Sutra 50
They who know the truth give all their love to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, are equally friendly to all living beings, and are appropriately detached from this dull and inert material world.
Commentary by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura
In this sutra the final conclusion is clearly expressed. Here the word 'pare' means 'for the Supreme Personality of Godhead', 'purna' means 'unbroken' and also 'filled with bliss', and 'anuraktih' means 'the natural love in the living entity's heart'. That is the meaning. 'Itaresu' means 'for the individual spirit souls, who are different from the Supreme Personality of Godhead' and 'tulya' means 'equal love for all spirit souls'. Here is the meaning: A madhyama-adhikari devotee sees all living entities in three classes: 1. the great souls to whom all respect should be offered, 2. the like-minded devotees, with whom friendship should be made, and 3. the people in general, to whom compassion should be shown.
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THE SEARCH FOR WISDOM
The search for wisdom is a great challenge; to act on wisdom is an even greater challenge.
Siddhaswarupananda - Jagad Guru Chris Butler
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However, an uttama-adhikari devotee does not see these three classes of living beings. Because he sees the Supersoul, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, present in the heart of every living being, such a devotee loves all living beings equally, thinking them all equally his brothers. "Jade" means 'dull and inert matter', and 'yukta-vairagya' means 'appropriate renunciation of material things, such as wealth, children, wife, friends, home, country, and the like.
This is the opinion of exalted Vaisnavas who know the truth, who do not unnecessarily try to cause dissension among the various Vaisnava sampradayas. What more need be said? Thus all the statements in this book have been supported with many quotes from the scriptures. Now this Tattva-sutra is completed. To please the learned devotees, a saintly devotee named Gopinatha dasa, who was born in a family of Vaisnava authors, wrote these sutras.
By the mercy of Lord Jagannatha, Gopinatha das, a resident of Jagannatha Puri and a learned scholar among the liberated souls, wrote these sutras.
With great respect, I (Bhaktivinoda Thakura) have written a brief commentary on these sutras. May the intelligent and learned Vaisnavas write many more commentaries on this book, commentaries filled with learned explanations and arguments.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Aphorisms of the Truth - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 55
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Aphorisms of the Truth - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 54
In Srimad Bhagavatam (11.3.21) the Yogesvara explains:
"Any person who seriously desires to achieve real happiness must seek out a bona fide spiritual master and take shelter of him by initiation. The qualification of his spiritual master is that he must have realised the conclusion of the scriptures by deliberation and be able to convince others of these conclusions. Such great personalities, who have taken shelter of the Supreme Godhead, leaving aside all material considerations are to be understood as bona fide spiritual masters."
In the Mundaka Upanisad (1.2.12) it is said:
"To learn the transcendental subject matter one must approach a spiritual master. In doing so, he should carry fuel to burn in sacrifice. The symptom of such a spiritual master is that he is expert in understanding the Vedic conclusion, and therefore he constantly engages in the service of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
In the Chandogya Upanisad (6.14.2) it is also said:
"One who approaches a bona fide spiritual master can understand everything about spiritual realisation."
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This second mantra of the yogic scripture Sri Ishopanishad refers to karma yoga, or devotional service:
A person may desire to live for hundreds of years if he works according to this truth because that sort of work will not bind him to the law of karma. And there is no alternative to this way for man.
~Sri Ishopanishad, Mantra Two
Siddhaswarupananda - Jagad Guru Chris Butler
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In Srimad Bhagavatam (11.18-38-39) the Supreme Personality of Godhead explains:
"One who is detached from sense gratification, knowing its result to be miserable and who desires spiritual perfection, but who has not seriously analysed the process for obtaining Me, should approach a bona fide and learned spiritual master.
"Until a devotee has clearly realised spiritual knowledge, he should continue with great faith and respect and without envy to render personal service to the guru, who is non different from Me."
It is also said:
"As a bee greedy for honey flies from flower to flower, so a man greedy for transcendental knowledge goes from teacher to teacher."
In Srimad Bhagavatam (2.9.36) the Supreme Personality of Godhead again explains:
"A person who is searching after the Supreme Absolute Truth, the Personality of Godhead, must certainly search for it up to this, in all circumstances, in all space and time, and both directly and indirectly."
It is also said:
"Far past the bliss of Brahman is the nest of two birds of Sri Sri Radha-Krsna's transcendental pastimes, two birds that are not different from each other. That nest is placed on the branches of the kalpa-druma tree of Lord Caitanya. The shade of that tree brings relief from the sufferings of repeated birth and death. To fulfil the devotees' desires, that Caitanya tree has appeared in this world."
Monday, February 25, 2008
Aphorisms of the Truth - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 53
Sutra 49
Now that Lord Caitanya, the teacher of all, has appeared in this world, there is no need for any other teacher.
Commentary by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura
Here someone may ask: How is it possible to understand this knowledge of devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead without first taking shelter of a spiritual master?
To answer this question, the author speaks this sutra. He says: Now that Lord Caitanya, the teacher of all saintly Vaisnavas who know the spiritual truth, has appeared in this world, there is no need for any other teacher. That is the meaning. In the Gopala-tapani Upanisad it is said:
"It was Krsna who in the beginning instructed Brahma in Vedic knowledge and who disseminated Vedic knowledge in the past. I, who desire liberation, surrender to Lord Krsna, who enlightens the intelligence with transcendental knowledge."
In Bhagavad-gita (10.11) the Supreme Personality of Godhead explains:
"Out of compassion for them, I, dwelling in their hearts, destroy with the shining lamp of knowledge the darkness born of ignorance."
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Everyone is engaged in action. The law of karma means that there are reactions to every action and that a person must endure the reactions to his actions.
Science of Identity Foundation - Siddhaswarupananda
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In Srimad Bhagavatam (11.17.27) Lord Krsna explains:
"One should know the acarya as Myself and never disrespect him in any way."
In the Narada-pancaratra, Guru-mahatmya, it is said:
"The spiritual master teaches the truth of spiritual mantras and the process of worshipping the Lord. It is because of his teaching of mantras and worship that devotional service to Lord Krsna is possible.
"O sage, at the highest place in the spiritual world is a thousand-petal lotus flower. In a spiritual form, the spiritual master resides there eternally."
In the Hari-bhakti-vilasa it is said:
"By the mercy of Lord Krsna, by the association of devotees, and by hearing the glories of devotional service, one desires to engage in devotional service. At that time one finds a spiritual master and dutifully worships him.'
In Srimad Bhagavatam (11.20.17) the Supreme Personality of Godhead explains:
"When one wants to cross a large ocean he requires a strong boat. It is said that this human form of life is a good boat by which one can cross the ocean of nescience. In the human form of life one can obtain the guidance of a good navigator, the spiritual master. One also gets a favourable wind by the mercy of Krsna, and that wind is the instructions of Krsna. The human body is the boat, the instructions of Lord Krsna are the favourable winds, and the spiritual master is the navigator. The spiritual master knows well how to adjust the sails to catch the winds favourably and steer the boat to its destination. If, however, one does not take advantage of this opportunity, one wastes the human form of life. Wasting time and life in this way is the same as committing suicide."
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Aphorisms of the Truth - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 52
Sutra 48
Direct perception and logical inference both confirm that devotional service is the highest truth, for devotional service is filled with transcendental knowledge and is the resting place of all truth.
