, they (the devotees) must be (ecstatic).]]

* [[Vaniquotes:I come (to New Mayapura) in this old age to encourage the devotees|I come (to New Mayapura) in this old age to encourage the devotees.]]

* [[Vaniquotes:How many devotees are there (in New Mayapura) and are they all happy?|How many devotees are there (in New Mayapura) and are they all happy?]]

* [[Vaniquotes:In the morning you can give them (devotees in New Mayapura) this puffed grains, then fruits and milk, very good breakfast. I mean to say all self-dependent|In the morning you can give them (devotees in New Mayapura) this puffed grains, then fruits and milk, very good breakfast. I mean to say all self-dependent.]]

* [[Vaniquotes:So Ratha-yatra was functioned here (in New Mayapura)?|So Ratha-yatra was functioned here (in New Mayapura)?]]

* [[Vaniquotes:I think this part (New Mayapura) is better situated than New Vrindaban, eh? What do you think?|I think this part (New Mayapura) is better situated than New Vrindaban, eh? What do you think?]]

=== Escaping the Horrible City Life ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda viewed the peaceful rural environment of New Mayāpur as a necessary refuge from the artificial demands of modern society. He described the factory-driven schedules of urban life as "horrible" and "hellish," noting that such an existence robs the human being of the peace required for spiritual culture. By settling hundreds of miles away from these centers of anxiety, he urged the devotees to abandon the rushed life of the city and instead utilize the "outdoors" of the French countryside to focus on the real business of life: chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa and following the philosophy he provided in his books.

* [[Vaniquotes:Bluffing rascals. Don't be misled. Live peacefully here (in New Mayapura), chant Hare Krsna. Now I have given the ideas, the philosophy, in the books; so it is your business to develop all over the world|Bluffing rascals. Don't be misled. Live peacefully here (in New Mayapura), chant Hare Krsna. Now I have given the ideas, the philosophy, in the books; so it is your business to develop all over the world.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Let them come (to New Mayapura) and work little, grow food, eat and chant. Why should they bother going to the factory, running at five o'clock. Horrible life, horrible civilization|Let them come (to New Mayapura) and work little, grow food, eat and chant. Why should they bother going to the factory, running at five o'clock. Horrible life, horrible civilization.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:This (New Mayapura) is a first-class place. You can develop it into a Vaikuntha. It is already Vaikuntha, Krsna is there. But develop it very nicely, peacefully live. Hundreds of miles away from the hellish cities|This (New Mayapura) is a first-class place. You can develop it into a Vaikuntha. It is already Vaikuntha, Krsna is there. But develop it very nicely, peacefully live. Hundreds of miles away from the hellish cities.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Now this place (New Mayapura) is very nice. The outside, so pleasing, the outdoors. This facility is nowhere in America, outdoors|Now this place (New Mayapura) is very nice. The outside, so pleasing, the outdoors. This facility is nowhere in America, outdoors.]]

=== Establishing Agricultural Self-Sufficiency ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda’s vision for the 250-acre French estate was centered on absolute independence from the materialistic economy. He instructed the devotees to utilize the land for the production of fruits, flowers, vegetables, and grains in "ample quantities," emphasizing that the community should be fully self-sufficient. Rather than seeking luxury, the residents were encouraged to build simple cottages and depend on the milk of protected cows. For Śrīla Prabhupāda, this agricultural life was the necessary foundation for a peaceful, spiritual existence, free from the artificial complexities of the modern world.

* [[Vaniquotes:I am presently en route to Bombay, and I have stopped here for one day. Here we have got a very nice land of 250 acres with a big French castle. They are starting to grow vegetables, fruits, and flowers, and they are keeping cows|I am presently en route to Bombay, and I have stopped here for one day. Here we have got a very nice land of 250 acres with a big French castle. They are starting to grow vegetables, fruits, and flowers, and they are keeping cows.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Gradually develop (New Mayapura), make little cottages, grow little vegetable, little barley or wheat and milk. That is sufficient. We don't require much. We don't want luxury|Gradually develop (New Mayapura), make little cottages, grow little vegetable, little barley or wheat and milk. That is sufficient. We don't require much. We don't want luxury.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:You have got sufficient space. Produce flowers, fruits, vegetables and grains in ample quantities. We should be fully self-sufficient. I like New Mayapur very much|You have got sufficient space. Produce flowers, fruits, vegetables and grains in ample quantities. We should be fully self-sufficient. I like New Mayapur very much.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Give facility to the people. Here (in New Mayapura) is very nice arrangement. Now make plan how to utilize. You have got enough land. You can utilize for supplying the necessities of life|Give facility to the people. Here (in New Mayapura) is very nice arrangement. Now make plan how to utilize. You have got enough land. You can utilize for supplying the necessities of life.]]

=== Moving from Salary to Sincere Service ===

At New Mayāpur, Śrīla Prabhupāda challenged the conventional concept of employment, emphasizing that the institution is maintained by the sincerity of its members rather than financial incentives. He taught that the community should be comprised of "sincere servants" of Kṛṣṇa rather than "hired men" working for a salary. For the residents—especially the gṛhasthas—the priority was to maintain neat and clean homes and to remain fixed in the consciousness that all material necessities would be provided "automatically" by the Lord if they remained absorbed in His service.

