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."

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."