Commentary by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura
Here someone may ask: In this, the concluding chapter of your book, what do you consider the final conclusion, the highest truth?
Thinking that someone would ask this question, the author speaks this sutra. He says that direct perception and logical inference, which are two of the great evidences to discern what is the truth, both confirm that devotional service is the highest truth. This truth of devotional service, which was described in the Mahabharata by Lord Krsna to Arjuna, in the Eleventh Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam by Lord Krsna to Uddhava, in the four famous verses of Srimad Bhagavatam to Lord Brahma, in the very first verse of Srimad Bhagavatam, and in many other places in the scriptures in many philosophical dialogues with many questions and answers. Thus the view held by the devotees of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the highest view, the highest truth. It is a truth higher and better than what is taught by the proponents of fruitive work, philosophical speculation, or other views. That is the meaning.
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KARMA
According to yoga, every action, good or bad, produces some karmic reaction. Actions that are “bad” create bad karmic reactions. A person who engages in heinous criminal actions or who lives simply like an animal, exploiting others, will have to eat the bitter fruit of such actions in the future.
Siddhaswarupananda - Chris Butler Speaks
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Because it is filled with pure transcendental knowledge, and because it is thus the best of all conclusions, the conclusion accepted by all noble-hearted and spiritually intelligent persons in all countries and at all times past, present and future, and because it is the root from which all truths have come, devotional service is the highest truth, the conclusion better than all other conclusions. This is confirmed by Lord Krsna, who in Bhagavad-gita (10.10) declares:
"To those who are constantly devoted and worship Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me."
In Srimad Bhagavatam (12.13.15) it is said:
"Srimad Bhagavatam is accepted as the essence of all Vedic literature and Vedanta philosophy. Whoever tastes the transcendental mellow of Srimad Bhagavatam is never attracted to any other literature."
Manu explains:
"Direct perception, logical inference, and scripture are three methods one may employ to understand pure religion."
In Srimad Bhagavatam (11.7.20) the Supreme Personality of Godhead explains:
"An intelligent person, expert in perceiving the world around him and applying sound logic, can achieve real benefit through his own intelligence. Thus sometimes one acts as one's own instructing spiritual master."
"A man must elevate himself by his own mind, not degrade himself. The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and his enemy as well."
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Aphorisms of the Truth - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 51
In Bhagavad-gita (9.25) the Supreme Personality of Godhead explains:
"Those who worship the demigods will take birth among the demigods, those who worship ghosts and spirits will take birth among such beings, those who worship ancestors go to the ancestors, and those who worship Me will live with Me."
In Bhagavad-gita (9.22-25) the Supreme Personality of Godhead again explains:
"But those who worship Me with devotion, meditating on My transcendental form, to them I carry what they lack and preserve what they have.
"Whatever a man may sacrifice to other gods, O son of Kunti, is really meant for Me alone, but it is offered without true understanding.
"I am the only enjoyer and the only object of sacrifice. Those who do not recognise My true transcendental nature fall down.
"Those who worship the demigods will take birth among the demigods, those who worship ghosts and spirits will take birth among such beings, those who worship ancestors go to the ancestors, and those who worship Me will live with Me."
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Many Chinese and Japanese acupuncturists (possibly out of a desire to “prove” the existence of chi to skeptical Westerners) have invented all sorts of electrical technological gadgetry to monitor the flow of chi through the meridians and to precisely locate the acupuncture points. So although chi cannot be perceived directly, its presence can be detected by a meter that monitors electrical activity.
Siddhaswarupananda - Jagad Guru Speaks
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In Bhagavad-gita (9.30) the Supreme Personality of Godhead again explains:
"Even if one commits the most abominable actions, if he is engaged in devotional service, he is to be considered saintly because he is properly situated."
In the Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu (1.2.60) Srila Rupa Gosvami explains:
"Every man has the birthright to accept devotional service and to become Krsna conscious. This is proved with evidence from many scriptures."
In the Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu (1.1.38) Srila Rupa Gosvami again explains:
"Even one drop of happiness in Krsna consciousness stands beyond comparison with an ocean of happiness derived from any other activity."
In the Tantras it is said:
"By cultivating transcendental knowledge one easily attains liberation and by performing yajnas and pious deeds one easily attains sense gratification. However, even after thousands of spiritual struggles it is still very difficult to attain devotion to Lord Hari."
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Aphorisms of the Truth - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 51
Sutra 47
Devotion to any object other than the Supreme Personality of Godhead is not recommended, for such devotion agitates the mind and is temporary by nature.
Commentary by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura
Here someone may protest: On the path of performing pious deeds (karma), where one worships the demigods, pitas, and others, many benefits are obtained. Why, then, do you say that this path of pious deeds is not good?
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Work has been done regarding the life force present in plants. In one typical experiment, electrical wires are connected from an electro sensitive meter to a plant. After a stable reading is obtained on the instruments, a small twig is cut from the plant. Invariably, at that moment, a significant response is perceivable on the meter, indicating that the separation of the twig has disturbed or agitated the plant.
Science of Identity Foundation - Siddhaswarupananda
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Fearing that someone would raise this protest, the author speaks this sutra. Here the word 'kamya' means 'the result of lusty desires', 'itara' means 'other than the Supreme Personality of Godhead', devotional service offered to any one of the many millions of individual spirit souls is not recommended by the devotees of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, for such devotion merely agitates the mind. There are many, many demigods and pitas and others, many many Sruti and Smrti scriptures describing them, many many rules and regulations to follow in many many different kinds of yajnas and worship offered to them. All this keeps the worshipper very very busy in many many different kinds of activities. In this way the worshipper's mind becomes agitated and he becomes influenced by the material mode of passion. This is described in Bhagavad-gita (2.41) where Lord Krsna explains:
"The intelligence of they who are irresolute is many-branched."
These many kinds of demigod-worship bring only temporary results. As farming and commerce brings results that are very short lived, so the wealth, good children and other benefits attained in this life time as well as the residence in Devaloka, Pitrloka and other benefits attained in the next lifetime are all very temporary and short-lived. That is the meaning.
In The Sruti-sastra it is said:
"A person filled with material desires should perform an agnistoma-yajna."
In the Chandogya Upanisad (8.1.6) it is said:
"As the benefits gained from pious deeds in this world are soon lost, so the benefits gained in the worlds of the devas are also lost very soon."
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Aphorisms of the Truth - by Bhaktivinode Thakur 50
Manu also explains:
"They who follow the foolish and impious teachings of the ignorant teachers attain sinful reactions a hundred times over."
In Bhagavad-gita (18.47) the Supreme Personality of Godhead declares:
"It is better to engage in one's own occupation, even though one may perform it imperfectly, then to accept another's occupation and perform it perfectly. Prescribed duties, according to one's nature, are never affected by sinful reactions."
Manu also explains:
"A brahmana who criticises the conclusion of the scriptures is ostracised by righteous people. He who blasphemes the Vedic scriptures is an offender.
In Bhagavad-gita (5.18) the Supreme Personality o Godhead declares:
"The humble sage, by virtue of true knowledge, sees with equal vision a learned and gentle brahmana, a cow, an elephant, a dog and a dog-eater (outcaste)."
