Lines

Quotes for
Maṅgala-ärati
A collection from the teachings of
His Divine Grace

A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
(Founder-Acharya: International Society for Kṛṣṇa Consciousness)
February
1
Management
Well, preaching, you cannot manufacture preaching. You must do
preaching according to the principles ordered by your spiritual master.
You cannot manufacture your own way of preaching. That is required.
There must be some leader. Under the leadership. Yasya prasādād
bhagavat prasado... Why is it said? Everywhere, in the office, there is
some immediate boss. So you have to please him. That is service.
Suppose in office, in a department there is office superintendent. And
1|Page
if you do in your own way, "Yes, I'm doing my business," and the office
superintendent is not pleased, do you think that kind of service is nice?
No. Similarly, we have got, everywhere we have got immediate boss.
So we must work. That is systematic. If everyone manufactures,
invents his own way of life, then there must be chaos.
Now we are a world organization. There is spiritual side, and there is
material side also. That is not material side. That is also spiritual side,
means systematic management. Otherwise how it will be done?
(Unedited original quote)
“Prabhupäda: Yes. Well, preaching, you cannot manufacture
preaching. You must do preaching according to the principles ordered
by your spiritual master. You cannot manufacture your own way of
preaching. That is required. There must be some leader. Under the
leadership. Yasya prasädäd bhagavat... Why it is said? Everywhere, in
the office, there is some immediate boss. So you have to please him.
That is service. Suppose in office, in a department there is office
superintendent. And if you do in your own way, "Yes, I'm doing my
business," and the office superintendent is not pleased, do you think
that kind of service is nice? No. Similarly, we have got, everywhere we
have got immediate boss. So we must work. That is systematic. If
everyone manufactures, invents his own way of life, then there must
be chaos.
Sudämä: Yeah, that's true.
Prabhupäda: Yes. Now we are world organization. There is spiritual
side, and there is material side also. That is not material side. That is
also spiritual side, means systematic management. Otherwise how it
will be done? Just like Gaurasundara sold the house, and there is no
trace of the money. What is this? He did not ask him, anyone. He sold
the house, and where is the money, there is no trace. [break] Ah, Hare
Kåñëa. What is that badge? Tennis?”
2|Page
2
Holy Name
The essence of all Vedic knowledge-comprehending the three kinds of
Vedic activity [karma-käëòa, jïäna-käëòa and upäsanä-käëòa], Vedic
hymns, and the processes for satisfying the demigods-is included in
the eight syllables Hare Kåñëa, Hare Kåñëa. This is the reality of all
Vedänta. The chanting of the holy name is the only means to cross the
ocean of nescience.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Ädi-lélä Purport 7.76)
3
Chanting Quality
A devotee always has a taste for chanting Hare Kåñëa: "Oh, very nice.
Hare Kåñëa, Hare Kåñëa, Kåñëa Kåñëa, Hare Hare/ Hare Räma, Hare
Räma, Räma Räma, Hare Hare." This is taste. Of course, this takes
time to awaken, but when Rüpa Gosvämé was chanting he was
thinking, "I have only one tongue and two ears. What can I appreciate
of chanting? If I could have millions of tongues and trillions of ears, then
I could relish something by chanting and hearing." Of course, we should
not imitate him, but the devotees of the Kåñëa consciousness
movement must at least be very careful to complete their sixteen
3|Page
rounds, their minimum amount of prescribed chanting. Nama-gäne
sadä ruciù: we have to increase our taste for singing and chanting Hare
Kåñëa.
(Teachings of Queen Kunté Verse 20)
4
Maìgala-ärati
The Brahma-muhürta takes place about one and a half hours before
sunrise. It is recommended that one should rise from bed at that time
and, after finishing daily ablutions, take to spiritual activities by
performing maìgala-ärati and chanting the Hare Kåñëa mantra. This
period is very convenient for the execution of spiritual activities.
(Kåñëa Book Chapter 33)
5
Chanting
If one cannot complete the fixed number of rounds he is assigned, he
should be considered to be in a diseased condition of spiritual life. Çréla
Haridäsa Öhäkura is called nämäcärya. Of course, we cannot imitate
Haridäsa Öhäkura, but everyone must chant a prescribed number of
rounds. In our Kåñëa consciousness movement we have fixed sixteen
rounds as the minimum so that we will not feel burdened. These sixteen
rounds must be chanted loudly, so that one can hear himself and others
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Antya -līlā Purport 11.23)
6
4|Page
Qualification of a spiritual master
How can everyone become a spiritual master? A spiritual master must
have sufficient knowledge, so many other qualifications. Without any
qualifications how can one become a spiritual master. Now the process
is, Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu says, ämära äjïäya: "On My order." That
is the crucial point. One does not become spiritual master by his own
whims. That is not spiritual master. He must be ordered by superior
authority. Then he's spiritual master. Just like in our case. Our superior
authority, our spiritual master, he ordered me that "You just try to
preach this gospel, whatever you have learned from me, in English."
So we have tried it. That's all. It is not that I am very much qualified.
The only qualification is that I have tried to execute the order of superior
authority. That's all. This is the secret of success
(Bhagavad-gétä Lecture – August 3, 1973, London)
7
Surrender
I can see how you are advancing in Kåñëa consciousness by the
feelings expressed therein, and I am so glad you are feeling such
transcendental pleasure in serving the Lord. This transcendental
pleasure is unlimited and increases as we increase our desire to give
more and more voluntary service. To surrender to Kåñëa all at once is
not generally possible, but as we serve Kåñëa more and more, we
gradually become more and more surrendered at His lotus feet. So you
please continue to serve Kåñëa in these ways you have mentioned,
and do not feel that your service is any less valuable than that of others.
In the transcendental loving service of the Lord, it doesn't matter
whether we are working, cooking, painting, writing, chanting or
whatever, they are all the same. There are no such distinctions of
higher and lower on the transcendental platform. The important thing is
5|Page
that we are engaging our time and energy in the service of the Lord.
After all, we are so tiny, what can we do? Kåñëa sees simply that this
time is being spent in His service. Please continue to help Gargamuni
in his efforts to spread Kåñëa consciousness, and chant and continue
your duties and in this way you will be happy and successful in Kåñëa
consciousness. I am happy to hear you are so much anxious in helping
to start a new temple. Your enthusiasm is very encouraging to me.
There is great need for spreading of Kåñëa consciousness and we
need so many enthusiastic boys and girls for carrying on this great
mission of Çré Caitanya Mahāprabhu. My Guru Maharaja wanted that
this Kåñëa consciousness be spread all over the Western countries
especially, and now in my old age, I am leaving this great responsibility
in the hands of all of you, my students.
(Letter to Karunamayi – February 25, 1968, Los Angeles)
8
Guru Issue
You are right about Çrédhara Mahäräja’s genuineness. But in my opinion he is

the best of the lot. He is my old friend, at least he executes the regulative
principles of devotional service. I do not wish to discuss about activities of my
Godbrothers but it is a fact they have no life for preaching work. All are satisfied
with a place for residence in the name of a temple, they engage disciples to get
foodstuff by transcendental devices and eat and sleep. They have no idea or
brain how to broadcast the cult of Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu. My Guru Mahäräja
used to lament many times for this reason and he thought if one man at least had
understood the principle of preaching then his mission would achieve success. In
the latter days of my Guru Mahäräja he was very disgusted. Actually, he left this
world earlier, otherwise he would have continued to live for more years. Still he
requested his disciples to form a strong Governing body for preaching the cult of
Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu. He never recommended anyone to be äcärya of the
Gauòéya Math. But Çrédhara Mahäräja is responsible for disobeying this order
6|Page
of Guru Mahäräja, and he and others who are already dead unnecessarily
thought that there must be one ācārya. If Guru Mahäräja could have seen
someone who was qualified at that time to be ācārya he would have mentioned.
Because on the night before he passed away he talked of so many things, but
never mentioned an ācārya. His idea was ācārya was not to be nominated
amongst the governing body. He said openly you make a GBC and conduct the
mission. So his idea was amongst the members of GBC who would come out
successful and self-effulgent ācārya would be automatically selected. So
Çrédhara Mahäräja and his two associate gentlemen unauthorizedly selected
one ācārya and later it proved a failure. The result is now everyone is claiming to
be ācārya even though they may be kaniñöha-adhikäré with no ability to preach.
In some of the camps the ācārya is being changed three times a year. Therefore
we may not commit the same mistake in our ISKCON camp. Actually amongst
my Godbrothers no one is qualified to become ācārya. So it is better not to mix
with my Godbrothers very intimately because instead of inspiring our students
and disciples they may sometimes pollute them. This attempt was made
previously by them, especially Mädhava Mahäräja and Tértha Mahäräja and Bon
Mahäräja, but somehow or other I saved the situation. This is going on. We shall
be very careful about them and not mix with them. This is my instruction to you
all. They cannot help us in our movement, but they are very competent to harm
our natural progress. So we must be very careful about them.
(Letter to Rupanuga – April 28, 1974, Tirupati)
9
Following rules and regulation of Sadhana Bhakti
Chanting japa should be done early in the morning with full
concentration preferably during the brähma-muhürta time. Concentrate
fully on the sound vibration of the mantra, pronouncing each name
distinctly and gradually your speed in chanting will increase naturally.
Do not worry so much about chanting fast, most important is the
hearing. A devotee should always be grave and silent which means
that he only discusses topics relating to Kåñëa Consciousness. Yes,
spend your time chanting and reading and taking Kåñëa prasädam and
automatically your tongue will come under control. If you sincerely
engage 24 hours daily in devotional service according to the
7|Page
instructions of the spiritual master, chant daily 16 rounds, attend
thearäti ceremony of Lord Kåñëa, associate with the devotees and
adhere strictly to the regulative principles then Kåñëa will reveal
Himself personally to you.
(Letter to Radhavallabha – January 6, 1972, Bombay)
10
Chanting Quality
Rüpa Gosvämé says, “How shall I chant with one tongue, and how shall
I hear with two ears? Had it been millions of tongue and trillions of ears,
then I could enjoy it.” This is quality. Quality is not so cheap. May be
after many births we may get it. For the time being you go on following
the rules and regulations and it is being done by force. When you are
not forced, but automatically you desire, that is quality.
(Morning Walk – November 2, 1975, Nairobi)
(Original unedited quote)
8|Page
Rüpa Gosvämé says that "How shall I chant with one tongue, and how
shall I hear, two ears? Had it been millions of tongue and trillions of
ear, then I could enjoy it." This is quality. Quality is not so cheap. Maybe
after many births. For the time being you go on following the rules and
regulations. It is being done by force. Where is the quality? So you
wanted to understand quality. This is the quality. You'll not be forced,
but automatically you'll desire. That is quality
11
Holy Name
All activities in Kåñëa consciousness must be accompanied with
chanting of the Holy Name regularly. Actually chanting of the Holy
Name regularly is our life and soul, and on the basis of such activities
all other devotional services will sustain.
(Letter to Ekayani – February 10, 1970, Los Angeles)
12
Faith in Guru and Krishna – The secret of success
"Only unto those great souls who have implicit faith in both the Lord
and the spiritual master are all the imports of Vedic knowledge
automatically revealed." This Vedic injunction is very important, and
Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu supported it by His personal behavior.
Believing in the words of His spiritual master, He introduced the
Saìkértana movement, just as the present Kåñëa consciousness
movement was started with belief in the words of our spiritual master.
He wanted to preach, we believed in his words and tried somehow or
other to fulfill them, and now this movement has become successful
all over the world. Therefore faith in the words of the spiritual master
9|Page
and in the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the secret of success.
Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu never disobeyed the orders of His spiritual
master and stopped propagating the Saìkértana movement. Çré
Bhaktisiddhänta Sarasvaté Gosvämé, at the time of his passing away,
ordered all his disciples to work conjointly to preach the mission of
Caitanya Mahäprabhu all over the world. Later, however, some self-
interested, foolish disciples disobeyed his orders. Each one of them
wanted to become head of the mission, and they fought in the courts,
neglecting the order of the spiritual master, and the entire mission
was defeated. We are not proud of this; however, the truth must be
explained. We believed in the words of our spiritual master and
started in a humble way-in a helpless way—but due to the spiritual
force of the order of the supreme authority, this movement has
become successful.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Ädi-lélä purport 7.95-7.96)
13
Deity
It is recommended that the neophyte meditate on the Deity daily. He
should begin by meditating on the lotus feet, and then when he is
practiced, he should turn his gaze toward Kåñëa's smiling face. The
neophyte should also read and hear Bhagavad-gétä and Çrémad-
Bhägavatam. If we simply try to see and don't listen, the results will not
be permanent. In some temples there are Deities but no discussion
about Kåñëa. People attend for some time, but after a while they lose
interest. Thus there must be two activities. The Deities must be
worshiped, and this is called päïcarätriké-vidhi. There must also be
10 | P a g e
bhägavata-vidhi, reading Çrémad Bhagavad-gétä and Çrémad-
Bhägavatam. Päïcarätriké-vidhi and bhägavata-vidhi go hand in hand.
By participating in these two processes, the neophyte can gradually
attain the intermediate stage.
14
Importance of attending temple program
Yes, reading my books will help you, philosophy must be there, also
participate in all temple affairs like rising early, attending maṅgalārati,
performing devotional service, simply learning the philosophy will have
no effect.
(Letter to Dayananda – July 7, 1972, New York)
15
Chanting Quality
Just like Haridäsa Öhäkura, he was not forced to chant. Even Caitanya
Mahäprabhu requested him, “Now you are old enough. You can reduce
the number of rounds.” But Haridäsa Öhäkura refused, “No. Up to the
end of my life I shall go on chanting.” That is quality. Have you got such
tendency that you will go on chanting and do nothing? Now you are
forced to do. So there is no question of quality. This is a chance given
so that one day you may come to the stage of quality.
11 | P a g e
Just like Haridäsa Öhäkura was doing. He was not forced to do. Even
Caitanya Mahäprabhu, He requested, "Now you are old enough. You
can reduce." So he refused, "No. Up to the end of my life I shall go on."
That is quality. Have you got such tendency that you will go on chanting
and nothing to do? That is quality. Now you are forced to do. Where is
the question of quality? That is given a chance so that one day you
may come to the quality, not that you have come to the quality.
16
Foolwing the regulative principles
If we deviate from the strict following of the regulative principles Maya
is always ready to inject doubts to shake our faith in Kåñëa. So you
can see the great necessity of following the prescribed duties of
chanting regularly and following strictly the instructions of the spiritual
master and the regulative principles.
(Letter to Madhusudana – January 30, 1970, Los Angeles)
17
A word of caution – Maya’s influence
We should always remember that we are in the kingdom of Maya and
her influence is very strong. So, unless we are very, very careful in our
dealings, there is always chance of falling down. Please therefore chant
regularly the sixteen rounds beads and follow the regulative principles;
and teach the new boys by practical example, and try to preach
Saìkértana as far as possible.
(Letter to Harer Nama – February 23, 1970, Los Angeles)
18
Sädhana bhakti
12 | P a g e
Sädhana-bhakti is devotional service in practice. The result of
sädhana-bhakti must be ecstatic love, attachment for the Supreme
Personality of Godhead, which is also called prema-bhakti. In the
neophyte stage, sädhana-bhakti includes faith, association with
devotees, and practicing devotional service. Thus one is freed from all
unwanted things. One then becomes fixed in devotional service and
increases his desire to act in devotional service.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Madhya-līlā Purport 8.68)
19
How not to fall down in material entanglement?
If you chant always Hare Kåñëa, read my books, and preach this
philosophy sincerely, then Kåñëa will provide you with all facility, and
you will not fall down into material entanglement.
(Letter to devotees – March 30, 1967, San-Francisco)
20
Steady advancement in Krishna Consciousness
To take shelter of the Spiritual Master means to follow his instructions.
So, you should be very careful to not deviate even a little bit from the
order of your Guru. You should be very careful to chant 16 rounds daily
and read all of the books carefully. You should attend mangala arati
and classes. And you should follow the four regulative principles
without deviation. If you do these simple things, you will make steady
advancement in Krishna Consciousness and there will be no fall
downs.
(Letter to Sivani – Tehran, 14th March, 1975)
13 | P a g e
21
Affection for the spiritual master
You should understand that when you sat at the fire sacrifice upon your
initiation, you made a vow to the Spiritual Master at that time. So, you
should not break these vows. You say that you appreciate the
association of devotees but how will you withstand the material
attraction? If you are not chanting Hare Krishna offenselessly and
regularly? Affection for the spiritual master and following the
instructions of the Spiritual Master is the same. My instruction is that all
of my disciples must attend the mangala arati and chant 16 rounds
daily. This life is very flickering. At any moment you may die so we must
cling very close to the instruction of higher authorities, the spiritual
master and Lord Krishna in Bhagavad-gita. So I think that you can
follow the instructions.
(Letter to Radha-Kanta – August 20, 1974, Vrindavan)
22
Succes in preaching
The devotees who are preaching the message of Çré Caitanya
Mahäprabhu should very seriously follow strictly in His footsteps. If they
follow the rules and regulations and chant sixteen rounds daily, their
endeavor to preach the cult of Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu will certainly
be successful.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Madhya-lila Purport 7.82)
23
14 | P a g e
Be an example
If our preaching work is neglected, or if we fall down in following the
regulative principles such as rising before four, chanting 16 rounds, like
that, if these things are not strictly observed then maya will enter and
spoil everything. So my best advice to you is to strictly observe these
things yourself and be the example so that all others may follow. We
should not criticize each other, as Vaisnavas, because there is fault in
everyone and we may be ourselves subject to criticism. Best thing is to
be above suspicion ourselves, then if we see discrepancies and make
suggestion the others will automatically respect and take action to
rectify the matters. That is cooperation.
(Letter to Madhumangala - 18 November, 1972, Hyderabad)
24
Deity
Mäyävädés and atheists accept the forms of the Deities in the temple
of the Lord as idols, but devotees do not worship idols. They directly
worship the Personality of Godhead in His arcä incarnation. Arcä refers
to the form which we can worship in our present condition. Actually, in
our present state it is not possible to see God in His spiritual form
because our material eyes and senses cannot conceive of a spiritual
form. We cannot even see the spiritual form of the individual soul.
When a man dies we cannot see how the spiritual form leaves the body.
That is the defect of our material senses. In order to be seen by our
material senses, the Supreme Personality of Godhead accepts a
favorable form which is called arcä-vigraha. This arcä-vigraha,
15 | P a g e
sometimes called the arcä incarnation, is not different from Him. Just
as the Supreme Personality of Godhead accepts various incarnations,
He takes on forms made out of matter-clay, wood, metal and jewels.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 3.25.35)
25
Respecting Vaiñëavas
The Lord says that although He is the predominating factor of the
internal energy and although the material world is sanctified just by the
water that has washed His feet, He has the greatest respect for the
brähmaëa and the Vaiñëava. When the Lord Himself offers so much
respect to the Vaiñëava and the brähmaëa, how can one deny such
respect to such personalities?
26
Enthusiasm, Patience & Determination
That is the only requirement for successfully completing the perfection
of the living condition, that you should always be enthusiastic to
perform services unto the Lotus Feet of the Lord despite all obstacles,
and then you can be assured that all of the other qualities or necessities
for pure devotional service will be met, such as patience, determination,
etc. and then without doubt you shall be delivered to the realm of
unlimited bliss, freed from all anxieties.
(Letter to: Hamsaduta - 20 January, 1972, Jaipur)
16 | P a g e
27
Importance of reading and chanting
You cannot get returned back, even a moment of your life by payment
of millions of dollars, if that moment is wasted, just how much money
you have lost, you consider. How much you have lost! Therefore, not a
single moment should be lost in human life. It should be utilized simply
by chanting, simply by reading Çrémad-Bhägavatam. We are
publishing so many books. We have to read; we have to chant. Then
life will be successful. Véta-räga-bhaya-krodha [Bg. 4.10]. Then we
shall be free from this attachment, ahaà mameti [SB 5.5.8], käma-
lobhädayaç ca ye. So the process is that nityaà bhägavata-sevayä.
Daily we should devote our time for understanding Çrémad-
Bhägavatam
17 | P a g e
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – November 16, 1974, Bombay)
If you cannot get returned back even a moment of your life by
payment of millions of dollars, if that moment is wasted, just how
much you have lost money, you consider. How much you have
lost! Therefore not a single moment should be lost, human life. It
should be utilized. Simply by chanting, simply by reading Çrémad-
Bhägavatam.We are publishing so many books. We have to read;
we have to chant. Then life will successful. Véta-räga-bhaya-
krodha [Bg. 4.10]. Then we shall be free from this attachment,
ahaà mameti [SB 5.5.8], käma-lobhädayaç ca ye.
So the process is that nityaà bhägavata-sevayä. Daily we should
devote our time for understanding Çrémad-Bhägavatam
28
Effect of chanting the Holy Name
The fact is that if one comes to Kåñëa consciousness, although he may
have many material desires, he becomes increasingly attracted to the
lotus feet of Kåñëa through associating with the Supreme Lord by
chanting His holy name. The Supreme Lord and His holy name are
identical. Thus he becomes uninterested in attachment to material
enjoyment. The perfection of life is to be uninterested in material
enjoyment and interested in Kåñëa.
18 | P a g e
29
Reading
Sudämä: A devotee wants to know that: should they just have the
chanting without reading your books?
Prabhupäda: But that chanting must be pure. Your guru is writing books.
If you think, "There is no necessity of reading books," that is guror avajïä.
Do you mean to say I am writing these books whole night for selling and
making money? Why do you think like that?
Woman Devotee: So there should just be chanting and reading of the
books.
Prabhupäda: Yes.
(Bhagavad-gita Lecture– July 4, 1974, Honolulu)
(Original Unedited Quote)
“ Sudämä: She wants to know actually that should they just have the
chanting without reading your books or without instruction or following the
program.
Prabhupäda: But that chanting must be pure. Your guru is writing books. If
you think, "There is no necessity of reading books," that is guror avajïä. Do
you means to say I am writing these books whole night for selling and
making money? What do you think like that?
Woman Devotee: So there should just be chanting and reading of the
books.
Prabhupäda: Yes.”
March
1
Vaiñëava-aparädha
Viçvanätha Cakravarté Öhäkura remarks that Saubhari Muni had fallen
from his austerity because of a Vaiñëava-aparädha. The history is that
when Garuòa wanted to eat fish, Saubhari Muni unnecessarily gave
the fish shelter under his care. Because Garuòa's plans for eating were
19 | P a g e
disappointed, Saubhari Muni certainly committed a great offense to
aVaiñëava. Because of this Vaiñëava-aparädha, an offense at the lotus
feet of a Vaiñëava, Saubhari Muni fell from his exalted position of
mystic tapasya. One should not, therefore, impede the activities of a
Vaiñëava. This is the lesson we must learn from this incident
concerning Saubhari Muni.
2
Guru Issue
The spiritual master must never be carried away by an accumulation of
wealth or a large number of followers. A bona fide spiritual master will
never become like that. But sometimes, if a spiritual master is not
properly authorized and only on his own initiative becomes a spiritual
master, he may be carried away by an accumulation of wealth and
large numbers of disciples. His is not a very high grade of devotional
service. If a person is carried away by such achievements, then his
devotional service becomes slackened. One should therefore strictly
adhere to the principles of disciplic succession.
(Nectar of Devotion 14: Devotional Qualifications)
3
Sädhana
Character building is the groundwork for seating Kåñëa Consciousness
and the Vedic injunction is that one can advance in spiritual life by
following the rules of austerity and celibacy. We do not bluff our
students that he has liberty to do all sorts of nonsense, and at the same
time advance in spiritual understanding. And because we are a little bit
strict in this matter, we do not have a very large number of followers,
20 | P a g e
neither do we want any large number of nonsense followers. We want
only one moon at night, and we do not care for millions of stars.
(Letter to Jaya Mazo – January 18, 1968, Los Angeles)
4
Reading
So I am requesting all of my students to read my books very seriously
every day without fail. In this way, if your mind becomes absorbed at
least one or two hours daily in the transcendental subject matter of
Çrémad-Bhägavatam, Bhagavad-gétä, and other books then very
easily you will make your advancement in Kåñëa Consciousness.
(Letter to Bhargava – June 13, 1972, Los-Angeles)
5
In this material world, the more you'll work, you'll feel tired. And the
spiritual world, the more you work, you'll feel enthused. That is called
anandämbudhi-vardhanam. That is the test. If our workers are feeling
tired, then that means he's working materially. And if he's feeling
enthused, more and more, then he's working spiritually. Änandämbudhi-
vardhanam. That is the spiritual test.
21 | P a g e
(The Nectar of Devotion Lecture – January 10, 1973, Bombay)
In this material world, the more you'll work, you'll feel tired. And
the spiritual world, the more you work, you'll feel enthused. That
is called anandämbudhi-vardhanam. That is the test. If our
workers are feeling tired, then that means he's working materially.
And if he's feeling enthused, more and more, that is his, he's
working spiritually. Änandämbudhi-vardhanam. That is the
spiritual test.
6
Deity
The Lord accepts the form of arcä-vigraha (worshipable Deity) just to
accept service from His different incapable devotees. By the mercy of
the arcä-vigraha, the form of the Lord in material elements, the
devotees who are in the material world can easily approach the Lord,
although He is not conceivable by the material senses. The arcä-
vigraha is therefore an all-spiritual form of the Lord to be perceived by
the material devotees; such an arcä-vigraha of the Lord is never to be
22 | P a g e
considered material. There is no difference between matter and spirit
for the Lord, although there is a gulf of difference between the two in
the case of the conditioned living being. For the Lord there is nothing
but spiritual existence, and similarly there is nothing except spiritual
existence for the pure devotee of the Lord in his intimate relation with
the Lord.
7
Chanting Quality
It is essential, however, that everyone fulfill a specific vow to chant the
Hare Kåñëa mantra. Therefore we have prescribed in our Society that
all our students must chant at least sixteen rounds daily. Such chanting
must be offenseless in order to be of high quality. Mechanical chanting
is not as powerful as chanting of the holy name without offenses.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Ädi-līlā Purport 10.43)
8
One must perform devotional service with great patience. One should
not give up the execution of devotional service because one or two
attempts have not been successful. One must continue. Çré Rüpa
Gosvämé also confirms that one should be very enthusiastic and
execute devotional service with patience and confidence. Patience is
necessary for developing the confidence that "Kåñëa will certainly
accept me because I am engaging in devotional service." One has only
23 | P a g e
to execute service according to the rules and regulations to insure
success.
9
Vapu & Väëé
This is called vyavasäyätmikä buddhiù. ‘I may be quite incomplete. It
doesn't matter. But if I try to follow the words of my Guru Mahäräja,
then I become complete’. This is the secret. Yasya deve parä bhaktir
yathä deve tathä gurau [ÇU 6.23]. If one has strong faith in the
Supreme Personality of Godhead and as much faith in the guru, then
the revealed scriptures become manifest. It is not the education. It is
not the scholarship. It is faith in Kåñëa and guru. Therefore Caitanya-
caritämåta says guru-Kåñëa-kåpäya päya bhakti-latä-béja
24 | P a g e
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – Dec 8, 1973, LA)
This is called vyavasäyätmikä buddhiù. I may be quite incomplete. It
doesn't matter. But if I try to follow the words of my Guru Mahäräja,
then I become complete.
This is the secret. Yasya deve parä bhaktir yathä deve tathä gurau [ÇU
6.23]. If one has strong faith in the Supreme Personality of Godhead
and as much faith in the guru, yathä deve tathä gurau, then the
revealed scriptures become manifest. It is not the education. It is not
the scholarship. It is faith in Kåñëa and guru. Therefore Caitanya-
caritämåta says guru-kåñëa-kåpäya päya bhakti-latä-béja
10
Vapu & Väëé
We have only to execute the order of the spiritual master, preach
Kåñëa consciousness and follow in the path of the Vaiñëavas. The
spiritual master represents both Lord Kåñëa and the Vaiñëavas;
therefore by following the instructions of the spiritual master and by
chanting Hare Kåñëa, everything will be all right.
11
25 | P a g e
Karmés may consider the body of a devotee material, but factually it is
not, for a devotee has no conception of material enjoyment. If one
thinks that the body of a pure devotee is material, he is an offender, for
that is a Vaiñëava-aparädha.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Antya-līlā Purport 4.194)
12
Sädhana
This is the duty of all my initiated disciples, everyone is expected to
follow the devotional practices. Two times daily everyone must attend
the classes. During the morning and evening times there should be no
business, simply kértana, chant, dance, and be purified. Do not be
paramahaàsa that ‘Now I haven't got to hear Çrémad-Bhägavatam and
Bhagavad-gétä’. Don't be a better paramahaàsa than your Guru
Mahäräja. Everyone can become a first class speaker. Simply cram
the purports of my books. The references are there, the philosophy is
there. Everything is there. So if you do it, everyone will be pleased with
your speaking.
(Letter to Gopijanavallabha – September 19, 1974, Vrindavan)
13
Guru Issue
As bell metal can turn to gold when mixed with mercury in a chemical
process, so, by the bona fide dékñä, or initiation method, anyone can
become a Vaiñëava. One should take initiation from a bona fide
spiritual master coming in the disciplic succession, who is authorized
by his predecessor spiritual master. This is called dékñä-vidhäna.
14
26 | P a g e
Enthusiasm
We are trying to manage a great institution of Krishna Consciousness
Movement, so there is possibility of adjusting so many circumstances.
But in all circumstances we should have our staunch faith in Krishna
and the Spiritual Master. Then we will never be shaken off. There is a
proverb in Sanskrit literature that enthusiastic persons achieve the
favor of the Goddess of Fortune. In the Western part of the world there
is tangible example of this slogan. People in this part of the world are
very much enthusiastic in material advancement and they have got it.
Similarly, according to the instructions of Srila Rupa Goswami, if we
become enthusiastic in spiritual matters, then we also get success in
that way. Take for example, I came to your country (USA) in ripe old
age, but I had one asset: enthusiasm and faith in my Spiritual Master.
I think these assets only are giving me some lights of hope, whatever I
have achieved so far with your cooperation.
(Letter to Jayagovinda - Tittenhurst 15 October, 1969)
15
Vapuù & Väëé
Personal service to the spiritual master means to follow his instructions.
My request is the same for everyone: that they follow strictly the
regulative principles and chant at least sixteen rounds daily. And as
much time as they are able should be devoted for preaching according
to our books.
(Letter to Rajarsi - March 12th 1977, Mayapur)
27 | P a g e
16
One should be very careful about committing offenses at the feet of a
Vaiñëava. The most grievous type of Vaiñëava-aparädha is called
gurv-aparädha, which refers to offenses at the lotus feet of the spiritual
master. In the chanting of the holy name of the Supreme Personality of
Godhead, this gurv-aparädha is considered the most grievous offense.
Guror avajïä çruti-çästra-nindanam
17
Of all sinful activities, an offense to a pure devotee, or Vaiñëava, is the
most severe. An offense at the lotus feet of a Vaiñëava is so disastrous
that Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu has compared it to a mad elephant that
enters a garden and causes great havoc by uprooting many plants and
trees. If one is an offender at the lotus feet of a brähmaëa or Vaiñëava,
his offenses uproot all his auspicious activities. One should therefore
very carefully guard against committing Vaiñëava-aparädha, or
offenses at the lotus feet of a Vaiñëava.
28 | P a g e
18
Maìgala-ärati
One should therefore be brought to sattva-guëa by the establishment
of varëäçrama-dharma and should develop the brahminical
qualifications of being very neat and clean, rising early in the morning
and seeing Maìgala-ärätrika, and so on. In this way, one should stay in
sattva-guëa, and then one cannot be influenced by tamo-guëa and rajo-
guëa.
tadä rajas-tamo-bhäväù
käma-lobhädayaç ca ye
ceta etair anäviddhaà
sthitaà sattve prasédati
29 | P a g e
(SB 1.2.19)
The opportunity for this purification is the special feature of human life;
in other lives, this is not possible. Such purification can be achieved
very easily by rädhä-kåñëa-bhajana, devotional service rendered to
Rädhä and Kåñëa, and therefore Narottama däsa Öhäkura sings, hari
hari viphale janama goìäinu, indicating that unless one worships Rädhä-
Kåñëa, one's human form of life is wasted. Väsudeve bhagavati bhakti-
yogaù prayojitaù/ janayaty äçu vairägyam (SB 1.2.7). By engagement
in the service of Väsudeva, one very quickly renounces material life.
The members of the Kåñëa consciousness movement, for example,
being engaged in Väsudeva-bhakti, very quickly come to the stage of
being nice Vaiñëavas, so much so that people are surprised that
mlecchas and yavanas are able to come to this stage. This is possible
by Väsudeva-bhakti. But if we do not come to the stage of sattva-guëa
in this human life, then, as Narottama däsa Öhäkura sings, hari hari
viphale janama goìäinu—there is no profit in gaining this human form
of life.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport10.13.53)
19
Sädhana
Simply execute your duties in Kåñëa's service, chant sincerely, and
follow the regulative principles faithfully. If you carry out this simple
order of life, all your uncertainties will come to nothing by the grace of
the Lord and the whole matter will become clear.
(Letter to Stephen – January 4, 1971, Bombay)
20
Reading
30 | P a g e
One who reads Brahma-saàhitä very carefully & scrutinizingly can
understand everything of Kåñëa without any fault. I recommend,
therefore that all my students read Brahma-saàhitä very carefully-
especially because it was translated personally by my spiritual master
Çrémad Bhaktisiddhänta Sarasvaté Goswami Mahäräja.
(Letter to Pradyumna – October 17, 1967, Calcutta)
21
Reading
By reading regularly Çrémad-Bhägavatam, one becomes gradually
freed from the influence of passion and ignorance, and thus becomes
situated in goodness. In such platform one can engage oneself in
serious devotional service, and thus one becomes illuminated with the
transcendental knowledge of Kåñëa. This stage is called liberated
stage, and at this time one becomes freed from all doubts and material
bondage, and thus his life becomes successful.
(Letter to Harivilasa – June 10, 1968, Montreal)
22
Vapu & Väëé
There are two conceptions: the physical conception and the vibration
conception. So physical conception is temporary. The vibration
conception is eternal. Just like we are enjoying or we are relishing the
vibration of Kåñëa’s teachings. So by vibration He is present. As soon
as we chant Hare Kåñëa or chant Bhagavad-gétä or Bhägavata, so He
is present immediately by His vibration. He’s absolute. Therefore try to
remember His words of instruction; you’ll not feel separation. You’ll feel
that He is with you. So we should associate by the vibration, and not
by the physical presence. That is real association. Just like we are
touching Kåñëa immediately by sound. Sound vibration. So we should
give more stress on the sound vibration, either of Kåñëa or of the
spiritual master. Then we’ll feel happy and no separation. So whenever
31 | P a g e
we shall feel separation, the best thing is to remember the teachings.
Then it will be very nice.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – Aug 18, 1968, Montreal)
23
Maìgala-ärati
Our activities are aräti, kértana, classes. Everything is done in
conformity to a regular standard. For example, all the temple members,
without exception must rise and attend mangala aräti. Everyone living
in the temple must agree to the standard by proper understanding of
the philosophy of tapasya. There should be a regular daily schedule of
events and it should be followed closely. So you should set the example
and also see that the others are following. Our buildings are not for our
sleeping and eating like hotels, but whoever wants to join us should
understand the philosophy of regulated devotional service.
(Letter to Mukunda – January 12, 1974, Los Angeles)
24
Chanting Quality
Devotee (1): When in the Bhagavad-gétä it says that the mahä-mantra
cleanses the heart and soul, does that mean that when you just say
the words, just the sound, will that cleanse your heart? Or should you
try and remember Kåñëa with every word and every sound?
Prabhupäda: No. By simply chanting your heart will be cleansed. Yes.
Go on chanting. Therefore we give regulative principle that one must
chant at least sixteen rounds.
Devotee : Should we try to go fast in order to get them done….. in order
to get the rounds done?
Prabhupäda: The first thing is that you should chant without any
offense. In the beginning there may be so many offenses, but the
chanting will be perfect when you are free from ten kinds of offenses.
(Bhagavad-gétä Lecture – January 14, 1969, Los Angeles)
32 | P a g e
Female devotee (1): When in the Bhagavad-gétä it says that the
mahä-mantra cleanses the heart and soul, does that mean that
when you just, like automatically say the word it says that the
mahä-mantra cleanses the heart and soul, does that mean that
when you just, like automatically say the words, just the sound,
will that cleanse your heart? Or should you try and remember
Kåñëa with every word and every sound?
Prabhupäda: No. By simply chanting your heart will be cleansed.
Yes. Go on chanting. Therefore we give regulative principle that
one must chant at least sixteen rounds.
Female devotee (1): Should we try to go fast in order to get them
done, in order to get the rounds done?
Prabhupäda: The first thing is that you should chant without any
offense. You see? In the beginning there may be so many
offenses, but the chanting will be perfect when you are free from
ten kinds of offenses.
25
Reading
We cannot live for a moment without being questioned or without giving
answers. Because the Çrémad-Bhägavatam deals with questions and
answers that are related to Kåñëa, we can derive the highest
satisfaction only by reading and hearing this transcendental literature.
One should learn the Çrémad-Bhägavatam and make an all-around
solution to all problems pertaining to social, political or religious
matters. Çrémad-Bhägavatam and Kåñëa are the sum total of all
things.
33 | P a g e
26
Deity
Only for us, who cannot experience anything beyond matter in our
present conditioned state, do the dhamas and the Lord Himself, in His
arca form, and appear before us resembling matter to give us the
facility to see spirit with material eyes. In the beginning this may be
difficult for a neophyte to understand, but in due course, when one is
advanced in devotional service, it will be easier, and he will appreciate
the Lord’s presence in these tangible forms.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Adi-līlā Purport 5.20)
27
Maìgala-ärati
This sleeping is the mäyä’s influence. It is stated Yä devé sarva-
bhüteñu nidra-rüpeëa saàsthitaù. This material energy, Devi, has
captured everyone, and the more one sleeps, that means he's under
the control of mäyä. And the more he is not sleeping, he's free from
mäyä. Nidrähära-vihärakädi-vijitau. The Goswämés, they conquered
over three things: nidrä, sleeping; ähära, eating; and mating. These
things are the clutches of mäyä. The more we conquer over it, we are
free. Whether I am in the clutches of mäyä or not can be tested –
whether I am sleeping more, whether I am eating more. One can test
himself. And bhakti means vairägya-vidyä, to conquer over these three
things. So practice this. To rise early in the morning and attend maìgala-
ärati is compulsory. It is part of this education, spiritual education.
34 | P a g e
(Evening Conversation – January 25, 1977, Puri)
This sleeping is the mäyä's influence. It is stated in the... Yä devé
sarva-bhüteñu nidra-rüpeëa saàsthitaù.(?) The Devé, this material
energy, has captured everyone, and she is there... The more one
sleeps, that means he's under the control of mäyä. And the more
he is not sleeping, he's free from mäyä. Nidrähära-vihärakädi-
vijitau **. The Gosvämés, they conquered over three things: nidrä,
sleeping; ähära, eating; and mating. These things are the clutches
of mäyä. More we have sex, more we have eating, more we have
sleeping, that means I am entangled. The more we conquer over
it, we are free. That we have to try. Whether I am in the clutches of
mäyä or not can be tested—whether I am sleeping more, whether
I am eating more, whether I am more sexually inclined. He can test
himself. And bhakti means vairägya-vidyä, to conquer over these
three things. So practice this. They are... To rise early in the
morning and attend maìgala-ärati is compulsory. It is part of this
education, spiritual education.
28
Deity
When we see the Deity of Kåñëa in the temple, we should think that
the Deity is Kåñëa. In this way Kåñëa has agreed to be seen by us and
even dressed by us. However, if we think of Kåñëa's viräö-rüpa, His
universal form, what can we do? How can we dress the viräö-rüpa?
His many heads cover the sky, and we cannot even conceive of Him.
Kåñëa can become bigger than the biggest and smaller than the
smallest. Therefore this verse states: bhaktyä pumäï jäta-viräga
aindriyät. The more we serve Kåñëa, give Him things to eat and dress
Him nicely, the less we become interested in our own bodies. In the
material world everyone is very busy dressing himself very nicely in
order to be sexually attractive, but if we try to dress Kåñëa nicely, we
35 | P a g e
will forget our own material dress. If we feed Kåñëa nice food, we will
forget to satisfy our own tongue by going to this or that restaurant.
(Teachings of Queen Kunté Verses 25-26)
29
Holy Name
A brahmacäré hears only words concerning Kåñëa consciousness;
hearing is the basic principle for understanding, and therefore the pure
brahmacäré engages fully in harer nämänukértanam-chanting and
hearing the glories of the Lord.
(Bhagavad-gītā Purport)
30
This enthusiasm is very good sign, and if you continue to become more
and more enthusiastic to be always strictly engaged in devotional
service while observing carefully the rules and regulations,
Kåñëa will surely bestow upon you full success in Kåñëa
Consciousness and thus your life will be happy and successful.
(Letter to Ekayani – May 3, 1970, Los Angeles)
31
Deity
36 | P a g e
Kåñëa is always Kåñëa, but because we cannot see anything beyond
material elements like wood, stone, and metal, He appears in a form
made of these elements. But He is neither wood, metal, nor stone.
When we associate with the Deity, we associate with Kåñëa personally.
Because Kåñëa is invisible, He very kindly takes a form that is visible
to us. This is Kåñëa's mercy. Do not think, "Oh, here is a stone Kåñëa."
Kåñëa is everything, and therefore Kåñëa is stone also, but He is not
the kind of stone that cannot act. Even in the form of stone or metal,
Kåñëa can act as Kåñëa, and one who worships the Deity will perceive
that. svayam eva sphuraty adaù. The Deity, although apparently stone,
may speak with a devotee.
(Teachings of Queen Kunti verse 4)
April
1
Do not be disturbed. There is no cause for anxiety. You are doing your
best to serve Kåñëa, that is very much appreciated, so do not lose
enthusiasm out of frustration; that will spoil everything. Kåñëa
Consciousness means we should always be satisfied and happy, not
that we must work something impossible, become overburdened, and
then because we are unhappy by so much trouble we lose enthusiasm
altogether and give up all hope. No. If too much endeavour is there,
that is to be avoided.
(Letter to Tejiyas – December 19, 1972, Delhi)
37 | P a g e
2
Sädhana
If you actually want to become free from the contamination of this
material world, then you should always be engaged in chanting,
Saìkértanam. Not only the holy name, but reading the Kåñëa book, The
Nectar of Devotion, Teachings of Lord Caitanya. If you feel tired
chanting, you read these books. We have got so many books. If you
feel tired reading this book, then transfer your attention to another book,
or another book, or chant. Simply do not to waste a single moment.
Caitanya Mahäprabhu says Kértanéyaù sadä hariù [Cc. Ädi 17.31].
Sadä means always. So we have got materials for engaging ourself
always in Kåñëa consciousness.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – February 14, 1971, Gorakhpur)
If you actually want to become free from the contamination of this
material world, then you should always be engaged in chanting,
Saìkértanam. Not only the holy name, but reading the Kåñëa book, The
Nectar of Devotion, Teachings of Lord Caitanya. If you feel tired
chanting, you read these books. Sometimes there is psychology,
transfer. You are reading some book, you want to read another book.
So we have got so many books. If you feel tired this book, then transfer
your attention to another book, or another book, or chant. Find out.
Simply, not to waste a single moment. Kértanéyaù sadä hariù [Cc. Ädi
17.31]. Caitanya Mahäprabhu says sadä. Sadä means always. So we
have got materials for engaging ourself always in Kåñëa
consciousness.
3
Holy Name
38 | P a g e
Since no one is more powerful than or equal to the energy of the
Supreme Lord, no one’s name can be as powerful as that of the Lord.
By chanting the Lord’s holy name, one can derive all the stipulated
energy synchronized from all sources.
4
Vapu & Väëé
In the absolute world there is no distinction as me, or he, and I. Kåñëa
and His representative are the same. Just like Kåñëa can be present
simultaneously in millions of places. Similarly, the Spiritual Master also
can be present wherever the disciple wants. Spiritual Master is the
principle, not the body. Just like a television can be seen in thousands
of places by the principle of relay monitoring.
(Letter to Malati – May 28, 1968, Allston)
5
One should always think of oneself as a servant of the servant of the
äcäryas, and thinking this, one should live in the society of Vaiñëava.
However, if one thinks that he has become very mature and can live
separate from the association of Vaiñëava and thus gives up all the
regulative principles due to offending a Vaiñëava, one's position
becomes very dangerous. Giving up the regulative principles and living
according to one's whims is compared to a mad elephant, which by
force uproots the bhakti-latä and breaks it to pieces. In this way the
bhakti-latä shrivels up. Such an offense is especially created when one
disobeys the instructions of the spiritual master. This is called guru-
avajïä. The devotee must therefore be very careful not to commit
offenses against the spiritual master by disobeying his instructions.
39 | P a g e
6
One should chant the holy name of the Lord with faith, enthusiasm and
firm conviction on the statement of Lord Caitanya that simply by
chanting the mahä-mantra, one can be gradually elevated to the
highest platform.
(Letter to Kanupriya, January 15, 1969, Los Angeles)
“What one should do is chant the Holy Name of the Lord with faith,
enthusiasm, and firm conviction on the statement of Lord
Caitanya that simply by chanting the Maha Mantra one can be
gradually elevated to the highest platform of spiritual perfection.”
7
Reading
Indian Man: We like your company very much and we feel like talking
to you so much, but we don’t have so much time to talk with you.
Prabhupäda: So in my absence you read the books. What I talk, I have
written in the books. That’s all.
Indian Man: Personally, we think the association is greater.
Prabhupäda: That’s all right. But still, you can associate with me by
reading my books.
(Morning Walk – August 7, 1975, Toronto)
Indian Man (2): ...like your company very much in Toronto and we
feel like talk you so much, but we don't have so much time to talk
40 | P a g e
with you. You have so much mercy, so we have not... know so
much about Kåñëa from you.
Prabhupäda: So in my absence you read the books. What I talk, I
have written in the books. That's all.
Indian Man (2): Personally, we think more greater.
Prabhupäda: That's all right. But still, you can associate with me
by reading my books.
8
Holy Name
If you always chant Hare Kåñëa, that means you remember Kåñëa
always. So there is chance, ninety-nine percent chance that at the time
of your death you will think of Kåñëa and your life is successful. Very
simple method. Make always your mind absorbed in Kåñëa. Naturally
at the time of death you will think of Kåñëa.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – December 31, 1973, Los Angeles)