* [[Vaniquotes:Why salary? Krsna's servant. We are eternal servant. That is the beauty of our institution. We have no hired men (in New Mayapura). Unless one is sincere, why he'll work?|Why salary? Krsna's servant. We are eternal servant. That is the beauty of our institution. We have no hired men (in New Mayapura). Unless one is sincere, why he'll work?]]
* [[Vaniquotes:My point is that here in this New Mayapura, if you simply carry on this man-mana bhava mad-bhaktah, then all your necessities will come automatically, don't bother|My point is that here in this New Mayapura, if you simply carry on this man-mana bhava mad-bhaktah, then all your necessities will come automatically, don't bother.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:The same comfort and discomfort is in this cottage. But if I think, "Now I am in the France palace, or Bhaktivedanta Manor palace. I am happy," that is foolishness|The same comfort and discomfort is in this cottage. But if I think, "Now I am in the France palace, or Bhaktivedanta Manor palace. I am happy," that is foolishness.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Ask these grhasthas (in New Mayapura) to keep their home very neat and clean. Are they keeping?|Ask these grhasthas (in New Mayapura) to keep their home very neat and clean. Are they keeping?]]

=== Dedicated Time for Spiritual Culture ===

The fundamental purpose of the farm's simplified lifestyle was to liberate the devotees' time from the struggle for existence. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasized that New Mayāpur was a place for "training" in the science of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, where residents could abandon the habits of "silly jackals" and instead follow Kṛṣṇa. By minimizing artificial comforts and personal luxuries, the devotees could "save time" to dedicate their energy to chanting the mahā-mantra and discussing transcendental literatures. In this remote village, the daily routine of hearing and chanting was the "real business" that transformed the community into a sublime spiritual environment.

* [[Vaniquotes:We should save time (in New Mayapura), as much for this purpose, for chanting, discussing grantha. Not for any personal so-called comforts|We should save time (in New Mayapura), as much for this purpose, for chanting, discussing grantha. Not for any personal so-called comforts.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:We can sit down anywhere on the grass here (in New Mayapura), and whatever available we make our food. This is the idea. Life will be sublime. Man-mana bhava mad-bhakto mad-yaji mam. That is real business|We can sit down anywhere on the grass here (in New Mayapura), and whatever available we make our food. This is the idea. Life will be sublime. Man-mana bhava mad-bhakto mad-yaji mam. That is real business.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:First of all, you remain here (in New Mayapura) for some time. Be trained up. Because every one of us, we have followed the silly jackals. Now we have to follow Krsna|First of all, you remain here (in New Mayapura) for some time. Be trained up. Because every one of us, we have followed the silly jackals. Now we have to follow Krsna.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:By your transcendental endeavor it is being fulfilled, otherwise who expected that in this remote village (New Mayapura) of France, Hare Krsna maha-mantra would be chanted?|By your transcendental endeavor it is being fulfilled, otherwise who expected that in this remote village (New Mayapura) of France, Hare Krsna maha-mantra would be chanted?]]

=== Conclusion ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda’s visits to New Mayāpur in 1975 and 1976 transformed a simple 250-acre French estate into a foundational model for "simple living and high thinking." Far from a mere theoretical project, New Mayāpur was a place where Śrīla Prabhupāda personally encouraged his students, ensuring their happiness and even guiding their daily habits. By instructing the devotees to grow their own food, protect cows, and reject the industrial "hell" of modern life, he provided a tangible path to self-sufficiency. Ultimately, he taught that the external simplicity of a 'remote village' was the key to saving time for the soul’s real business: absorbing the heart in the mahā-mantra and the transcendental message of the ''Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam''. Through his fatherly guidance, he proved that a Vaikuṇṭha atmosphere is manifested wherever the devotees prioritize spiritual culture over artificial material necessity.

=== Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani ===
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category [[Vaniquotes:Category:New Mayapura|New Mayapura]]. We invite you to click this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.

(See our [[Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles|Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles]])

[[Category:Vanipedia Gemini - Articles]]
[[Category:Vanipedia Articles - Pending Subcategories]]

<div id="vani-provenance" style="display:none;" data-source="Vanipedia" data-author="Srila Prabhupada Vani Temple" data-license="CC BY-NC-SA 4.0" data-origin-url="{{fullurl:{{PAGENAME}}}}">This content is a part of Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani Temple. Source: https://vanipedia.org</div>

Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Vision for New Mayāpura - A Vaikuṇṭha Community in France

2026-05-09T16:09:29Z

Visnu Murti:

Śrīla Prabhupāda personally visited the New Mayāpur community in France in 1975 and 1976 to establish a practical alternative to the "horrible" factory-driven civilization of the cities. Centered on a 250-acre property with a large castle, he envisioned the project as a "first-class place" where devotees could live peacefully by growing their own food and protecting cows. Far removed from the anxiety and pollution of hellish city life, the community was designed to allow residents to live simply and fully absorb themselves in pure devotion as sincere servants of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

<div class="toc-right">__TOC__</div>

===Encouraging the Devotees through His Personal Presence===

Śrīla Prabhupāda’s visits to New Mayāpur were primarily driven by his desire to encourage the devotees in their spiritual lives. Despite his advanced age and the physical toll of international travel, he made the journey to this remote village to personally ensure the residents were ecstatic in their service. He took a fatherly interest in their daily lives, even suggesting a practical, self-dependent breakfast of puffed grains, fruits, and milk to keep them healthy and satisfied.