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Most people who have actually experienced leaving their bodies and existing outside their bodies no longer identify their bodies as themselves. They know that they can and will exist without the body. They no longer view death as the end of their existence.
Siddhaswarupananda - Chris Butler Speaks
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In Srimad Bhagavatam (3.29.28-34) the Supreme Personality of Godhead explains:
"Living entities are superior to inanimate objects, O blessed mother, and among them living entities who display life-symptoms are better. Animals with developed consciousness are better than them, and better still are those who have developed sense-perception.
"Among the living entities who have developed sense-perception, those who have developed the sense of taste are better than those who have developed the sense of touch. Better than them are those who have developed the sense of smell, and better still are those who have developed the sense of hearing."
"Better that those living entities who can perceive sound are those who can distinguish between one form and another. Better than them are those who have developed upper and lower sets of teeth, and better still are those who have many legs. better than them are the quadrupeds, and better still are the human beings.
"Among human beings, the society which is divided according to quality and work is best, and in that society, the intelligent men, who are designated as brahmanas, are best. Among the brahmanas, one who has studied the Vedas is the best, and among the brahmanas who have studied the Vedas, one who knows the actually purport of Veda is best.
"Better than the brahmana who knows the purpose of the Vedas is he who can dissipate all doubts, and better than him is one who strictly follows the brahmanical principles. Better than him is one who is liberated from all material contamination, and better than him is a pure devotee, who executes devotional service without expectation of reward.
"Therefore I do not find a greater person then he who has no interest outside of Mine and who therefore dedicates all his activities and all his life, everything, unto Me without cessation.
"Such a perfect devotee offers respects to every living entity."
In the Bhagavad-gita (4.34), the Supreme Personality of Godhead explains:
"Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realised soul, can impart knowledge unto you because he has seen the truth."
Monday, February 18, 2008
Aphorisms of the Truth - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 49
Sutra 46
One should accept the role for which he is qualified, the role that is neither above nor beneath his qualification.
Commentary by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura
Here someone may protest: If renunciation of work is better than performances of duties, then even ignorant persons will attain the real goal of life by renouncing their duties. Since this is so, what is the use of performing one's duties?
Fearing that someone would raise this protest, the author has spoken this sutra. One should accept the role for which he is qualified, the role that is neither above nor beneath his qualification. That is the meaning of this sutra. In Srimad Bhagavatam (11.21.2) the Supreme Personality of Godhead declares:
"Steadiness in one's own position is declared to be actual piety, whereas deviation from one's position is considered impiety. In this way the two are definitely ascertained."
In Bhagavad-gita (3.35) the Supreme Personality of Godhead explains:
"Destruction in the course of performing one's own duty is better than engaging in another's duties, for to follow another's path is dangerous."
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If life is materially based, then why don't we see it springing from matter in the natural world? And why can't we create life from matter in our laboratories?
Siddhaswarupananda - Jagad Guru Speaks
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In Srimad Bhagavatam (11.14.21) the Supreme Personality of Godhead explains:
"Being very dear to the devotees and sadhus, I am attained through unflinching faith and devotional service. this bhakti-yoga system, which gradually increases attachment for Me, purifies even a human being born among dog-eaters. That is to say, everyone can be elevated to the spiritual platform by the process of bhakti-yoga."
In Srimad Bhagavatam (11.21.2), the Supreme Personality of Godhead again explains:
"Steadiness in one's one position is declared to be actual piety, whereas deviation from one's position is considered impiety. In this way the two are definitely ascertained."
When Lord Krsna had concluded His teaching in Bhagavad-gita, Arjuna spoke these words (Bhagavad-gita 18.73):
"My dear Krsna, O infallible one, my illusion is now gone. I have regained my memory by Your mercy, and I am now firm and free from doubt and am prepared to act according to Your instructions."
In Srimad Bhagavatam (11.29.40) Uddhava asks Lord Krsna:
"Obeisances unto You, O greatest of yogis, Please instruct me, who am surrendered unto You, how I may have undeviating attachment to Your lotus feet."
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Aphorisms of the Truth - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 48
In Bhagavad-gita (17.6), the Supreme Personality of Godhead also declares:
"Those who undergo severe austerities and penance not recommended in the scriptures, performing them out of pride, egotism, lust and attachment, who are impelled by passion and who torture their bodily organs as well as the Supersoul dwelling within are to be known as demons."
In Bhagavad-gita (3.5-9) the Supreme Personality of Godhead explains:
"All men are forced to act helplessly according to the impulses born of the modes of material nature. Therefore no one can refrain from doing something, not even for a moment.
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LIVING ENERGY
We may think we are attracted to the beautiful body of a woman, but actually it is the spark of life which attracts us. When Marilyn Monroe “died”, when the life force left the material body, the body was no longer attractive. All that was left was a lump of unattractive matter that was thrown in the dirt. So is it logical to think that material energy is all-attractive? No. Life force or spirit is the attractive element.
Science of Identity Foundation - Siddhaswarupananda
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"One who restrains the senses and organs of action, but whose mind dwells on sense-objects, certainly deludes himself and is called a pretender.
"On the other hand, he who controls the senses by the mind and engages his active organs in works of devotion, without attachment, is by far superior.
"Perform your prescribed duty, for action is better than inaction. A man cannot even maintain his physical body without work.
"Therefore, O son of Kunti, perform your prescribed duties for His satisfaction, and in that way you will always remain unattached and free from bondage."
In Bhagavad-gita (3.20-21 and 3.29) the Supreme Personality of Godhead again explains:
"Even kings like Janaka and others attained the perfectional stage by performance of prescribed duties. Therefore, just for the sake of educating the people in general, you should perform your work.
"Whatever action is performed by a great man, common men follow in his footsteps. And whatever standards he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues."
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Aphorisms of the Truth - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 47
Sutra 45
Actions for the welfare of the ignorant condition souls should be accepted. These actions do not go against the principles of devotional service.
Commentary by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura
Here someone may protest: Why must the devotees engage in activities? After all the true goal of life is to renounce all activities.
Fearing that someone would speak these words, the author has spoken this sutra. The word 'ajna' here means 'they who are ignorant and therefore impure in heart." In order to benefit these persons, who are not qualified to attain transcendental knowledge or engaged in devotional service, and to remove such persons' lack of faith in the importance of performing the duties prescribed by the scriptures, the devotees mercifully perform the regular and occasional duties prescribed by varnasrama-dhama. That is the meaning. In Bhagavad-gita (3.21) Lord Krsna declares:
"Whatever action is performed by a great man, common men follow in his footsteps. And whatever standards he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues."
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Perfection means being in tune with reality. The first thing we must understand is reality—the reality of my identity, i.e., my essence, position and function. Who am I? Just as a person does not identify himself as being the shirt that he is wearing, he also should not identify himself with the body that he is wearing.
Siddhaswarupananda - Chris Butler Speaks
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If it were true that the highest goal of life is attained by renouncing all activities, then to follow this instruction of Bhagavad-gita will certainly lead one to the destruction of all that is good.
The Supreme Personality of Godhead also advises (Bhagavad-gita 3.20):
"Therefore, just for the sake of educating the people in general, you should perform your work."