“If you always chant Hare Kåñëa, Hare Kåñëa, Kåñëa Kåñëa, Hare
Hare/ Hare Räma, Hare Räma, Räma Räma, Hare Hare, that means
41 | P a g e
you remember Kåñëa always. So there is chance, ninety-nine
percent chance that at the time of your death you will think of
Kåñëa and your life is successful. Very simple method. Make
always your mind absorbed in Kåñëa. Naturally at the time of
death you will think of Kåñëa.
9
Chanting Quality
Indian man: Prabhupäda, when we do our chanting, the chanting beads
contain 108 beads. Why is this, and why do we chant sixteen rounds?
Prabhupäda: Not sixteen rounds. You can chant unlimitedly. Minimum
16 rounds because they cannot chant more than that. Otherwise
kértanéyaù sadä hariù [Cc. Ädi 17.31]. So you must have a fixed
amount of kértana. That is called tapasya, that "We must finish at least
this much, if not more." Saìkhyä-pürvaka-näma-gäna-natibhiù.
Saìkhyä-pürvaka. By numerical strength one should chant. That is
called vow. This is the idea. We cannot imitate Haridäsa Öhäkura, who
was chanting 300,000 times. One name is sufficient. If you can chant
one name only, that is sufficient. But that is not possible. So to
42 | P a g e
understand the value of name at least we must have some numerical
strength. All the Gosvämés used to do that. We follow their footprints.
(Bhagavad-gétä Lecture – October 28, 1975, Nairobi)
“Indian man (8): Prabhupäda, when we do our chanting, the chanting beads
contain 108 beads. Why is this, and why do we chant sixteen rounds?
Prabhupäda: Not sixteen rounds. You can chant unlimitedly.
Indian man (8): No, minimum
Prabhupäda: Minimum because they cannot chant more than that, therefore
minimum. Otherwise kértanéyaù sadä hariù [Cc. Ädi 17.31]. So you must
have a fixed amount of kértana. That is called tapasya, that "We must finish
at least this much, if not more." Saìkhyä-pürvaka-näma-gäna-natibhiù.
Saìkhyä-pürvaka. By numerical strength one should chant. That is called
vow. This is the idea. So these Europeans, Americans, they cannot imitate
Haridäsa Öhäkura, who was chanting 300,000 times. So we do not advise
to imitate. Really do something. One name is sufficient. If you can chant
one name only, that is sufficient. But that is not possible. So to understand
the value of name at least we must have some numerical strength. All the
Gosvämés used to do that. We follow their footprints.”
10
Deity
The common man, who is expected to become at least a third-class
devotee, is advised herein to visit the temple of the Lord and bow down
before the Deity, even though he may be a very rich man or even a
king with a silk turban or crown. The Lord is the Lord of everyone,
including the great kings and emperors, and men who are rich in the
estimation of mundane people must therefore make it a point to visit
the temple of Lord Çré Kåñëa and regularly bow down before the Deity.
The Lord in the temple in the worshipable form is never to be
considered to be made of stone or wood, for the Lord in His arcä
incarnation as the Deity in the temple shows immense favor to the
fallen souls by His auspicious presence.
43 | P a g e
11
Chanting Quality
In our preaching work, we deal with so much property and money and
so many books bought and sold, but because these dealings all pertain
to the Kåñëa consciousness movement, they should never be
considered material. That one is absorbed in thoughts of such
management does not mean that he is outside of Kåñëa
consciousness. If one rigidly observes the regulative principle of
chanting sixteen rounds of the mahä-mantra every day, his dealings
with the material world for the sake of spreading the Kåñëa
consciousness movement are not different from the spiritual cultivation
of Kåñëa consciousness.
12
The Lord says in Çrémad-Bhägavatam that offering respect to His
devotee is more valuable than offering respect to Him. Devotees do
not identify with the body, so offering respect to a Vaiñëava means
offering respect to Viñëu. It is stated also that as a matter of etiquette
as soon as one sees a Vaiñëava one must immediately offer him
respect, indicating the Supersoul sitting within. A Vaiñëava sees the
body as a temple of Viñëu.
13
44 | P a g e
Guru Issue
One who is not self-controlled, specifically in sex life, can become
neither a disciple nor a spiritual master. One must have disciplinary
training in controlling speaking, anger, the tongue, the mind, the belly
and the genitals. One who has controlled the particular senses
mentioned above is called a gosvami. Without becoming a gosvami
one can become neither a disciple nor a spiritual master. The so-called
spiritual master without sense control is certainly the cheater, and the
disciple of such a so-called spiritual master is the cheated.
14
Vapu & Väëé
There are two kinds of service to the Spiritual Master One is called väëé-
seva and the other is called vapu-seva. Väëé-seva means executing
the instructions, and vapu-seva means physically or personally
rendering service. So in the absence of physical presentation of the
Spiritual Master the väëé-seva is more important. My Spiritual Master,
Sarasvati Gosvami Ṭhākur, 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.
(Letter to Karandhara – August 22, 1970, Tokyo)
45 | P a g e
15
Guru Issue
Why did this Gauòéya Maöha fail? Because they tried to become more
than guru. Before passing away Bhaktisiddhänta Saraswati Öhäkura
gave all directions but never said that ‘This man should be the next
äcärya.’ But after his passing away these people began to fight that
who shall be äcärya. That is the failure. They never thought, ‘Why Guru
Mahäräja gave us instruction on so many things but did not say that
this man should be äcärya?’ They wanted to artificially create
somebody äcärya and hence everything failed. They did not consider
even with common sense that if Guru Mahäräja wanted to appoint
somebody as äcärya, why did he not say? He said so many things,
and how could he miss this real point? They declared some unfit person
46 | P a g e
to become äcärya. Then another man came, then another, äcärya,
another äcärya. So better remain a foolish person perpetually to be
directed by Guru Mahäräja. That is perfection.
(Room Conversation – August 16, 1976, Bombay)
Why this Gauòéya Maöha failed? Because they tried to become
more than guru. He, before passing away, he gave all direction
and never said that "This man should be the next äcärya." But
these people, just after his passing away they began to fight, who
shall be äcärya. That is the failure. They never thought, "Why Guru
Mahäräja gave us instruction so many things, why he did not say
that this man should be äcärya?" They wanted to create artificially
somebody äcärya and everything failed. They did not consider
even with common sense that if Guru Mahäräja wanted to appoint
somebody as äcärya, why did he not say? He said so many things,
and this point he missed? The real point? And they insist upon it.
They declared some unfit person to become äcärya. Then another
man came, then another, äcärya, another äcärya. So better remain
a foolish person perpetually to be directed by Guru Mahäräja. That
is perfection.
16
Process of initiation
This is the process of initiation. The disciple must admit that he will no
longer commit sinful activity [...] He promises to execute the order of
the spiritual master. Then the spiritual master takes care of him and
elevates him to spiritual emancipation.
(Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta Madhya-lélä Purport 24.256)
“This is the process of initiation. The disciple must vow that he
will no longer commit sinful activity–namely illicit sex, meat-
47 | P a g e
eating, gambling and intoxication. He promises to execute the
order of the spiritual master. Then the spiritual master takes care
of him and elevates him to spiritual emancipation.”
17
An offense at the lotus feet of a Vaiñëava is the greatest offense in this
world. When one serves a Vaiñëava unknowingly, one still gets the
good result, and if one unknowingly insults a Vaiñëava, one suffers the
bad result.
18
Vapu & Väëé
There are two conceptions of presence-the physical conception and
the vibrational conception. The physical conception is temporary,
whereas the vibrational conception is eternal. When we enjoy or relish
the vibration of Kåñëa’s teachings in Bhagavad-gétä, or when we chant
Hare Kåñëa, we should know that by those vibrations He is immediately
present. He is absolute, and because of this His vibration is just as
important as His physical presence. When we feel separation from
Kåñëa or the spiritual master, we should just try to remember their
words of instructions, and we will no longer feel that separation. Such
48 | P a g e
association with Kåñëa and the spiritual master should be association
by vibration, not physical presence. That is real association.
(Elevation to Kåñëa Consciousness- Chapter 4)
19
Guru
Nityananda is the principle of the guru. So, the Gurudeva is the
incarnation of Nityananda. Anyone strictly following the instruction of
the guru is following Nityananda. The price one has to pay if he wants
to become Krsna conscious is that he must dedicate himself to
following the order of the spiritual master, mahat-seva. If the spiritual
master is pleased with the disciple, then the blessings of guru will be
there. That is the best way to become Krsna conscious, and Krsna is
non-different from Nityananda. You may pray to Lord Nityananda to
help you become dedicated in the service of your guru. Krsna
49 | P a g e
consciousness cannot be achieved artificially. You should approach
Nityananda Prabhu through your spiritual master.
(Letter to Makhanlal dasa - 24th October, 1976, Vrindavan)
20
Sädhana
Go on preaching for now, we shall see the money matters later.
Preaching is our life. Follow strictly the principles, read, chant,-then
there is success. And if you don't do this, spiritual strength is reduced.
A snake is very powerful so long he has got poison. If it has no poison,
nobody cares for it. Similarly, this chanting, reading, and following the
principles is our spiritual strength.
(Letter to Gargamuni – June 8, 1975, Honolulu)
21
Determination
That is kevalä bhakti. If sometimes it appears that he has deviated out
of past habit, that is excused. Api cet suduräcäro bhajate mäm ananya-
bhäk, sädhur eva sa mantavyaù [Bg. 9.30]. But not intentional. We
should not fall down and deviate from our path of devotional service
intentionally. That is very great criminality. We must try our best,
kevalayä bhaktyä. Kecit means this determination is very difficult.
Therefore it has been said here, Kecit, "somebody," not all. Not all can
get that determination. But everyone can get determination, provided
he likes. It is not determination is monopolized by a certain man.
50 | P a g e
Anyone who determines that "I shall simply serve Kåñëa," that simple
determination will save him
That is kevalä bhakti. If sometimes it appears that he has deviated
out of past habit, that is excused. Api cet suduräcäro bhajate mäm
ananya-bhäk, sädhur eva sa mantavyaù [Bg. 9.30]. But not
intentional. We should not fall down and deviate from our path of
devotional service intentionally. That will not... That is very great
criminality. We must try our best, kevalayä bhaktyä.
So Kecit. Kecit means this determination is very difficult.
Therefore it has been said here, Kecit, "somebody," not all. Not
all can get that determination. But everyone can get
determination, provided he likes. It is not determination is
monopolized by a certain man. Anyone who determines that "I
shall simply serve Kåñëa," that simple determination will save
him.
22
Rüpa Gosvämé says that to advance in spiritual life, the first principle
is utsäha. Utsäha means enthusiasm. “Yes, Kåñëa says,
sarvadharmän parityajya mäm ekaà çaraëaà vraja. I will accept it and
work enthusiastically.” Kåñëa says, man-manä bhava mad-bhakto
mad-yäjé mäà namaskuru, and we have to execute it enthusiastically,
“Yes, I shall always think of Kåñëa.” Kåñëa says directly, “You just
become My devotee.” So we have to be enthusiastic, “Yes, I shall
51 | P a g e
become Kåñëa’s devotee.” Kåñëa says, “Worship Me,” so we should
be very much enthusiastic to worship Kåñëa, offer Maìgala-ärätrika,
rise early in the morning. Those who are not enthusiastic, lazy,
lethargic, they cannot advance in spiritual life. One must be very, very
enthusiastic and positive.
(Çrémad-Bhägavatam Lecture – January 7, 1975, Bombay)
“Therefore Rüpa Gosvämé says that spiritual life can be
advanced, the first principle is utsäha. Utsähät. Utsäha means
enthusiasm: "Yes, Kåñëa says, sarva-dharmän parityajya mäm
ekaà çaraëaà vraja [Bg. 18.66]. I will accept it and work
enthusiastically on the principle, as Kåñëa says." Kåñëa says,
man-manä bhava mad-bhakto mad-yäjé mäà namaskuru [Bg.
18.65], and we have to do it, execute it enthusiastically: "Yes, I
shall always think of Kåñëa." Man-manäù. Kåñëa says directly.
Man-manä bhava mad-bhaktaù, "You just become My devotee."
So we have to be enthusiastic, "Yes, I shall become Kåñëa's
devotee." Man-manä bhava mad-bhakto mad-yäjé. Kåñëa says,
"Worship Me," so we should be very much enthusiastic to worship
Kåñëa, offer Maìgala-ärätrika, rise early in the morning. These are
all enthusiasm, utsäha. Those who are not enthusiastic, lazy,
lethargic, they cannot advance in spiritual life. Simply sleeping,
they cannot make. One must be very, very enthusiastic, positive.”
23
Chanting Quality
I am so glad to learn that you are now getting the fruit of chanting Hare
Kåñëa. Hare Kåñëa is so nice that it clears the dirty things from the
mind of the devotee and the more one is used to chant the Holy Name
offenselessly, the more one develops love of God, forgetting the whole
material nonsense. It is my duty to deliver you the right thing in right
52 | P a g e
earnestness and it is the duty of the receiver to act in the standard
spiritual regulation.
(Letter to Umapati – November 23, 1967, Calcutta)
24
Sadhana
I am very much anxious that at the same time as you carry out all these
outside activities, you are maintaining a strict schedule of temple
activities. Such regular activities like attendance of arati, chanting of
rounds, study of literatures in the class will keep you fit for effective
preaching work in the outer field. Our standard of purity must be kept,
otherwise there will be loss of spiritual strength, and subsequent fall
53 | P a g e
down. Everyone of you should be thoroughly convinced of the power
of the Hare Krsna mantra to protect you in all circumstances and chant
accordingly at all times without offence. Then advancement will be swift
and you will gradually come to see everything clearly so that you may
act for the pleasure of the Lord without uncertainty. When one is
spontaneously engaged in this way, always in the service of the Lord
and anxious to avoid all mundane activities, he is actually experiencing
the taste of bliss in Krsna consciousness.
(Letter to Damodara - January 10, 1971, Allahabad)
25
Reading
You are happy because you are chanting, dancing, reading Çrémad-
Bhägavatam and all the books. If you do these things regularly, then
your life is a success. Anyone who chants and follows the rules and
regulations, where is there room for anxiety for him?
(Letter to Revatinandana – November 7, 1975, Bombay)
26
Holy Name
The powerful hari-nama is so strong that even if one unconsciously or
consciously chants, say they have no intention to chant the holy name
of Kåñëa, but they imitate or criticize, “Hare Kåñëa.” That also has
effect.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – January 10, 1971, Calcutta)
54 | P a g e
“The powerful hari-näma is so strong that even one
unconsciously or conscious... Sometimes they imitate: "Hare
Kåñëa." They have no intention to chant the holy name of Kåñëa,
but they imitate or criticize, "Hare Kåñëa." That has also effect.”
27
Vapu & Väëé
One should have complete faith in the guru, who helps the disciple
make progress in spiritual life. As soon as the disciple thinks
independently, not caring for the instructions of the spiritual master, he
is a failure (yasyäprasädän na gatiù kuto 'pi).
28
Maìgala-ärati
The training is, according to çästra and the instruction of the spiritual
master, that: rise early in the morning. There are thousands and
millions of men at the present moment who have got attachment for
the family and rise at four o’clock and prepare himself to take this
trouble of going so many miles away for office. Why he is taking so
much trouble? Family attachment. Not that he has no attachment. But
55 | P a g e
the same four o' clock, rising early in the morning, for Kåñëa's maìgala-
ärati is a better diversion. But he'll not agree. When he has got to go to
office for earning his livelihood, he will automatically rise up and go to
the office, because the attachment is strong. But in the temple, the rule
is that you must get up before four and prepare yourself. So this has to
be practiced. This has to be practiced if you want to divert your
attention. Because we have no attachment for Kåñëa, we have to be
forced. Never mind. Still we have to continue this, to increase
attachment for Kåñëa, mayy äsakta manäù pärtha. We have to train
our mind how to become attached to Kåñëa. This is bhakti process.
The business is the same, but we have to be trained up for increasing
our attachment for Kåñëa. Not that we have to bring a separate
attachment. It has to be cleansed.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – December 10, 1975, Vṛndāvana)
“The training is, according to çästra and the instruction of the
spiritual master, that (indistinct): rise early in the morning. Just
like a man... Not one man, there are thousands and millions of men
at the present moment, because he has got attachment for the
family he rises at four o'clock and prepares himself to catch the
train at six o'clock to reach Calcutta, Bombay at ten o'clock and
attend the office. So from four o'clock to ten o'clock, he has taken
so much changing. I have seen in New York also, they are coming
in from the other island and waiting for the bus, waiting for the
ferry steamer, and so many hours wasted to reach the office. And
he works in the office for four or five hours, then again he takes
this trouble of going so many miles away. Why he is taking so
much trouble? Family attachment. Family attachment. So the
people are... Not that he has no attachment. He has got
attachment, but this attachment, the same four o' clock, rising
early in the morning, for Kåñëa's maìgala-ärati. This is diversion,
a better. But he'll not agree. When he has got to go to office for
earning his livelihood, he will automatically rise up and go to the
56 | P a g e
office, because the attachment is strong. But in the temple, the
rule is that you must get up before four and prepare yourself, and
we have to ring the bells three hundred times, and still you are
sleeping. Just see.
So this has to be practiced. This has to be practiced if you want to
divert your attention. The same process. But because we have no
attachment for Kåñëa, we have to be forced. Never mind. Still we
have to continue this, mayy äsakta..., to increase attachment for
Kåñëa, mayy äsakta manäù pärtha. We have to train our mind how
to become attached to Kåñëa. This is bhakti process. The
business is the same, but we have to be trained up for increasing
our attachment for Kåñëa. Not that we have to bring a separate
attachment. It has to be cleansed.”
29
The first thing is enthusiasm, that "I must see Kåñëa." You are seeing
Kåñëa. The Deity of Kåñëa and Kåñëa is not different. But even
personally you can see. Simply we have to continue the enthusiasm.
Enthusiasm means to take things very seriously, utsähäd dhairyät, and
57 | P a g e
patiently. Although we are determined to go back to home, back to
Godhead, so we should patiently follow the rules and regulations. So
these are the six principles: endeavour..., mean, enthusiasm, and firm
determination, and patience, and executing the regulative principles,
tat-tat-karma-pravartanät, and sato våtteù, means behaviour must be
very honest, no duplicity, and... Utsähäd dhairyät niçcayät tat-tat-karma-
pravartanät, and sato våtteù, dealing must be very honestly, no
hypocrisy, tat-tat-karma-pravartanät, sädhu-saìga, and in the
association of devotees. If you follow these six principles, namely
enthusiasm, determination, patience, and executing the regulative
principle and keep yourself honest and in the association of devotee, if
you follow these six principle, then your success is sure.
(Departure Lecture – February 25, 1975, Caracas)
30
Kṛṣṇa is the supreme controller.
īśvaraḥ paramaḥ Kṛṣṇaḥ