* [[Vaniquotes:Oh. Yes, there was no hope for my coming (to New Mayapura). Now I've come, they (the devotees) must be (ecstatic)|Oh. Yes, there was no hope for my coming (to New Mayapura). Now I've come, they (the devotees) must be (ecstatic).]]

* [[Vaniquotes:I come (to New Mayapura) in this old age to encourage the devotees|I come (to New Mayapura) in this old age to encourage the devotees.]]

* [[Vaniquotes:How many devotees are there (in New Mayapura) and are they all happy?|How many devotees are there (in New Mayapura) and are they all happy?]]

* [[Vaniquotes:In the morning you can give them (devotees in New Mayapura) this puffed grains, then fruits and milk, very good breakfast. I mean to say all self-dependent|In the morning you can give them (devotees in New Mayapura) this puffed grains, then fruits and milk, very good breakfast. I mean to say all self-dependent.]]

* [[Vaniquotes:So Ratha-yatra was functioned here (in New Mayapura)?|So Ratha-yatra was functioned here (in New Mayapura)?]]

* [[Vaniquotes:I think this part (New Mayapura) is better situated than New Vrindaban, eh? What do you think?|I think this part (New Mayapura) is better situated than New Vrindaban, eh? What do you think?]]

=== Escaping the Horrible City Life ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda viewed the peaceful rural environment of New Mayāpur as a necessary refuge from the artificial demands of modern society. He described the factory-driven schedules of urban life as "horrible" and "hellish," noting that such an existence robs the human being of the peace required for spiritual culture. By settling hundreds of miles away from these centers of anxiety, he urged the devotees to abandon the rushed life of the city and instead utilize the "outdoors" of the French countryside to focus on the real business of life: chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa and following the philosophy he provided in his books.

* [[Vaniquotes:Bluffing rascals. Don't be misled. Live peacefully here (in New Mayapura), chant Hare Krsna. Now I have given the ideas, the philosophy, in the books; so it is your business to develop all over the world|Bluffing rascals. Don't be misled. Live peacefully here (in New Mayapura), chant Hare Krsna. Now I have given the ideas, the philosophy, in the books; so it is your business to develop all over the world.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Let them come (to New Mayapura) and work little, grow food, eat and chant. Why should they bother going to the factory, running at five o'clock. Horrible life, horrible civilization|Let them come (to New Mayapura) and work little, grow food, eat and chant. Why should they bother going to the factory, running at five o'clock. Horrible life, horrible civilization.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:This (New Mayapura) is a first-class place. You can develop it into a Vaikuntha. It is already Vaikuntha, Krsna is there. But develop it very nicely, peacefully live. Hundreds of miles away from the hellish cities|This (New Mayapura) is a first-class place. You can develop it into a Vaikuntha. It is already Vaikuntha, Krsna is there. But develop it very nicely, peacefully live. Hundreds of miles away from the hellish cities.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Now this place (New Mayapura) is very nice. The outside, so pleasing, the outdoors. This facility is nowhere in America, outdoors|Now this place (New Mayapura) is very nice. The outside, so pleasing, the outdoors. This facility is nowhere in America, outdoors.]]

=== Establishing Agricultural Self-Sufficiency ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda’s vision for the 250-acre French estate was centered on absolute independence from the materialistic economy. He instructed the devotees to utilize the land for the production of fruits, flowers, vegetables, and grains in "ample quantities," emphasizing that the community should be fully self-sufficient. Rather than seeking luxury, the residents were encouraged to build simple cottages and depend on the milk of protected cows. For Śrīla Prabhupāda, this agricultural life was the necessary foundation for a peaceful, spiritual existence, free from the artificial complexities of the modern world.

* [[Vaniquotes:I am presently en route to Bombay, and I have stopped here for one day. Here we have got a very nice land of 250 acres with a big French castle. They are starting to grow vegetables, fruits, and flowers, and they are keeping cows|I am presently en route to Bombay, and I have stopped here for one day. Here we have got a very nice land of 250 acres with a big French castle. They are starting to grow vegetables, fruits, and flowers, and they are keeping cows.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Gradually develop (New Mayapura), make little cottages, grow little vegetable, little barley or wheat and milk. That is sufficient. We don't require much. We don't want luxury|Gradually develop (New Mayapura), make little cottages, grow little vegetable, little barley or wheat and milk. That is sufficient. We don't require much. We don't want luxury.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:You have got sufficient space. Produce flowers, fruits, vegetables and grains in ample quantities. We should be fully self-sufficient. I like New Mayapur very much|You have got sufficient space. Produce flowers, fruits, vegetables and grains in ample quantities. We should be fully self-sufficient. I like New Mayapur very much.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Give facility to the people. Here (in New Mayapura) is very nice arrangement. Now make plan how to utilize. You have got enough land. You can utilize for supplying the necessities of life|Give facility to the people. Here (in New Mayapura) is very nice arrangement. Now make plan how to utilize. You have got enough land. You can utilize for supplying the necessities of life.]]