Because the Supreme Personality of Godhead in these words directly orders the acceptance of varnasrama duties, these duties are not opposed to the activities of devotional service. However, one should not accept duties that oppose the principles of devotional service, agitate the mind, lead to continued material bondage, create various vices, such as hatred for other living beings, or consist of lustful or forbidden activities. That is the meaning here, In Bhagavad-gita (12.15) the Supreme Personality of Godhead declares:
"He for whom no one is put into difficulty and who is not disturbed by anxiety, who is steady in happiness and distress, is very dear to Me."
Friday, February 15, 2008
Aphorisms of the Truth - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 46
In the Mahabharata, Santi-parva, in the description of giving charity, Lord Sadasiva explains:
"O girl with the beautiful thighs, a brahmana sees everyone equally. He is beyond the modes of nature. He is pure and always situated in Brahman. That is my opinion.
"However, even a sudra who is pure in heart and deed and who controls his senses is equal to a brahmana and he should be worshipped. That is the opinion of Lord Brahma himself.
"A sudra who finds it natural to engage in auspicious activities is equal to a brahmana. That is my opinion.
"Neither birth, nor ritual, nor scholarship, nor family designate one as a brahmana. The way one becomes a brahmana is by his work.
"A so-called high-class person who is degraded in his activities should not be honoured, but a so-called sudra who knows the truth of religion and acts piously is worthy of worship."
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A famous football player in the United States who recently retired was discussing the particular event that made him decide to quit playing. He had been running with the football toward the goal, with two tacklers chasing him. As his legs started giving out, he thought, “Come on, you old legs—don’t give out on me now!” This is like a race car driver who talks to his car: “Keep on going, Betsy—don’t let me down now!” In other words, you use your body as a type of vehicle; but like all vehicles, it is bound to break down sooner or later.
Siddhaswarupananda - Jagad Guru Speaks
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Sri Manu explains:
"By chanting mantras a brahmana attains perfection. Of this there is no doubt. However, a brahmana who neglects his brahmanical duties is no longer a brahmana. He is merely a friend to brahmanas.
"The four varnas and asramas exist in the three worlds in the past, present, and the future also. This is explained in the Vedas."
In the Bhagavad-gita (2.45) the Supreme Personality of Godhead explains:
"The Vedas mainly deal with the three modes of material nature. Rise above these modes, O Arjuna. be transcendental to all of them."
In Srimad Bhagavatam (7.11.35) wise and saintly Narada tells King Yudhisthira:
"If one shows the symptoms of being a brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya or sudra, as described above, even if he has appeared in a different class, he should be accepted according to those symptom of classification."
Manu also explains:
"A so called brahmana who does not study the scriptures should accept the position of another varna. If he continues pretending to be a brahmana, he and his family will become sudras."
In the Bhagavad-gita (3.26) the Supreme Personality of Godhead explains:
"Let not the wise disrupt the minds of the ignorant who are attached to fruitive action. They should not be encouraged to refrain from work, but to engage in work in a spirit of devotion."
In the Vedanta-sutra (1.3.34) it is said:
"Because he approached impelled by unhappiness from hearing an insult, the word 'sudra' here means 'unhappy'."
This sutra is explained by the passage that begins with these words of Chandogya Upanisad (4.1.1):
"There was a man named Janasrutir Pautrayana...."
The following explanation is seen in a sutra of Vyasa (Vedanta-sutra 1.3.35):
"That he is a ksatriya is understood from the clue related by the caitraratha."
In other sutras (Vedanta-sutra 1.3.36-37) it is said:
"This is also so because the scriptures state both the necessity of undergoing the samskaras (rituals of purification) and the exclusion of the sudras from these rituals."
"This is so because care is taken to determine that a student is not a sudra."
These sutras are explained by the passage that begins with these words of Chandogya Upanisad (4.4.4.):
"I do not know into what caste I was born...."
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Aphorisms of the Truth - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 45
Sutra 44
In devotional service the rules of varnasrama-dharma no longer apply, for the devotees of the Lord are above the ignorance of material life.
Commentary by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura
Are the devotees of the Lord obliged to follow the rules of varnasrama dharma, or are they not obliged to follow them? The author writes this sutra to answer this question. He says: In devotional service the rules of varnasrama-dharma no longer apply. Neophyte, materialistic devotees should follow varnasrama-dharma, but advanced devotees, who are situated on the spiritual platform and are free from the grip of the modes of material nature have no use for varnasrama-dharma. This pure devotional service is described by the Lord in these words (Bhagavad-gita 7.19 and 7.17):
"He who is actually in knowledge surrenders unto Me."
"Of these, the wise one who is in full knowledge in union with Me through pure devotional service is the best."
In Srimad Bhagavatam (11.18.28) the Supreme Personality of Godhead declares:
"A learned transcendentalist dedicated to the cultivation of knowledge and thus detached from external objects, or My devotee who is detached even from desire for liberation, both neglect those duties based on external rituals or paraphernalia. Thus their conduct is beyond the range of rules and regulations."
In Bhagavad-gita (18.66) the Supreme Personality of Godhead declares:
"Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reaction. Do not fear."
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PERFECTION – BEING IN TUNE WITH REALITY
The body is yours—but it is not you. The body is a garment that you are wearing, a machine that you are using, a vehicle that you are driving. The body is your possession. Just as a person does not identify himself as being the shirt he is wearing, he also should not identify himself with the body that he is wearing.
Science of Identity Foundation - Siddhaswarupananda
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Manu explains:
"A brahmana should: 1. study, 2. teach, 3. worship the Lord, 4. convince others to worship the Lord, 5. give charity, and 6. accept charity.
"A ksatriya should: 1. protect the citizens, 2. give charity, 3. worship the Lord, 4. study scripture, and 5 not become attached to material sense-objects.
"A vaisya should: 1. protect cows, 2. give charity, 3. worship the Lord, 4. study scripture, 5. engage in banking and commerce, and 6. engage in farming.
"A sudra has one duty: without envy he should faithfully serve the other varnas.
"So the people would prosper, the Supreme Personality of Godhead created the different varnas. He created the brahmanas from His head, the ksatriyas from His arms, the vaisyas from His thighs, and the sudras from His feet."
In Bhagavad-gita (18.41-44), the Supreme Personality of Godhead explains:
"Brahmanas, ksatriyas, vaisyas and sudras are distinguished by their qualities of work, O chastise of the enemy, in accordance with the modes of nature.
"Peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty, wisdom, knowledge, and religiousness. These are the qualities by which the brahmanas work."
Heroism, power, determination, resourcefulness, courage in battle, generosity, and leadership are the qualities of work for the ksatriyas.
"Farming, cow protection, and business are the qualities of work for the vaisyas, and for the sudras there is labour and service to others."
In Bhagavad-gita (18.47, 6.43 and 6.44) the Supreme Personality of Godhead again explains:
"It is better to engage in one's own occupation, even though one may perform it imperfectly, than to accept another's occupation and perform it perfectly. Prescribed duties, according to one's nature, are never affected by sinful reactions."
"On taking such a birth, he again revives the divine consciousness of his previous life. and he tries to make further progress in order to achieve complete success, O son of Kuru.
"By virtue of the divine consciousness of his previous life, he automatically becomes attracted to the yogic principles, even without seeking them."