sac-cid-ānanda-vigrahaḥ
anādir ādir govindaḥ
58 | P a g e
sarva-kāraṇa-kāraṇam
(Bs. 5.1)
He's the supreme controller, but He is controlled by His devotee,
Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī. He is controlled. So it is not to be easily
understood what the pastimes between...is But Kṛṣṇa is willingly
agreed to be controlled by His devotee. That is Kṛṣṇa nature. Just like
Mother Yaśodā. Mother Yaśodā is controlling Kṛṣṇa, binding Him:
"You are very naughty? I will bind you." Mother Yaśodā has a stick,
and Kṛṣṇa is crying. Kṛṣṇa is crying. These things you study. It is
stated in the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Kunti's prayer, how she is
appreciating "My dear Kṛṣṇa, You are the Supreme. But when under
the stick of Mother Yaśodā you are crying, that scene I want to see."
So Kṛṣṇa is so bhakta-vatsala that He is the supreme controller. But a
devotee like Mother Yaśodā, a devotee like Rādhārāṇī, devotees like
gopīs, devotees like the cowherd boy, they can control Kṛṣṇa. That is
Vṛndāvana life.
May
1
Maìgala-ärati
59 | P a g e
Without tapasya you cannot be purified. That little tapasya we have
prescribed, that "Rise early in the morning at half past three," but they
are so downtrodden, they cannot do it. "Let me sleep five minutes more.
I'll enjoy." Just see how much we are fallen. We cannot sacrifice, say,
fifteen minutes or half an hour's sleep. We consider, "Sleeping is very
good enjoyment." "I have slept so much. That is my life's success." The
rascal does not know that he is becoming implicated for the next birth.
If you are sleeping too much, then you become owl. Nature is prepared
to give you facilities. The owl can sleep for the whole day.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – September 20, 1975, Vṛndāvana)
Without tapasya you cannot be purified. That little tapasya we have prescribed,
that "Rise early in the morning at half past three," but they are so downtrodden,
they cannot do it. "Let me sleep five minutes more. I'll enjoy." You see? Such
downtrodden. They were performing austerities, standing in the water in winter
season, and we are recommending, "Please rise early in the morning at half past
three. Be prepared for maìgala-ärati," it is very difficult job. Just see how much
we are fallen. We cannot sacrifice, say, fifteen minutes or half an hour's sleep.
We consider, "Sleeping is very good enjoyment." I have seen in the Western
countries, they want to sleep so much. That is enjoyment. Up to twelve o'clock in
daytime. There are many Indians also, they sleep up to twelve o'clock, and then
they prepare for going to the office, big man. He goes to the office at four o'clock
when the office is going to be closed. That is their enjoyment. "I have slept so
much. That is my life's success. I have eaten so much. That is my enjoyment. I
have enjoyed sex life so much. That is enjoyment." He does not know... The rascal
does not know that he is becoming implicated for the next birth. If you are too
much sleeping, then you become owl.You know? The whole day they can sleep,
the owl. If you want to be naked, all right, you become a tree. Stand five thousand
years naked. If you want sex, all right, become a hog or a monkey. Nature is
prepared to give you facilities.
2
Chanting Quality
One must strictly chant the Hare Kåñëa mahä-mantra twenty-four
hours daily. One may have other duties to perform under the direction
of the spiritual master, but he must first abide by the spiritual master’s
order to chant a certain number of rounds. In our Kåñëa consciousness
60 | P a g e
movement, we have recommended that the neophyte chant at least
sixteen rounds. This chanting of sixteen rounds is absolutely necessary
if one wants to remember Kåñëa and not forget Him. Of all the
regulative principles, the spiritual master’s order to chant at least
sixteen rounds is most essential.
3
Everyone wants that "I am very honorable man, prestigious man. And
you should respect me." That is our material disease. "I do not want to
respect you, but you should offer me respect." This is the position.
Therefore our system is to call another Vaiñëava as prabhu. But if we
call prabhu, but think, "No, you are not prabhu; I am prabhu. You are
servant", that cheating process will not help us. Actually, we should
believe that he is prabhu. "He is servant of Kåñëa; therefore he is my
prabhu." This is Vaiñëava mentality. (Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture –
October 23, 1976, Vṛndāvana)

“Everyone wants that "I am very honourable man, prestigious man. And
you should respect me." That is our material disease. "I do not want to
respect you, but you should offer me respect." This is the position.
Therefore our system is to call another Vaiñëava as prabhu. "Sir, you are
prabhu, you are master." But we call prabhu, but I think, "No, you are not
prabhu; I am prabhu. You are servant." This cheating process will not help
us. Actually, we should believe that he is prabhu. "He is servant of Kåñëa;
therefore he is my prabhu." This is Vaiñëava mentality.”
4
Vapu & Väëé
Reporter: Who will succeed you when you die?
Çréla Prabhupäda: I will never die!
61 | P a g e
Devotees: Jaya! Haribol!
Çréla Prabhupäda: I will live forever from my books and you will utilize.
(Press conference – July 16, 1975, San Francisco)
5
Reading
"The instruction given in my books is supposed to be personal

instruction. When we read the Bhagavad-gétä As It Is, it is understood
that we are receiving personal instructions of Kåñëa. No physical
barrier is there in the case of spiritual affairs."
(Letter to Dhåñöaketu – October 14, 1973, Bombay)
6
Deity
When we are advanced in spiritual consciousness, then we can see
God everywhere. mayä tatam idaà sarvaà jagad avyakta-mürtinä. The
Lord is everywhere, and He is not everywhere also. Just like you have
got this post box. When you put your letter. It will go to the destination
because it is authorized. Similarly, the Deity established in a temple is
authorized.
(Bhagavad-gītā Lecture – November 24, 1966, New York)
“When we are advanced in spiritual consciousness, then we can see God
everywhere. Mayä tatam idaà sarvaà jagad avyakta-mürtinä [Bg. 9.4]. So He
is everywhere, and He is not everywhere also. Just like you have got this
post box. The post box means the Post Office. You put your letter. It will go
to the destination because it is authorized. Similarly, the authorized Deity,
established in a temple.”
7
Kåñëa will never tolerate insult on a devotee. He will never tolerate.
The devotee may excuse, tåëäd api sunécena taror api sahiñëunä. Just
62 | P a g e
like Prahläda Mahäräja, he was suffering. His father was torturing him.
But Kåñëa never tolerates. Even if you insult Kåñëa, He will tolerate.
But if you insult His devotee, He will never tolerate. Then you are
finished. Just like a big man. If you insult him, he may think "All right,
let him." But if you insult or do some harm to his child, he will never
tolerate. Similarly, a devotee who is dependent on Kåñëa in everything,
and if somebody does harm to him or insults him, Kåñëa will never
tolerate. That is explained in the Caitanya-caritämåta. Tära madhye
Vaiñëava-aparädha häti matta. So we should be very careful not to
offend Vaiñëava devotees. This is greatest offense. Therefore it is said
vipra-çäpa-vimüòhänäà. vimüòhänäà. Those who are rascal, fools,
they will want to try to insult real brähmaëa, Vaiñëava. Then they are
finished. A Vaiñëava never curses but tolerates. But Viñëu never
tolerates.

“Kåñëa will never tolerate insult on a devotee. He will never
tolerate. The devotee may excuse, tåëäd api sunécena taror api
sahiñëunä. He may suffer. Just like Prahläda Mahäräja, he was
suffering. His father was torturing him. He was suffering, "All
right." But Kåñëa never tolerated. "Oh, you have done so much.
Now it is the time to kill him." This is the process. Kåñëa will
tolerate. Even you insult Kåñëa, He will tolerate. But if you insult
His devotee, He will never tolerate. Then you are finished. Then
you are finished. Just like a big man. If you insult him, he may
think "All right, let him." But if you insult or do something harm to
his child, he will never tolerate. He will never tolerate. Similarly, a
devotee who is dependent on Kåñëa in everything, and if
somebody does harm to him, insults him, Kåñëa will never
tolerate. That is explained in the Caitanya-caritämåta, vaiñëava-
aparädha. Tära madhye vaiñëava-aparädha häti matta. So we
should be very careful not to offend Vaiñëava devotees. Not to
offend. This is greatest offense. Therefore it is said vipra-çäpa-
63 | P a g e
vimüòhänäm. Vimüòhänäm. Those who are rascal, fools, they will
want to try to insult real brähmaëa, Vaiñëava. Then they are
finished. Of course, a Vaiñëava never curses. Tolerates. Tåëäd api
sunécena taror... Vaiñëava tolerates, but Viñëu never tolerates.”
8
Sädhana
As soon as one discontinues his staunch following of the regulative
principles such as no meat eating, no illicit sex, no intoxication, no
gambling, rising early before 4 AM coming to mangala aräti, chanting
at least 16 rounds, etc., then his spiritual life is hampered and there is
a chance that at any time he may become a victim of mäyä.
(Letter to Revatinandana – December 15, 1974, Bombay)
9
Chanting Quality
64 | P a g e
You must practice how to love Kåñëa. First you have to rise early in
the morning. You may not like to do that, but you think, "I will rise early
to satisfy Kåñëa." This is the beginning. Then, "I have to chant sixteen
rounds of the Hare Kåñëa mantra on my beads." You may be lazy, you
may not want to do it, but if you want to love Kåñëa you must do it. You
must do it. In the beginning you have to learn how to love Kåñëa, but
when you actually come to the state of love of God there is no question
of "have to." You will spontaneously follow the regulative principles.
(TQE 7a: The Yoga of Pure Attachment)

“You must practice how to love Kåñëa. First you have to rise early
in the morning. You don't like to, but you think, "I will rise early to
satisfy Kåñëa." This is the beginning. Then, "I have to chant
sixteen rounds of the Hare Kåñëa mantra on my beads." You may
be lazy, you may not want to do it, but if you want to love Kåñëa
you must do it. You must do it. In the beginning you have to learn
how to love Kåñëa, but when you actually come to the state of love
of God there is no question of "have to." You will spontaneously
follow the regulative principles, because love is there.”
10
Guru Issue
65 | P a g e
An äcärya must always be eager to deliver the fallen souls. A person
who establishes a temple or maöha to take advantage of people’s
sentiments by using for his livelihood what people contribute for the
worship of the Deity cannot be called a Gosvämé or äcärya. One who
knows the conclusion of the çästras, follows in the footsteps of his
predecessors and endeavors to preach the bhakti cult all over the world
is to be considered an äcärya. The role of an äcärya is not to earn his
livelihood through the income of the temple. Çréla Bhaktisiddhänta
Sarasvaté Öhäkura used to say that if one earns his livelihood by
displaying the Deity in the temple, he is not an äcärya or Gosvämé. It
would be better for him to accept service even as a sweeper in the
street, for that is a more honorable means of earning one’s living.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Antya-līlā Purport 3.223)
11
Holy Name
The basic principle of advancement in our Kåñëa consciousness is
stressed by Caitanya Mahāprabhu that if one simply chants the Hare
Kåñëa Mahämantra without offense and has firm faith in Kåñëa and
Spiritual Master then he will advance and he only can understand the
deep import of Kåñëa consciousness.
(Letter to Stephen – January 4, 1971, Bombay)
12
Holy Name
66 | P a g e
One who is engaged in Lord Kåñëa's devotional service lives in a direct
relationship with the Supreme Lord, so there is no doubt that his
position is transcendental from the very beginning. A devotee does not
live on the material plane-he lives in Kåñëa. The holy name of the Lord
and the Lord are non-different; therefore when a devotee chants Hare
Kåñëa, Kåñëa and His internal potency are dancing on the tongue of
the devotee.
(Bhagavad-gītā Purport 12.8)
13
Deity
Even the third-class devotee-who is not advanced in knowledge of the
Absolute Truth but simply offers obeisances with great devotion, thinks
of the Lord, sees the Lord in the temple and brings forth flowers and
fruits to offer to the Deity-becomes imperceptibly liberated.
Çraddhayänvitäù: with great devotion the devotees offer worshipful
respects and paraphernalia to the Deity. The Deities of Rädhä and
Kåñëa, Lakñmé and Näräyaëa, and Räma and Sétä are very attractive
to devotees, so much so that when they see the statue decorated in
the temple of the Lord they become fully absorbed in thought of the
Lord. That is the state of liberation.
14
Maìgala-ärati
67 | P a g e
Äpani äcari prabhu jéveri çikñäya. That is Caitanya Mahäprabhu's
movement. He teaches others by behaving Himself. "Example is better
than precept." If you cannot rise early in the morning, then how can
you ask others to rise early in the morning? What is the effect? We
have got business early in the morning, to attend maìgala ärati. And if
you sleep yourself and teach others, so who will take it?
(Morning Walk – April 23, 1974, Hyderabad)
Äpani äcari prabhu jéveri çikñäya. That is Caitanya Mahäprabhu's
movement. He teaches others by behaving Himself. "Example is
better than precept." If you cannot rise early in the morning, then
how can you ask others to rise early in the morning? What is the
effect? There is no effect. We have got business early in the
morning, to attend maìgala ärati. And if you sleep yourself and
teach others, so who will take it?
15
Holy Name
Caitanya Mahäprabhu recommends, kértanéyaù sadä hariù, always
chant. That is the principle. But we cannot do that because we are so
much overwhelmed by the influence of Kali. So we have to chant at
least sixteen rounds. Don’t miss this.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – January 23, 1974, Hawaii)
Caitanya Mahäprabhu recommends, kértanéyaù sadä hariù [Cc.
Ädi 17.31], always chant. That is the principle. But we cannot do
that because we are so much overwhelmed by the influence of
Kali. So at least sixteen rounds. Don't miss this.
16
Reading
68 | P a g e
Try to always study our books and see our philosophy from different
lights of directions, become convinced yourself of this knowledge and
without a doubt all of your difficulties of mind will disappear forever and
you will see Kåñëa face-to-face.
(Letter to Bhagavatananda – July 8, 1972, New York)
17
Surrender
I have received also one letter from Upendra today and I am so glad
he is released within 10 days. That was my expectation when he came
to see me, that he couldn't be incarcerated for more than a week. This
instance of suffering by a devotee should be carefully noted. As
Upendra was in the beginning incarcerated for 3 months, it was
reduced to one week. Similarly, when a devotee is seen in trouble, it
should be accepted as Gods mercy. Just like Upendra's suffering was
destined for 3 months by the law, but by the mercy of God the suffering
is reduced to one week only. So a devotee always accepts his distress
as minimized by God's mercy, although he would have to suffer many
more times the suffering. Anyone who accepts this philosophy of God's
mercy in suffering conditions, and still makes progress in Kåñëa
consciousness, it is said that he is sure to go back to home, back to
Godhead.
(Letter to Gurudasa – February 13, 1968, Los Angeles)
18
Deity
69 | P a g e
The Viñëu forms of worship in great temples of India are not, therefore,
arrangements of idol worship, as they are wrongly interpreted to be by
a class of men with a poor fund of knowledge; rather, they are different
spiritual centers of meditation on the transcendental limbs of the body
of Viñëu. The worshipable Deity in the temple of Viñëu is identical with
Lord Viñëu by the inconceivable potency of the Lord. Therefore, a
neophyte's concentration or meditation upon the limbs of Viñëu in the
temple, as contemplated in the revealed scriptures, is an easy
opportunity for meditation for persons who are unable to sit down tightly
at one place and then concentrate upon praëava oàkära or the limbs of
the body of Viñëu, as recommended herein by Çukadeva Gosvämé,
the great authority. The common man can benefit more by meditating
on the form of Viñëu in the temple than on the oàkära, the spiritual
combination of a-u-m as explained before. There is no difference
between oàkära and the forms of Viñëu, but persons unacquainted with
the science of Absolute Truth try to create dissension by differentiating
between the forms of Viñëu and that of oàkära. Here it is indicated that
the Viñëu form is the ultimate goal of meditation, and as such it is better
to concentrate upon the forms of Viñëu than on impersonal oàkära. The
latter process is also more difficult than the former.
19
Chanting Quality
Everyone begins his devotional life from the neophyte stage, but if one
properly finishes chanting the prescribed number of rounds of hari-
näma, he is elevated step by step to the highest platform, uttama-
adhikäré.
(The Nectar of Instruction Text 5)
20
70 | P a g e
A living entity cannot stop acting. So when he is forbidden to become
enthusiastic about material achievements, he should at once be
encouraged to be enthusiastic about spiritual achievements.
Enthusiasm is a symptom of the living entity; it cannot be stopped. It is
just like a powerful engine: if you utilize it properly, it will give immense
production. Therefore enthusiasm should be purified. Instead of
employing enthusiasm for attaining material goals, one should be
enthusiastic about achieving the perfectional stage of devotional
service. Indeed, enthusing His devotees in devotional service is the
purpose for which Kåñëa descends to this material world.
(Närada-bhakti-sütra Text 5)
21
When one thus criticizes a pure devotee, he commits an offense
(Vaiñëava-aparädha) that is very obstructive and dangerous for those
who desire to advance in Kåñëa consciousness. A person cannot
derive any spiritual benefit when he offends the lotus feet of a
Vaiñëava. Everyone should therefore be very careful not to be jealous
of an empowered Vaiñëava, or a çuddha-Vaiñëava. It is also an offense
to consider an empowered Vaiñëava an object of disciplinary action. It
is offensive to try to give him advice or to correct him.
(Nectar of Instruction Text 6)
22
Sadhana
If the regulative principles are strictly followed there is no chance of
maya's dangerous influence to come in and cause some havoc. Maya
71 | P a g e
is always peeping, ready to take advantage of our any lapse from
devotional standard, so everyone should be continuously engaged in
either chanting, studying or working or preaching. This full schedule
will save you from engagement elsewhere. Maya and Krsna are always
side by side. Either one is serving Krsna or he is serving maya.
(Letter to Rsabhadeva, November 16th, 1970)
23
Vapu & Väëé
Today, Sunday, November 10, 1974 ... we have now finished the
English translation of Śrī Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī's Śrī Caitanya-
72 | P a g e
caritāmṛta in accordance with the authorized order of His Divine
Grace Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura Gosvāmī Mahārāja, my
beloved spiritual master, guide and friend. Although according to
material vision His Divine Grace Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī
Ṭhākura Prabhupāda passed away from this material world on the last
day of December, 1936, I still consider His Divine Grace to be always
present with me by his vāṇī, his words.... I think that His Divine Grace
Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura is always seeing my activities and
guiding me within my heart by his words. As it is said in Śrīmad-
Bhāgavatam, tene brahma hṛdā ya ādi-kavaye [SB 1.1.1]. Spiritual
inspiration comes from within the heart, wherein the Supreme
Personality of Godhead, in His Paramātmā feature, is always sitting
with all His devotees and associates. It is to be admitted that
whatever translation work I have done is through the inspiration of my
spiritual master because personally I am most insignificant and
incompetent to do this materially impossible work. I do not think
myself a very learned scholar, but I have full faith in the service of my
spiritual master, His Divine Grace Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī
Ṭhākura. If there is any credit to my activities of translating, it is all due
to His Divine Grace.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Antya-lila - Concluding Words)

Today, Sunday, November 10, 1974–corresponding to the 10th of
Kärtika, Caitanya Era 488, the eleventh day of the dark fortnight,
the Räma-ekädaçé-we have now finished the English translation
of Çré Kåñëadäsa Kaviräja Gosvämé’s Çré Caitanya-caritämåta
in accordance with the authorized order of His Divine Grace
Bhaktisiddhänta Sarasvaté Öhäkura Gosvämé Mahäräja, my
beloved eternal spiritual master, guide and friend. Although
according to material vision His Divine Grace Çréla
Bhaktisiddhänta Sarasvaté Öhäkura Prabhupäda passed away
from this material world on the last day of December, 1936, I still
consider His Divine Grace to be always present with me by his
väëé, his words.
73 | P a g e
I think that His Divine Grace Bhaktisiddhänta Sarasvaté Öhäkura
is always seeing my activities and guiding me within my heart by
his words. As it is said in Çrémad-Bhägavatam, tene brahma
hådä ya ädi-kavaye [SB 1.1.1]. Spiritual inspiration comes from
within the heart, wherein the Supreme Personality of Godhead, in
His Paramätmä feature, is always sitting with all His devotees
and associates. It is to be admitted that whatever translation
work I have done is through the inspiration of my spiritual
master, because personally I am most insignificant and
incompetent to do this materially impossible work. I do not think
myself a very learned scholar, but I have full faith in the service
of my spiritual master, His Divine Grace Çréla Bhaktisiddhänta
Sarasvaté Öhäkura. If there is any credit to my activities of
translating, it is all due to His Divine Grace. Certainly if His
Divine Grace were physically present at this time, it would have
been a great occasion for jubilation, but even though he is not
physically present, I am confident that he is very much pleased
by this work of translation. He was very fond of seeing many
books published to spread the Kåñëa consciousness movement.
Therefore our society, the International Society for Kṛṣṇa
Consciousness, has been formed to execute the order of Çré
Caitanya Mahäprabhu and His Divine Grace Çréla
Bhaktisiddhänta Sarasvaté Öhäkura.
24
Deity
74 | P a g e
If you become anxious how to worship Deity, how to dress Kåñëa
nicely, that will develop your anxiety for Kåñëa. Therefore, Deity
worship is essential. Exactly in time to get up, to offer mangala-aräti, to
dress, this anxiety is the beginning of Kåñëa anxiety. Then, when you
become perfect, you'll always be anxious for Kåñëa. And that is
perfectional stage. Therefore, by the injunction of the çästra, it is a way
of creating that anxiety. So we must follow it. Then we'll come to the
real anxiety.
(Morning Walk – April 26, 1976, Melbourne)
If you become anxious how to worship Deity, how to dress Kåñëa
nicely, how to do, if you remain, that will develop your anxiety for
Kåñëa. Therefore Deity worship essential. Exactly in time to get
up, to offer maìgala-ärati, to dress, this anxiety is the beginning of
Kåñëa anxiety. Then, when you become perfect, you'll always be
anxious for Kåñëa. And that is perfectional stage. Therefore, by
the injunction of the çästra, regulative, it is a way of creating that
anxiety. So we must follow. Then we'll come to the real anxiety.
25
The devotee should patiently follow the rules and regulations of
devotional service so that the day will come when he will achieve, all of
a sudden, all the perfection of devotional service. He should not lament
for any loss or any reverse in his advancement in spiritual life. This
patience (dhairyä) is the third positive item for advancing in devotional
service.
(Närada-bhakti-sütra Text 5)
26
75 | P a g e
Deity
Demons are very much disturbed when devotees worship the Lord in
the prescribed ways recommended in the scriptures. In the Vedic
scriptures, the neophyte devotees are advised to engage in nine kinds
of devotional service, such as to hear and chant the holy name of God,
to remember Him always, to chant on beads Hare Kåñëa, Hare Kåñëa,
Kåñëa Kåñëa, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare
Hare, to worship the Lord in the form of His Deity incarnation in the
temples, and to engage in various activities of Kåñëa consciousness to
increase the number of godly persons for perfect peace in the world.
Demons do not like such activity. They are always envious of God and
His devotees. Their propaganda not to worship in the temple or church
but simply to make material advancement for satisfaction of the senses
is always current.
27
Vaiñëava-aparädha is never tolerated by Kåñëa. Just like the
Päëòavas, they were Vaiñëavas, and the Duryodhana and company,
actually they were not Vaiñëava. So they insulted. They put them to
trouble in so many ways. They banished them in the jungle. They
insulted their wife and so many ways by clique. So Kåñëa could not
tolerate that. So therefore the Battle of Kurukñetra took place. So
Vaiñëava is kind. Arjuna, he said, "My dear Kåñëa, whatever they have
done, that doesn't matter. I cannot kill my family men. Please excuse."
So just see. Arjuna is kind because he is Vaiñëava. But Kåñëa cannot
tolerate. Kåñëa said, "You must kill them. That is My order. You must
kill them."
76 | P a g e
Vaiñëava-aparädha is never tolerated by Kåñëa. Just like the
Päëòavas, they were Vaiñëavas, and the Duryodhana and
company, they were so-called Vaiñëava. Actually they were not
Vaiñëava. So they insulted. They put to trouble so many ways.
They banished them in the jungle. They insulted their wife and so
many ways by clique. So Kåñëa could not tolerate that. So
therefore the Battle of Kurukñetra.
So Vaiñëava is kind. Arjuna, he said, "My dear Kåñëa, whatever
they have done, that doesn't matter. I cannot kill my family men.
Please excuse." So just see. Arjuna is kind because he is
Vaiñëava. But Kåñëa cannot tolerate. Kåñëa said, "You must kill
them. That is My order. You must kill them."
28
Chanting Quality
Devotee: When chanting our sixteen rounds, we are not sure if these
rounds are sincere. How can we make the quality the best?
Prabhupäda: You will understand quality when you first of all come to
the quality. Without having quality, how will you understand the quality?
You follow the instruction of your spiritual master and çästra. That is
your duty. Quality or no quality-that is not your position to understand.
When the quality comes there is no force. You will have a taste for
chanting. You will desire at that time, “Why sixteen rounds? Why not
sixteen thousand rounds?” That is quality.
77 | P a g e
Devotee (8): When chanting our sixteen rounds, we are not sure if
these rounds are sincere...
Prabhupäda: You should be sure.
Devotee (8): How can we be sure?
Prabhupäda: There is beads.
Brahmänanda: No, he's saying that when we chant our rounds,
how can we be sure that when we chant the round that the round
is a perfect, attentive round, sincere?
Prabhupäda: Therefore it is çästra, "You must." There is no
question of understanding.
Brahmänanda: The quality of the chanting he's asking. How can
we make the quality the best?
Prabhupäda: Quality, you'll understand first of all come to the
quality. Without having quality, how he'll understand the quality?
You follow the instruction of your spiritual master, of the çästra.
That is your duty. Quality, no quality—it is not your position to
understand. When the quality comes there is no force. You will
have a taste for chanting. You will desire at that time, "Why sixteen
round? Why not sixteen thousand rounds?" That is quality.
78 | P a g e
29
A devotee must therefore be completely free from envy, especially of
other devotees. To envy other devotees is a great offense, a Vaiñëava-
aparädha. A devotee who constantly engages in hearing and chanting
(çravaëa-kértana) is certainly freed from the disease of envy, and thus
he becomes eligible to go back home, back to Godhead.
30
Sädhana
Keep yourselves strong in Kåñëa Consciousness by following all of my
basic principles. That is of the utmost importance. Do not fail to chant
16 rounds daily, rise early, come to maìgala-ärati, come to classes and
follow the 4 regulative principles. In this way your life will become free
from all anxieties.
(Letter to Sons – December 28, 1974, Bombay)
31
79 | P a g e
Maìgala-ärati
Everyone can become first-class sura. They have to be trained.
Therefore it is said that pravåttià ca nivåttià ca janä na vidur äsuräù
[Bhagavad-gītā. 16.7]. The fault is, asuras, they do not know how to
live a very happy and clean life. Na çaucaà näpi cäcäraù. They have
no cleanliness and good behavior. So therefore we are teaching
cleanliness. So he rises early in the morning, takes his bath,
immediately becomes cleansed. These are the qualification of
brähmaëa or the suras. Therefore we are training, "Rise early in the
morning. Chant Hare Kåñëa. Have maìgala-ärati." This is äcära. By
practicing this, you can see the distinction between ordinary men or
our men.
(Bhagavad-gītā Lecture – January 27, 1975, Tokyo)