=== Moving from Salary to Sincere Service ===

At New Mayāpur, Śrīla Prabhupāda challenged the conventional concept of employment, emphasizing that the institution is maintained by the sincerity of its members rather than financial incentives. He taught that the community should be comprised of "sincere servants" of Kṛṣṇa rather than "hired men" working for a salary. For the residents—especially the gṛhasthas—the priority was to maintain neat and clean homes and to remain fixed in the consciousness that all material necessities would be provided "automatically" by the Lord if they remained absorbed in His service.

* [[Vaniquotes:Why salary? Krsna's servant. We are eternal servant. That is the beauty of our institution. We have no hired men (in New Mayapura). Unless one is sincere, why he'll work?|Why salary? Krsna's servant. We are eternal servant. That is the beauty of our institution. We have no hired men (in New Mayapura). Unless one is sincere, why he'll work?]]
* [[Vaniquotes:My point is that here in this New Mayapura, if you simply carry on this man-mana bhava mad-bhaktah, then all your necessities will come automatically, don't bother|My point is that here in this New Mayapura, if you simply carry on this man-mana bhava mad-bhaktah, then all your necessities will come automatically, don't bother.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:The same comfort and discomfort is in this cottage. But if I think, "Now I am in the France palace, or Bhaktivedanta Manor palace. I am happy," that is foolishness|The same comfort and discomfort is in this cottage. But if I think, "Now I am in the France palace, or Bhaktivedanta Manor palace. I am happy," that is foolishness.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Ask these grhasthas (in New Mayapura) to keep their home very neat and clean. Are they keeping?|Ask these grhasthas (in New Mayapura) to keep their home very neat and clean. Are they keeping?]]

=== Dedicated Time for Spiritual Culture ===

The fundamental purpose of the farm's simplified lifestyle was to liberate the devotees' time from the struggle for existence. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasized that New Mayāpur was a place for "training" in the science of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, where residents could abandon the habits of "silly jackals" and instead follow Kṛṣṇa. By minimizing artificial comforts and personal luxuries, the devotees could "save time" to dedicate their energy to chanting the mahā-mantra and discussing transcendental literatures. In this remote village, the daily routine of hearing and chanting was the "real business" that transformed the community into a sublime spiritual environment.

* [[Vaniquotes:We should save time (in New Mayapura), as much for this purpose, for chanting, discussing grantha. Not for any personal so-called comforts|We should save time (in New Mayapura), as much for this purpose, for chanting, discussing grantha. Not for any personal so-called comforts.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:We can sit down anywhere on the grass here (in New Mayapura), and whatever available we make our food. This is the idea. Life will be sublime. Man-mana bhava mad-bhakto mad-yaji mam. That is real business|We can sit down anywhere on the grass here (in New Mayapura), and whatever available we make our food. This is the idea. Life will be sublime. Man-mana bhava mad-bhakto mad-yaji mam. That is real business.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:First of all, you remain here (in New Mayapura) for some time. Be trained up. Because every one of us, we have followed the silly jackals. Now we have to follow Krsna|First of all, you remain here (in New Mayapura) for some time. Be trained up. Because every one of us, we have followed the silly jackals. Now we have to follow Krsna.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:By your transcendental endeavor it is being fulfilled, otherwise who expected that in this remote village (New Mayapura) of France, Hare Krsna maha-mantra would be chanted?|By your transcendental endeavor it is being fulfilled, otherwise who expected that in this remote village (New Mayapura) of France, Hare Krsna maha-mantra would be chanted?]]

=== Conclusion ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda’s visits to New Mayāpur in 1975 and 1976 transformed a simple 250-acre French estate into a foundational model for "simple living and high thinking." Far from a mere theoretical project, New Mayāpur was a place where Śrīla Prabhupāda personally encouraged his students, ensuring their happiness and even guiding their daily habits. By instructing the devotees to grow their own food, protect cows, and reject the industrial "hell" of modern life, he provided a tangible path to self-sufficiency. Ultimately, he taught that the external simplicity of a 'remote village' was the key to saving time for the soul’s real business: absorbing the heart in the mahā-mantra and the transcendental message of the ''Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam''. Through his fatherly guidance, he proved that a Vaikuṇṭha atmosphere is manifested wherever the devotees prioritize spiritual culture over artificial material necessity.

=== Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani ===
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category [[Vaniquotes:Category:New Mayapura|New Mayapura]]. We invite you to click this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.

(See our [[Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles|Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles]])

[[Category:Vanipedia Gemini - Articles]]
[[Category:Vanipedia Articles - Pending Subcategories]]

<div id="vani-provenance" style="display:none;" data-source="Vanipedia" data-author="Srila Prabhupada Vani Temple" data-license="CC BY-NC-SA 4.0" data-origin-url="{{fullurl:{{PAGENAME}}}}">This content is a part of Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani Temple. Source: https://vanipedia.org</div>

Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Vision for New Mayāpura - A Vaikuṇṭha Community in France

2026-05-09T16:05:28Z

Visnu Murti: /* Conclusion */

'''Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Vision for New Mayāpur A Vaikuṇṭha Community in France'''

Śrīla Prabhupāda personally visited the New Mayāpur community in France in 1975 and 1976 to establish a practical alternative to the "horrible" factory-driven civilization of the cities. Centered on a 250-acre property with a large castle, he envisioned the project as a "first-class place" where devotees could live peacefully by growing their own food and protecting cows. Far removed from the anxiety and pollution of hellish city life, the community was designed to allow residents to live simply and fully absorb themselves in pure devotion as sincere servants of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

<div class="toc-right">__TOC__</div>

===Encouraging the Devotees through His Personal Presence===

Śrīla Prabhupāda’s visits to New Mayāpur were primarily driven by his desire to encourage the devotees in their spiritual lives. Despite his advanced age and the physical toll of international travel, he made the journey to this remote village to personally ensure the residents were ecstatic in their service. He took a fatherly interest in their daily lives, even suggesting a practical, self-dependent breakfast of puffed grains, fruits, and milk to keep them healthy and satisfied.