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Aphorisms of the Truth - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 44
Sutra 43
The rules of these scriptures do not apply to a devotee of the Lord, for an enlightened devotee never acts against the spiritual truth.
Commentary by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura
After explaining that they who are enlightened with transcendental knowledge are free from the rules of scripture, the author of the sutras now affirms that the devotees are especially free from these rules. The duties and prohibitions of scripture do not apply to a person who is pure in heart, renounced, filled with transcendental knowledge and engaged in devotional service. This is so because the devotee's intent engagement in devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead does not in any way oppose the rules and regulations ordained by the scriptures. Here is the meaning: One attains the highest goal of life by following the rules and regulations of devotional service, not by following the rules and regulations of ordinary, non devotional, materialistic piety. In the Sruti-sastra it is said:
"Why should I not perform pious deeds? Why should I sin?" For one who thinks in this way where is calamity? Where is illusion?"
In Bhagavad-gita (2.52) the Supreme Personality of Godhead explains:
"When your intelligence has passed out of the dense forest of delusion, you shall become indifferent to all that has been heard and all that is to be heard."
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Nor is sense gratification considered “bad.” Sense gratification comes and goes as a natural occurrence of the senses. For example, one cannot eat without tasting. The point is that a life that is centered around sense enjoyment, that makes sense enjoyment the goal, is a wasted life. Economic development is necessary for the maintenance of the body; so therefore it cannot be neglected. But to seek economic development simply for the sake of endlessly increasing sensual pleasure is foolish. No amount of sensual pleasure will ever really satisfy a person, so no amount of economic development will ever be considered “enough.” This is why people in modern Western societies are still not satisfied, even though they are so economically advanced and thus have so much facility for sense enjoyment. They always want more.
Siddhaswarupananda - Chris Butler Speaks
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In the Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu (1.2.292-293) it is said:
"Therefore, in the beginning, everyone should strictly follow the regulative principles of devotional service, according to the injunctions of the scriptures and the spiritual master. Only after the stage of liberation from material contamination can one actually aspire to follow in the footsteps of the devotees in Vrndavana."
In the Manu-samhita, Chapter Ten, it is said:
"Manu declares that non violence, truthfulness, religion, cleanliness, and sense control should be practiced by all four varnas."
Manu again explains:
"A person who knows the true meaning of the Vedas and follows the rules of his asrama becomes liberated even as he resides in this world."
It is also said:
"If someone says, 'What is the religion of the Vedas?' the answer is given, 'The true religion of the Vedas is the religion taught by great transcendentalists'."
It is also said:
"What a great transcendentalist speaks should be known to be the true religion. True religion is not the opinion of fools."
"There are many thousands of persons who do not follow vows or chant mantras, or who earn a livelihood as professional mantra-chanters or professional brahmanas. These persons have no power to teach what is the real religion, the real truth.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Aphorisms of the Truth - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 43
Srimad Bhagavatam (11.21.3-4 and 11.21.7) the Supreme Personality of Godhead again explains:
"O sinless Uddhava, in order to understand what is proper in life one must evaluate a given object within its particular category. Thus, in analysing religious principles one must consider purity and impurity. Similarly, in one's ordinary dealings one must distinguish between good and bad, and to insure one's physical survival one must recognise what is auspicious and inauspicious. I have revealed this way of life for those bearing the burden of mundane religious principles."
"O saintly Uddhava, in order to restrict materialistic activities, I have established that which is proper and improper among all material things, including time, space and all physical objects."
In the Rahasya-siddhanta it is said:
"One who performs his prescribed duties becomes like the demigods. One who renounces his prescribed duties stays in the material world of five elements.
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You can eat so much food that your belly aches—yet you still want more! Even though your belly is filled to the point of physical pain, you, the self, are not full; you still desire to consume more. The fact that the body can be full or satisfied while you still feel empty is evidence that the body is not you.
Siddhaswarupananda - Jagad Guru Speaks
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"One who, seeing the Supersoul in all living beings and all living beings in the Supersoul, worships the Supersoul, attains a kingdom as his reward.
"One who renounces these prescribed duties and earnestly studies the Vedas to attain spiritual truth, is the best of brahmanas. His life is a great success. It should not be described in any other way."
In the Mahabharata it is said:
"The Puranas describe the duties of human beings. The Vedas are medicine to cure the soul's disease or residence in the world of matter. The perfect teachings of the four Vedas should never be renounced."
In Bhagavad-gita (9.32-33) Lord Krsna explains:
"O son of Prtha, those who take shelter in Me, though they be of lower birth, women, vaisyas (merchants), as well as sudras (workers), can approach the supreme destination. How much greater, then, are the brahmanas, the righteous, the devotees and saintly kings?"
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Aphorisms of the Truth - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 42
Lord Krsna also explains (Bhagavad-gita 2.45):
"The Vedas mainly deal with the subject of the three modes of material nature. Rise above these modes, O Arjuna. Be transcendental to all of them."
What is the need for any further explanation? In Bhagavad-gita (16.23-24) the Supreme Personality of Godhead declares:
"But he who discards scriptural injunctions and acts according to his own whim attains neither perfection, nor happiness, nor the supreme destination.
"One should understand what is duty and what is not duty by the regulations of the scriptures. Knowing such rules and regulations, one should act so that he may gradually be elevated."
In the Manu-samhita, Chapter Twelve, it is said:
"The eternal Vedic scriptures maintain and protect all living beings. Therefore, I think they describe the best path for the living entities to follow."
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Often people try so hard to find happiness through sense pleasure that they may attempt to gratify several or all of their senses at the same time. For example, you may simultaneously be watching TV, listening to the radio, munching potato chips, sipping beer, and smoking a cigarette. Perhaps you may have your arm around the shoulders of your girlfriend or boyfriend. You may also have a magazine at your side, which you look at during commercials. You try to fill up every sense; yet still you’re not satisfied; still you want something more.
Science of Identity Foundation - Siddhaswarupananda
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In Bhagavad-gita, Arjuna asks Lord Krsna:
"O Krsna, what is the situation of one who does not follow the principles of scripture but worships according to his own imagination? Is he in goodness, in passion or in ignorance?"
Lord Krsna replied (Bhagavad-gita 17.28):
"But sacrifices, austerities and charities performed without faith in the Supreme are non permanent. O son of Prtha, regardless of whatever rites are performed. They are called asat and are useless both in this life and the next."
Manu also explains:
"Better than the materialistic fools are they who follow the scriptures. Better than the followers of scripture are they who meditate on the Supreme. Better than the meditators are they who are situated in transcendental knowledge. Better than these enlightened souls are the devotees, who are active in the service of the Supreme Personality of Godhead."
In Srimad Bhagavatam (11.21.23) the Supreme Personality of Godhead explains:
"Those statements of scripture promising fruitive rewards do not prescribe the ultimate good for men, but are merely enticements for executing beneficial religious duties, like promises of candy spoken to induce a child to take beneficial medicine."
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Aphorisms of the Truth - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 41
Sriman Anandabodhendra Sarasvati comments on this verse:
"Here someone may say, 'Matter and spirit are different. Therefore matter cannot see spirit. Therefore of what use are the scriptures? Fearing that someone would make this claim, the author has spoken this verse, which begins with the word 'drsyam'. Spirit can certainly be seen. But it cannot be seen by material eyes. With spiritual intelligence spirit may be understood. With purified eyes one may see spirit. Liberation from the world, or the direct perception of spirit is described in the scriptures. That is the result of scripture-study."