“Everyone can become first-class sura. They have to be trained.
The asuras, they... Therefore it is said that pravåttià ca nivåttià ca
janä na vidur äsuräù [Bg. 16.7]. Asuras, the fault is, asuras, they
do not know how to live a very happy and clean life. They do not
know. Äcära. Na çaucaà näpi cäcäraù. They have not cleanliness
and good behavior.
So therefore we are teaching cleanliness. "You rise early in the
morning. Take your bath." He must be clean immediately. He rises
early in the morning, evacuating. He takes his bath. Immediately
becomes cleansed, çaucam. Sattvaà çaucaà çamo damas titikñä.
These are the qualification of brähmaëa or the suras. But they do
not know it. Therefore we are training, "Rise early in the morning.
Chant Hare Kåñëa. Have maìgala-ärati." This is äcära. This is
äcära. By practicing this, you can see the distinction between
ordinary men or our men.”
80 | P a g e
June
1
Surrender
I am happy to hear that you continued to chant despite so many doubts
and skepticism. That is the process. Even there may be doubts and
skepticism, but if one continues the chanting process, the doubts will
all disappear, and real knowledge will be revealed by the grace of
Kåñëa. There is an example given of the jaundice patient. He is
suffering from disease, and when given sugar candy, which is the cure,
he finds it very bitter and distasteful. But that does not mean the sugar
candy is not very sweet and delicious, it is simply due to his diseased
condition that it seems bitter. In order to be cured from his disease, he
must take the medicine of sugar candy, despite the apparently bitter
taste, and as he will become cured, the real sweet taste of the candy is
gradually revealed. Similarly, we are diseased, and only if we take to
this chanting process may we be cured. Maya may put so many doubts
and worthless arguments into our minds, but if we continue the
chanting, the curing process will go on, never mind the doubts, and
gradually we will get a taste of that sweet nectar of Kåñëa nama-
sankirtana. That is the process, and you may explain it to all your
friends, so they may understand the nature of their doubts and
skepticism and be benefited.
(Letter to Terry and associates – March 22, 1968, San Francisco)
81 | P a g e
2
Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu has said that by offending a Vaiñëava, one
finishes all his spiritual activities. Offending a Vaiñëava is considered
the mad elephant offense. A mad elephant can destroy an entire
garden which has been developed with great labor. One may attain the
topmost platform of devotional service, but somehow or other if he
offends a Vaiñëava, the whole structure collapses. Unconsciously,
King Rahügaëa offended Jaòa Bharata, but due to his good sense, he
asked to be excused. This is the process by which one can be relieved
from a Vaiñëava-aparadha. Kåñëa is always very simple and by nature
merciful. When one commits an offense at the feet of a Vaiñëava, one
must immediately apologize to such a personality so that his spiritual
advancement may not be hampered.
3
Maìgala-ärati
In this Kåñëa consciousness movement we require everyone to rise
early in the morning, by four A.M., and attend maìgala-ärati, or morning
worship, then read Çrémad-Bhägavatam, perform kértana, and so
forth. Thus we hold continuous activities in devotional service twenty-
four hours daily. This is called sato våtti, or following in the footsteps of
the previous äcäryas who expertly filled every moment of time with
Kåñëa conscious activities.
(Nectar of Instruction Text 3)
82 | P a g e
4
One should not be impatient in Kåñëa Consciousness. Indeed, this
Kåñëa Consciousness movement was started single-handedly, and in
the beginning there was no response, but because we continued to
execute our devotional activities with patience, people gradually began
to understand the importance of this movement, and now they are
eagerly participating. One should not be impatient in discharging
devotional service, but should take instructions from the spiritual
master and execute them with patience, depending on the mercy of
guru and Kåñëa.
(Morning Walk Conversation – December 5, 1976, Hyderabad)
5
Pure consciousness can be revived by the process of sacrifice, charity,
pious activities, etc., but when one pollutes his Kåñëa consciousness
by offending a brähmaëa or a Vaiñëava, it is very difficult to revive. Çré
Caitanya Mahäprabhu has described the Vaiñëava-aparädha, or
offense to a Vaiñëava, as "the mad elephant offense." One should be
very careful not to offend a Vaiñëava or a brähmaëa. Even the great
yogé Durväsä was harassed by the Sudarçana cakra when he offended
the Vaiñëava Mahäräja Ambaréña, who was neither a brähmaëa nor a
sannyäsé but an ordinary householder. Mahäräja Ambaréña was a
Vaiñëava, and consequently Durväsä Muni was chastised.
6
83 | P a g e
Guru Issue
One should not be eager to become a spiritual master cheaply for the
sake of profit and fame. The Lord never tolerates the impertinence of
maryädä-vyatikrama. One should never pass over the honor due to an
elderly spiritual master in the interests of one's own personal gain and
fame. Impertinence on the part of the pseudo spiritual master is very
risky to progressive spiritual realization.
7
Vapu & Väëé
The spiritual master is as good as the Supreme Personality of
Godhead, and therefore one who is very serious about spiritual
advancement must regard the spiritual master in this way. Even a slight
deviation from this understanding can create disaster in the disciple's
Vedic studies and austerities.
8
Sädhana
It is most important that our activities be regular or, in other words, on
a schedule. Everyone should chant on his beads sixteen rounds daily
without fail and follow the regulative principles strictly. These basic
Kåñëa Conscious duties are essential to be performed regularly, and
they will give you the necessary strength of spirit to keep always fixed
up in devotional service.
(Letter to Sucandra – 19 February, 1970, Los Angeles)
9
84 | P a g e
Even if one is a very learned and intelligent scholar, he cannot
understand the activities of a Vaiñëava. A Vaiñëava accepts anything
favorable for executing his mission. But foolish persons, not knowing
the purpose of such exalted Vaiñëavas, indulge in criticizing them. That
is forbidden. Since no one can understand what a Vaiñëava does for
the purpose of executing his mission, to criticize such a Vaiñëava is
the offense called sädhu-nindä.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Ädi-līlā Purport 15.22)
10
Chanting Quality
Here, in this material world, there are three qualities, sattva-guṇa, rajo-
guṇa, tamo-guṇa. So none of these guṇas are pure. There is a mixture.
And because there is mixture, therefore we see so many varieties. But
we have to come to the platform of sattva-guṇa. And that process is
hearing. This is the best process. Śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ Kṛṣṇaḥ puṇya-
śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ (Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.2.17). If you hear regularly
Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam... We are therefore stressing: "Always hear,
always read, always hear." Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (Śrīmad-
Bhāgavatam 1.2.18). Nitya. If you can constantly, twenty-four hours, if
you hear and chant Hear means somebody chants or you chant
yourself or hear, or some of your colleague may chant, you hear. Or he
may hear, you may chant. This process must go on. This is śrāvaṇaṁ
kīrtanaṁ viṣṇoḥ. Viṣṇoḥ (Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 7.5.23). That is
Bhāgavata. Not any other nonsense talks, gossiping. Simply hear and
chant. Then śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ Kṛṣṇa. If you seriously hear and
chant, seriously-"Yes, this life I shall engage only for increasing my love
of Vāsudeva"-if you are determined, it can be done. There is no
difficulty. And as soon as you do this, you increase fully your love for
Vasudeva, then there is no more chance of contacting material body.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – October 28, 1976, Vrindavan)
85 | P a g e
11
Vapu & Väëé
"This body is perishable." Nityasyoktäù çarériëaù: "But the proprietor
of the body, that is eternal." vapu means the physical body, and Väëé
means the vibration. So we are not concerned about the physical body.
Not concerned means... We are concerned, of course, because the
spiritual master, those who are äcäryas, their body is not considered
as material. Arcye çilä-dhér guruñu nara-matir. Guruñu means those
who are äcäryas, to accept their body as ordinary man's body, this is
denied in the çästras. So although a physical body is not present, the
vibration should be accepted as the presence of the spiritual master,
vibration. What we have heard from the spiritual master that is living.
(Lecture Excerpt – January 13, 1969, Los Angeles)

"This body is perishable." Nityasyoktäù çarériëaù: "But the
proprietor of the body, that is eternal." [break] ...väëé and vapu,
and vapu means the physical body, and väëé means the vibration.
So we are not concerned about the physical body. Not concerned
means... We are concerned, of course, because the spiritual
master, those who are äcäryas, their body is not considered as
materiel. Arcye çilä-dhér guruñu nara-matir. Just like the statue of
Kåñëa, to consider that "This is a stone..." Similarly, arcye çilä-
dhér guruñu na... Guruñu means those who are äcäryas, to accept
their body as ordinary man's body, this is denied in the çästras.
So although a physical body is not present, the vibration should
be accepted as the presence of the spiritual master, vibration.
What we have heard from the spiritual master that is living.”
12
86 | P a g e
Maìgala-ärati
That is the test. Yes. One who cannot rise early in the morning, he is
not spiritually serious. That is test. This hour Brahma-muhürta (one
hour before sunrise), is very auspicious moment.
(Room Conversation – December 13, 1970, Indore)

That is the test. Yes. One who cannot rise early in the morning, he
is not spiritually serious. That is test. Brähma-muhürta, this hour,
one hour before sunrise, is very auspicious moment.
13
Enthusiasm, "Yes, we must do it." That is wanted, not theoretically on
the armchair of devotional service. That will not be successful.
Armchair theory will not help you. You must be practical and there must
be enthusiasm. Then it will be successful. You are sitting in the same
position and you are thinking that you are making progress. That will
fail. You have to come out with enthusiasm. Then it will be successful.
That is required.
(Room Conversation with Yoga Student – March 14, 1975, Iran)
There is enthusiasm: "Yes, we must do it." That is wanted, not
theoretically on the armchair of devotional service. That will not
be successful. Armchair theory will not help you. You must be
practical and there must be enthusiasm. Then it will be
successful. You are sitting in the same position and you are
thinking that you are making progress. That will fail. You have to
come out with enthusiasm. Then it will be successful. That is
required.
87 | P a g e
14
Deity
In the material world, the Lord is always worshiped as the arcä-vigraha,
or Deity in the temple. There is no difference between the arcä-vigraha
and the original person, and therefore those who are engaged in
worshiping the Deity in the temple in full opulence, even on this planet,
should be understood to be directly in touch with the Supreme
Personality of Godhead without a doubt.
15
When one is advanced, he can see the importance of devotees.
Advanced devotees never disobey or disrespect another devotee.
Disrespect to another devotee is a great offense. Vaiñëava-aparädha
is a very serious offense. Therefore we teach to address amongst the
devotees, "Prabhu", "Prabhu", and “Such and such Prabhu." This
should not be simply spoken by the lips. It should be realized. Everyone
should think other devotee as his prabhu, master. Not he should try to
become master.
(Nectar of Devotion Lecture – October 23, 1972, Vrindavan)

So when one is advanced, he can see the importance of devotees.
Advanced devotee never disobey or disrespect another devotee.
Disrespect to another devotee is a great offense. Vaiñëava
aparädha. Vaiñëava aparädha is very serious offense. Therefore
we teach to address amongst the devotees, "Prabhu", "Prabhu",
"Such and such Prabhu." This should not be simply spoken by
the lips. It should be realized. Everyone should think other
devotee as his prabhu, master. Not he should try to become
master.
88 | P a g e
16
Vapu & Väëé
If a disciple is very serious to execute the mission of the spiritual
master, he immediately associates with the Supreme Personality of
Godhead by Väëé or Väëé. This is the only secret of success in seeing
the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Instead of being eager to see
the Lord in some bush in Vṛndāvana while at the same time engaging
in sense gratification, if one instead sticks to the principle of following
the words of the spiritual master, he will see the Supreme Lord without
difficulty.
17
Utsäha, that enthusiasm is the real beginning of determination. Unless
you are enthusiastic, how your determination can continue? So
determination, your enthusiasm, patience, working in the regulative
principle. These are the different function of determination.
Determination means one word of all these things, enthusiasm,
patience, working hard, with confidence. These are different features
of determination.
(Bhagavad-gétä Lecture – February 17, 1969, Los Angeles)
89 | P a g e
18
This material body; how it can become purified? Yes, it can be: the
example is just like you take an iron rod and put it in the fire and get it
warm, it becomes warm, warm, warmer and at last it becomes red hot.
At that time, it is no longer iron rod, it is fire. You touch anywhere it will
burn, similarly if you chant Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra regularly according to
the principles then gradually your whole body becomes spiritualised.
Then it is apāpa-vidham, no more sin. So you have to make your life
completely pure, then you will be admitted into the kingdom of God,
back to Godhead, back to home.
(Lecture on Gaura-Pürëimä festival - February 29, 1972, Mäyäpur)
“This material body how it can become purified? Yes it can be,
the example is just like you take an iron rod and put it in the fire
and get it warm, it becomes warm, warm, warmer and at last it
becomes red hot. At that time it is no longer iron rod, it is fire. You
touch anywhere it will burn, similarly if you chant Hare Kåñëa
mantra regularly according to the principles then gradually the
your whole body becomes spiritualised. Then it is apäpa-vidham
no more skin. So you have to make your life completely pure then
you will be admitted into the kingdom of God, back to Godhead,
back to home.”
90 | P a g e
19
Determination
Generally, we recommend our disciples to chant at least sixteen rounds on their japa beads
daily, and this should be completed. He must be sure to keep his vow. If he does not strictly
follow this out, then he is sure to be negligent. That is offensive in the service of the Lord.
If we encourage offenses, we shall not be able to make progress in devotional service. It is
better if one fixes up a regulative principle according to his own ability and then follows that
vow without fail. That will make him advanced in spiritual life.
One should engage oneself in the practice of yoga with determination and faith and not be
deviated from the path. One should abandon, without exception, all material desires born
of mental speculation and thus control all the senses on all sides by the mind."
The yoga practitioner should be determined and should patiently prosecute the practice
without deviation. One should be sure of success at the end and pursue this course with
great perseverance, not becoming discouraged if there is any delay in the attainment of
success. Success is sure for the rigid practitioner. Regarding bhakti-yoga, Rūpa Gosvāmī
says:
utsāhān niścayād dhairyāt

tat-tat-karma-pravartanāt
saṅga-tyāgāt sato vṛtteḥ
ṣaḍbhir bhaktiḥ prasidhyati
"One can execute the process of bhakti-yoga successfully with full-hearted enthusiasm,
perseverance, and determination, by following the prescribed duties in the association of
devotees and by engaging completely in activities of goodness." (Upadeśāmṛta 3)
As for determination, one should follow the example of the sparrow who lost her eggs in
the waves of the ocean. A sparrow laid her eggs on the shore of the ocean, but the big
ocean carried away the eggs on its waves. The sparrow became very upset and asked the
ocean to return her eggs. The ocean did not even consider her appeal. So the sparrow
decided to dry up the ocean. She began to pick out the water in her small beak, and
everyone laughed at her for her impossible determination. The news of her activity spread,
and at last Garuḍa, the gigantic bird carrier of Lord Viṣṇu, heard it. He became
compassionate toward his small sister bird, and so he came to see the sparrow. Garuḍa
was very pleased by the determination of the small sparrow, and he promised to help. Thus
Garuḍa at once asked the ocean to return her eggs lest he himself take up the work of the
sparrow. The ocean was frightened at this, and returned the eggs. Thus the sparrow
became happy by the grace of Garuḍa.
91 | P a g e
Similarly, the practice of yoga, especially bhakti-yoga in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, may appear
to be a very difficult job. But if anyone follows the principles with great determination, the
Lord will surely help, for God helps those who help themselves.
(Bhagavad-Gita Purport 6.24)
20
Chanting Quality
Öhäkura Haridäsa was the living example of how to follow the
regulative principles. Similarly, Raghunätha däsa Gosvämé was also
such a living example. In the Ñaò-gosvämy-añöaka it is stated:
saìkhyä-pürvaka-näma-gäna-natibhiù kälävasänékåtau. The
Gosvämés, especially Raghunätha däsa Gosvämé, strictly followed all
the regulative principles. The first regulative principle is that one must
chant the Hare Kåñëa mahä-mantra loudly enough so that he can hear
himself, and one must vow to chant a fixed number of rounds.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Antya-lélä Purport 11.24)
92 | P a g e
21
Maìgala-ärati
The first teaching is a brahmacäré should rise early in the morning.
That is the general education. It doesn't require that you have to learn
some book immediately. First of all build your character. Otherwise
what is the use of taking degrees if you have no character? Yasyästi
bhaktir bhagavaty akiïcanä sarvair guëair tatra samäsate suräù [
Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 5.18.12]. Just like in our institution they are being
trained up as devotee, he has to rise early in the morning for offering
maìgala-äratika, and you have got our order that everyone must attend
the maìgala-ärati.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – April 13, 1976, Bombay)

“So the first teaching is brahmacäré should rise early in the
morning. Brahmacäré... That is the general education–. It doesn't
require that you have to learn some book immediately. No. First
of all build your character. Otherwise what is the use of taking
degrees if you have no character? Yasyästi bhaktir bhagavaty
akiïcanä sarvair guëair tatra samäsate suräù [SB 5.18.12]. If you
become a devotee of Kåñëa... Just like in our institution they are
being trained up as devotee, so to rise early in the morning is
automatically there. There is no separate training. Because he is
devotee, he has to rise early in the morning for offering maìgala-
äratika, and you have got our order that everyone must attend the
maìgala-ärati.”
93 | P a g e
22
Holy Name
If there is an arrangement for the constant chanting of the holy names,
qualities, etc., of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, there is no
chance at all for the personality of Kali to enter. That is the technique
of driving away the personality of Kali from the world.
23
Sädhana
My advice is always chant 16 rounds minimum and follow the four
regulative principles. All of my disciples must agree on this point
otherwise they are not my disciples. Let one live anywhere, but stick to
the principles. My disciples must follow these principles living either in
heaven or hell.
(Letter to Raja Laksmi – February 17, 1976, Mäyäpur)
(Unedited quote)
My advice is always chant 16 rounds minimum and follow the four
regulative principles. All of my disciples must agree on this point
otherwise they are not my disciples. Let one live anywhere, but
stick to the principles. Disagreements will continue in this
material world. So one may live in a suitable place, but one must
follow these five principles. My disciples must follow these
principles living either in heaven or hell.
24
Chanting Quality
94 | P a g e
I thank all of you very much for accepting me as your spiritual master,
and I promise that I will take you back to home, back to Godhead. I ask
you all to promise me to always chant at least 16 rounds, follow the
regulative principles, read our books and try to preach this Kåñëa
Consciousness Movement all over the world.
(Letter to Nityananda – November 12, 1971, Delhi)
25
Holy Name
Simply by chanting the holy name of Kåñëa-Hare Kåñëa, Hare Kåñëa,
Kåñëa Kåñëa, Hare Hare/ Hare Räma, Hare Räma, Räma Räma, Hare
Hare-a devotee of the Lord can approach the supreme destination
easily and happily, but this destination cannot be approached by any
other process of religion
(Bhagavad-gītā Purport 12.6-7)
26
Reading
I am very much stressing nowadays that my students shall increase
their reading of my books and try to understand them from different
angles of vision. Each çloka can be seen from many, many angles of
vision, so become practiced in seeing things like this. If we are selling
the books but we do not know what is inside the book that will be a
farce.
(Letter to Tribhuvanatha – June 16, 1972, Los Angeles)
27
Vapu & Väëé
Never think that I am absent from you. Physical presence is not
essential; presence by message (or hearing) is real touch. Lord Kåñëa
is present by His message which was delivered 5,000 years ago. We
always feel the presence of our past äcäryas simply by their immutable
95 | P a g e
instructions.
(Letter to Students – August 2 1967, Vrindavan)
28
Holy Name
A person who is chanting the holy name, although born of a low family
like that of a caëòäla [dog-eater], is situated on the highest platform of
self-realization. Such a person must have performed all kinds of
penances and sacrifices according to Vedic rituals and studied the
Vedic literatures many, many times after taking his bath in all the holy
places of pilgrimage. Such a person is considered to be the best of the
Äryan family.
29
Maìgala-ärati
If one practices the rules then that is sufficient examination. One of the
items is that he has to rise early in the morning. So if one is doing all
these practical things, rising early in the morning, attending the
mangala-aräti, sitting in the class and reading Bhagavad-gétä, chanting
Hare Kåñëa, there is no need of examination. If he is doing, then he
has passed the examination.
(Roof Conversation – January 5, 1977, Bombay)
96 | P a g e
Examination or no examination, if you, they practice the rules, that
is sufficient examination. Suppose one of the items, that one has
to rise early in the morning... So if one is rising early in the
morning, then what is the examination? That is already examined.
If one has to rise early in the morning, attend the maìgala-ärati,
sitting in the class and reading Bhagavad-gétä, chanting Hare
Kåñëa... These are all practical. There is no need of examination.
If he is doing, then it is examination passed.
30
A Vaiñëava should be ready to give respect to anyone, all living entities,
because all living entities are part and parcel of Kåñëa. They should
offer respect to everyone. Just like this finger is a part and parcel of my
body. If you respect my body and cut my finger, shall I be happy? No.
Therefore Vaiñëava knows this, that "Even a small ant, he is the part
and parcel of Kåñëa. So if I kill this ant, Kåñëa will be unhappy."
(Bhagavad-gétä Lecture – June 30, 1973, Calcutta)

“A Vaiñëava should be ready to give respect to anyone, all living
entities, because all living entities are part and parcel of Kåñëa. They
should offer respect to everyone. Just like this finger is my part and
parcel of the body. If you respect my body and kill my, cut my finger,
shall I be happy? No. Therefore Vaiñëava knows this, that "Even a
small ant, he is the part and parcel of Kåñëa. So if I kill this ant, Kåñëa
will be unhappy. Kåñëa will be unhappy."
97 | P a g e
July
1
Chanting Quality
We have to make a regulated program that we must chant Hare Kåñëa
so many times because we are not offenseless. Otherwise one
chanting of Kåñëa is sufficient to make you liberated. Just like Ajämila.
Once he chanted Näräyaëa. He became immediately liberated
because he was offenseless. But since we cannot do that we have to
make a prescription.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – January 16, 1971, Allahabad)

“We have to make a regulated program that we must chant Hare Kåñëa
so many times. Otherwise one chanting of Kåñëa is sufficient to make
you liberated, one chant, "Kåñëa," "Räma," once, that's all, sufficient.
Just like this Ajämila. Once he chanted Näräyaëa. He became
immediately liberated because he was offenseless. But because we
cannot do that, therefore we have to make a prescription.”
98 | P a g e
2
Everyone should offer respect to a Vaiñëava without considering his
source of birth. Vaiñëave jäti-buddhiù. No one should consider a
Vaiñëava in terms of birth. The Vaiñëava is always the best of the
brähmaëas, and as such one should offer all respects to a Vaiñëava,
not only as a brähmaëa but as the best of the brähmaëas.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 4.22.12)
3
Vapu & Väëé
The disciple and spiritual master are never separated, because the
spiritual master always keeps company with the disciple as long as
the disciple follows strictly the instructions of the spiritual master. This
is called the association of väëé (words). Physical presence is called
vapuù. As long as the spiritual master is physically present, the
disciple should serve the physical body of the spiritual master, and
when the spiritual master is no longer physically existing, the disciple
should serve the instructions of the spiritual master.
(Purport Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 4.28.47)
4
Maìgala-ärati
When a boy goes to school, he has to follow the rules and regulations,
but after a while he becomes accustomed to them and does not have
to be taught. In other words, he learns automatically to come to school
at a certain time, take his seat and study nicely. Similarly, in this Kåñëa
consciousness movement, we have certain rules and regulations. We
must rise early in the morning for maìgala-ärati, chant sixteen rounds
of Hare Kåñëa daily, and execute all the functions of bhakti-yoga. In
this way, we become attached to rendering service to Kåñëa, and we
99 | P a g e
become practiced in this science. When we attain this stage, we
immediately become self-realized.
5
Deity
If the devotee knows perfectly that the arcä-vigraha, or Deity form of
Lord Kåñëa in the temple, is exactly the same sac-cid-änanda-vigrahaù
as Lord Kåñëa Himself, then his service to the temple Deity becomes
direct service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Similarly, the
temple itself, the temple paraphernalia and the food offered to the Deity
are also not separate from Kåñëa. One has to follow the rules and
regulations prescribed by the äcärya, and thus, under superior
guidance, Kåñëa realization is fully possible, even in this material
existence.
(Kṛṣṇa Book Chapter 82)
6
Reading
I have already answered the most important question. “How to please
Kåñëa?”-by following all the regulative principle that I have given you,
chanting 16 rounds and reading my books scrutinizingly. Everyone
must do these things, otherwise they cannot understand Kåñëa
Consciousness.
(Letter to Adi-kesava – January 16, 1975, Bombay)
100 | P a g e
7
Holy Name
One who is not self-controlled and whose mind is not undisturbed
cannot practice meditation. Therefore, in the Båhan-näradéya Puräëa
it is said that in Kali-yuga (the present yuga, or age), when people in
general are short-lived, slow in spiritual realization and always
disturbed by various anxieties, the best means of spiritual realization is
chanting the holy name of the Lord. "In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy
the only means of deliverance is chanting the holy name of the Lord.
There is no other way. There is no other way. There is no other way."
(Bhagavad-gītā 6.11-12)
8
Sädhana
Simply if you will rigidly follow the regulative principles and chant 16
rounds of beads daily without fail and engage whole-heartedly in
devotional service, your rapid advancement in Kåñëa Consciousness
will be certain.
(Letter to Gurukrpa – March 30, 1971, Bombay)
9
Vapu& Väëé
A devoted disciple of the spiritual master would rather die with the
spiritual master than fail to execute the spiritual master's mission. As
the Supreme Personality of Godhead comes down upon this earth to
re-establish the principles of religion, so His representative, the spiritual
master, also comes to re-establish religious principles. It is the duty of
the disciples to take charge of the mission of the spiritual master and
execute it properly. Otherwise the disciple should decide to die along
with the spiritual master. In other words, to execute the will of the
spiritual master, the disciple should be prepared to lay down his life
and abandon all personal considerations.
101 | P a g e
10
Deity
Ms. Nixon: One of the most difficult aspects of Kåñëa consciousness
for an outsider to accept is the Deity in the temple-how it represents
Kåñëa. Could you talk a little bit about that?
Çréla Prabhupäda: Yes. At the present moment, because you have not
been trained to see Kåñëa, He kindly appears before you so you can
see Him. You can see wood and stone, but you cannot see what is
spiritual. Suppose your father is in the hospital, and he dies. You are
crying by his bedside, "Now my father is gone!" But why do you say he
is gone? What is that thing which is gone?
Ms. Nixon: Well, his spirit is gone.
Çréla Prabhupäda: And have you seen that spirit?
Ms. Nixon: No.
"Çréla Prabhupäda: So you cannot see spirit, and God is the Supreme
Spirit. Actually, He is everything-spirit and matter-but you cannot see
Him in His spiritual identity. Therefore, to show kindness toward you,
He appears out of His unbounded mercy in the form of a wooden or
stone Deity so that you can see Him.
(Science of Self Realization Chapter 1b)
102 | P a g e
11
Vapu & Väëé
Revaté-nandana: Sometimes this question comes up, with the
devotees especially, that sometimes the spiritual master is far away.
He may be in Los Angeles and somebody may be in Hamburg temple.
So he thinks, “How will the spiritual master be pleased?”
Prabhupäda: Just follow his order. Spiritual master is along with you by
his words. Just like my spiritual master is not physically present, but I
am associating with him by his words.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – August 18, 1971, London)

Revaté-nandana: There'll be temporary changes due to Lord
Caitanya's appearance. Right? Sometimes this question comes up,
with the devotees especially, that it says the devotee makes
advancement when the spiritual master is pleased. Right? So
sometimes the spiritual master is far, far away. He may be in Los
Angeles. Somebody is coming to Hamburg temple. He thinks, "How
will the spiritual master be pleased?"
Prabhupäda: Just follow his order. Spiritual master is along with you by
his words. Just like my spiritual master is not physically present, but I
am associating with him by his words.
103 | P a g e
12
Maìgala-ärati
Unless there is vairägya, there is no question of happiness. But we cannot
attain vairägya immediately; therefore the vidhi-märga, to rise early in the
morning, to attend maìgala ärati, to offer flowers, fruits to the Deity and in
this way we shall be engaged twenty-four hours. Then vairägya-vidyä will
gradually develop. Anarthopaçamaà säkñäd bhakti-yogam adhokñaje
[Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.7.6]. We do not say that you starve, don't eat
anything, don't sleep at all. It should be regulated. Anäsaktasya viñayän
yathärtham upayuïjataù. Don't be attached to eating, sleeping. That is not
good. But you must eat, you must sleep as little as possible, and try to
conquer over it. My mind is dictating, "Sleep seventeen hours." But ‘No’.
Tapasä brahmacaryeëa [Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 6.1.13]. Why shall you
sleep more than four hours or five hours, or utmost six hours? That is
vairägya-vidyä. We have to learn it. That is devotional service.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – November 28, 1976, Vṛndāvana)
So unless there is vairägya, there is no question of happiness. But we cannot
attain vairägya immediately; therefore the vidhi-märga, vidhi-märga-bhakti, to rise
early in the morning, to attend maìgala ärati, to offer Deity flowers, fruits, and in
this way we shall be engaged twenty-four hours. Then vairägya-vidyä will
gradually develop. Anarthopaçamaà säkñäd bhakti-yogam adhokñaje [SB 1.7.6].
Then the anartha... This material life is simply anartha, has no meaning, because
we are creating another life. Without any spiritual knowledge, if we simply give
ourself to the action and reaction of material nature, then we are making progress
104 | P a g e
on the path of måtyu-saàsära vartmani [Bg. 9.3]. And if we attain Kåñëa, then
mäm upetya kaunteya duùkhälayam açäçvatam, näpnuvanti [Bg. 8.15]. The two
ways.
So our request is that you have taken to this vairägya-vidyä. So vairägya-vidyä,
we do not say that you starve, don't eat anything, don't sleep at all. No. It should
be regulated. Anäsaktasya viñayän yathärtham upayuïjataù. Don't be attached
to eating, sleeping. That is not good. But you must eat, you must sleep as little as
possible, and try to conquer over it. My mind dictating, "Sleep seventeen hours."
No. That is tapasya. Tapasä brahmacaryeëa [SB 6.1.13]. Why shall you sleep
more than four hours or five hours, or utmost six hours? That's all, not more than
that. That is vairägya-vidyä. We have to learn it. That is devotional service.
13
Deity
If someone becomes attached to the Çré-mürti, or Deity of Kåñëa, then
he will forget his relationships of so-called friendship, love and society.
One must see the form of Govinda if one at all wants to forget the
nonsense of material friendship, love and society.
(Nectar of Devotion Text 13)
14
The practice of yoga, especially bhakti-yoga in Kåñëa Consciousness,
may appear to be a very difficult job. But if anyone follows the principles
with great determination, the Lord will surely help, for God helps those
who help themselves.
(Bhagavad-gétä Purport 6.24)
15
Sädhana
As the temple is growing more and more, so can your service expend
also. So stay strong in Kåñëa's service by strictly following the
regulative principles, chanting 16 rounds daily, without fail, reading all
our literatures, and engaging whole-heartedly in devotional service, 24
hours. Then you will be happy and Kåñëa will be pleased.
105 | P a g e
(Letter to Anandini – March 30, 1971, Bombay)
16
Reading
If you want to study, there is much time in the day for studying, but you
must go also on Saìkértana party, that is the result or practice of your
studying. Simply studying is dry and useless without chanting.
(Letter to Sankarasana – July 23, 1972, Paris)
17
Holy Name
If you always chant Hare Kåñëa mantra & be in touch with Kåñëa, then
you are secure. Mäyä will not be able to touch you. And if we can
somehow or other pass our days, then at the time of death we
remember Kåñëa, then the whole life is successful.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – April 19, 1973, New York)