* [[Vaniquotes:Oh. Yes, there was no hope for my coming (to New Mayapura). Now I've come, they (the devotees) must be (ecstatic)|Oh. Yes, there was no hope for my coming (to New Mayapura). Now I've come, they (the devotees) must be (ecstatic).]]

* [[Vaniquotes:I come (to New Mayapura) in this old age to encourage the devotees|I come (to New Mayapura) in this old age to encourage the devotees.]]

* [[Vaniquotes:How many devotees are there (in New Mayapura) and are they all happy?|How many devotees are there (in New Mayapura) and are they all happy?]]

* [[Vaniquotes:In the morning you can give them (devotees in New Mayapura) this puffed grains, then fruits and milk, very good breakfast. I mean to say all self-dependent|In the morning you can give them (devotees in New Mayapura) this puffed grains, then fruits and milk, very good breakfast. I mean to say all self-dependent.]]

* [[Vaniquotes:So Ratha-yatra was functioned here (in New Mayapura)?|So Ratha-yatra was functioned here (in New Mayapura)?]]

* [[Vaniquotes:I think this part (New Mayapura) is better situated than New Vrindaban, eh? What do you think?|I think this part (New Mayapura) is better situated than New Vrindaban, eh? What do you think?]]

=== Escaping the Horrible City Life ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda viewed the peaceful rural environment of New Mayāpur as a necessary refuge from the artificial demands of modern society. He described the factory-driven schedules of urban life as "horrible" and "hellish," noting that such an existence robs the human being of the peace required for spiritual culture. By settling hundreds of miles away from these centers of anxiety, he urged the devotees to abandon the rushed life of the city and instead utilize the "outdoors" of the French countryside to focus on the real business of life: chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa and following the philosophy he provided in his books.

* [[Vaniquotes:Bluffing rascals. Don't be misled. Live peacefully here (in New Mayapura), chant Hare Krsna. Now I have given the ideas, the philosophy, in the books; so it is your business to develop all over the world|Bluffing rascals. Don't be misled. Live peacefully here (in New Mayapura), chant Hare Krsna. Now I have given the ideas, the philosophy, in the books; so it is your business to develop all over the world.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Let them come (to New Mayapura) and work little, grow food, eat and chant. Why should they bother going to the factory, running at five o'clock. Horrible life, horrible civilization|Let them come (to New Mayapura) and work little, grow food, eat and chant. Why should they bother going to the factory, running at five o'clock. Horrible life, horrible civilization.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:This (New Mayapura) is a first-class place. You can develop it into a Vaikuntha. It is already Vaikuntha, Krsna is there. But develop it very nicely, peacefully live. Hundreds of miles away from the hellish cities|This (New Mayapura) is a first-class place. You can develop it into a Vaikuntha. It is already Vaikuntha, Krsna is there. But develop it very nicely, peacefully live. Hundreds of miles away from the hellish cities.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Now this place (New Mayapura) is very nice. The outside, so pleasing, the outdoors. This facility is nowhere in America, outdoors|Now this place (New Mayapura) is very nice. The outside, so pleasing, the outdoors. This facility is nowhere in America, outdoors.]]

=== Establishing Agricultural Self-Sufficiency ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda’s vision for the 250-acre French estate was centered on absolute independence from the materialistic economy. He instructed the devotees to utilize the land for the production of fruits, flowers, vegetables, and grains in "ample quantities," emphasizing that the community should be fully self-sufficient. Rather than seeking luxury, the residents were encouraged to build simple cottages and depend on the milk of protected cows. For Śrīla Prabhupāda, this agricultural life was the necessary foundation for a peaceful, spiritual existence, free from the artificial complexities of the modern world.

* [[Vaniquotes:I am presently en route to Bombay, and I have stopped here for one day. Here we have got a very nice land of 250 acres with a big French castle. They are starting to grow vegetables, fruits, and flowers, and they are keeping cows|I am presently en route to Bombay, and I have stopped here for one day. Here we have got a very nice land of 250 acres with a big French castle. They are starting to grow vegetables, fruits, and flowers, and they are keeping cows.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Gradually develop (New Mayapura), make little cottages, grow little vegetable, little barley or wheat and milk. That is sufficient. We don't require much. We don't want luxury|Gradually develop (New Mayapura), make little cottages, grow little vegetable, little barley or wheat and milk. That is sufficient. We don't require much. We don't want luxury.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:You have got sufficient space. Produce flowers, fruits, vegetables and grains in ample quantities. We should be fully self-sufficient. I like New Mayapur very much|You have got sufficient space. Produce flowers, fruits, vegetables and grains in ample quantities. We should be fully self-sufficient. I like New Mayapur very much.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Give facility to the people. Here (in New Mayapura) is very nice arrangement. Now make plan how to utilize. You have got enough land. You can utilize for supplying the necessities of life|Give facility to the people. Here (in New Mayapura) is very nice arrangement. Now make plan how to utilize. You have got enough land. You can utilize for supplying the necessities of life.]]