There it is also said:
"Without proper understanding, one is simply trapped in a cave of scriptures. By scripture-study one must revive His own dormant spiritual knowledge. Then he may attain liberation."
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SEEKING SATISFACTION
If you identify your body as yourself, you will try to satisfy yourself by trying to satisfy your body. You’ll think, “I am the body and I want to be happy, I want to be satisfied.” Thus, you’ll try to satisfy the belly, the tongue, the genitals, the ears, the eyes, the nose, and so on, believing that this will bring you the inner satisfaction and happiness you crave.
But sense gratification does not satisfy. This is further evidence that you are not the body. No matter how much sense pleasure you have, you are still never satisfied within.
Siddhaswarupananda - Chris Butler Speaks
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Sutra 42
For they who are not yet self realised, scripture is very important. For they who are self realised this is not so, for such great souls have already attained the perfect spiritual knowledge that is the root from which the scriptures have grown.
Commentary by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura
Here someone may protest: In Bhagavad-gita (16.23), the Supreme Personality of Godhead declares: "But he who discards scriptural injunctions and acts according to his own whim attains neither perfection, nor happiness, nor the supreme destination." After all, the word 'sastra; comes from the word 'sasana' which means 'restriction'. Therefore the individual spirit souls are always obliged to follow the restrictions enunciated in the scriptures. How can any good result come from not following the scriptures' rules?
Fearing that someone would voice this protest, the author has spoken this sutra. Here the word "aksamesu" means "they who are not yet self-realised". Such persons cannot act independently. They are governed by the rules of scripture. However, for self-realised souls, who of their own desire to what is right and proper in spiritual life, this is not so. These great souls are not bound by the rules of scripture because they have already attained the perfect spiritual knowledge that is the root from which the scriptures have grown. This means that the self-realised souls have already attained the perfect spiritual knowledge that is the root from which the scriptures have grown. All the scriptures, as well as the Sariraka and Mimamsa commentaries, are meant for the souls who are not yet self-realised, who still dwell in the world of ignorance. Therefore the words of the Lord in Bhagavad-gita (16.23) mean that for their own good the unenlightened souls, who if given independence would perform forbidden actions, the rules of scriptures are given. The rules of scriptures are thus given to bring under control the uncontrolled, independent conditioned souls. For the liberated souls a different instruction is given. Lord Krsna explains (Bhagavad-gita 2.52):
"When your intelligence has passed out of the dense forest of delusion, you shall become indifferent to all that has been heard and all that is to be heard."
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Aphorisms of the Truth - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 40
In the Mundaka Upanisad (1.1.4-5) it is said:
"Enlightened souls say there are two kinds of knowledge: 1. transcendental knowledge and 2. material knowledge. The knowledge of the Rg, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva Vedas is material knowledge.
"The study of phonetics, rituals, grammar, etymology, meter, and astrology are all material knowledge. Transcendental knowledge is the knowledge that brings one to the imperishable Supreme Personality of Godhead."
In Srimad Bhagavatam (11.14.3-8) the Supreme Personality of Godhead explains:
"By the influence of time, the transcendental sound of Vedic knowledge was lost at the time of annihilation. Therefore, when the subsequent creation took place, I spoke the Vedic knowledge to Brahma because I Myself am the religious principles enunciated in the Vedas.
"Lord Brahma spoke this Vedic knowledge to his eldest son Manu, and the seven sages headed by Bhrgu Muni then accepted the same knowledge from Manu.
"From the forefathers headed by Bhrgu Muni and other sons of Brahma appeared many children and descendants, who assumed different forms as demigods, demons, human beings, Guhyakas, Siddhas, Gandharvas, Vidyadharas, Caranas, Kindevas, Kinnaras, Nagas, Kimpurusas and so. All of the many universal species, along with their respective leaders appeared with different natures and desires generated from the three modes of material nature. Therefore, because of the different characteristics of the living entities within the universe, there are a great many Vedic rituals, mantras and rewards.
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Many people believe that a person is the brain or some part of the brain. You may be one of them. If so, the following should boggle your mind:
Recent studies on the turnover of the molecular population within a given nerve cell have indicated that ... their macromolecular contingent is renewed about ten thousand times in a lifetime.*
In other words, the matter making up each brain cell is completely renewed every three days.
Your brain—that mass of matter which is contained in your skull today—is not the same brain that was in your skull last week.
Siddhaswarupananda - Jagad Guru Speaks
*Paul Weiss, “The Living System: Determinism Stratified,” in Arthur Koestler and J.R. Smythies, eds., Beyond Reductionism (London: Hutchinson, 1969), p. 13.
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"Thus, due to the great variety of desires and natures among human beings, there are many different theistic philosophies of life, which are handed down through tradition, custom, and disciplic succession. There are other teachers who directly support atheistic viewpoints."
The Lord also said (Srimad Bhagavatam 11.8.10):
"Just as the honeybee takes nectar from all flowers, big and small, an intelligent human being should take the essence from all religious scriptures?"
In the Katha Upanisad (1.2.5) it is said:
"Thinking themselves wise, they wander here and there in the darkness of ignorance. They are blind men led by another blind man."
In Srimad Bhagavatam (2.7.51) it is said:
"O Narada, this science of God, Srimad Bhagavatam, was spoken to me in summary by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and it was spoken as the accumulation of His diverse potencies. Please expand this science yourself."
In the Yoga-vasistha. Third Chapter, Valmiki tells Bharadvaja:
"It is not seen by material eyes. If one is fortunate and his vision becomes cleansed, he will attain transcendental knowledge, renunciation, and liberation."
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Aphorisms of the Truth - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 39
Siddhanta-prakarana
The Final Conclusion
Sutra 41
Indeed, the scriptures are rays of light from the sun of transcendental knowledge.
Commentary by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura
Here someone may protest: Is it not so that the various scriptures present different philosophers' very different conclusions of what is the highest good for all living entities. What is the use, then, of your attempt in this Tattva-sutra to find there a single final, highest conclusion?
If this is said, then the author of the sutras replies: No. It is not as you say. In this fifth chapter the author of the sutras describes the final conclusion of all knowledge, the conclusion that shows the highest good for all living entities.
In this sutra the word 'hi' may be interpreted to mean either 'indeed' or 'because'. Here the self-manifested original transcendental knowledge of the individual spirit souls is likened to a sun. It is likened to a sun because:
1. It is manifested from the spiritual form of the Supreme Personality of Godhead
2. it is self manifested
3. it destroys the darkness of ignorance and
4. it reveals all truths.
All the scriptures are then likened to rays of light emanating from that sun of transcendental knowledge. That is the meaning. In the Upanisads if is said:
"The Supreme Personality of Godhead created the Rg and Sama Vedas."
"The Vedic hymns were born from the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The Yajur Veda was born from Him."