So always chant Hare Kåñëa mantra, be in touch with Kåñëa in so
many ways, then you are secure. Mäyä will not be able to touch you.
And if we can somehow or other pass our days and at the time of death
we remember Kåñëa, then the whole life is successful.
18
There are two kinds of impediments to devotional service. The first is
an offense at the lotus feet of a Vaiñëava. This is called Vaiñëava-
aparädha. Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu warned His devotees not to
commit Vaiñëava-aparädha, which He described as the mad elephant
offense. When a mad elephant enters a beautiful garden, it destroys
everything, leaving a barren field. Similarly, the power of Vaiñëava-
aparädha is so great that even an advanced devotee becomes almost
106 | P a g e
devoid of his spiritual assets if he commits it. Since Kåñëa
consciousness is eternal, it cannot be destroyed altogether, but
advancement may be checked for the time being. Thus Vaiñëava-
aparädha is one kind of impediment to devotional service.
19
Guru Issue
To approach a bona fide guru, or spiritual master, is essential. The
bona fide spiritual master is he who has received the mercy of his guru,
who in turn is bona fide because he has received the mercy of his guru.
This is called the paramparä system. Unless one follows this
paramparä system, the mantra one receives will be chanted for no
purpose.
107 | P a g e
20
Chanting Quality
Brahmänanda: I think sometimes we recommend the devotees to chant
their rounds in the temple rather than walk in other places.
Prabhupäda: Why should one walk to other places? Who has said that
you go out? I never said. You should chant in the temple. Unless one
has got some important business for the temple, why should he go
outside? There is no need. That is the chance of falling down.
I have explained, chanting outside the temple and chanting in the

temple, it increases the value thousand times.
(Morning walk – November 2, 1975, Nairobi & Morning Walk - April
15, 1976, Bombay)
Brahmänanda: I think sometimes we recommend the devotees to chant
their rounds in the temple rather than walk in other places.
Prabhupäda: Why one should walk other places? Who has said that
you go out, walk other places? Never said.
Devotee (7): It may not really be necessary.
Prabhupäda: No. You should chant in the temple. Why should you go
to other place?
Devotee (7): So there is no difference someone chanting out of the
temple, in the temple.
Prabhupäda: Why you should go outside? Who has allowed him to go
outside? Unless he has got some important business for the temple,
108 | P a g e
why one should go to outside? There is no need. That is the chance of
falling down. Why you should go outside?
(Morning walk – November 2, 1975, Nairobi)
Prabhupäda: Yes. [break] And this night I have explained, chanting
outside the temple and chanting in the temple, it increases the value
thousand times. That I have explained, this evening, this last night.
(Morning Walk - April 15, 1976, Bombay)
21
Vapu & Väëé
Whenever the äcärya comes, following the superior orders of the
Supreme Personality of Godhead or His representative, he establishes
the principles of religion. Unfortunately, when the äcärya disappears,
rogues and non-devotees take advantage and immediately begin to
introduce unauthorized principles. The äcärya, the authorized
representative of the Supreme Lord, establishes the principles of
religion, but when he disappears, things once again become
disordered. The perfect disciples of the äcärya try to relieve the
situation by sincerely following the instructions of the spiritual master.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam purport 4.28.48)
22
Holy Name
Simply our prayer should be, ‘My dear Kåñëa, please remind me to
always chant Your Holy Name, please do not put me into forgetfulness.
You are sitting within me as Supersoul, so you can put me into
forgetfulness or into remembering You. So please do not put me into
forgetfulness. Please always remind me to chant, even You send me
into the hell, it doesn't matter, just so long as I can always chant Hare
Kåñëa’.
(Letter to Devananda – November 23, 1968, Los Angeles)
109 | P a g e
23
Missionaries Qualities
Suppose you are engineer. You are doing duty very nicely. Or a
medical man, or a business man, or anyone-everyone has to do
something. You cannot sit down idly and you'll get your livelihood. Even
if you are a lion you have to work. Na hi suptasya siṁhasya praviśanti
mukhe mṛgāḥ. This is... The material world is like that. Even if you are
as powerful as a lion, you cannot sleep. If you think, "I am lion, I am the
king of the forest. Let me sleep, and the animal will come and enter in
my mouth." No, that is not possible. Even if you are animal, you have
to catch up an animal. Then you'll be able to eat. Otherwise you'll have
to starve. Therefore Kṛṣṇa says, niyataṁ kuru karma tvaṁ karma jyāyo
hy akarmaṇaḥ (Bhagavad-gītā 3.8). "You must do your duty." Śarīra-
yātrāpi ca te na prasiddhyed akarmaṇaḥ. Don't think that the Kṛṣṇa
consciousness movement is teaching people to escape. No, that is not
Kṛṣṇa's instruction. We do not allow any lazy man. He must be
engaged. That is Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. That is Kṛṣṇa's
order. Niyataṁ kuru karma. Arjuna was refusing to fight. He was trying
to be nonviolent gentleman. Kṛṣṇa did not allow him. "No, no, you
cannot do that. That is your weakness." Kutas tvā kaśmalam idaṁ
viṣame samupasthitam (Bhagavad-gītā 2.2): "You are proving yourself
rascal. It is anārya-juṣṭam. This kind of proposal is for the anārya,
uncivilized man. Don't do that." That is Kṛṣṇa's (instruction)... So don't
think that those who are Kṛṣṇa conscious, they'll become lazy and
imitate Haridāsa Ṭhākura. That is not Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Kṛṣṇa
consciousness means, as Kṛṣṇa instructs, you must be very, very busy,
110 | P a g e
twenty-four hours. That is Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Not to become a lazy
fellow, eat and sleep. No.
(Çrémad-Bhägavatam Lecture – September 21, 1976, Vrndavana)
You are doing your duty very nicely. Your dharma means your
occupational duty. Suppose you are engineer. You are doing duty very
nicely. Or a medical man, or a business man, or anyone—everyone
has to do something. You cannot sit down idly and you'll get your
livelihood. Even if you are a lion you have to work. Na hi suptasya
siàhasya praviçanti mukhe mågäù. This is... The material world is like
that. Even if you are as powerful as a lion, you cannot sleep. If you
think, "I am lion, I am the king of the forest. Let me sleep, and the animal
will come and enter in my mouth." No, that is not possible. Even if you
are animal, you have to catch up an animal. Then you'll be able to eat.
Otherwise you'll have to starve. Therefore Kåñëa says, niyataà kuru
karma tvaà karma jyäyo hy akarmaëaù. "You must do your duty."
Çaréra-yäträpi ca te na prasiddhyed akarmaëaù. Don't think... The
rascal says that "Kåñëa consciousness movement is teaching people
to escape. They've become..." No, that is not Kåñëa's instruction. We
do not allow any lazy man. He must be engaged. That is Kåñëa
consciousness movement. That is Kåñëa's order. Niyataà kuru karma.
Arjuna was refusing to fight. He was trying to be nonviolent gentleman.
Kåñëa did not allow him. "No, no, you cannot do that. That is your
weakness." Kutas tvä kaçmalam idaà viñame samupasthitam: "You are
proving yourself rascal. It is anärya-juñöam. This kind of proposal is for
the anärya, uncivilized man. Don't do that." That is Kåñëa's... So don't
think that Kåñëa consciousness movement, those who are Kåñëa
conscious, they'll become lazy and imitate Haridäsa Öhäkura. That is
not Kåñëa consciousness. Kåñëa consciousness means, as Kåñëa
instructs, you must be very, very busy, twenty-four hours. That is Kåñëa
consciousness. Not to become a lazy fellow, eat and sleep. No.
111 | P a g e
24
Please do therefore everything with enthusiasm. That will satisfy me,
and Kåñëa also, and as a result of which you will be satisfied
transcendentally, this is our position.
(Letter to Bali-mardana – May 25, 1970, Los Angeles)
25
Vapu & Väëé
If there is no chance to serve the spiritual master directly, a devotee
should serve him by remembering his instructions. There is no
difference between the spiritual master’s instructions and the spiritual
master himself. In his absence, therefore, his words of direction should
be the pride of the disciple.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Adi Lila Purport 1.35)
26
Guru Issue
Kåñëa is the spiritual master because He originally gave the Vedic
instructions to Brahmä, and presently He is also instructing the
Bhagavad-gétä to Arjuna; therefore He is the original spiritual master,
and any bona fide spiritual master at the present moment must be a
descendant in the line of disciplic succession stemming from Kåñëa.
112 | P a g e
Without being a representative of Kåñëa, one cannot become a teacher
or spiritual master of transcendental subject matter.
(Bhagavad-gītā Purport11.43)
27
Reading
In my books the philosophy of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is explained fully,
so if there is anything which you do not understand, then you simply
have to read again and again. By reading daily the knowledge will be
revealed to you....You may please me the most by reading my books
and following the instructions therein.
(Letter to: Bahurupa—Bombay,22 November, 1974)
In my books the philosophy of Kṛṣṇa Consciousness is explained fully
so if there is anything which you do not understand, then you simply
have to read again and again. By reading daily the knowledge will be
revealed to you and by this process your spiritual life will develop.
You may please me the most by reading my books and following the
instructions therein and by becoming fully Kṛṣṇa Conscious in this life
time.
113 | P a g e
28
Just like you have a nice garden and you are watering, giving manure
and protecting and if in that garden a mad elephant enters, then it will
destroy everything, all your labor will go to hell immediately. It will
destroy everything. Similarly, you may do anything very nicely; but if
you commit offense at the feet of a pure Vaiñëava, then all your assets
will be immediately vanquished. Because Kåñëa is very angry. Those
who are envious upon Vaiñëava and Viñëu, the more dangerous
position is to be envious of a Vaiñëava. Viñëu aparädha can be
excused, God is very kind. But He never excuses Vaiñëava-aparädha.
That is His vow.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – March 5, 1972, Calcutta)

Just like you have a nice garden, very good garden, you are watering,
you are giving protection, giving manure, everything. But if in that
garden a mad elephant enters, then it will destroy everything, all your
labor will go to hell immediately. It will destroy everything. Similarly, you
may do anything very nicely; but if you commit offense at the feet of a
pure Vaiñëava, then all your assets will be immediately vanquished.
Vaiñëava aparädha. Because Kåñëa is very angry. Tän ahaà dviñataù
krürän kñipämy ajasram yoniñu [Bg. 16.19]. In the Bhagavad-gétä it is
said, Kåñëa said, dviñataù krürän. Dviñataù, those who are envious
upon Vaiñëava and Viñëu, the more dangerous position is to be
envious of a Vaiñëava. Viñëu aparädha can be excused, God is very
kind. But He never excuses Vaiñëava aparädha. That is His vow.
114 | P a g e
29
The more you engage yourself in the service of the Lord, the more you
become enthusiastic. There is no question of becoming tired. Just like I
am old man. I have come from India. My age is seventy-six years. So
still I am enthusiastic. Still I am going everywhere, all over the world.
Why? Kåñëa’s service is so nice. Even an old man like me gets energy
to work. And that’s also without any salary. Kåñëa’s service is so nice
that you try to engage yourself more and more then you’ll get more and
more Kåñëa consciousness, more enthusiasm. And this is spiritual.
(Arrival Lecture – July 29, 1971, Gainesville)
115 | P a g e
30
Guru Issue
Devotee: Çréla Prabhupäda, if the knowledge was handed down by
the saintly kings, evaà paramparä-präptam, how is it that the
knowledge was lost?
Prabhupäda: It is lost when it is not handed down but simply
understood by speculation or if it is not handed down as it is. Either
they might have made some changes or they did not hand it down.
Suppose I handed it down to you, but if you do not do that, then it is
lost. Now the Kåñëa Consciousness movement is going on in my
presence. Now after my departure, if you do not do this, then it is lost.
If you go on as you are doing it now, then it will go on.
(Room Conversation – May 9, 1975, Perth)
Gaëeça: Çréla Prabhupäda, if the knowledge was handed down by the
saintly kings, evaà paramparä-präptam [Bg. 4.2], how is it that the
knowledge was lost?
Prabhupäda: When it was not handed down. Simply understood by
speculation. Or if it is not handed down as it is. They might have made
some changes. Or they did not hand it down. Suppose I handed it down
to you, but if you do not do that, then it is lost. Now the Kåñëa
consciousness movement is going on in my presence. Now after my
deparature, if you do not do this, then it is lost. If you go on as you are
doing now, then it will go on. But if you stop... (end)
116 | P a g e
31
Sädhana
You should try very sincerely to become a pure devotee of Kåñëa by
following all of the four regulative principles and chanting at least 16
rounds daily, as well as rising early, attending mangala aräti, attending
classes, etc. By this simple method, you will be very strongly fixed in
spiritual life and whatever problems you may have will seem
insignificant.
(Letter to Pancananda – February 15, 1975, Mexico City)
August
117 | P a g e
1
Chanting Quality
The spiritual master has given you so many things to do. Do it. First of
all finish that. First of all finish sixteen rounds, observe the regulative
principles. First of all finish this duty. And neglecting this duty, what you
can do further? If you cannot finish sixteen rounds chanting, you cannot
observe the regulative principles, then what else you can do? First of
all finish this duty. Be expert in finishing, executing these duties. Then
ask for another duty. And if you finish these duties, automatically Kåñëa
will give you intelligence.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – February 22, 1973, Auckland)
The spiritual master has given you so many things to do. Do it.
First of all finish that. First of all finish sixteen rounds, observe
the regulative principles. First of all... First of all finish this duty.
And neglecting this duty, what you can do further? If you cannot
finish sixteen rounds chanting, you cannot observe the regulative
principles, then what else you can do? First of all finish this duty.
Be expert in finishing, executing these duties. Then ask for
another duty. And if you finish these duties, automatically Kåñëa
will give you intelligence.
2
We must be enthusiastic that “I shall engage myself very nicely in
Kåñëa Consciousness movement.” That is first qualification,
enthusiasm. Dullness will not help you. You must be very enthusiastic.
My Guru Mahäräja used to say, präëa ache yara sei hetu pracära. A
person can become a preacher if he has got life. A dead man cannot
become a preacher. So you must be very enthusiastic that “I shall
preach the glories of the Lord to my best capacity.” It is not that one
has to become very learned scholar to become a preacher. Simply it
118 | P a g e
requires enthusiasm, “My Lord is so great, so kind, so beautiful, and so
wonderful. So I must speak something about my Lord.” This is the
qualification, enthusiasm.
(Nectar of Devotion Lecture – October 20, 1972, Vṛndāvana)
We must be enthusiastic that we... "I shall engage myself very nicely in
Kåñëa consciousness movement." That is first qualification,
enthusiastic. Dullness will not help you. You must be very enthusiastic.
My Guru Mahäräja used to say, präëa ache yara sei hetu pracära. A
preacher can, a person can become a preacher if he has got life. A
dead man cannot become a preacher. So you must be very
enthusiastic that "I shall preach the glories of the Lord to my best
capacity." It is not that one has to become very learned scholar to
become a preacher. Simply it requires enthusiasm, "My Lord is so
great, so kind, so beautiful, so wonderful. So I must speak something
about my Lord." This is the qualification, enthusiasm.
3
Holy Name
Highest benefit is derived from the Mahämantra, or Hare Kåñëa
Mantra, because this is said by authorities. Compare what you were
before to what you have become, now challenge any other mantra to
produce such effect. You know it. Now try to realize it yourself and
convince others. That is Kåñëa Consciousness.
(Letter to Madhavananda – April 25, 1972, Tokyo)
4
Deity
I am pleased also that you are decorating your temple nicely. The more
you decorate the temple beautifully the more your heart will be
beautiful. The example is that the more you decorate the original the
more the reflection automatically is decorated. So our heart is the
reflection of the Original Consciousness, Kåñëa, and the more Kåñëa
119 | P a g e
and His paraphernalia are decorated the more this will be reflected in
our heart and we will feel transcendental bliss.
(Letter to Upendra – October 27, 1969, Tittenhurst)
5
Dhairya means patience. Because you have begun devotional service
with great enthusiasm...you are already on the perfectional platform,
but if you become impatient that "Why I am not becoming perfect?
Sometimes why mäyä is kicking me?" Yes. That is habitual. That will
go on. It will stop. Dhairyät, niçcayät, that "When Kåñëa says, sarva-
dharmän parityajya mäm ekaà çaraëaà vraja [Bg. 18.66], now I have
given up everything. I have no other occupational duties. Simply to
serve Kåñëa. So when I have taken to it, then niçcaya, Kåñëa will surely
give me protection." That is called niçcaya. Don't be disappointed.
Kåñëa is not a false speaker.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture, January 7, 1975, Mumbai)

“Dhairya means patience, not that "Because I have begun devotional
service with great enthusiasm..." So you are already on the perfectional
platform, but if you become impatient that "Why I am not becoming
perfect? Sometimes why mäyä is kicking me?" Yes. That is habitual.
That will go on. It will stop. Niçcayät. Dhairyät, niçcayät, that "When
Kåñëa says, sarva-dharmän parityajya mäm ekaà çaraëaà vraja [Bg.
18.66], now I have given up everything. I have no other occupational
duties. Simply to serve Kåñëa. So when I have taken to it, then niçcaya,
Kåñëa will surely give me protection." That is called niçcaya. Don't be
disappointed. Kåñëa is not a false speaker.”
6
Holy Name
120 | P a g e
It is not possible for the common man in this age to follow all the rules
and regulations of the Vedic rituals, nor is it possible to study all of the
Vedänta and the Upaniñads thoroughly. It requires much time, energy,
knowledge and resources to execute the purposes of the Vedas. This
is hardly possible in this age. The best purpose of Vedic culture is
served, however, by chanting the holy name of the Lord, as
recommended by Lord Caitanya, the deliverer of all fallen souls.
7
Vapu& Väëé
You are asking me if I am present in my picture and form. The answer
is yes. In form as well as in teachings. To carry out the teachings of
guru is more important than to worship the form, but none of them
should be neglected. Form is called Väëé and teachings is called Väëé.
Both should be worshiped. Väëé is more important than Vapu.
(Letter to Tusta Kåñëa – December 14, 1972, Ahmedabad)
8
Chanting Quality
Our request to all our students is that they daily chant at least sixteen
rounds of this harer näma mahä-mantra offenselessly, following the
regulative principles. Thus their success will be assured without a
doubt.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Ädi Lila Purport 17.23)
9
Sädhana
The two stages of executing devotional service are, first, the stage of
practicing devotional service with our present senses under the
regulations of the recognized scriptures, and second, attaining sincere
attachment for serving the particles of the dust of the lotus feet of the
Lord. The first stage is called sädhana-bhakti, or devotional service for
121 | P a g e
the neophyte, which is rendered under the direction of a pure devotee,
and the second stage is called räga-bhakti, in which the mature
devotee automatically takes to the various services of the Lord out of
sincere attachment.
10
Ordinarily, we have to try our best…. to our best capacity to achieve
something, and by Kåñëa's Grace, all of a sudden we shall see
everything is there. This sort of help from Kåñëa is transcendental
happiness. Our principle should be therefore, that we should work for
the mission with great enthusiasm, with certainty for its success, and
patiently follow the regulative principles, and associate ourselves with
pure devotees, and work being completely in Kåñëa Consciousness,
that will make us happy and successful.
(Letter to Brahmananda – February 20, 1968, Los Angeles)
11
Sädhana
Please follow the regulative principles strictly, and chant daily sixteen
rounds of beads regularly without fail. This is the essential process for
dissolving the clouds of illusion or Maya; and when the cloud of illusion
is removed, then we can understand Kåñëa Consciousness perfectly
(Letter to Nityananda – March 6, 1970, Los Angeles)
12
Reading
Actually these books are the foundation stone of our movement.
Whatever we are is resting on these books. Reading and distributing
them-this should be our only motto.
(Letter to Hådayänanda – October 31, 1974, Bombay)
122 | P a g e
13
Reading
Please continue to read the literature very attentively. Try to understand
very soberly and you will feel ecstasy undoubtedly. The more we
understand the spiritual literatures the more we become engladdened.
Lord Caitanya has written: ananda ambudhi-bardhanam. This means
the ocean of bliss is always increasing. So continue to execute your
duties with enthusiasm and patience, and I am certain Kåñëa will be
pleased to make you successful on all accounts.
(Letter to Aniruddha – December 7, 1969, London)
14
Guru Issue
One should try to cooperate with the Lord in His outward activities for
correcting the fallen souls. By His order only, one should become a
spiritual master and cooperate with the Lord. One should not become
a spiritual master for one's personal benefit, for some material gain or
as an avenue of business or occupation for earning livelihood. Bona
fide spiritual masters who look unto the Supreme Lord to cooperate
with Him are actually qualitatively one with the Lord.
15
Maìgala-ärati
When you become fully Kåñëa conscious by worshiping the Deity
regularly, as we have got prescription to rise early in the morning, offer
123 | P a g e
maìgala-ärati, then kértana, then class, in this way when you practice
and become advanced in Kåñëa consciousness, then your natural
tendency will be how to preach.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – February 11, 1976, Mäyäpur)
16
Deity
The worship of the Deity in the temple is essential to reduce one’s
restlessness due to the contaminations of conditioned life. Thus
Närada, in his päïcarätriké-vidhi, and other great sages have
sometimes stressed that since every conditioned soul has a bodily
concept of life aimed at sense enjoyment, to restrict this sense
enjoyment the rules and regulations for worshiping the Deity in the
temple are essential.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Ädi Lila Purport 7.76)
17
Holy Name
The name of Kåñëa is non-different from Kåñëa. Therefore, the name
of Kåñëa is as powerful as Lord Kåñëa Himself. There is no difference
at all. Anyone, therefore, can take advantage of the holy names of Lord
Çré Kåñëa even in the midst of greatest dangers. The transcendental
name of Kåñëa, even though uttered unconsciously or by force of
circumstances, can help one obtain freedom from the hurdle of birth
and death.
18
Vapu & Väëé
Disciple: Can a Christian in this age, without a spiritual master, but by
reading the Bible and following Jesus’s words, reach the spiritual sky?
Prabhupäda: When you read Bible, you follow spiritual master. How
124 | P a g e
can you say without spiritual master?
Disciple: I was referring to a living spiritual master.
Çréla Prabhupäda: There is no question of whether the spiritual
master is “living.” The spiritual master is eternal.
(General Lecture – October 2, 1968, Seattle)
Tamäla Kåñëa: Can a Christian in this age, without a spiritual master,
but by reading the Bible and following Jesus's words, reach the...
Prabhupäda: When you read Bible, you follow spiritual master. How
can you say without? As soon as you read Bible, that means you are
following the instruction of Lord Jesus Christ, that means you are
following spiritual master. So where is the opportunity of being without
spiritual master?
Madhudviña: I was referring to a living spiritual master.
Prabhupäda: Spiritual master is not the question of... Spiritual master
is eternal. Spiritual master is eternal. So your question is without
spiritual master. Without spiritual master you cannot be, at any stage
of your life.
19
Deity
We should follow two important lines, namely the päïcarätriké-vidhi as
well as bhägavata-vidhi. The bhägavata-vidhi is preaching work, and
Saìkértana, and päïcarätriké-vidhi is Temple worship of the Deities.
The Temple worship will keep us sanctified, and when we shall preach
in sanctified, pure heart, the preaching will be immediately effective.
So we have to follow the two parallel lines simultaneously for
successful execution of devotional service.
(Letter to Gurudasa – March 15, 1970, Los Angeles)
20
125 | P a g e
Guru Issue
Just like Caitanya Mahāprabhu said, āmāra ājñāya guru hañā (Çré
Caitanya-caritämåta Madhya 7.128), and “You become a spiritual
master under My order." So if you carry out the order of Caitanya
Mahāprabhu, Kṛṣṇa, then you become guru. āmāra ājñāya guru hañā.
Unfortunately, we do not wish to carry out order of the ācāryas. We
manufacture our own ways. We have got practical experience how a
great institution was lost by whimsical ways. Without carrying out the
order of the spiritual master, they manufactured something and the
whole thing was lost. Therefore, Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura
stresses very much on the words of the spiritual master.
Vyavasāyātmikā buddhir ekeha kuru-nandana (Bhagavad-gītā 2.41). If
you stick to the order of spiritual master, without caring for your own
convenience or inconvenience, then you become perfect.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – October 22, 1972, Vṛndāvana)
21
Sädhana
The highest stage is called prema-bhakti, but this stage is attained by
executing sädhana-bhakti. One should not try to elevate himself
artificially to the stage of prema-bhakti without seriously following the
regulative principles of sädhana-bhakti. Prema-bhakti is the stage of
relishing, whereas sädhana-bhakti is the stage of improving in
devotional service.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Adi Lila Purport 13.39)
22
Reading
Çrémad-Bhägavatam is so scientifically presented that any sincere
student of this great science will be able to understand the science of
126 | P a g e
God simply by reading it with attention or simply by regularly hearing it
from the bona fide speaker.
23
Chanting Quality
Simply be serious in following the rules and regulations and chant 16
rounds. These things will constantly give you strength and spirit and I
am sure that wherever you go in your preaching program there you will
be successful.
(Letter to Danavir – August 24, 1971, London)
24
Sädhana
Be very conscientious and hard-working and Kåñëa will give you the
ability to do everything nicely. There is no difference between chanting
Hare Kåñëa or Saìkértana and doing one's assigned work in Kåñëa
Consciousness. Sometimes we have to do so much managerial or
office work, but Lord Caitanya promises us that because in the Kali-
yuga this is required for carrying on our preaching mission. He gives
assurance that we will not become entangled by such work. When the
work has to be done, do it first, then chant. But you must fulfil at least
16 rounds daily. So if necessary sleep less but you have to finish your
minimum number of rounds.
(Letter to Kirtiraja – January 2, 1972, Bombay)
“Be very conscientious and hard-working and Kṛṣṇa will give you the
ability to do everything nicely. There is no difference between chanting
Hare Kṛṣṇa or Sankirtana and doing one's assigned work in Kṛṣṇa
Consciousness. Sometimes we have to do so much managerial or
127 | P a g e
office work, but Lord Caitanya promises us that because in the Kali
Yuga this is required for carrying on our preaching mission. He gives
assurance that we will not become entangled by such work. When the
work has to be done, do it first, then chant. But you must fulfill at least
16 rounds daily. So if necessary sleep less but you have to finish your
minimum number of rounds.”
25
Holy Name
The sixteen word Mahämantra is nobody's invention. There are
authorized mantras in the different Puranas which are Vedic
authorities. Especially in the Kali Santara Upanisad it is stated that this
sixteen word Mahämantra is the Holy Name of the Supreme Brahma
for the deliverance of the fallen souls. Caitanya Mahāprabhu chanted,
Haridasa Ṭhākur chanted 24 hours, all the Gosvāmīs and Äcäryas
chanted, my Guru Mahäräja chanted, and following all these footsteps
we are also chanting. So they are authorized by disciplic succession,
and all of us must chant at least 16 rounds daily to keep us fit on the
Kåñëa Consciousness transcendental platform.
(Letter to Ranadhira – January 24, 1970, Los Angeles)
26
Guru Issue
The words daivera käraëa indicate that by dint of providence, or by
God’s will, the followers of Advaita Äcärya divided into two parties.
Such disagreement among the disciples of one äcärya is also found
128 | P a g e
among the members of the Gauòéya Maöha. In the beginning, during
the presence of Oà Viñëupäda Paramahaàsa Parivräjakäcärya
Añöottara-çata Çré Çrémad Bhaktisiddhänta Sarasvaté Öhäkura
Prabhupäda, all the disciples worked in agreement; but just after his
disappearance, they disagreed. One party strictly followed the
instructions of Bhaktisiddhänta Sarasvaté Öhäkura, but another group
created their own concoction about executing his desires.
Bhaktisiddhänta Sarasvaté Öhäkura, at the time of his departure,
requested all his disciples to form a governing body and conduct
missionary activities cooperatively. He did not instruct a particular man
to become the next äcärya. But just after his passing away, his leading
secretaries made plans, without authority, to occupy the post of äcärya,
and they split into two factions over who the next äcärya would be.
Consequently, both factions were asära, or useless, because they had
no authority, having disobeyed the order of the spiritual master. Despite
the spiritual master’s order to form a governing body and execute the
missionary activities of the Gauòéya Maöha, the two unauthorized
factions began litigation that is still going on after forty years with no
decision. Therefore, we do not belong to any faction. But because the
two parties, busy dividing the material assets of the Gauòéya Maöha
institution, stopped the preaching work, we took up the mission of
Bhaktisiddhänta Sarasvaté Öhäkura and Bhaktivinoda Öhäkura to
preach the cult of Caitanya Mahäprabhu all over the world, under the
protection of all the predecessor äcäryas, and we find that our humble
attempt has been successful. We followed the principles especially
explained by Çréla Viçvanätha Cakravarté Öhäkura in his commentary
on the Bhagavad-gétä verse beginning vyavasäyätmikä buddhir ekeha
kuru-nandana. According to this instruction of Viçvanätha Cakravarté
Öhäkura, it is the duty of a disciple to follow strictly the orders of his
spiritual master. The secret of success in advancement in spiritual life
is the firm faith of the disciple in the orders of his spiritual master.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Ädi Purport 12.8)
129 | P a g e
27
Holy Name
The age we live in is called Kali-yuga, the age of forgetting God. It is an
age of misunderstanding and quarrel, and the people’s hearts are filled
with dirty things. But God is so powerful that if we chant His holy name
we become purified, just as my disciples have become purified of their
bad habits. Our movement is based on this principle of chanting the
holy name of God. We give everyone the opportunity, without any
distinction.
(The Science of Self-Realization)
28
Living Entities’ Original Nature
You do not think that only woman is woman. The man is also woman.
Don't think that the woman is condemned; man is not. Woman means
enjoyed, and man means enjoyer. So this feeling, this feeling is
condemned. If I see one woman for enjoyment, so I am man. And if
woman also sees another man for enjoyment, she is also man. Woman
means enjoyed and man means enjoyer. So anyone who has got
feeling of enjoyment, he is considered to be man. So here both sexes
meant for... Everyone is planning, "How I shall enjoy?" Therefore he is
puruṣa, artificially. Otherwise, originally, we are all prakṛti, jīva, either
woman or man. This is outward dress.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – September 1, 1975, Vṛndāvana)
29
Vapu & Väëé
We are not separated actually. There are two – väëé or vapu. So vapu
is physical presence and väëé is presence by the vibration, but they
are all the same. So Kåñëa when He was physically present before
Arjuna is the same when He is present before us by His väëé of
Bhagavad-gétä. So far I am concerned, I do not factually feel any
130 | P a g e
separation from my Spiritual Master because I am trying to serve Him
according to His desire. That should be the motto. If you kindly try to
fulfil my mission for which you have been sent there, that will be our
constant association.
(Letter to Hamsaduta – June 22, 1970, Los Angeles)
30
Reading
Çrémad-Bhägavatam is the transcendental science not only for
knowing the ultimate source of everything but also for knowing our
relation with Him and our duty toward perfection of the human society
on the basis of this perfect knowledge. It is powerful reading matter in
the Sanskrit language, and it is now rendered into English elaborately
so that simply by a careful reading one will know God perfectly well, so
much so that the reader will be sufficiently educated to defend himself
from the onslaught of atheists. Over and above this, the reader will be
able to convert others to accepting God as a concrete principle.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Preface)
31
Sädhana
Your regular chanting of Mahämantra and reading of books will keep
you always fit for pushing on this movement. This formula should be
rigidly followed by everyone of us.
(Letter to Tamala Kåñëa – May 1, 1970, Los Angeles)
131 | P a g e
September
1
Guru Issue
Devotee: How important is formal initiation?
Çréla Prabhupäda: Formal initiation means to accept, officially, to
abide by the orders of Kåñëa and His representative. That is formal
initiation.
(Çréla Prabhupäda Lecture – February 22, 1973 Auckland)
2
You should always be alert to see whether you are committing some
offense. In rendering service to Lord Kåñëa and His representative, the
spiritual master, we should always maintain this fearful attitude, which
means careful attention. This attitude will advance you progressively in
Kåñëa consciousness.
(Letter to Gopäla Kåñëa – April 21, 1970)
3
Deity
Çré-vigraha is the arcä, or suitable worshipable form of the Lord, and
the disciple should be engaged in worshiping the Deity regularly by
çåìgära, by proper decoration and dressing, as also by mandira-
märjana, the matter of cleansing the temple. The spiritual master
teaches the neophyte devotee all these kindly and personally to help
132 | P a g e
him gradually in the realization of the transcendental name, quality,
form, etc., of the Lord.
4
Vapu & Väëé
So far personal association with the guru is concerned, I was only with
my Guru Mahäräja four or five times, but I have never left his
association, not even for a moment. Because I am following his
instructions, I have never felt any separation. There are some of my
Godbrothers here in India who had constant personal association with
Guru Mahäräja, but who are neglecting his orders. This is just like the
bug who is sitting on the lap of the king. He may be very puffed-up by
his position, but all he can succeed in doing is biting the king. Personal
association is not as important as association through service.
(Letter to Satadhanya – February 20, 1972, Calcutta)
5
Sädhana
As long as the body will be there, there will only be pain. Pleasure is
only a misconception. Do not be sorry if you are in an "unfortunate"
situation. It can also be fortunate if you take advantage by becoming
serious to become Kåñëa consciousness. Follow the regulative
principles, chant 16 rounds and as far as possible render service and
study my books. Success is sure.
(Letter to Kåñëa Vilasini – October 25, 1976, Vrindaban)
6
Deity
Clearly, those who have the eyes to see Kåñëa will see Him. When
Caitanya Mahäprabhu entered the temple of Jagannätha, He
immediately fainted upon seeing the Deity. He said, "Oh, here is My
133 | P a g e
Lord! Here is My Lord!" In order to see, one has to become santaù,
and one becomes santaù by culture. When we develop love of Kåñëa,
we will immediately see Kåñëa and faint, saying, "Oh, here is my Lord!"
However, those with no faith, those who are always trying to deny
Kåñëa, will simply say, "Oh, this is an idol. This is simply a piece of
stone."
7
Vapu & Väëé
There are two ways of associating, by väëé and by vapu. Väëé means
words and vapu means physical presence. Physical presence is
sometimes appreciable and sometimes not. Therefore we should take
advantage of the väëé, not the physical presence, because the väëé
continues to exist eternally. Bhagavad-gétä for example is the väëé of
Lord Kåñëa. Although Kåñëa was personally present 5,000 years ago
and is no longer present physically from the materialistic viewpoint, still
Bhagavad-gétä continues.
( Letter to Suci – November 4, 1975, Bombay)
8
Chanting Quality
There is no formula of quality. It is to be understood by oneself. Just
like if after eating something you feel refreshed and get strength. You
haven't got to take certificate. You'll understand whether you have
eaten or not. That is quality. When you will feel so much ecstasy in
chanting Hare Kåñëa that is quality. To come to that quality requires
time and sincerity. It will be awakened naturally and not by force.