=== Moving from Salary to Sincere Service ===

At New Mayāpur, Śrīla Prabhupāda challenged the conventional concept of employment, emphasizing that the institution is maintained by the sincerity of its members rather than financial incentives. He taught that the community should be comprised of "sincere servants" of Kṛṣṇa rather than "hired men" working for a salary. For the residents—especially the gṛhasthas—the priority was to maintain neat and clean homes and to remain fixed in the consciousness that all material necessities would be provided "automatically" by the Lord if they remained absorbed in His service.

* [[Vaniquotes:Why salary? Krsna's servant. We are eternal servant. That is the beauty of our institution. We have no hired men (in New Mayapura). Unless one is sincere, why he'll work?|Why salary? Krsna's servant. We are eternal servant. That is the beauty of our institution. We have no hired men (in New Mayapura). Unless one is sincere, why he'll work?]]
* [[Vaniquotes:My point is that here in this New Mayapura, if you simply carry on this man-mana bhava mad-bhaktah, then all your necessities will come automatically, don't bother|My point is that here in this New Mayapura, if you simply carry on this man-mana bhava mad-bhaktah, then all your necessities will come automatically, don't bother.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:The same comfort and discomfort is in this cottage. But if I think, "Now I am in the France palace, or Bhaktivedanta Manor palace. I am happy," that is foolishness|The same comfort and discomfort is in this cottage. But if I think, "Now I am in the France palace, or Bhaktivedanta Manor palace. I am happy," that is foolishness.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Ask these grhasthas (in New Mayapura) to keep their home very neat and clean. Are they keeping?|Ask these grhasthas (in New Mayapura) to keep their home very neat and clean. Are they keeping?]]

=== Dedicated Time for Spiritual Culture ===

The fundamental purpose of the farm's simplified lifestyle was to liberate the devotees' time from the struggle for existence. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasized that New Mayāpur was a place for "training" in the science of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, where residents could abandon the habits of "silly jackals" and instead follow Kṛṣṇa. By minimizing artificial comforts and personal luxuries, the devotees could "save time" to dedicate their energy to chanting the mahā-mantra and discussing transcendental literatures. In this remote village, the daily routine of hearing and chanting was the "real business" that transformed the community into a sublime spiritual environment.

* [[Vaniquotes:We should save time (in New Mayapura), as much for this purpose, for chanting, discussing grantha. Not for any personal so-called comforts|We should save time (in New Mayapura), as much for this purpose, for chanting, discussing grantha. Not for any personal so-called comforts.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:We can sit down anywhere on the grass here (in New Mayapura), and whatever available we make our food. This is the idea. Life will be sublime. Man-mana bhava mad-bhakto mad-yaji mam. That is real business|We can sit down anywhere on the grass here (in New Mayapura), and whatever available we make our food. This is the idea. Life will be sublime. Man-mana bhava mad-bhakto mad-yaji mam. That is real business.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:First of all, you remain here (in New Mayapura) for some time. Be trained up. Because every one of us, we have followed the silly jackals. Now we have to follow Krsna|First of all, you remain here (in New Mayapura) for some time. Be trained up. Because every one of us, we have followed the silly jackals. Now we have to follow Krsna.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:By your transcendental endeavor it is being fulfilled, otherwise who expected that in this remote village (New Mayapura) of France, Hare Krsna maha-mantra would be chanted?|By your transcendental endeavor it is being fulfilled, otherwise who expected that in this remote village (New Mayapura) of France, Hare Krsna maha-mantra would be chanted?]]

=== Conclusion ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda’s visits to New Mayāpur in 1975 and 1976 transformed a simple 250-acre French estate into a foundational model for "simple living and high thinking." Far from a mere theoretical project, New Mayāpur was a place where Śrīla Prabhupāda personally encouraged his students, ensuring their happiness and even guiding their daily habits. By instructing the devotees to grow their own food, protect cows, and reject the industrial "hell" of modern life, he provided a tangible path to self-sufficiency. Ultimately, he taught that the external simplicity of a 'remote village' was the key to saving time for the soul’s real business: absorbing the heart in the mahā-mantra and the transcendental message of the ''Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam''. Through his fatherly guidance, he proved that a Vaikuṇṭha atmosphere is manifested wherever the devotees prioritize spiritual culture over artificial material necessity.

=== Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani ===
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category [[Vaniquotes:Category:New Mayapura|New Mayapura]]. We invite you to click this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.