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Recent studies at the Oak Ridge Atomic Research Center have revealed that about 98 percent of all the atoms in a human body are replaced every year. You get a new suit of skin every month and a new liver every six weeks. The lining of your stomach lasts only five days before it’s replaced. Even your bones are not the solid, stable, concrete-like things you might have thought them to be: They are undergoing constant change. The bones you have today are different from the bones you had a year ago. Experts in this area of research have concluded that there is a complete, 100 percent turnover of atoms in the body at least every five years. In other words, not one single atom present in your body today was there five years ago.*
Science of Identity Foundation - Siddhaswarupananda
* Taken from Guy Murchie, The Seven Mysteries of Life (Boston: Houghton-Mifflin, 1978), pp. 321-22.
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In the Vedanta-sutra (1.1.3) Lord Vyasadeva explains:
"Because the Supreme is the author of all the scriptures."
I offer my respectful obeisances to Lord Narayana, to self-born Brahman, to Narada, who knows the best of all spiritual truths, and to the great sage Krsna Dvaipayana Vyasa.
I also offer my respectful obeisances to Madhvacarya and the disciples in his sampradaya. In that sampradaya the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is an ocean of perfect philosophical conclusions, and who manifested His form of Lord Caitanya, came to this earth in the town of
His followers are not attracted to the external things of this world. They are properly renounced. They are intently devoted to Lord Krsna.
They who are eager to find the truth do not limit themselves to their own country or their own community. They are eager to accept the truth and they are not concerned that a speaker of the truth may come from a different community.
They are happy with the truth. They make friendship with persons who are sincere in following the truth. With the help of many saintly friends even the most difficult thing is easily attained.
Among themselves such saintly persons relish talking about the truth. Among themselves they feel great bliss. They attain the wonderful result sought by all communities of spiritual men.
Many are Lord Caitanya's servants in the Madhva-sampradaya. They are all great souls bearing marks that show they do not really belong in this material world.
Because they follow the teachings of the spiritual sampradaya, or because they are not materialistic, these enlightened souls do not bear the marks of the material world.
Self-satisfied and faultless, they wander here and there appearing like madmen to outsiders. They are pure at heart and perfectly renounced, for they know the truth of Lord Krsna. I bow down before their lotus feet.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Aphorisms of the Truth - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 38
Sutra 40
With the proper development of renunciation one attains active devotional service (sadhana), then ecstasy (bhava) and finally pure love (prema) for the Lord.
Commentary by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura
Here someone may ask: What are the different levels of advancement in devotional service? To answer this question the author speaks this sutra. By regular practice one makes advancement in renunciation and devotional service (sadhana), then ecstasy (bhava), and finally pure love (prema) for the Lord. Thus, with the proper development of renunciation, one makes advancement in devotional service, culminating in ecstasy and pure devotional love. The Supreme Personality of Godhead explains (Bhagavad-gita 9.9): "Follow the regular principles of bhakti-yoga. In this way you will develop a desire to attain Me."
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The physical body is made up of countless numbers of tiny material particles called molecules and atoms. These material particles are constantly being replaced by material particles from the outside environment (in the form of food, water, air, and so on). Over a period of five to seven years, this process of metabolism brings about a complete change of the matter that makes up your body.
Siddhaswarupananda - Chris Butler Speaks
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In Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu (1.2.1-2) Srila Rupa Gosvami explains:
"The three categories of devotional service are: 1. devotional service in practice (sadhana), 2. devotional service in ecstasy (bhava) and 3. devotional service in pure love of Godhead (prema). When we wish to develop our innate capacity for devotional service, there are certain processes which, by our accepting and executing them, will cause that dormant capacity to be invoked. Such practice is called sadhana-bhakti."
In Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu, Srila Rupa Gosvami again explains:
"With vibhava and the other features of ecstatic love, one experiences the greatest and most wonderful bliss."
In Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu (1.4.15-16) Srila Rupa Gosvami again explains:
"In the beginning there must be faith. Then one becomes interested in associating with pure devotees. Thereafter one is initiated by the spiritual master and executes the regulative principles under his orders. Thus one is freed from all unwanted habits and becomes firmly fixed in devotional service. Thereafter one develops taste and attachment. This is the way of sadhana-bhakti, the execution of devotional service according to the regulative principles. Gradually emotions intensify and finally there is an awakening of love. This is the gradual development of love of Godhead for a devotee interested in Krsna consciousness."p>
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Aphorisms of the Truth - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 37
Here someone may ask: Is it not so that if a person falls down from this path of devotional service, then a horrible fate awaits him?
Fearing that someone would ask this question, the author speaks the following sutra.
Sutra 39
A devotee will not fall down, even if he has not attained perfection in renunciation and devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Commentary by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura
Even if he has not attained perfection in renunciation and devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, a devotee, unlike the materialists, will not fall down. Neither will a devotee take birth in a degraded situation. In Bhagavad-gita (6.40) the Supreme Personality of Godhead explains:
"O son of Prtha, a transcendentalist engaged in auspicious activities does not meet with destruction wither in this world or in the spiritual world. One who does good, My friend is never overcome by evil."
In Bhagavad-gita (6.25-26) the Supreme Personality of Godhead again explains:
"Gradually, step by step, with fill conviction, one should become situated in trance by means of intelligence, and thus the mind should be fixed on the Self alone, should think of nothing else."
"From whatever and wherever the mind wanders due to its flickering and unsteady nature, one must certainly withdraw it and bring it back under the control of the Self."
In Bhagavad-gita (6.44) the Supreme Personality of Godhead again explains:
"By virtue of the divine consciousness of his previous life, he automatically becomes attracted to the yogic principles, even without seeking them. Such an inquisitive transcendentalist , striving for yoga, stands always above the ritualistic principles of the scriptures."
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THREE SIMPLE QUESTIONS
Let me ask you a few simple questions: Do you exist at this moment? Did you exist five years ago? Are you your body? Most people would answer “yes” to all three questions. But if you identify your body as yourself, and simultaneously accept that you exist now and also existed five years ago, then you have a problem: The body you had five years ago does not exist today. There is a dynamic turnover of atoms and molecules which make up your body. There isn’t a single particle of matter—not one atom—present in your body today that was present five years ago. The body you have today is not the same body you had five years ago. It’s not that the body you had still exists but has now changed somewhat. No. The body you had is gone. That collection of atoms appearing as flesh, bone, blood, hair, and so on no longer exists. Yet you still exist.
Siddhaswarupananda - Jagad Guru Speaks
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In Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu (1.2.261), Srila Rupa Gosvami explains:
"A Krsna conscious person, being naturally purified, has no need of developing any other purificatory process of thought or action. On account of his being highly elevated in Krsna consciousness, he has already acquired all the good qualities and is following the rules and regulations prescribed for the mystic yoga process."
In Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu (1.3.43, 1.3.46 and 1.3.54), Srila Rupa Gosvami again explains:
"Even ordinary devotees cannot have such pure attachment for Krsna. Therefore, how is it possible for success to be achieved by persons whose hearts are contaminated by the actions and reactions of fruitive activities and who are entangled by various types of mental speculation?"
"Sometimes it is found that a person actually attached to material enjoyment or salvation has the good fortune to associate with pure devotees while they are engaged in chanting the holy name of the Lord. By the good grace of the Lord one may also co-operate and join in the chanting. At that time simply by the association of such pure devotees, the moonlike rays from their hearts reflect on him, and by the influence of the pure devotees, he may show some likeness of attachment caused by inquisitiveness."