“So there is no formula of quality. It is to be understood by himself. Just
like if after eating something you feel refreshed and get strength that is
134 | P a g e
quality. You haven't got to take certificate: "Will you give me a certificate
that I have eaten?" You'll understand whether eaten or not. That is
quality. When you will feel so much ecstasy in chanting Hare Kåñëa
that is quality. Not artificially–"Chant. Chant. Otherwise get out." This is
not quality. This is in expectation that someday you may come to
quality. That requires time. That requires sincerity. But quality is there.
Çravanädi çuddha citte karaye... It will be awakened. Not by force.”
9
Sädhana
As our devotees become more devotional, the non-devotees also come
to hear. To become advanced in spiritual life of devotional service to
Kåñëa means to acquire spiritual strength, and this spiritual strength is
for impressing devotional service into the hearts of the fallen souls. Also
you must all become expert preachers and show the exemplary life of
a devotee you must keep yourself spiritually fit by observing the
regulative principles strictly.
(Letter to Jananivasa – July 7, 1970, Los Angeles)
10
Every devotee should be determined that in this life he will be able to
satisfy the Supreme Personality of Godhead and by that process go
back home, back to Godhead. That is the perfection of the highest
mission of life.
11
Guru Issue
In the mundane world, anyone possessing his master’s power of
attorney can act on behalf of his master. Similarly, a spiritual master
empowered by Kåñëa through his own bona fide spiritual master
135 | P a g e
should be considered as good as the Supreme Personality of Godhead
Himself. That is the meaning of säkñäd-dharitvena.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Madhya Purport 10.136)
12
Chanting Quality
Païcadraviòa: What if the person cannot chant sixteen rounds a day.
He says, "I can't..."
Prabhupäda: Then he is not even a human being. He is a rascal. That's
all. He is not a human being. He is animal. Don't talk about him if he
cannot chant sixteen rounds.

“Païcadraviòa: What if the person cannot chant sixteen rounds a day.
He says, "I can't..."
Prabhupäda: Then he is not even a human being. He is a rascal. That's
all. He is not a human being. What to consider of talking...? Don't talk
about him if he cannot chant sixteen rounds. He is not even a human.
He is animal.”
13
Holy Name
Vedänta is the last word in Vedic wisdom, and the author and knower
of the Vedänta philosophy is Lord Kåñëa; and the highest Vedäntist is
the great soul who takes pleasure in chanting the holy name of the
Lord. That is the ultimate purpose of all Vedic mysticism.
136 | P a g e
14
Maìgala-ärati
Those who are actually engaged in Kåñëa consciousness, in
devotional service, associate with them. Don't think that at home you
will be perfect. That is not possible. At home there is no such facilities.
Here you will get the facilities. At home you will think, "Oh, what is this
early in the morning? Let me enjoy sleep." So there is no such facilities
at home. Therefore this institution is started. If you are serious about
Kåñëa consciousness, if you are serious about increasing attachment
for Kåñëa, then you should come and live with the devotees. Now they
are chanting, they are having maìgala-ärati, they are decorating the
Deity, and so many things.
(Bhagavad-gītā Lecture– London, March 9, 1975)
Those who are actually engaged in Kåñëa consciousness, in
devotional service, associate with them. Don't think that at home you
will be perfect. That is not possible. At home there is no such facilities.
Here you will get the facilities. Here the devotees, they are actually
following the instruction of mad-äçrayaù, one who has taken the
shelter. They are rising early in the morning. And at home you will think,
"Oh, what is early in the morning?" (laughter) "Let me enjoy sleep."
So there is no such facilities at home. Therefore this institution is
started. If you are serious about Kåñëa consciousness, if you are
serious about increasing attachment for Kåñëa, then you should come
and live with the devotees. Ädau çraddhä tataù sädhu-saìgaù [Cc.
Madhya 23.14-15]. And atha bhajana-kriyä. The sädhu-saìga... [Cc.
Madhya 22.83]. Now they are chanting, they are having maìgala-ärati,
they are decorating the Deity, and so many things.
Guru
Only an empowered personality can distribute the holy name of the
Lord and enjoin all fallen souls to worship Kṛṣṇa. By distributing the holy
name of the Lord, he cleanses the hearts of the most fallen people;
therefore he extinguishes the blazing fire of the material world. Not only
137 | P a g e
that, he broadcasts the shining brightness of Kṛṣṇa's effulgence
throughout the world. Such an ācārya, or spiritual master, should be
considered nondifferent from Kṛṣṇa—that is, he should be considered
the incarnation of Lord Kṛṣṇa's potency. Such a personality is
kṛṣṇāliṅgita-vigraha—that is, he is always embraced by the Supreme
Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa. Such a person is above the
considerations of the varṇāśrama institution. He is the guru, or spiritual
master, for the entire world, a devotee on the topmost platform, the
mahā-bhāgavata stage, and a paramahaṁsa-ṭhākura, a spiritual form
only fit to be addressed as paramahaṁsa or ṭhākura.
(Purport to Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Madhya 25.9)
15
Surrender
Even if Kåñëa is prepared to give us more, we should not accept
anything from Him for our sense gratification. If anything is offered by
Him, we should accept gladly for His service only. For our sense
gratification or personal benefit we shall never ask any favor from
Kåñëa, although He is always willing to deliver such favor to anyone
amongst His devotees.
(Letter to Brahmananda – February 20, 1968, Los Angeles)
16
Holy Name
The holy name has to be chanted to please the Supreme Lord, and not
for any sense gratification or professional purpose. If this pure mentality
is there, then even though a person is born of a low family, such as a
dog-eater’s, he is so glorious that not only has he purified himself, but
he is quite competent to deliver others.
17
138 | P a g e
The standard of devotional practice should be kept very high by strictly
observing the regulative principles and executing devotional activities
with determination and enthusiasm. If the standard practices are
followed then the atmosphere will naturally be joyful and enthusiastic
for working cooperatively for the satisfaction of Kåñëa.
(Letter to Kåñëakanti – November 29, 1970, Bombay)
18
Sädhana
The devotees have to maintain the devotional practices. This is the
secret to success. Therefore I am stressing it. And, if you also stress it
and show yourself as an ideal Vaishnava, then you are my
representative in fullness. We are not after titles and designations. Lord
Caitanya made it a principle that we must teach by personal example.
This is what I have tried to do. So if all of you my disciples do this, then
the future of our movement will be glorious.
(Letter to Hrdayananda – October 31, 1974, Bombay)

“I am very glad to note that you are seeing that the devotees are
maintaining the devotional practices. This is the secret to success.
Therefore I am stressing it. And, if you also stress it and show yourself
as an ideal Vaishnava, then you are my representative in fullness. We
are not after titles and designations. Lord Caitanya made it a principle
that we must teach by personal example. This is what I have tried to
do. So if all of you my disciples do this, then the future of our movement
will be glorious.”
19
139 | P a g e
Holy Name
Chanting of the holy name of the Lord should be loudly done, and it
should be performed offenselessly as well, as recommended in the
Padma Puräëa. One can deliver himself from the effects of all sins by
surrendering himself unto the Lord. One can deliver himself from all
offenses at the feet of the Lord by taking shelter of His holy name. But
one cannot protect himself if one commits an offense at the feet of the
holy name of the Lord.
20
Maìgala-ärati
How you can avoid karma? Bhakti is also karma. What is this bhakti?
Just like we are engaged in devotional service. That service means
karma. So they're also rising early in the morning at four 'o clock,
offering maìgala-ärati, and then reading books, then chanting Hare
Kåñëa mantra, then taking the class and taking prasädam, then going
outside for performing saìkértana, to distribute books. All day, twenty-
four hours karma. So therefore outsiders, they cannot understand, what
is bhakti. They think bhakti means "Close your eyes and make some
murmuring sound that is good." But bhakti is not like that.
(Room Conversation– July 24, 1973, London)
How you can avoid karma? Bhakti is also karma. Bhakti is also karma.
Bhakti, what is this bhakti? Just like we are engaged in devotional
service. That service means karma. So they're also rising early in the
morning at four 'o clock offering maìgala-ärati, and then reading books,
then chanting Hare Kåñëa mantra, then taking the class and taking
prasädam, then going to outside for performing Saìkértana, to
distributing books. All day, twenty-four hours karma. So therefore
outsiders, they can not understand, that "They're also working like us,
they're also selling books, they're going to the press, they're also
eating, they're riding motorcar, they're typing, what kind of bhakti it is?"
140 | P a g e
They cannot understand what is bhakti. They think bhakti means, just
like "Close your eyes and make some murmuring sound, that is good."
Bhakti is not like that
21
Reading
The spiritual master prescribes standard literature for the prosecution
of the yoga of devotional service, and he himself speaks only from
scriptural reference. Therefore, reading standard scriptures is
necessary for executing yoga. Practicing yoga without reading the
standard literatures is simply a waste of time.
22
Vapu & Väëé
This is the secret of success. After being initiated and receiving the
orders of the spiritual master, the disciple should unhesitatingly think
about the instructions or orders of the spiritual master and should not
allow himself to be disturbed by anything else. This is also the verdict
of Çréla Viçvanätha Cakravarté Öhäkura, who, while explaining a verse
of Bhagavad-gétä (vyavasäyätmikä buddhir ekeha kuru-nandana,
Bhagavad-gītā. 2.41), points out that the order of the spiritual master is
the life substance of the disciple. The disciple should not consider
whether he is going back home, back to Godhead; his first business
should be to execute the order of his spiritual master. Thus a disciple
should always meditate on the order of the spiritual master, and that is
perfectional meditation. Not only should he meditate upon that order,
141 | P a g e
but he should find out the means by which he can perfectly worship
and execute it.
23
Guru Issue
The conclusion is that an empowered spiritual master is authorized by
Kåñëa and his own guru and should therefore be considered as good
as the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself.
Govinda (a disciple of Srila Éçvara Puré) came from a çüdra family,

but because he was initiated by Éçvara Puré, he was certainly a
brähmaëa. Särvabhauma Bhaööäcärya here asked Çré Caitanya
Mahäprabhu why Éçvara Puré accepted a disciple from a çüdra family.
According to the småti-çästra, which gives directions for the
management of the varëäçrama institution, a brähmaëa cannot accept
a disciple from the lower castes. In other words, a kñatriya, vaiçya or
çüdra cannot be accepted as a servant. If a spiritual master accepts
such a person, he is contaminated. Särvabhauma Bhaööäcärya
therefore asked why Éçvara Puré accepted a servant or disciple born
of a çüdra family.
In answer to this question, Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu replied that His
spiritual master, Éçvara Puré, was so empowered that he was as good
as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. As such, Éçvara Puré was
the spiritual master of the whole world. He was not a servant of any
mundane rule or regulation. An empowered spiritual master like Éçvara
Puré can bestow his mercy upon anyone, irrespective of caste or creed.
The conclusion is that an empowered spiritual master is authorized by
142 | P a g e
Kåñëa and his own guru and should therefore be considered as good
as the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself. That is the verdict of
Viçvanätha Cakravarté: säkñäd-dharitvena. An authorized spiritual
master is as good as Hari, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. As
Hari is free to act as He likes, the empowered spiritual master is also
free. As Hari is not subject to mundane rules and regulations, the
spiritual master empowered by Him is also not subject. According to
the Caitanya-caritämåta (Antya-lélä 7.11), kåñëa-çakti vinä nahe tära
pravartana. An authorized spiritual master empowered by Kåñëa can
spread the glories of the holy name of the Lord, for he has power of
attorney from the Supreme Personality of Godhead. In the mundane
world, anyone possessing his master’s power of attorney can act on
behalf of his master. Similarly, a spiritual master empowered by Kåñëa
through his own bona fide spiritual master should be considered as
good as the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself. That is the
meaning of säkñäd-dharitvena. Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu therefore
describes the activities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and
the bona fide spiritual master as follows.
(Caitanya-caritämåta Madhya Purport 10.136)
24
Reading
You must read Bhagavad-gétä at least a few verses every day and
think about them throughout the day. The best thing is to read one
chapter daily, but if you can meditate upon a few verses of Bhagavad-
gétä every day, that is better than reading for simply one hour and then
forgetting the topics until the next reading.
(Letter to Paramananda – July 29, 1969, Los Angeles)
25
Holy Name
In this Age of Kali, most of the population is foolish and not adequately
educated to understand Vedanta philosophy; the best purpose of
143 | P a g e
Vedanta philosophy is served by inoffensively chanting the holy name
of the Lord. Vedanta is the last word in Vedic wisdom, and the author
and knower of the Vedanta philosophy is Lord Kåñëa; and the highest
Vedantist is the great soul who takes pleasure in chanting the holy
name of the Lord. That is the ultimate purpose of all Vedic mysticism.
26
Vapu & Väëé
Disciple: But how do the disciples know that they are pleasing you?
Çréla Prabhupäda: If you actually follow the words of guru, that means
he is pleased. And if you do not follow, how can he be pleased?
(Morning Walk – July 21, 1975, San Francisco)

Näräyaëa: But how do they know they're pleasing you, Çréla
Prabhupäda?
Prabhupäda: If you actually follow the words of guru, that means he is
pleased. And if you do not follow, how he can be pleased?
27
Determination means continuing to practice Kåñëa Consciousness
with patience and perseverance. If one does not immediately attain the
desired results, one should not think, “Oh, what is this Kåñëa
Consciousness? I will give it up.” No, we must have determination and
faith in Kåñëa’s words.
(Path of Perfection Chapter 5)
144 | P a g e
28
Guru Issue
Guest: “When did you begin to become the spiritual leader of Kṛṣṇa
Consciousness?”
Brahmānanda: “He’s asking when you became the spiritual leader of
Kṛṣṇa Consciousness.”
Śrīla Prabhupāda: “When my Guru Maharaja ordered me. This is the
guru paramparā. Try to understand. Don’t go very speedily. A guru can
become guru when he’s ordered by his guru. That’s all. Otherwise
nobody can become guru.”
(Bhagavad-gītā Lecture – October 28, 1975, Nairobi)

Indian man: When did you become the spiritual leader of Kåñëa
consciousness?
Prabhupäda: What is that?
Brahmänanda: He's asking when did you become the spiritual leader
of Kåñëa consciousness?
Prabhupäda: When my Guru Mahäräja ordered me. This is the guru-
paramparä.
Indian: Did it...
145 | P a g e
Prabhupäda: Try to understand. Don't go very speedily. A guru can
become guru when he's ordered by his guru. That's all. Otherwise
nobody can become guru.
29
Reading
Study my books and reproduce the purports in your own language. We
haven't got to invent something by our fertile brain for preaching.
Everything is there. One who is expert for presenting these things
before the audience so that they can conveniently understand is a
successful preacher. You have to speak only what Kåñëa has said.
Then you become a preacher.
(Letter to Jagadisa – November 9, 1975, Bombay)

“So study my books and reproduce the purports in your own language.
You should instruct your temple presidents to preach like this. This is
preaching. We haven't got to invent something by our fertile brain for
preaching. Everything is there. One who is expert for presenting these
things before the audience so they can conveniently understand, this
is a successful preacher. You have only to speak what Kṛṣṇa has said.
Then you become a preacher.”
30
A Vaiñëava always feels compassion for others' distress. He is very
afflicted by the miseries of others. When Lord Jesus Christ presented
146 | P a g e
himself, for instance, he was greatly afflicted by the miserable
conditions of the people. Regardless of which country or sect they
belong to, all Vaiñëavas, or devotees-people who are God conscious
or Kåñëa conscious-are thus compassionate. Therefore, to blaspheme
a Vaiñëava, a preacher of God's glories, is a great offense. Kåñëa,
God, is never tolerant of offenses committed at the lotus feet of a
Vaiñëava.
(Science of Self Realization - Chapter 7c)
October
1
Maìgala-ärati
Just like machine works systematically. The machine of the watch is
working very systematically, correctly. Similarly, every student, every
disciple must work very correctly, like the machine. There is no
question, "Why you did not attend the class?" As machine work,
everyone should attend the class, rise early in the morning, attend
maìgala-ärati. This is called suyantritaù, working like machine, no
discrepancy. That is wanted.
(Çrémad-Bhägavatam Lecture – April 14, 1976, Bombay)

Just like machine works systematically. You have seen. Everyone has
seen. The machine of the watch is working very systematically,
correctly. Similarly, every student, every disciple must work very
correctly, like the machine. There is no question, "Why you did not
attend school or the class?" You cannot say that "This is this. This is
this." No. As machine work, everyone should attend the class, rise early
in the morning, attend maìgala-ärati. This is called suyantritaù, working
like machine, no discrepancy. That is wanted.
147 | P a g e
2
The sound of the holy name – Hare Kåñëa, Hare Kåñëa, Kåñëa Kåñëa,
Hare Hare, everlastingly increases the enthusiasm of the chanter. If
one repeats monotonous material words, he will feel exhausted, but if
he chants Hare Kåñëa twenty-four hours a day, he will never feel
exhausted; rather, he will feel encouraged to continue chanting more
and more.
3
Second Initiation
Somebody, after initiation he promises, "Yes, I shall follow these rules
and regulations. I shall chant sixteen rounds," before the fire, before
the Deity, before the guru, and if he does not follow, then he is a
cheater. What to speak of his becoming a Vaiñëava, he is a cheater.
He breaks all his promises. Therefore after seeing, observing a person
is doing everything, then say second initiation, or then he should not
be recommended for second initiation
(Unedited original Quote)

“Somebody, after initiation he promises, "Yes, I shall follow these
rules and regulations. I shall chant sixteen rounds," before the
fire, before the Deity, before the guru, and if he does not follow,
then he is a cheater. What to speak of his becoming a Vaiñëava,
he is a cheater. He breaks all his promises. Therefore after seeing,
observing a person is doing everything, then say second
initiation, or then he should not be recommended for second
initiation unless the president and the other authorities see that
he is doing nicely, he is following. Otherwise he should not be
recommended. If he is recommended, that is also another
cheating.”
148 | P a g e
Reading
So if you don't read, then you will feel restless. You are restless
because you don't read. I am laboring so hard for you, but you don't
take advantage. Don't take advantage of eating and sleeping. Take
advantage of these books. Then your life will be successful. My duty—I
have given you so valuable things, day and night trying to convince
you, each word to word. And if you don't take advantage of this, then
what can I do for you?
(Çrémad-Bhägavatam lecture 2.9.6-14 - May 2, 1972, Tokyo)
You should read all this. You don't read. In the first volume of
Bhāgavata these things are explained. But I don't think you read all
these things. Do you read? So if you don't read, then you will feel
restless: "Oh, let me go from Japan to India, from India to Japan." You
are restless because you don't read. I am laboring so hard for you, but
you don't take advantage. Don't take advantage of eating and sleeping.
Take advantage of these books. Then your life will be successful. My
duty—I have given you so valuable things, day and night trying to
convince you, each word to word. And if you don't take advantage of
this, then what can I do for you? All right.
4
Vapu & Väëé
We put so much stress on seeing, but when Kåñëa was present on
this earth, so many people saw Him and did not realize that He is God;
so what is the advantage of seeing? By seeing Kåñëa, we will not
understand Him, but by listening carefully to His teachings, we can
come to the platform of understanding. We can touch Kåñëa
immediately by sound vibration; therefore, we should give more stress
to the sound vibration of Kåñëa and of the spiritual master-then we’ll
feel happy and won’t feel separation.
(Elevation to Kåñëa Consciousness)
5
149 | P a g e
Reading
I want you to become absorbed in the philosophy of Bhagavad-gétä,
Çrémad-Bhägavatam, and become yourselves completely convinced
and free from all doubt. On this platform you shall be able to carry on
the work satisfactorily, but if there is a lack of knowledge or if there is
forgetfulness, everything will be spoiled in time. So especially you must
read our books throughout the day, as much as possible, and give them
all good advice how to understand the books, and inspire them to study
the things from every point of view.

"I want you leaders especially to become absorbed in the
philosophy of Bhagavad-gétä, Çrémad-Bhägavatam, and become
yourselves completely convinced and free from all doubt. On this
platform you shall be able to carry on the work satisfactorily, but
if there is a lack of knowledge or if there is forgetfulness,
everything will be spoiled in time. So especially you must
encourage the students to read our books throughout the day as
much as possible, and give them all good advice how to
understand the books, and inspire them to study the things from
every point of view. Better to boil the milk very vigorously and
make it thick and sweet—that is the best progress. So let us
concentrate on training our devotees very thoroughly in the
knowledge of Kåñëa consciousness from our books, from tapes,
by discussing always, and in so many ways instruct them in the
right propositions."
6
Chanting Quality
You are thinking that there are many problems in your life; I assure you
that if you follow the regulative principles of chanting 16 rounds,
observing strictly the prohibitive injunctions, keep association with pure
150 | P a g e
devotees, plus taking care of the Deities in the Temple, surely all your
problems will be solved without any difficulty.
(Letter to Kulasekhara – January 11, 1970, Los Angeles)
7
Sädhana
Our policy is to have shaven head, wear robes, chant 16 rounds of
beads, follow the regulative principles, take prasädam only, etc. If they
can follow all these principles then only it is all right. If a doctor
prescribes a medicine and a diet and if the patient follows both, he will
get well. If he just follows in part, then he may not. So all these
principles must be followed in order to derive spiritual benefit. That is
our method.
(Letter to Nayanabhirama – April, 1971, Bombay)
8
Reading
You are experiencing some doubts that you cannot believe that the
Kåñëa from Kåñëa book can be the Supreme Personality of Godhead,
that it must be like some fairy tale. To clear up these things the best
remedy is to discuss amongst yourselves and all members regularly all
our books in classes, then these doubts will be killed. Without reading
books it becomes hackneyed and such obnoxious ideas trouble us. Our
thoughts are always changing; that is the nature of the mind. So you
cannot expect that even the great saintly persons are free from
thoughts, coming and going. But after thinking there is feeling and
willing; willing being the stage of putting the thoughts into action. So if
we are able to employ our intelligence, then we will kill the thoughts
before they become manifest in activity. But because we are so much
inclined to enjoy something unintelligently, we have to therefore
sharpen our intelligence daily by reading and discussing, and
preaching to others. In this may, we are able very easily to defeat all
challengers to our philosophy, and everything becomes very clear as it
is revealed from different angles of vision. Kåñëa makes a promise to
151 | P a g e
one who is striving to serve Him sincerely that He will give such devotee
the intelligence by which he may come to Him. Therefore, we should
always pray that Kåñëa kindly provide me the intelligence to kill all
demons of doubt, and because He understands the heart of His sincere
devotee, immediately He gives assistance." (Letter to Satyabhämä,
February 28, 1972)
9
You must voluntarily agree, not hackneyed, mechanical. “Spiritual
master says like this. All right let me do it." No. You have to understand
very nicely. Teñäà satata-yuktänäà bhajatäà préti-pürvakam [Bg.
10.10]. Préti, with love. When you work for Kåñëa with love and
enthusiasm that is your Kåñëa conscious life. If you think that "It is
hackneyed, it is troublesome, but what can I do? These people ask me
to do it. I have to do it," that is not Kåñëa consciousness. You have to
do it voluntarily and with great pleasure.
(Bhagavad-gītā Lecture – July 23rd, 1973, London)
“You must voluntarily agree, not hackneyed, mechanical. “Spiritual
master says like this right. All right let me do it." No. You have to
understand very nicely. Teñäà satata-yuktänäà bhajatäà préti-
pürvakam [Bg. 10.10]. Préti, with love. When you work, when you work
for Kåñëa with love and enthusiasm that is your Kåñëa conscious life.
If you think that "It is hackneyed, it is troublesome, but what can I do?
These people ask me to do it. I have to do it," that is not Kåñëa
consciousness. You have to do it voluntarily and with great pleasure.”
10
Vapu & Väëé
As far as my blessing is concerned it does not require my physical
presence. If you are chanting Hare Kåñëa there and following my
instructions, reading the books, taking only Kåñëa prasädam etc., then
152 | P a g e
there is no question of your not receiving the blessings of Lord Caitanya
whose mission I am humbly trying to push on.
(Letter to Bal Kåñëa – June 30, 1974, Melbourne)
11
Sädhana
Instead of suffering this repeated birth and death, sacrifice in this one
life…. What is that sacrifice?... What is the inconvenience to live nicely,
avoiding these four rascal habits, taking Kåñëa prasädam, and
chanting Hare Kåñëa mantra and reading all these nice books? Where
is the difficulty? Nice first class life. Wherever you will go you will be
respectable. Anyone will worship you.
(Room Conversation – August 15, 1971, London)
Utilization of Time
The body is just like an instrument by which the living entity moves
according to false desires for happiness and thus suffers the pangs of
birth, death, old age and disease in different standards of life. Everyone
begins his activities with some plan and ambition, but actually, from
the beginning of one's plan to the end, one does not derive any
happiness. On the contrary, as soon as one begins acting according to
his plan, his life of distress immediately begins. Therefore, one should
not be ambitious to dissipate the unhappy conditions of life, for one
cannot do anything about them. Ahaṅkāra-vimūḍhātmā kartāham iti
manyate (BG 3.27). Although one is acting according to false
ambitions, he thinks he can improve his material conditions by his
activities. The Vedas enjoin that one should not try to increase
happiness or decrease distress, for this is futile. Tasyaiva hetoḥ
prayateta kovidaḥ. One should work for self-realization, not for
economic development, which is impossible to improve. Without
endeavor, one can get the amount of happiness and distress for which
he is destined, and one cannot change this. Therefore, it is better to
use one's time for advancement in the spiritual life of Kṛṣṇa
consciousness. One should not waste his valuable life as a human
153 | P a g e
being. It is better to utilize this life for developing Kṛṣṇa consciousness,
without ambitions for so-called happiness.
(Purport to Çrémad-Bhägavatam7.7.42)
12
Reading
Try to always study our books and see our philosophy from different
lights of directions. Become convinced yourself of this knowledge, and
without a doubt all your difficulties of mind will disappear forever and
you will see Kåñëa face to face.
(Letter to Bhägavatänanda, July 8, 1972)

"Nowadays it seems that many of the older disciples like yourself are
having difficulty. If you do not set the example for the younger students
and take the responsibility for instructing them in the right line, how will
things go on? Try to always study our books and see our philosophy
from different lights of directions. Become convinced yourself of this
knowledge, and without a doubt all your difficulties of mind will
disappear forever and you will see Kåñëa face to face."
(Letter to Bhägavatänanda, July 8, 1972)
13
So far attaining enlightenment according to one's rate of development;
that development depends on your enthusiasm; how far you are
serious. But one should become very serious. That is the law in every
sphere of achievement. So for attaining to the perfectional stage of
Kåñëa consciousness, one should be very much enthusiastic. And then
one should be patient also. Enthusiasm does not mean if I attain
something immediately the result is immediate. No. The result may be
delayed but we should not be disturbed. But we must go on working
with enthusiasm. This is called patience. Enthusiasm, patience and
154 | P a g e
confidence. Because we believe in Kåñëa. Kåñëa says that if you do
this you get this result. Therefore, we must have confidence.
(Interview – March 9, 1968, San Francisco)