(See our [[Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles|Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles]])

[[Category:Vanipedia Gemini - Articles]]
[[Category:Vanipedia Articles - Pending Subcategories]]

<div id="vani-provenance" style="display:none;" data-source="Vanipedia" data-author="Srila Prabhupada Vani Temple" data-license="CC BY-NC-SA 4.0" data-origin-url="{{fullurl:{{PAGENAME}}}}">This content is a part of Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani Temple. Source: https://vanipedia.org</div>

Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Vision for New Mayāpura - A Vaikuṇṭha Community in France

2026-05-09T15:55:12Z

Visnu Murti: /* Dedicated Time for Spiritual Culture */

'''Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Vision for New Mayāpur A Vaikuṇṭha Community in France'''

Śrīla Prabhupāda personally visited the New Mayāpur community in France in 1975 and 1976 to establish a practical alternative to the "horrible" factory-driven civilization of the cities. Centered on a 250-acre property with a large castle, he envisioned the project as a "first-class place" where devotees could live peacefully by growing their own food and protecting cows. Far removed from the anxiety and pollution of hellish city life, the community was designed to allow residents to live simply and fully absorb themselves in pure devotion as sincere servants of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

<div class="toc-right">__TOC__</div>

===Encouraging the Devotees through His Personal Presence===

Śrīla Prabhupāda’s visits to New Mayāpur were primarily driven by his desire to encourage the devotees in their spiritual lives. Despite his advanced age and the physical toll of international travel, he made the journey to this remote village to personally ensure the residents were ecstatic in their service. He took a fatherly interest in their daily lives, even suggesting a practical, self-dependent breakfast of puffed grains, fruits, and milk to keep them healthy and satisfied.

* [[Vaniquotes:Oh. Yes, there was no hope for my coming (to New Mayapura). Now I've come, they (the devotees) must be (ecstatic)|Oh. Yes, there was no hope for my coming (to New Mayapura). Now I've come, they (the devotees) must be (ecstatic).]]

* [[Vaniquotes:I come (to New Mayapura) in this old age to encourage the devotees|I come (to New Mayapura) in this old age to encourage the devotees.]]

* [[Vaniquotes:How many devotees are there (in New Mayapura) and are they all happy?|How many devotees are there (in New Mayapura) and are they all happy?]]

* [[Vaniquotes:In the morning you can give them (devotees in New Mayapura) this puffed grains, then fruits and milk, very good breakfast. I mean to say all self-dependent|In the morning you can give them (devotees in New Mayapura) this puffed grains, then fruits and milk, very good breakfast. I mean to say all self-dependent.]]

* [[Vaniquotes:So Ratha-yatra was functioned here (in New Mayapura)?|So Ratha-yatra was functioned here (in New Mayapura)?]]

* [[Vaniquotes:I think this part (New Mayapura) is better situated than New Vrindaban, eh? What do you think?|I think this part (New Mayapura) is better situated than New Vrindaban, eh? What do you think?]]

=== Escaping the Horrible City Life ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda viewed the peaceful rural environment of New Mayāpur as a necessary refuge from the artificial demands of modern society. He described the factory-driven schedules of urban life as "horrible" and "hellish," noting that such an existence robs the human being of the peace required for spiritual culture. By settling hundreds of miles away from these centers of anxiety, he urged the devotees to abandon the rushed life of the city and instead utilize the "outdoors" of the French countryside to focus on the real business of life: chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa and following the philosophy he provided in his books.

* [[Vaniquotes:Bluffing rascals. Don't be misled. Live peacefully here (in New Mayapura), chant Hare Krsna. Now I have given the ideas, the philosophy, in the books; so it is your business to develop all over the world|Bluffing rascals. Don't be misled. Live peacefully here (in New Mayapura), chant Hare Krsna. Now I have given the ideas, the philosophy, in the books; so it is your business to develop all over the world.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Let them come (to New Mayapura) and work little, grow food, eat and chant. Why should they bother going to the factory, running at five o'clock. Horrible life, horrible civilization|Let them come (to New Mayapura) and work little, grow food, eat and chant. Why should they bother going to the factory, running at five o'clock. Horrible life, horrible civilization.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:This (New Mayapura) is a first-class place. You can develop it into a Vaikuntha. It is already Vaikuntha, Krsna is there. But develop it very nicely, peacefully live. Hundreds of miles away from the hellish cities|This (New Mayapura) is a first-class place. You can develop it into a Vaikuntha. It is already Vaikuntha, Krsna is there. But develop it very nicely, peacefully live. Hundreds of miles away from the hellish cities.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Now this place (New Mayapura) is very nice. The outside, so pleasing, the outdoors. This facility is nowhere in America, outdoors|Now this place (New Mayapura) is very nice. The outside, so pleasing, the outdoors. This facility is nowhere in America, outdoors.]]

=== Establishing Agricultural Self-Sufficiency ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda’s vision for the 250-acre French estate was centered on absolute independence from the materialistic economy. He instructed the devotees to utilize the land for the production of fruits, flowers, vegetables, and grains in "ample quantities," emphasizing that the community should be fully self-sufficient. Rather than seeking luxury, the residents were encouraged to build simple cottages and depend on the milk of protected cows. For Śrīla Prabhupāda, this agricultural life was the necessary foundation for a peaceful, spiritual existence, free from the artificial complexities of the modern world.