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Aphorisms of the Truth - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 36
In Bhagavad-gita (18.7-8) the Supreme Personality of Godhead explains:
"Prescribed duties should never be renounced. If, by illusion, one gives up his prescribed duties, such renunciation is said to be in the mode of ignorance.
"Anyone who gives up prescribed duties as troublesome, or out of fear, is said to be in the mode of passion. Such action never leads to the elevation of renunciation."
In Srimad Bhagavatam (11.12.1) the Supreme Personality of Godhead explains:
"My dear Uddhava, by associating with My pure devotees one can destroy one's attachment for all objects of material sense gratification. Such purifying associating brings Me under the control of My devotee. One may perform the astanga-yoga system, engage in philosophical analysis of the elements of material nature, practice non violence and other principles of ordinary piety, chant the Vedas, perform penances, take to the renounced order of life, execute sacrificial performances and dig wells, plant trees and perform other public welfare activities, give in charity, carry out severe vows, worship the demigods, chant confidential mantras, visit holy places, or accept major and minor disciplinary injunctions, but even by performing such activities one does not bring Me under his control."
In Bhagavad-gita (18.9 and 18.11) the Supreme Personality of Godhead again explains:
"But he who performs his prescribed duty only because it ought to be done, and renounces all attachment to the fruit, his renunciation is of the nature of goodness, O Arjuna."
"It is indeed impossible for an embodied being to give up all activities. Therefore it is said that he who renounces the fruits of action is one who has truly renounced."
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You are your body, right? You are chemical in essence ... right? At least, that’s what one of America’s most influential scientists claims:
I am a collection of water, calcium and organic molecules called Carl Sagan. You are a collection of almost identical molecules with a different collective label.*
Like Sagan, most people believe that they are their body. So if you ask them who they are, they think and respond in terms of bodily labels.
“I’m Susan. I’m blond, 29 years old, a mother, and still 36-24-36!”
“I’m Henry. I’m a white American male and proud of it!”
“I’m John. I’m a lawyer. I’m 40 years old and getting older every day.”
“I’m Alice. I’m a female student. I’m fat and I’m a Methodist.”
Name, race, age, sex, religion, nationality, occupation, height, weight, and so on—all these are bodily labels. Therefore if you consider your body to be yourself, you automatically identify yourself with such labels. If your body is fat and ugly, you think, “Woe is me! I am fat and ugly.” If your body is 60 years old and female, you think, ”I am a 60-year-old female.” If your body is black and beautiful, you think, “I am black and beautiful.”
But is the body really the self? Are you really your body?
Science of Identity Foundation - Siddhaswarupananda
*Carl Sagan, Cosmos (New York: Random House, 1980), p. 127.
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In Bhagavad-gita (4.20-21) the Supreme Personality of Godhead again explains:
"Abandoning all attachment to the results of his activities, ever satisfied and independent, he performs no fruitive action, although engaged in all kinds of undertakings.
"Such a man of understanding acts with mind and intelligence perfectly controlled, gives up all sense of proprietorship over his possessions, and acts only for the bare necessities of life. Thus working, he is not affected by sinful reactions."
In Bhagavad-gita (6.17 and 18), the Supreme Personality of Godhead again explains:
"He who is temperate in his habits of eating, sleeping, working, and recreation can mitigate all material pains by practicing the yoga system.
"When the yogi, by practice of yoga, disciplines his mental activities and becomes situated in transcendental, devoid of all material desires, he is said to have attained yoga."
In Srimad Bhagavatam (1.2.8-10) Srila Suta Gosvami explains:
"The occupational activities a man performs according to his own position are only so much useless labour if they do not provoke attraction for the message of the Personality of Godhead.
"All occupational engagements are certainly meant for ultimate liberation. They should never be performed for material gain. Furthermore, according to sages, one who is engaged in the ultimate occupational service should never use material gain to cultivate sense gratification.
"Life's desires should never be directed toward sense gratification. One should desire only a healthy life, or self-preservation, since a human being is meant for inquiry about the Absolute Truth. Nothing else should be the goal of one's works."
In Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu (1.2.255) Srila Rupa Gosvami explains:
"When one is not attached to anything but at the same time accepts anything in relation to Krsna, one is rightly situated above possessiveness. On the other hand, one who rejects everything without knowledge of its relationship to Krsna is not as complete in his renunciation."
Friday, February 1, 2008
Aphorisms of the Truth - by Bhaktivinode Thakur part 35
In the next sutra the author explains the meaning of the word 'yukta' (appropriate) in the phrase 'yukta-vairagya' (appropriate renunciation).
Sutra 38
One kind of renunciation beings liberation, and another kind of renunciation brings bondage.
Commentary by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura
In this sutra the author explains the meaning of the word 'yukta' (appropriate in the phrase 'yukta-vairagya' (appropriate renunciation). Renunciation is of two kinds: 1. yukta-vairagya (appropriate renunciation) and 2. phalgu-vairagya (false renunciation). Proper renunciation is performed when, without being attached to the results of one's work, and acting purely and in a saintly manner, one offers the results of his work to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This kind of renunciation brings liberation from the bondage of repeated birth and death. In Bhagavad-gita (6.1) the Supreme Personality of Godhead explains:
"One who is unattached to the fruits of his work and who works as he is obligated is in the renounced order of life, and he is the true mystic."
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“Who am I?” Maybe you’ve never even asked yourself this question. You might think you already know who you are. Unfortunately, however, it’s likely that you don’t know who you are at all. And if you don’t know your real identity, you’re in trouble. You’ll spend your life in a kind of dream state—you’ll falsely identify yourself as something or someone you aren’t. Then, on the basis of this false identification, you’ll determine the goals of your life and the purpose of your existence. You use these goals to gauge whether you are making “progress” in life, whether you are a “success.” And you are aided and abetted in this delusion by a complex network of relationships with other dreamers. Of course, at death (and sometimes before), the whole thing turns into a nightmare.
So knowing who you are is a very practical necessity. The question “Who am I?” is not a philosophical football meant to be kicked around coffeehouses by pseudo-intellectuals. It’s a real-life question. Nothing is more important and more relevant than to know who you are.
Siddhaswarupananda – Jagad Guru Speaks
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Other instructions like this may be seen in many verses of Bhagavad-gita. False renunciation, on the other hand, is dry, makes the heart hard, makes one proud, is petty, is likened to the renunciation practiced by monkeys living in the forest, and brings the sufferings of repeated birth and death in the material world as its true result. In the Sruti-sastra it is said:
"Not by mere renunciation does one attain liberation."
In Bhagavad-gita (18.8) the Supreme Personality of Godhead explains:
"Anyone who gives up prescribed duties as troublesome, or out of fear, is said to be in the mode of passion. Such action never leads to the elevation of renunciation."
In Bhagavad-gita (3.6) the Supreme Personality of Godhead again explains:
"One who restrains the senses and organs of action, but whose mind dwells on sense-objects, certainly deludes himself and is called a pretender."
In Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu (1.2.256) Srila Rupa Gosvami explains:
"When one is not attached to anything, but at the same time accepts anything in relation to Krsna, one is rightly situated above possessiveness. On the other hand, one who rejects everything without knowledge of its relationship to Krsna is not as complete in his renunciation."