So far attaining enlightenment according to one's rate of
development; that development depends on your enthusiasm;
how far you are serious. But one should become very serious.
That is the law in every sphere of achievement. So for attaining to
the perfectional stage of Kåñëa consciousness, one should be
very much enthusiastic. And then one should be patient also.
Enthusiasm does not mean if I attain something immediately the
result is immediate. No. The result may be delayed but we should
not be disturbed. But we must go on working with enthusiasm.
This is called patience. Enthusiasm, patience and confidence.
Because we believe in Kåñëa. Kåñëa says that if you do this you
get this result. Therefore, I must have confidence.
(Interview – March 9, 1968, San Francisco)
14
Guru Issue
Unless one is a resident of Kåñëa Loka, one cannot be a Spiritual
Master. That is the first proposition. A layman cannot be a Spiritual
Master, and if he becomes so then he will simply create disturbance.
(Letter to Mukunda – June 10, 1969, New Vrindaban)
15
Holy Name
“You have to remain uncontaminated. And that is puëya-çravaëa-
kértanaù. If you hear about Kåñëa, then puëya, you will be always in
pious position. Puëya-çravaëa-kértanaù. Therefore, our
recommendation is always chant Hare Kåñëa, Hare Kåñëa, Kåñëa
Kåñëa, Hare Hare/ Hare Räma, Hare Räma, Räma Räma, Hare Hare.
So we should be careful about our slipping down again into the sinful
155 | P a g e
activity. Everyone should be careful and keep oneself in the chanting
process. Then he's all right.”
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – June 1, 1972, Los Angeles)

“You have to remain uncontaminated. And that is puëya-çravaëa-
kértanaù. If you hear about Kåñëa, then puëya, you will be always in
pious position. Puëya-çravaëa-kértanaù. Either you chant or...
Therefore our recommendation is always chant Hare Kåñëa, Hare
Kåñëa, Kåñëa Kåñëa, Hare Hare/ Hare Räma, Hare Räma, Räma
Räma, Hare Hare. So we should be careful about our slipping down
again into the sinful activity. Everyone should be careful and keep
oneself in the chanting process. Then he's all right.”
16
Deity
The entire Bhägavatam is glorification of Kåñëa, and Çukadeva
Gosvämé says that one can be perfectly purified if one either glorifies
Kåñëa, meditates upon Him, or simply sits before the Deity of Kåñëa
and sees Him, thinking, "How nicely dressed is Kåñëa. How nicely
dressed is Rädhäräëé." If one has no ability to chant or if one's mind is
so disturbed that one cannot fix it upon Kåñëa, one is given this chance:
"Here is the Deity. Simply see Him." If one is engaged in the service of
the Deity, there is a good chance of always seeing Him, twenty-four
hours a day. While cleansing the floor of the temple, while dressing the
Deity, while bathing the Deity, or while offering Him food, one will
always see Him. This is the process of devotional service.
(Teachings of Queen Kunti Verse 18)

The entire Bhägavatam is glorification of Kåñëa, and this is glorification
by Çukadeva Gosvämé. He says that one can be perfectly purified if
one either glorifies Kåñëa, meditates upon Him, or simply sits before
156 | P a g e
the Deity of Kåñëa and sees Him, thinking, "How nicely dressed is
Kåñëa. How nicely dressed is Rädhäräëé." If one has no ability to chant
or if one's mind is so disturbed that one cannot fix it upon Kåñëa, one
is given this chance: "Here is the Deity. Simply see Him." If one is
engaged in the service of the Deity, there is a good chance of always
seeing Him, twenty-four hours a day. While cleansing the floor of the
temple, while dressing the Deity, while bathing the Deity, or while
offering Him food, one will always see Him. This is the process of
devotional service.
(Teachings of Queen Kunti Verse 18)
17
Reading
One may be supposed to be intelligent or a scholar but if he does not
read my books, his knowledge has no profit. That's a fact. Asampürëa.
He remains still in darkness.
(Letter from Yugoslavia – June 30, 1977, Vṛndāvana)
Unedited Original Quote
One may supposed to be intelligent or scholar but if he does not
read my books, his knowledge has no profit. That's a fact.
Asampürëa. He remains still in darkness.
18
Guru Issue
When one has attained the topmost position of mahä-bhägavata, he is
to be accepted as a guru and worshipped exactly like Hari, the
Personality of Godhead. Only such a person is eligible to occupy the
post of a guru.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta, Madhya-lélä Purport 24.330)
19
Reading
157 | P a g e
Your first duty is to read my books. Otherwise, how will you preach? In
order to remain steadily fixed in Kåñëa consciousness there must be a
sound philosophical understanding. Otherwise it will become only
sentiment. Whenever you find the time, please read my books.
(Letter to Satsvarüpa däsa Goswami, January 5, 1976)
"Yes, as a sannyäsé and G.B.C. your first duty is to read my
books. Otherwise, how will you preach? In order to remain
steadily fixed in Kåñëa consciousness there must be a sound
philosophical understanding. Otherwise it will become only
sentiment. Whenever you find the time, please read my books."
(Letter to Satsvarüpa däsa Goswami, January 5, 1976)
20
Sädhana
The important thing is to see that everyone is following a regulated
schedule of chanting 16 rounds, reading, Saìkértana, and temple
worship. Any breakage in the performance of one's duties will surely
be a hindrance in one's advancement.
(Letter to Vrindaban Candra – November 9, 1970, Bombay)
21
Dhairyät means perseverance, patience. Niçcayät means with firm
determination. “Yes, I have begun chanting. Maybe there are offenses,
but if I continue, Kåñëa will be pleased to place me on the
transcendental platform, when I shall relish what this chanting Hare
Kåñëa is.” Just like Viçvanätha Cakravarté has given this example that
the mango in the ripe stage and unripe stage. Unripe stage, it is bitter,
but the same mango, when it is fully ripe, it is sweet. We shall have to
wait for this stage, and we shall have to be careful that we may not
commit offenses. Then, surely, we shall come to that stage. Just like a
158 | P a g e
diseased patient, if he follows the regulations given by the physician
and takes the medicine, then surely he’ll be cured.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – June 10, 1969, New Vṛndāvana)
dhairyät means perseverance, patience. Utsähät. Niçcayät. Niçcayät
means with firm determination: "Yes, I have begun chanting. Maybe
there are offenses, but if I continue, Kåñëa will be pleased to place me
on the transcendental platform when I shall relish what is this chanting
Hare Kåñëa." Just like Viçvanätha Cakravarté has given that the
mango in the ripe stage and unripe stage. Unripe stage, it is bitter, but
the same mango, when it is fully ripe, it is sweet, the sweetness. We
shall have to wait for this stage, and we shall have to be careful that we
may not commit offenses. Then we, surely, we shall come. Just like a
diseased patient, if he follows the regulations given by the physician
and takes the medicine, then surely he'll be cured.
22
Guru Issue
Without being empowered by the direct potency of Lord Kåñëa to fulfill
His desire and without being specifically favored by the Lord, no human
being can become the spiritual master of the whole world. He certainly
cannot succeed by mental concoction, which is not meant for devotees
or religious people.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Madhya Purport 25.9)
23
Sädhana
159 | P a g e
The most important things are that you follow very carefully all of the
rules and regulations such as rising early, and having mangala-aräti
and classes etc. and that you chant at least 16 rounds daily without
fail. These things are most essential for your spiritual advancement and
then everything will be alright.
(Letter to Tirthanga – March 14, 1975, Tehran)
24
Holy Name
The powerful holy name of the Lord can certainly deliver one from sinful
effects, but one who desires to utilize this transcendental potency of
the holy name of the Lord in one’s sinister activities is the most
degraded person in the world. Such persons are never excused by the
Lord or by any agent of the Lord.
25
We should know that vipra-çäpa-vimüòhänäm: if any person is cursed
by vipra, brähmaëa, Vaiñëava, then they are finished. Therefore
according to the Vedic civilization, brähmaëas and Vaiñëavas are
always honored so that they may not be dissatisfied. This is the rule.
Veda-päöhäd bhaved vipro brahma jänätéti brähmaëaù. Those who
are spiritually advanced, such persons should not be offended.

But we should know that vipra-çäpa-vimüòhänäm: if any person is
cursed by vipra, brähmaëa, Vaiñëava, then they are finished. Therefore
according to the Vedic civilization, brähmaëas and Vaiñëavas are
160 | P a g e
always honored so that they may not be dissatisfied. This is the rule.
Brähmaëa and Vaiñëava. The devotees and the brähmaëas. Veda-
päöhäd bhaved vipro brahma jänätéti brähmaëaù. Those who are
spiritually advanced, such persons should not be offended.
26
Sädhana
If you always chant Hare Kåñëa, read my books, and preach this
philosophy sincerely, then Kåñëa will provide you with all facility, and
you will not fall down into material entanglement.
(Letter to devotees – March 30, 1967, San Francisco)
27
Chanting Quality
If somebody says, "Now I'll chant sitting down. Who is going to see me?
I'll doze and people will know I am chanting." This kind of cheating will
not do. For all those who are interested in Kåñëa consciousness we
have given time, sixteen rounds. You are not Haridäsa Öhäkura that
you'll be able to chant whole day and night. If without working, if you
chant, that is, the highest state. That you cannot do. Then you will
sleep. So the minimum quantity chant sixteen rounds, and that will take
not more than two hours. And other twenty-two hours, you always be
busy in Kåñëa's activities. That is required.
(Bhagavad-gétä Lecture – February 5, 1975, Hawaii)

But if somebody says, "Now I'll chant sitting down. Who is going to see
me? I'll doze and people will know I am chanting." You see? This kind
of cheating will not do.
161 | P a g e
All those who are interested in Kåñëa consciousness... Therefore we
have given time, sixteen rounds. But you are not Haridäsa Öhäkura
that you'll be able to chant whole day and night. If without working, if
you chant, that is, the highest state. That you cannot do. Then you
sleep. That's all. So know that. The minimum quantity, sixteen rounds
chant, and that will take not more than two hours. And other twenty-two
hours, you be always busy in Kåñëa's activities. That is required.
28
The process of bhakti-yoga is simultaneously very difficult and very
easy to perform. For a sincere person devotional service is very easy.
But for one who is not determined and sincere, this process is very
difficult.
29
Surrender
Kåñëa is so sublime and transcendental that He cannot be realized by
mental speculation or by personal endeavor, education or material
acquisition. He can only be approached and understood clearly by our
service attitude, engaging all our senses in His service. The beginning
of service is to engage our hearing organs and receive the
transcendental message by aural reception. And whenever we are
mature in receiving the transcendental message from books like
Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhagavatam, via media the transparent
bona fide spiritual master then we are able to chant or engage our
tongue in the service of the Lord, being engaged in the service of the
Lord. The material covering of our senses becomes inactive and actual
spiritual form of activity becomes manifest.
(Letter to Purusottama – February 2, 1968, Los Angeles)
30
162 | P a g e
Humility
The more one feels imperfect in Kåñëa's service, the more he is
advancing in Kåñëa consciousness. Even the topmost devotees feel
they are inadequate in their service to the Lord. So it is good to feel
inadequate and to try harder to please Kåñëa with better service. But
one should never feel, “Oh! I have seen Kåñëa, and so I have reached
perfection”-this is not Kåñëa consciousness.
(Letter to Hamsaduta and Himavati – March 3, 1968, Los Angeles)
November
1
Bhakti-yoga
When you come to the bhakti-yoga, that is the perfection of life. Bhakti-
yogena manasa samyak praṇihite amale (SB 1.7.4). Bhakti-yogena amala:
"The mind becomes cleansed." Ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanam (CC Antya 20.12).
That is the direct effect of bhakti-yoga. Because the mind is now
contaminated, and under the creation of senses and sense activities, we are
making millions and trillions of ideas, and we become entangled in that idea.
We have to accept millions and trillions of body and then go on in the cycle of
birth, death, old age and disease. This is the implication. So purify the mind.
That is the chanting of Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra. Ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanaṁ
bhava-mahā-dāvāgni-nirvāpaṇam. When our mind is cleansed... This is
mahā-dāvāgni. This expansion of mental ideas, thousands and millions, that
is bhava-mahā-dāvāgni. So it is the duty of guru to get out his disciple from
163 | P a g e
the bhava-mahā-dāvāgni. Saṁsāra-dāvānala-līḍha-loka-trāṇāya kāruṇya-
ghanāghanatvam. Kāruṇya, kāruṇya.
So what is the guru? Guru has received the kāruṇya. Kāruṇya means just like
the cloud has received water from the sea, similarly, a guru, spiritual master,
receives the cloud of mercy from the ocean of kindness of Kṛṣṇa.
Ghanāghanatvam. And it is only the cloud that can extinguish the forest fire,
saṁsāra. No other watering system will be helpful. If there is fire in the forest,
your fire brigade or buckets of water will not help. It is impossible. Neither
you can go there; neither you can render any service by your fire brigade and
bucket. Then how the fire can be extinguished? Ghanāghanatvam. If there is
cloud in the sky and if there is rainfall, then the expansive forest fire can
immediately be extinguished. So that cloud is supposed to be the spiritual
master. He pours water. Śravaṇa-kīrtana-jale karaye secana (CC Madhya
19.152). What is that water? The water is this śravaṇa-kīrtana. Bhava-mahā-
dāvāgni, the fire, the forest fire of material existence, is blazing continually.
So you have to extinguish it by the rainfall from cloud, and that rainfall means
śravaṇa-kīrtana. Śravaṇa means hearing, and kīrtana means chanting. This
is the only way. Śravaṇa-kīrtana-jale karaye secana.
(Lecture on SB 3.26.39 - January 14, 1975, Bombay)
Note: For unedited original quote please turn over
When, when you come to the bhakti-yoga, that is the perfection of
life. Bhakti-yogena manasa samyak praṇihite amale (SB 1.7.4).
Bhakti-yogena amala: "The mind becomes cleansed." Ceto-
darpaṇa-mārjanam (CC Antya 20.12). That is the effect of..., direct
effect of bhakti-yoga. Because the mind is now contaminated, and
under the creation of senses and sense activities, we are making
millions and trillions of ideas and become entangled in that idea.
We have to accept millions and trillions of body and then go on in
the cycle of birth, death, old age and disease. This is implication.
So purify the mind. That is the chanting of Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-
mantra. Ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanaṁ bhava-mahā-dāvāgni-
nirvāpaṇam. When our mind is cleansed... This is mahā-dāvāgni.
This expansion of mental ideas, thousands and millions, that is
mahā..., bhava-mahā-dāvāgni. Bhava-mahā-dāvāgni. So it is the
duty of guru to get out his disciple from the bhava-mah
164 | P a g e
ā-dāvāgni. Saṁsāra-dāvānala-līḍha-loka-trāṇāya kāruṇya-
ghanāghanatvam **. Kāruṇya, kāruṇya.
So what is the guru? Guru has received the kāruṇya. Kāruṇya
means just like the cloud has received water from the sea,
similarly, a guru, spiritual master, receives the cloud of mercy
from the ocean of kindness of Kṛṣṇa. Ghanāghanatvam. And it is
only the cloud that can extinguish the forest fire, saṁsāra. No
other watering system will be helpful. If there is fire in the forest,
your fire brigade or buckets of water will not help. It is impossible.
Neither you can go there; neither you can render any service by
your fire brigade and bucket. Then how the fire can be
extinguished? Ghanāghanatvam. If there is cloud in the sky and if
there is rainfall, then the expansive forest fire can immediately be
extinguished. So that cloud is supposed to be the spiritual master.
He pours water. He pours water. Śravaṇa-kīrtana-jale karaye
secana (CC Madhya 19.152). What is that water? The water is this
śravaṇa-kīrtana. Bhava-mahā-dāvāgni, the fire, the forest fire of
material existence, is blazing continually. So you have to
extinguish it by the rainfall from cloud, and that rainfall means
śravaṇa-kīrtana. Śravaṇa means hearing, and kīrtana means
chanting. This is the only way. Śravaṇa-kīrtana-jale karaye secana.
2
Determination
So we should consider that when you get such a chance of spiritual
cultivation—may be ten percent, five percent, fifty percent—we should
know that "Now we should finish the balance percentage of cultivation.
We must finish in this life. I shall not take chance of another birth." That
should be our determination. Paurva-dehikam. "When I have come to
this point, it must be understood that I had some asset in my previous
life. So Kåñëa is giving me chance to make further progress. Now, in
my past life I could not finish the job some way or other, but that doesn't
matter. Now this life I shall not allow to miss this opportunity." That
165 | P a g e
should be our determination as soon as we begin some spiritual
culture.
(Bhagavad-gétä 6.40-43 - September 18, 1966, New York)
So we should consider that when you get such chance of spiritual
cultivation—may be ten percent, five percent, fifty percent—we
should know that "Now we should finish the balance percentage
of cultivation. We must finish this life. I shall not take chance of
another birth." That should be our determination. Paurva-
dehikam. "When I have come to this point, it must be understood
that I had some asset in my previous life. So Kåñëa is giving me
chance to make further progress.
Now, in my past life I could not finish the job some way or other,
but that doesn't matter. Now this life I shall not allow to miss this
opportunity." That should be our determination as soon as we
begin some spiritual culture.
3
Surrender
Kåñëa consciousness is a transcendental science which can be
revealed to a sincere devotee who is prepared to render service to the
Lord. Kåñëa consciousness is not achieved by dry arguments or by
academic qualifications. Our senses are all blunt in the matter of
receiving transcendental subject matter, but they are purified in due
course of time by constant engagement in the service of the Lord.
(Letter to Subala – September 29, 1967, Delhi)
166 | P a g e
4
Hearing
So, reading of the literature and hearing of the chanting is the medicine,
and prasadam is the diet. So, if diet and medicine are properly
administered the disease of mäyä will be cured.
But the physician must be always healthy. People may not say,
physician is ill thyself. That means the preachers must be of highly
elevated character, following strictly the rules and regulations and
chanting regularly in the temple. There may be so many odds in the
progressive march of Kåñëa consciousness, but if we pin our faith in
Kåñëa, everything will come out successful in due course.
(Letter to Satsvarupa – June 27, 1968, Montreal)
5
Humility
A devotee should always remain humble and meek, especially to the
authorities and devotees. Lord Caitanya's philosophy is not to become
God but to become servant, servant, and servant of God. The more
one becomes the lower grade servant of the Lord, the more he is
devoted nearer to the Lord. This is our philosophy. I have all my hearty
blessings upon you, please do your duties nicely and Kåñëa will be
pleased to shower His blessings upon you. He is very kind to sincere
souls, and He gives intelligence from within to sincere devotees. We
require only to become sincere in the service of the Lord, then
everything is there ready for our convenience.
167 | P a g e
(Letter to Jaya Govinda – February 8, 1968, Los Angeles)
6
Determination
Everyone is neophyte. He should practice determination, that's all. If
he cannot practice, then why should he enter into this association?
Let him remain aloof. One who has entered with the determination
that "I must practice," so if he cannot practice, then why this
makeshow that "I belong to Kåñëa consciousness movement….. I am
initiated." Why this farce? He must practice with determination that
"By practicing I'll be successful." That is wanted. If he has no
determination, why should he make a show? Bhajante mäà dåòha-
vratäù…. Dåòha-vrata, determination, that is wanted. When one is
determined, his success is assured.
(Garden Conversation – June 23, 1976, New Vrindaban)
Everyone is neophyte. He should practice determination, that's
all. If he cannot practice, then why should he enter into this
association? Let him remain aloof. One who has entered with the
determination that "I must practice," so if he cannot practice,
then why this makeshow that "I belong to Kåñëa consciousness
movement….. I am initiated." Why this farce? He must practice
with determination that "By practicing I'll be success." That is
wanted. He has no determination, why should he make a show?
Dåòha-vrata. Bhajante mäà dåòha-vratäù. Dåòha-vrata, that is
wanted, determination. Hmm, go on. When one is determined,
his success is assured. If he's not determined, then success or
failure.
7
Sense Control
The only process for perceiving Kåñëa and His name, qualities, form,
is our sincere service attitude with our senses. Beginning from the
168 | P a g e
tongue, all our senses are practically led by the tongue sense, whose
business is to vibrate and to taste. If we can change the materialistic
nature of the tongue, by changing of taste and vibration, then
automatically the other senses become purified. And we can render
service to Kåñëa with purified senses. As such we should try to chant
and eat Kåñëa prasadam as much as possible.
(Letter to Upendra – July 4, 1968, Montreal)
8
Sädhana
Number one engagement is that you must chant at least 16 rounds
Hare Kåñëa mantra daily; the four regulative principles are most
important and must be observed rigidly in temple life; you should speak
according to the çästras and be compassionate to all conditioned souls
and try to convince them about the real truth.
(Letter to devotees – June 29, 1971, London)
9
Hearing
So cleanliness is next to godliness. So the... Actually, our material
conditioned life means the mind is covered with dirt, all unclean, dirty
things. That is the disease. When we are in the lower stage of tamo-
guṇa and rajo-guṇa, these dirty things are very much prominent.
Therefore one has to raise himself from the position of tamo-guṇa and
rajo-guṇa to sattva-guṇa. The process is recommended, how to
cleanse the mind: śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ
(SB 1.2.17). One has to hear the kṛṣṇa-kathā. (Lecture on SB 3.25.16
- November 16, 1974, Bombay)
169 | P a g e
So cleanliness is next to godliness. So the... Actually, our material
conditioned life means the mind is covered with dirt, all unclean, dirty
things. That is the disease. When we are in the lower stage of tamo-
guṇa and rajo-guṇa, these dirty things are very much prominent.
Therefore one has to raise himself from the position of tamo-guṇa and
rajo-guṇa to sattva-guṇa. The process is recommended, how to
cleanse the mind: śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ
(SB 1.2.17). One has to hear the kṛṣṇa-kathā.
10
While describing the system of protection for the creeper of devotional
service, Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu has especially stressed protection
from offenses unto the lotus feet of Vaiñëavas. Such offenses are
called Vaiñëava-aparädha. Aparädha means "offense." If one commits
Vaiñëava-aparädhas, all of his progress in devotional service will be
checked. Even though one is very much advanced in devotional
service, if he commits offenses at the feet of a Vaiñëava, his
advancement is all spoiled. In the çästras it is found that a very great
yogé, Durväsä Muni, committed a Vaiñëava-aparädha and thus for one
170 | P a g e
full year had to travel all over the universe, even to Vaikuëöhaloka, to
defend himself from the offense. At last, even when he approached the
Supreme Personality of Godhead in Vaikuëöha, he was refused
protection. Therefore, one should be very careful about committing
offenses at the feet of a Vaiñëava.
11
Acäpalam, determination, means that one should not be agitated or
frustrated in some attempt. There may be failure in some attempt, but
one should not be sorry for that; he should make progress with patience
and determination.
12
Guru Issue
Caitanya Mahāprabhu authorized Sanatana Goswami to become guru.
This is paramparä system. Nobody can become guru all of a sudden.
Self-made guru is not guru. Unless Sanatana Goswami has got the
power to receive the instruction, Caitanya Mahāprabhu is not going to
waste His time. He has the power. So He is empowering Sanatana
Gosvami to take this task and spread Kåñëa consciousness. Just like
even if one is a qualified lawyer, he must get the power of attorney from
his client, and then he can speak. That is the law. Similarly, without
being endowed with the power of attorney from Kåñëa, it is not possible
171 | P a g e
to preach. Because we are preparing ourselves to preach Kåñëa
consciousness, we must be qualified to get the power of attorney.
Sometimes we speak that "I'll preach." What will you preach? First of
all, get the power of attorney; then preach. Preaching is not so easy
that anyone can preach. Kåñëa-çakti vinä nahe tära pravartana. So to
get that power of attorney one has to qualify himself, not that the power
of attorney is hanging in the tree and you can take it.
(Śrī Caitanya-caritamrta Lecture – July 11, 1976, New York)
“Caitanya Mahäprabhu is authorizing him to become guru. This is
paramparä system. Nobody can become guru all of a sudden. Self-
made guru that is not guru. Here Caitanya, er, Sanätana Gosvämé is
presented as the disciple, ideal disciple. He is asking, ke ämi kene
ämäya järe täpa-traya, process how to approach guru, how to ask him
question. Tad viddhi praëipätena paripraçnena [Bg. 4.34]. Paripraçna
means question. That is also required. But Caitanya Mahäprabhu is
authorizing him. Therefore He says, kåñëa-çakti dhara tumi [Cc.
Madhya 20.105]. Here Kåñëa, Caitanya Mahäprabhu, He is authorizing
Sanätana Gosvämé. Unless he has got the power to receive the
instruction, Caitanya Mahäprabhu is not going to waste His time. He
has the power. He is empowered. Kåñëa Caitanya Mahäprabhu's
mission is that to preach Kåñëa consciousness all over the world. So
He is empowering Sanätana Gosvämé to take this task and spread
Kåñëa consciousness. That is Caitanya Mahäprabhu's mission. There
is... You'll find in the Caitanya-caritämåta the verse, kåñëa-çakti vinä
nahe näma pracäraëa. Without being empowered by Kåñëa, nobody
can preach the holy name of the Lord. Kåñëa-çakti vinä nahe näma
pracäraëa. So without getting the power of attorney... Just like even
one is qualified lawyer, he must get the power of attorney from his
client, and then he can speak. That is the law. Similarly, without being
endowed with the power of attorney from Kåñëa, it is not possible to
preach.
So our business is... Because we are preparing ourselves to preach
Kåñëa consciousness, we must be qualified to get the power of
172 | P a g e
attorney. Sometimes we speak that "I'll preach." What you will preach?
First of all get the power of attorney; then preach. Preaching is not so
easy that anyone and anyone can preach without... Kåñëa-çakti vinä
nahe näma pracäraëa. So to get that power of attorney one has to
qualify himself, not that the power of attorney is hanging in the tree and
you can take it.”
13
Sädhana
Following Kåñëa's orders means chanting daily 16 rounds, following
the four rules and regulations, rising early, associating with devotees,
like that. Unless these principles are followed, we cannot expect
Kåñëa's protection. (Letter to Jayadeva – 23 July, 1972, Paris)
14
Guru Issue
Don’t become premature ācārya. First of all, follow the orders of ācārya,
and you become mature. Then it is better to become ācārya. Because
we are interested in preparing ācārya……But the etiquette is, at least
for the period the guru is present, one should not become ācārya. Even
if he is complete, he should not, because the etiquette is, if somebody
173 | P a g e
comes for becoming initiated, it is the duty of such person to bring that
prospective candidate to his ācārya.
(Sri Chaitanya caritāmṛta Lecture – April 6, 1975, Māyāpur)
15
Spiritual master
I have accepted you as my disciple and you have accepted me as your
spiritual father. This relationship cannot be ended anymore. It is
eternal. (Letter to - Rayarama - Los Angeles, 8 July, 1969)
16
Chanting Quality
The Kåñëa consciousness movement prescribes sixteen rounds daily
because people in the Western countries cannot concentrate for long
periods while chanting on beads. Therefore, the minimum number of
rounds is prescribed. However, Çréla Bhaktisiddhänta Sarasvaté used
to say that unless one chants at least sixty-four rounds of japa (one
hundred thousand names), he is considered fallen (patita). According
to his calculation, practically every one of us is fallen, but because we
are trying to serve the Supreme Lord with all seriousness and without
duplicity, we can expect the mercy of Lord Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu,
who is famous as patita-pävana, the deliverer of the fallen.
(The Nectar of Instruction Verse 5)
17
Service
Just keep this attitude of sincere service and without a doubt Kṛṣṇa will
give you all intelligence to serve Him nicely. Kṛṣṇa is not ungrateful but
174 | P a g e
rather He sees all our efforts and appreciates our sincere service.
Kṛṣṇa is interested in how we engage our energies in His service.
(Letter to Devananda – 23 November 1968, Los Angeles)
Just keep this your attitude of sincere service and without a doubt Kṛṣṇa
will give you all intelligence to serve Him nicely. Kṛṣṇa is not ungrateful
but rather He sees all our efforts and appreciates our sincere service.
Kṛṣṇa is interested in how we engage our energies in His service.
18
Actual Happiness
The material world is but a shadow of reality. In the shadow there is no
reality or substantiality, but from the shadow we can understand that
there are substance and reality. In the desert there is no water, but the
mirage suggests that there is such a thing as water. In the material
world there is no water, there is no happiness, but the real water
of actual happiness is there in the spiritual world.
(Bhagavad-gītā Introduction)
19
Chanting
By chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa gradually the soul revives its identity or it
comes out from the forgetfulness. This is not exactly development, but
it is reviving one's consciousness. Everything will be gradually clear as
you go on chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa. Please try to chant at least 16 rounds
of the beads and while chanting try to hear each and every word. That
will make you advanced in every respect.
(Letter to Ballabhi – May 5, 1967, San Francisco)
175 | P a g e
20
Enthusiasm
The difficulties of life may come as seasonal changes but we should
not be disturbed by all those difficulties. Our process is to chant and
that process will gradually clear everything in due course. There is
nothing to be disrupted–you should go on with your work, with
enthusiasm and everything will be solved. We are on the sound
footing of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
(Letter to Mukunda – June 6, 1967, New York)
21
Chanting
In this connection, Follow the rules and regulations according to
schedule and execute your duties in Krsna's service and everything
will be alright. These regulative functions of chanting the rounds
sixteen daily, rising early in the morning to attend Mangala Arati,
holding classes for studying our scripture and gong on Sankirtana,
these items must not be neglected. They will quickly advance us in
Krsna Consciousness and clear up all doubtful activities which have
been causing mischief in our Society.
(Letter to: Revatinandana – Tokyo 27 August, 1970)
176 | P a g e
22
Sense Control
Yes, the point is that we should not eat more than required. Eating,
sleeping, mating, all these are material demands; the more we
minimize, then that is good, but not at the risk of health. Because we
have to work for Kṛṣṇa, so we must maintain our health nicely. But we
should not eat more than is required for maintaining body and soul
together. That is the principle. It does not mean, however, that if one's
body requires more food for maintaining it, that he should imitate
someone who requires less food. The real point is that eating is for
maintaining the body, not for luxury or for satisfying the demands of
the tongue. In the beginning of devotional service one can only see
Kṛṣṇa in the Deity and the prasadam that is offered to Him.
(Letter to Unknown -- August 23, 1968, Montreal)
Yes, the point is that we should not eat more than required. Eating,
sleeping, mating, all these are material demands; the more we
minimize, then that is good, but not at the risk of health. Because we
have to work for Kṛṣṇa, so we must maintain our health nicely. But we
should not eat more than is required for maintaining body and soul
together. That is the principle. It does not mean, however, that if one's
body requires more food for maintaining it, that he should imitate
someone who requires less food. The real point is that eating is for
maintaining the body, not for luxury or for satisfying the demands of
the tongue. Yes, you are right in saying that in the beginning of
177 | P a g e
devotional service that one can only see Kṛṣṇa in the Deity and the
prasadam that is offered to Him.
23
Hearing
Now here is Lord Caitanya's order. Whether we do understand or not
understand, if we simply submissively give aural reception to these
messages of Kṛṣṇa, then gradually we shall understand the whole
philosophy and science of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. This is the summary.
You may not understand at the present moment about the extensive
constitutional position and philosophy of Kṛṣṇa. Still, if we submissively
give aural reception to these messages, as it is described in the
Caitanya-caritāmṛta by Lord Caitanya, that will help us—Bhagavad-
gītā, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Caitanya-caritāmṛta. This hearing process
is very nice. That is recommended by Lord Caitanya. Simply by
hearing. We do not require to be very highly educated or very good
scholar in Vedānta philosophy. Whatever you are, you remain in your
place. That doesn't matter. Simply try to hear, and by hearing
everything will be... Svayam eva sphuraty adaḥ. Because the process
is that we cannot understand God or we cannot see God unless He
reveals. So this revelation will come if we submissively hear. We may
not understand, but simply by hearing, we can achieve that stage of
life.
(Lecture on CC Madhya-lila 20.391-405 - January 2, 1967, New
York)
178 | P a g e
24
Spiritual Activities
Kṛṣṇa consciousness is so nice that one aspires for still more work.
That is the sign of spiritual life. In the material world we want to
minimize our activities and take rest more, but in the spiritual world
there is no rest and there is no limit of activities. Kṛṣṇa is unlimited, His
service is unlimited and the energy of His servants is unlimited.
Although we are in the midst of ignorance, still if we keep ourselves
alert there is no place of ignorance.
(Letter to Tamala Kṛṣṇa – March 18, 1969, Hawaii)
Kṛṣṇa consciousness is so nice that you are aspiring for still more work.
That is the sign of spiritual life. In the material world we want to
minimize our activities and take rest more, but in the spiritual world
there is no rest and there is no limit of activities. Kṛṣṇa is unlimited, His
service is unlimited and the energy of His servants is unlimited.
Although we are in the midst of ignorance, still if we keep ourselves
alert there is no place of ignorance.
25
179 | P a g e
Devotional service
The only process for perceiving Kṛṣṇa and His name, qualities, form, is
our sincere service attitude with our senses, beginning from the tongue.
All our senses are practically led by the tongue sense, whose business
is to vibrate and to taste. If we can change the materialistic nature of
the tongue by changing of taste and vibration, then automatically the
other senses become purified. And we can render service to Kṛṣṇa with
purified senses.
(Letter to Upendra, July 4, 1968, Montreal)
26
Association of devotees
Our relationship is eternal. But if somebody lags behind, so in spite of
our eternal relationship one may not meet others at the destination.
Just like a flock of birds--although very intimately related, every one of
them has to fly in the sky by individual strength. If one is less strong,
the others cannot keep him in the sky. That is the law of nature. So
long every one of us is strong in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, there is no doubt
you can fly in the spiritual sky and meet together without failure.
Therefore, individual strength is most important and that individual
strength is achieved in the association of devotees also.
(Letter to Satsvarupa – September 20, 1968, San Francisco)
27
Quality of Devotees
Devotee means he is able to tolerate all kinds of discomfort and whims
of the material nature, and because he is so much absorbed in serving
Kṛṣṇa, he takes no time to become angry or take offense with others or
find out some fault, no. Devotee means very liberal and kind to
everyone, always gentleman under all kinds of conditions of life.
(Letter to Hansadutta – December 10, 1972, Ahmedabad)
180 | P a g e
28
Surrender
So when you may feel morose, chant Hare Krsna Mantra loudly and
hear it. That will reestablish you on the platform of transcendental bliss.
Sometimes it appears that the devotee is put into some difficulty
unreasonably, but the devotee does not take even this adverse
circumstance as anything other than a manifestation of the Lord's
Supreme Mercy. Anyway, such feelings come and go like seasonal
changes and we should not deviate for that reason from our prescribed
duty.
(Letter to Visnujana – January 8, 1971, Allahabad)
So when you may feel morose, chant Hare Krsna Mantra loudly and
hear it. That will reestablish you on the platform of transcendental bliss.
Sometimes it appears that the devotee is put into some difficulty
unreasonably, but the devotee does not take even this adverse
circumstance as other that a manifestation of the Lord's Supreme
Mercy. Anyway, such feelings come and go like seasonal changes and
we should not deviate for that reason from our prescribed duty.
29
Deity Worship
It is the sole aim of life to be constantly absorbed in thoughts about
Rādhārāṇī and Kṛṣṇa, and because you are so determined to become
181 | P a g e
fully Kṛṣṇa Conscious, Kṛṣṇa has given you this opportunity to realize
that aim by serving Him directly. I have always instructed that the
standard of arcana worship must be kept very high, because this will
insure that every other temple activity will also flourish.
(Letter to Himavati – November 17, 1971, Delhi)
30
Chanting and the spiritual platform
Kértana is the universal principle, therefore, if you chant Hare Kṛṣṇa
offenselessly, that is to say, avoiding the 10 kinds of offenses, the
vibration is sure to act. And anywhere this vibration is made, it will be
liked because it is done on the spiritual platform. And on the spiritual
platform, there will be certainly agreement. So long one is on the
material platform, there is no agreement. So our movement is directly
taken to the spiritual platform. So do it nicely, offenselessly, and it will
be successful anywhere.
(Letter to Gurudasa -- December 14, 1968, Los Angeles)
182 | P a g e
December
1
Devotional Service
Sometimes pressure is required, especially when one is not so
advanced. Of course it has to be applied properly, otherwise there may
be some bad taste. But spontaneous service can only be expected from
advanced devotees. Just like a child by pressure goes to school and is
made to read. Then after some time he wants to read, even without
pressure. We have all got experience of this. It is vaidhi bhakti–vaidhi
means "must.'' Sometimes devotees are promised a plate of maha-
prasadam for the biggest book distributer. There is no harm. Actually
one should try to serve Kṛṣṇa to his or her full capacity without thought
of reward–service is itself the reward. But this takes time to actually
realize and until that platform is achieved some pressure or inducement
is required.
(Letter to Tusta Kṛṣṇa – January 9, 1976, Bombay)
2
Protection
Regarding the things that Kṛṣṇa is giving you, everything belongs to
Kṛṣṇa and He is giving everything, even to the nondevotees, even to
the animals who have no consciousness of Kṛṣṇa; and what to speak
of His devotees. Just like the father maintains all his children without
any grudge, but the child who is very faithful to the orders of the father
183 | P a g e
is given specific care by the father. Similarly, Kṛṣṇa being the Father of
all living entities, he is supplying the bare necessities of their life; but
for His devotees He has got special attention. So depend on Kṛṣṇa,
chant regularly Hare Kṛṣṇa and you will find that He is talking with you
face to face, what to speak of supplying your necessities.
(Letter to Jayasri – November 13, 1969, London)
3
Discipline
It is simply out of love that I chastise any of my students. It is a father's
duty to raise his son to be a strong, useful citizen, and sometimes he
must reprimand him for some mistake in order to teach him. But this
harshness is only for his son's benefit. Similarly, you are all my spiritual
children, and my only concern is to see that you all become strong in
your devotion to Lord Kṛṣṇa, so sometimes scolding may be there, but
you should always remember that it is done with love and it is only for
your benefit.
(Letter to Niranjana – April 12, 1972, Sydney)
So far my chastising you at Māyāpur for your questions; it is simply out
of love that I chastise any of my students. It is a father's duty to raise
his son to be a strong, useful citizen, and sometimes he must
reprimand him for some mistake in order to teach him. But this
harshness is only for his son's benefit. Similarly, you are all my spiritual
children, and my only concern is to see that you all become strong in
your devotion to Lord Kṛṣṇa, so sometimes scolding may be there, but
you should always remember that it is done with love and it is only for
your benefit.
4
Preaching
184 | P a g e
Krishna consciousness means to increase the number of persons in
Krishna consciousness. Therefore, it is the duty of a Brahmacari to go
door to door as beggar and enlighten people in Krishna consciousness.
Whenever you go to some person he will hear something from the
devotee about Krishna consciousness and that will be very much
beneficial for both the devotee and the person who hears the devotee.
(Letter to Kirtanananda – April 13, 1967, New York)
5
Reading
If you all carry these words successively, then the transcendental
paramparā system will be exactly maintained and people in general will
be benefited. I am very much obliged to my disciples because they are
realizing the importance of Kṛṣṇa Consciousness Movement and it is
very much encouraging to me. Please, therefore, continue the standard
of understanding. Read regularly our books and try to expand and
preach the philosophy as far as possible.
(Letter to Bhagavan – January 10, 1970, Los Angeles)
6
Reserved and perseverance
When a person is undisturbed even in the presence of various causes
of disturbance, he is called reserved and perseverant. An example of
this perseverance and reservation is found in the behavior of King
Pariksit, as described in the First Canto, Nineteenth Chapter, verse 15,
of Srimad-Bhagavatam. The King says there to all the sages present
before him at the time of his death, "My dear brahmanas, you should
always accept me as your surrendered servant. I have come to the
bank of the Ganges just to devote my heart and soul unto the lotus feet
of Lord Kṛṣṇa. So please bless me, that mother Ganges may also be
pleased with me. Let the curse of the brahmana's son fall upon me - I
do not mind. I only request that at the last moment of my life all of you
185 | P a g e
will kindly chant the holy name of Visnu, so that I may realize His
transcendental qualities."
This example of Maharaja Pariksit's behavior, his remaining patient
even at the last point of his life, his undisturbed condition of mind, is an
example of reservation. This is one of the characteristics of a devotee
who has developed ecstatic love for Kṛṣṇa
(Nectar of Devotion 18: Character of One in Ecstatic Love)
7
Prayers
So prasanna-vaktra aruṇa-locanāni. Prasanna-vaktra. Prasanna
means pleasing. Somebody was talking that, "Your Deity is just like
trying to talk with me." Prasanna-vaktra. Yes. He is here to talk with
you, but He is waiting whether you're interested to talk with Him. That's
all. Kṛṣṇa says that teṣāṁ satata-yuktānāṁ bhajatāṁ prīti-pūrvakam,
buddhi-yogaṁ dadāmi tam (BG 10.10). He talks, but with whom?
Teṣāṁ satata-yuktānām. One who is twenty-four hours engaged with
love and faith in the service of the Lord. To whom. Just like if you want
to talk with some big man, then you must have qualification. Is it
possible that if you want to talk with the big man here, immediately you
like? No. You cannot talk. You must be fit to talk with him. Similarly,
Kṛṣṇa is ready to talk with you. He has come. He has descended in
arcā-mūrti to talk with you, to be visible by you. Now you make yourself
ready and fit to talk with you; then He will exchange conversation.
Santaḥ sadaiva hṛdayeṣu vilokayanti. This is possible. This is
qualification.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.25.35 - December 4th 1974, Bombay)
8
Prajalpa
Any friend in any part of the world that you may contact, try to infuse
him with this Kṛṣṇa Consciousness idea. Never waste your time in any
186 | P a g e
other talks. I think our students have already developed this attitude
and they are not interested in idle talks. Ambarisa Maharaja, he set very
nice example by engaging his mind always on the Lotus Feet of Kṛṣṇa,
and talking always about him. We should follow the same example.
(Letter to Upendra – July 4, 1968 Montreal)
9
Deity Worship
We have to make our steady progress, keeping both sides in balance;
namely the Pancaratriki Biddhi and Bhagavat Biddhi. The Pancaratriki
Biddhi is Arcana or Temple worship, and the Bhagavat Biddhi is to
preach by chanting and distributing literature. Although chanting is
quite sufficient to cover all the Biddhis, still to keep ourselves pure and
sanctified, we must observe the rules and regulations of Pancaratriki
Biddhi.
(Letter to Hamsaduta – March 12, 1970, Los Angeles)
10
What pleases Srila Prabhupada the most?
Bahulasva: What is the thing that would please you the most?
Prabhupada: Chant Hare Kṛṣṇa.
Devotees: Hare Kṛṣṇa!
Prabhupada: That is the simple thing. You are chanting. I am very
much pleased. That’s all. I came to your country to chant, that “You
chant also along with me.” So you are helping me by chanting. So I am
pleased.
(Lecture - July 16, 1971, Detroit)
187 | P a g e
11
Quality of a devotee
Although the King Indradyumna was cursed by Agastya Muni, he
welcomed the curse because a devotee is always aware that nothing can
happen without the desire of the Supreme Lord. Although the King was
not at fault, Agastya Muni cursed him, and when this happened the King
considered it to be due to his past misdeeds. Tat te 'nukampāṁ
susamīkṣamāṇaḥ (SB 10.14.8). This is a practical example of how a
devotee thinks. He regards any reverses in life as blessings of the
Supreme Personality of Godhead. Therefore, instead of being agitated
by such reverses, he continues his activities of devotional service, and
Kṛṣṇa takes care of him and enables him to be promoted to the spiritual
world, back to Godhead. If a devotee has to suffer the reactions of his
past misdeeds, the Supreme Lord arranges for him to be given only a
token of these reactions, and very soon he is freed from all the reactions
of material contamination. One should therefore adhere to devotional
service, and the Lord Himself will very soon see to one's promotion to the
spiritual world. A devotee should not be disturbed by unfortunate
circumstances, but must continue his regular program, depending on the
Lord for everything.
(Purport Srimad-Bhagavatam 8.4.11-12 )
Original unedited Quote:
Although the King Indradyumna was cursed by Agastya Muni, he welcomed the
curse because a devotee is always aware that nothing can happen without the
desire of the Supreme Lord. Although the King was not at fault, Agastya Muni
cursed him, and when this happened the King considered it to be due to his past
misdeeds. Tat te 'nukampāṁ susamīkṣamāṇaḥ (SB 10.14.8). This is a practical
example of how a devotee thinks. He regards any reverses in life as blessings of
188 | P a g e
the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Therefore, instead of being agitated by
such reverses, he continues his activities of devotional service, and Kṛṣṇa takes
care of him and enables him to be promoted to the spiritual world, back to
Godhead. If a devotee has to suffer the reactions of his past misdeeds, the
Supreme Lord arranges for him to be given only a token of these reactions, and
very soon he is freed from all the reactions of material contamination. One should
therefore adhere to devotional service, and the Lord Himself will very soon see to
one's promotion to the spiritual world. A devotee should not be disturbed by
unfortunate circumstances, but must continue his regular program, depending on
the Lord for everything.
12
Devotees should be ideal
Madhudviṣa: Is it possible for a dog-eater to become a first-class man?
Prabhupāda: Oh, yes. Engage this tongue for these two business:
chant Hare Kṛṣṇa and take prasādam. He will forget dog-eating.
(laughter) There is no exception. Everyone can become Kṛṣṇa
conscious if he follows, beginning, these two rules: chant Hare Kṛṣṇa
and take prasādam. That's all. Test it. Make a trial. The temple is here.
We are inviting. Come here. Do these two business. And our
Madhudviṣa Mahārāja is ready to give you prasādam and chance for
dancing and singing. That's all. Where is the difficulty? You haven't got
to pay for it. No loss. If there is any gain, why don't you try it?
Madhudviṣa: Śrīla Prabhupāda, why is it necessary for someone to
come here and chant Hare Kṛṣṇa and take prasādam?
Prabhupāda: Everything is being done properly. You will learn. Just
like you have to go to school or college to learn. So just similarly, if you
have to take the education of spiritual life, they will come here and see
how people are doing, ideal. And you should be ideal. If you are not
ideal, then it will be useless to open center. You behave nicely, they
will come, they will see, and they will learn. If you go to some school
and the professors are rascals, then what you will learn? It is both,
reciprocal. You shall act as professor, teacher. Your life should be
ideal, and they will come and see, and they will learn.
(Çrémad-Bhägavatam Lecture—Melbourne, May 19, 1975)
189 | P a g e
Note: For unedited original quote please turn over to the next page.