* [[Vaniquotes:I am presently en route to Bombay, and I have stopped here for one day. Here we have got a very nice land of 250 acres with a big French castle. They are starting to grow vegetables, fruits, and flowers, and they are keeping cows|I am presently en route to Bombay, and I have stopped here for one day. Here we have got a very nice land of 250 acres with a big French castle. They are starting to grow vegetables, fruits, and flowers, and they are keeping cows.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Gradually develop (New Mayapura), make little cottages, grow little vegetable, little barley or wheat and milk. That is sufficient. We don't require much. We don't want luxury|Gradually develop (New Mayapura), make little cottages, grow little vegetable, little barley or wheat and milk. That is sufficient. We don't require much. We don't want luxury.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:You have got sufficient space. Produce flowers, fruits, vegetables and grains in ample quantities. We should be fully self-sufficient. I like New Mayapur very much|You have got sufficient space. Produce flowers, fruits, vegetables and grains in ample quantities. We should be fully self-sufficient. I like New Mayapur very much.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Give facility to the people. Here (in New Mayapura) is very nice arrangement. Now make plan how to utilize. You have got enough land. You can utilize for supplying the necessities of life|Give facility to the people. Here (in New Mayapura) is very nice arrangement. Now make plan how to utilize. You have got enough land. You can utilize for supplying the necessities of life.]]

=== Moving from Salary to Sincere Service ===

At New Mayāpur, Śrīla Prabhupāda challenged the conventional concept of employment, emphasizing that the institution is maintained by the sincerity of its members rather than financial incentives. He taught that the community should be comprised of "sincere servants" of Kṛṣṇa rather than "hired men" working for a salary. For the residents—especially the gṛhasthas—the priority was to maintain neat and clean homes and to remain fixed in the consciousness that all material necessities would be provided "automatically" by the Lord if they remained absorbed in His service.

* [[Vaniquotes:Why salary? Krsna's servant. We are eternal servant. That is the beauty of our institution. We have no hired men (in New Mayapura). Unless one is sincere, why he'll work?|Why salary? Krsna's servant. We are eternal servant. That is the beauty of our institution. We have no hired men (in New Mayapura). Unless one is sincere, why he'll work?]]
* [[Vaniquotes:My point is that here in this New Mayapura, if you simply carry on this man-mana bhava mad-bhaktah, then all your necessities will come automatically, don't bother|My point is that here in this New Mayapura, if you simply carry on this man-mana bhava mad-bhaktah, then all your necessities will come automatically, don't bother.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:The same comfort and discomfort is in this cottage. But if I think, "Now I am in the France palace, or Bhaktivedanta Manor palace. I am happy," that is foolishness|The same comfort and discomfort is in this cottage. But if I think, "Now I am in the France palace, or Bhaktivedanta Manor palace. I am happy," that is foolishness.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Ask these grhasthas (in New Mayapura) to keep their home very neat and clean. Are they keeping?|Ask these grhasthas (in New Mayapura) to keep their home very neat and clean. Are they keeping?]]

=== Dedicated Time for Spiritual Culture ===

The fundamental purpose of the farm's simplified lifestyle was to liberate the devotees' time from the struggle for existence. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasized that New Mayāpur was a place for "training" in the science of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, where residents could abandon the habits of "silly jackals" and instead follow Kṛṣṇa. By minimizing artificial comforts and personal luxuries, the devotees could "save time" to dedicate their energy to chanting the mahā-mantra and discussing transcendental literatures. In this remote village, the daily routine of hearing and chanting was the "real business" that transformed the community into a sublime spiritual environment.

* [[Vaniquotes:We should save time (in New Mayapura), as much for this purpose, for chanting, discussing grantha. Not for any personal so-called comforts|We should save time (in New Mayapura), as much for this purpose, for chanting, discussing grantha. Not for any personal so-called comforts.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:We can sit down anywhere on the grass here (in New Mayapura), and whatever available we make our food. This is the idea. Life will be sublime. Man-mana bhava mad-bhakto mad-yaji mam. That is real business|We can sit down anywhere on the grass here (in New Mayapura), and whatever available we make our food. This is the idea. Life will be sublime. Man-mana bhava mad-bhakto mad-yaji mam. That is real business.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:First of all, you remain here (in New Mayapura) for some time. Be trained up. Because every one of us, we have followed the silly jackals. Now we have to follow Krsna|First of all, you remain here (in New Mayapura) for some time. Be trained up. Because every one of us, we have followed the silly jackals. Now we have to follow Krsna.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:By your transcendental endeavor it is being fulfilled, otherwise who expected that in this remote village (New Mayapura) of France, Hare Krsna maha-mantra would be chanted?|By your transcendental endeavor it is being fulfilled, otherwise who expected that in this remote village (New Mayapura) of France, Hare Krsna maha-mantra would be chanted?]]

=== Conclusion ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda's visits to New Mayāpur in 1975 and 1976 provided a historical standard for the movement's farm projects. By instructing the devotees to grow their own food, protect cows, and live simply in the peaceful French countryside, he established a tangible alternative to the industrial "hell" of modern life. For Śrīla Prabhupāda, New Mayāpur was a place of essential training where devotees could learn to become sincere servants of Kṛṣṇa. By focusing on cleanliness, self-sufficiency, and saving time for chanting and reading, the residents could manifest a Vaikuṇṭha atmosphere and fulfill the sublime mission of human life as directed by Śrīla Prabhupāda.

=== Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani ===
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category [[Vaniquotes:Category:New Mayapura|New Mayapura]]. We invite you to click this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.

(See our [[Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles|Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles]])

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