Madhudviṣa: Is it possible for a dog-eater to become a first-class man?
Prabhupāda: Oh, yes. Engage this tongue for these two business:
chant Hare Kṛṣṇa and take prasādam. He will forget dog-eating.
(laughter) There is no exception. Everyone can become Kṛṣṇa
conscious if he follows, beginning, these two rules: chant Hare Kṛṣṇa
and take prasādam. That's all. Test it. Make a trial. The temple is here.
We are inviting. Come here. Do these two business. And our
Madhudviṣa Mahārāja is ready to give you prasādam and chance for
dancing and singing. That's all. Where is the difficulty? You haven't got
to pay for it. No loss. If there is any gain, why don't you try it?
Madhudviṣa: Śrīla Prabhupāda, why is it necessary for someone to
come here and chant Hare Kṛṣṇa and take prasādam?
Prabhupāda: Just to... Because here is the center. Everything is being
done properly. You will learn. Just like you have to go to school or
college to learn. So just similarly, if you have to take the education of
spiritual life, they will come here and see how people are doing, ideal.
And you should be ideal. If you are not ideal, then it will be useless to
open center. You behave nicely, they will come, they will see, and they
will learn. If you go to some school and the professors are rascals, then
what you will learn? It is both, reciprocal. You shall act as professor,
teachers. Your life should be ideal, and they will come and see, and
they will learn.
190 | P a g e
13
Regulative Principles
There is the story of the bed bug. In the winter season the bed bug
appears to be only skin, but in summer season as soon as it gets the
opportunity of biting and sucking blood, it becomes fatty. Sometimes
we may artificially renounce the world, but as soon as the opportunity
of sucking blood is there, we turn again into a bed bug. Therefore it is
said in the Bhagavad gītā:
daivi hy esa gunamayi
mama maya duratyaya
mam eva ye prapadyante
mayam etam taranti te
[Bg. 7.14]
"This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of material
nature, is difficult to overcome. But, those who have surrendered unto
Me can easily cross beyond it.''
Unless everyone of us sticks to the regulative principles of chanting,
there is no other alternative than fall-down. That is a fact.
(Letter to Karandhara – October 19, 1973, Bombay)
191 | P a g e
14
Association of Devotees
Regarding your question about faith in devotees, faith must be there.
But we should always take instruction from devotees who are
considered to be elevated. A preacher's position is like this: He should
have firm faith and love for Kṛṣṇa. He should make friendship with
devotees. He should be very much charitable and kind to the neophytes
and he should avoid the company of nondevotees. This program
suggests, of course, that a devotee who is not in the neophyte stage
can discriminate what is Kṛṣṇa, what is devotee, what is neophyte and
what is nondevotee. Unless one is able to discriminate, he is to be
considered to be in the neophyte stage. In the neophyte stage the
position is that the neophyte devotee worships the Deity in the temple
with great awe and reverence, but he cannot discriminate who is
devotee, who is nondevotee and who is neophyte. I think you must be
in the second stage and should try to discriminate as above. Any
devotee wanting to see you should be welcomed, but your treatment
should be according to his position.
(Letter to Hamsaduta – September 28, 1969, Tittenhurst)
15
Chanting
192 | P a g e
When Hare Kṛṣṇa Mantra is vibrating on your tongue and you are
hearing attentively, then your consciousness becomes clear or Kṛṣṇa
consciousness and there is no question of maya or hazy
consciousness. Just as when the light and darkness come together,
the darkness cannot stand before the light, so maya cannot remain in
the presence of Kṛṣṇa. Always remember therefore to chant Hare
Kṛṣṇa, at least 16 rounds daily, and that will save you in all
circumstances without any doubt.
(Letter to Rupa Vilasa , Candrika, Bhavatarini, Bhanutanya – June
20, 1972, Los Angeles)
16
Reading
So you continue this book distribution program very nicely, and at the
same time take advantage of these books yourselves. Not that you just
distribute but neglect reading them yourself. Always read them,
especially Kṛṣṇa book. Every time you have a spare moment, you
should read. This will help you to advance in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, and
will give you the ability to convince others also.
(Letter to Trai – May 5, 1972, Hawaii)
17
ISKCON standard
Make certain that the daily routine program is held nicely and to the
regular highest ISKCON standard, that is, you should see that our rising
early, holding mangala arati, chanting 16 rounds, reading books,
having classes, street sankirtana, etc., go on just to the highest
standard and are never for any reason neglected. In this way your
success is assured, but if we neglect even for a moment our routine,
work, if we allow the regular program to become slack then everything
else we may try will fail.
(Letter to Rudra, Radhika – Calcutta 20 February, 1972)
193 | P a g e
18
Devotional Service
Regarding your question about annamoya, pranamoya, etc. Yes, they
are different stages of consciousness. Different living beings are
situated in different consciousness, some are satisfied in the matter of
eating and sleeping, they are on the annamoya stage. Pranamoya
means those who can simply survive in the struggle for existence.
Manomoya means philosophical speculation. Jnanamoya means self-
realization, vijnanamoya means application of that stage in practical
life, and when there is the right perfection of life that is anandamoya
stage or Kṛṣṇa Consciousness.
So by the grace of Lord Caitanya, in this age our movement is giving
directly the anandamoya stage, and anyone can visit our Temple and
see how our students are in blissful life. Naturally they are in jolly mood
by chanting, dancing, and taking Prasadam. Your regular chanting of
Mahamantra and reading of books will keep you always fit for pushing
on this movement. This formula should be rigidly followed by everyone
of us.
(Letter to Tamala Kṛṣṇa – May 1, 1970, Los Angeles)
194 | P a g e
19
Surrender
Only fools give up the service of the spiritual master and think
themselves advanced in spiritual knowledge. In order to check such
fools, Caitanya Mahäprabhu Himself presented the perfect example of
how to be a disciple. A spiritual master knows very well how to engage
each disciple in a particular duty, but if a disciple, thinking himself more
advanced than his spiritual master, gives up his orders and acts
independently, he checks his own spiritual progress. Every disciple
must consider himself completely unaware of the science of Kåñëa and
must always be ready to carry out the orders of the spiritual master to
become competent in Kåñëa consciousness. A disciple should always
remain a fool before his spiritual master.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Purport Adi 7.72)
195 | P a g e
20
Devotional service which is based on the foreground of full knowledge
combined with detachment from material association, and which is
fixed by dint of the aural reception of the Vedānta-śruti, is the only
perfect method by which the seriously inquisitive student can realize
the Absolute Truth. Devotional service is not, therefore, meant for the
less intelligent class of transcendentalists. There are three classes of
devotees, namely, first, second and third class. The third-class
devotees, or the neophytes, who have no knowledge and are not
detached from material association, but who are simply attracted by
the preliminary process of worshiping the Deity in the temple, are called
material devotees. Material devotees are more attached to material
benefit than transcendental profit. Therefore, one has to make definite
progress from the position of material devotional service to the
second-class devotional position. In the second-class position, the
devotee can see four principles in the devotional line, namely, the
Personality of Godhead, His devotees, the ignorant and the envious.
One has to raise himself at least to the stage of a second-class devotee
and thus become eligible to know the Absolute Truth.
(Purport to Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Adi 7.102)
196 | P a g e
21
Love of Godhead
Now increase that sincerity more and more by engaging yourself whole-
heartedly and with great enthusiasm for serving Kṛṣṇa and very soon love
of Godhead will fructify. You will become more and more happy in this life
and in the end go back to home, back to Kṛṣṇa, to enjoy eternal life, full of
bliss and knowledge and in association with the supreme lovable object,
Kṛṣṇa. And our process for obtaining to such a wonderful existence is not at
all difficult. Following the regulative principles strictly, chant at least 16
rounds of beads daily and always think of Kṛṣṇa.
(Letter to Ksama – November 6, 1971, Calcutta)
22
Spiritual master
As from wood, fire can be manifested, or as butter can be churned out of
milk, so also the presence of the Lord as Paramātmā can be felt by the
process of legitimate hearing and chanting of the transcendental subjects
which are especially treated in the Vedic literatures like the Upaniṣads and
Vedānta. Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is the bona fide explanation of these Vedic
literatures. The Lord can be realized through the aural reception of the
transcendental message, and that is the only way to experience the
transcendental subject. As fire is kindled from wood by another fire, the
divine consciousness of man can similarly be kindled by another divine
197 | P a g e
grace. His Divine Grace, the spiritual master can kindle the spiritual fire from
the woodlike living entity by imparting proper spiritual messages injected
through the receptive ear. Therefore one is required to approach the proper
spiritual master with receptive ears only, and thus divine existence is
gradually realized. The difference between animality and humanity lies in
this process only. A human being can hear properly, whereas an animal
cannot.
(Purport to Çrémad-Bhägavatam 1.2.32)
23
Lord’s Protection
To spread the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, devotees have to face
many dangers and impediments all over the world, but a faithful servant
who preaches with great devotion to the Lord must know that Lord
Nṛsiṁhadeva is always his protector.
(Purport to Çrémad-Bhägavatam 7.8.51)
198 | P a g e
24
Mercy of Pure Devotees
A mahā-bhāgavata Vaiṣṇava has the transcendental eyes to see who
is sleeping under the spell of māyā, and he engages himself in
awakening sleeping conditioned beings by spreading the knowledge of
Kṛṣṇa consciousness. He opens eyes that are closed by forgetfulness
of Kṛṣṇa. Thus the living entity is liberated from the dullness of material
energy and is engaged fully in the service of the Lord. The madhyama-
adhikārī Vaiṣṇava can awaken others to Kṛṣṇa consciousness and
engage them in duties whereby they can advance. It is therefore said
in the Caitanya-caritāmṛta (Madhya-līlā, Chapter Six, verse 279):
lohāke yāvat sparśi' hema nāhi kare
tāvat sparśa-maṇi keha cinite nā pāre
"One cannot understand the value of touchstone until it turns iron into
gold." One should judge by action, not by promises. A mahā-bhāgavata
can turn a living entity from abominable material life to the Lord's
service. This is the test of a mahā-bhāgavata. Although preaching is
not meant for a mahā-bhāgavata, a mahā-bhāgavata can descend to
the platform of madhyama-bhāgavata just to convert others to
Vaiṣṇavism. Actually a mahā-bhāgavata is fit to spread Kṛṣṇa
consciousness, but he does not distinguish where Kṛṣṇa
consciousness should be spread from where it should not. He thinks
that everyone is competent to accept Kṛṣṇa consciousness if the
chance is provided. A neophyte and an intermediate devotee should
199 | P a g e
always be eager to hear the mahā-bhāgavata and serve him in every
respect. The neophyte and intermediate devotees can gradually rise to
the platform of uttama-adhikārī and become first-class devotees.
(Purport to Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Madhya 16.74)
25
Devotional Service
So in the beginning, if you take to Kṛṣṇa consciousness, there will be
so many disturbances by māyā. Māyā will test you how far you are fixed
up. She will test you. She is also agent of Kṛṣṇa. She does not allow
anyone who is meant for disturbing Kṛṣṇa. Therefore, she tests very
rigidly whether you have taken to Kṛṣṇa consciousness to disturb
Kṛṣṇa, or you are actually serious. That is māyā' s business. So there
will be, in the beginning, test by māyā, and you will feel so much
disturbances in making progress in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. But if you
remain steady... Steady means if you follow the rules and regulations
and chant sixteen rounds, then you will remain steady. And if you
neglect, then māyā will capture you, immediately. Māyā is always
ready.
(Lecture on Çrémad-Bhägavatam 1.8.20 - April 12, 1973 New York)
26
Enthusiasm
That is the only requirement for successfully completing the perfection
of the living condition, that you should always be enthusiastic to
perform services unto the Lotus Feet of the Lord despite all obstacles,
and then you can be assured that all of the other qualities or necessities
for pure devotional service will be met, such as patience, determination,
etc. and then without doubt you shall be delivered to the realm of
unlimited bliss, freed from all anxieties.
200 | P a g e
(Letter to Hamsaduta – January 20, 1972, Jaipur)
27
Discipline
If you pat your subordinates it will increase their faulty habits and if
you chastise them, they will improve. Therefore, it is advised that
either your son or disciple, you should always chastise them, never
give them leniency. So a little leniency, immediately so many faults
will grow. Now for our practical life we are known all over the world as
shaven headed, is it not? Now we are becoming hair-headed, we are
forgetting shaving. Because there is a little leniency, immediately
faulty things are creeping in.
(Letter to Ramesvara – November 26, 1976, Newsletter)
28
Studying the Philosophy
So by study of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam under the bona fide spiritual
master, one becomes aware of the full value of life, and then he
revives his original Kṛṣṇa consciousness. That is the perfection of life.
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-gītā: "yanti deva vrata devan [Bg. 9.25].'' So if he likes he
can go back to Godhead, "yanti mad yajino 'pi mam,'' and stop this
transmigration process. Then he comes again perfect in Kṛṣṇa
consciousness. We are trying to bring the human society to this stage
of life.
201 | P a g e
(Letter to Svarupa Damodara – August 31, 1975, Vrindavan)
29
Association of devotees
It would be better to set the example rather than to criticize the
defects of the devotees. We should always remember that we recruit
members from people in general. It is not expected that every one of
our members should be immediately to the standard qualification. The
best thing for you is to set the example by your personal behavior and
try to reform the others, not by criticizing but by friendly behavior. If
sometimes there are any disagreements, we should try to forget such
incidences and be always in friendship with each other.
(Letter to Vrinda – October 14, 1971, Nairobi)
30
Relationship with Srila Prabhupada
I thank all of you very much for accepting me as your spiritual master,
and I promise that I will take you back to home, back to Godhead.
(Letter to: Nityananda Delhi 12 November, 1971)
202 | P a g e
31
Determination
In the beginning it has been said that you make your determination
that: "In this life I shall execute Kåñëa consciousness in such a way
that after leaving this body I enter into the spiritual world and go
directly to Goloka Våndävana, Kåñëaloka." This is called
vyavasäyätmikä buddhiù. Niçcayätmikä means determination.
But He says that persons who are attached to bhoga - material
enjoyment, aiçvarya - material opulence: bhogaiçvarya-prasaktänäm
[Bg. 2.44]. Those who are too much attached to material enjoyment
and material sense gratification, material opulence, and those who
have become bewildered or mad after it, tayäpahåta-cetasäm, they
cannot have such determination. They will fail to have such
determination.
(Bhagavad-gétä 2.40-45—Los Angeles, December 13, 1968)
Unedited Original Qoute
In the beginning it has been said that you make your determination
that "In this life I shall execute Kåñëa consciousness in such a way
that after leaving this body I enter into the spiritual world and go
directly to Goloka Våndävana, Kåñëaloka." This is called
vyavasäyätmikä buddhiù. Niçcayätmikä means determination. But He
says that persons who are attached, bhoga, material enjoyment,
aiçvarya, material opulence: bhogaiçvarya-prasaktänäm [Bg. 2.44].
Those who are too much attached to material enjoyment and material
sense gratification, material opulence, tayäpahåta-cetasäm, and
those who have become bewildered or mad after it, tayäpahåta-
203 | P a g e
cetasäm, vyavasäyätmikä buddhiù, they cannot have such
determination. They will fail to have such determination.
(Bhagavad-gétä 2.40-45—Los Angeles, December 13, 1968)
204 | P a g e

Lines

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Lines

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Quotes for

A collection from the teachings of

His Divine Grace

You are right about Çrédhara Mahäräja’s genuineness. But in my opinion he is

(Original unedited quote)

īśvaraḥ paramaḥ Kṛṣṇaḥ

(Original unedited quote)

"The instruction given in my books is supposed to be personal

(Original unedited quote)

(Original unedited quote)

(Original unedited quote)

(Original unedited quote)

(Original unedited quote)

(Original unedited quote)

(Unedited original quote)

(Original unedited quote)

utsāhān niścayād dhairyāt

(Original unedited quote)

(Original unedited quote)

(Original unedited quote)

(Original unedited quote)

(Original unedited quote)

I have explained, chanting outside the temple and chanting in the

(Original unedited quote)

(Original unedited quote)

(Original unedited quote)

(Original unedited quote)

(Original unedited quote)

Govinda (a disciple of Srila Éçvara Puré) came from a çüdra family,

(Original unedited quote)

(Original unedited quote)

(Original unedited quote)

(Original unedited quote)

(Unedited original Quote)

(Unedited original Quote)

(Unedited original quote)

(Unedited original quote)

(Unedited original quote)

(Unedited original quote)

(Unedited original quote)

(Original unedited quote)

(Unedited original quote)

You might also like