Moon Hoax – Srila Prabhupada’s Angles

The Great Moon Hoax

Exposed by Srila Prabhupada from numerous angles

Compiled by Vidura Mahatma das

The Point

“Apart from this discussion, the point is that a living entity has immense and unlimited desires for material enjoyment, and he has to transmigrate from one gross body to another until these desires are exhausted.” (SB 4.29.69 purport)

“Even you go to the Moon planet… This is Bhāgavata. Before going to your Moon planet here is the information: “Anywhere you go rascal these things will follow, janma-mṛtyu-jarā-vyādhi [Bg. 13.9] and inconveniences. You’ll have to suffer.” So one’s who’s, one who is intelligent, then: “Where shall I find real happiness?” That is Kṛṣṇa. Therefore one requires to be very, very intelligent to become Kṛṣṇa conscious.” (Room Conversation — November 1, 1973, New Delhi)

Can’t travel 95,000,000 miles in four days at 18,000 mph.

“My challenge is that moon is beyond the sun. First planet is sun, and then moon. So if the sun is 93,000,000 miles and moon is above the sun 1,600,000, then how they can go to the moon planet in four days? It requires seven and a half months. That is my challenge.” (Room Conversation — January 30, 1977, Bhuvanesvara)

“We have already discussed this point in many places. The sun is first, then the moon, then Mars, Jupiter and so on. The sun is supposed to be 93,000,000 miles above the surface of the earth, and from the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam we understand that the moon is 1,600,000 miles above the sun. Therefore the distance between the earth and the moon would be about 95,000,000 miles. So if a space capsule were traveling at the speed of 18,000 miles per hour, how could it reach the moon in four days? At that speed, going to the moon would take at least seven months. That a space capsule on a moon excursion has reached the moon in four days is therefore impossible.” (SB 8.10.38 purport)

“So far we understand from Vedic literature, the moon is the second planet. The sun is the first planet. If we consider like that, then moon is beyond the sun planet. The estimation is there in the Srimad-Bhag avatam: 1,600,000 miles above the sun the moon is situated. Now, if we take consideration of the sun planet situated 93,000,000 miles from earth, then add 1,600,000 miles again, it comes to 15,000,000…, 95,000,000’s miles away from the earthly planet. And how you can reach there in four days, 95,000,000 miles away? If we apply our common sense, then it appears they have never gone to the moon planet. It is all bogus propaganda. It is not possible.”

Devotee: Did they actually land on the moon, Śrīla Prabhupāda?

Prabhupāda: No, they cannot go there. What is the question of landing? They cannot go there. It is far, far away. What you calculated? 1,600,000 miles away, up the sun planet. 1,600,000 miles above the sun. According to your calculation, the sun is away from this planet by 93,000,000 miles. And above that, 1,600,000 miles. Then you go to the moon. How it is possible? (Morning Walk — May 27, 1975, Honolulu)

Not going to the moon but to the planet Rahu.

“The failure of modern moon excursionists may be due to the Rahu planet. In other words, those who are supposed to be going to the moon may actually be going to this invisible planet Rahu. Actually, they are not going to the moon but to the planet Rahu, and after reaching this planet, they come back. Apart from this discussion, the point is that a living entity has immense and unlimited desires for material enjoyment, and he has to transmigrate from one gross body to another until these desires are exhausted.” (SB 4.29.69 purport)

If they went there, they wouldn’t want to come back.

Prabhupāda: …it is a common sense affair that if somebody takes the trouble of doing so many things for the last ten or twenty years and go there and touch the moon planet, come back, it is successful. So it may be complacence for him, but I don’t think it is success. Why should I take so much trouble to touch the moon planet, come back? (chuckling) I have no useless time for that thing.
Reporter: Well, I think that what you’re saying, that it is also not strictly impossible for someone to go there and be able to come back, that many conditions would have to change for them to do that, but you wouldn’t rule out as impossible. Is that right?
Prabhupāda: No. Actually, if anyone goes there, he’ll not like to come back. …Otherwise, he will give false information, that “I went there and touched it and came back.” (Interview with LA Times Reporter About Moon Trip — December 26, 1968, Los Angeles)

As simple as the days of the week

“Among the planets, the first is Surya, the sun, not the moon. Therefore, according to the Vedic version, the modern astronomer’s proposition that the moon is nearest to the earth should not be accepted. The chronological order in which people all over the world refer to the days of the week–Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday–corresponds to the Vedic order of the planets and thus circumstantiates the Vedic version.” (SB 8.18.5 purport)

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Hare Krsna

Below we have a few statements from sastra and Srila Prabhupada about how chanting Hare Krsna maha mantra is enacted AUTOMATICALLY from the spiritual platform-how this is so,and how it affects us, kindly read on…..

damaghosa das
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1) The Topmost Yoga System : TYS 6: The Hare Krsna Mantra :
Kṛṣṇa consciousness is not an artificial imposition on the mind. This consciousness is theoriginal natural energy of the living entity. When we hear the transcendental vibration, this consciousness is revived. ..This chanting of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra is enacted from the spiritualplatform, and thus this sound vibration surpasses all lower strata of consciousness—namelysensual, mental and intellectual. There is no need, therefore, to understand the language of themantra, nor is there any need for mental speculation nor any intellectual adjustment for chanting this mahā-mantra. It is automatic, from the spiritual platform, and as such, anyone can take part in vibrating this transcendental sound without any previous qualification

2) Essays and Articles : EA 3: Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, Chapter 4 [Handwritten] :

“Signs of pure love of Godhead is aroused automatically in the heart of a pure devotee as soon as he hears of transcendental qualities of the Lord localised in every heart. This is manifested in the way of the Ganges flowing down in the ocean without any hindrance on the path. Such devotional activities are always causeless and undeterred in the matter of rendering service to the Supreme Lord. Causeless means without any motive or spontaneous. Undeterred means without any hindrance of seeking some fruitive reaction

3) Books : The Nectar of Devotion – 1970 Edition : NoD 2: The First Stages of Devotion :

There are certain prescribed methods for employing our senses and mind in such a way that our dormant consciousness for loving Kṛṣṇa will be invoked, as much as the child, with a littlepractice, can begin to walk. One who has no basic walking capacity cannot walk by practice.Similarly, Kṛṣṇa consciousness cannot be aroused simply by practice. Actually there is no suchpractice. When we wish to develop our innate capacity for devotional service there are certain processes which, by our accepting and executing them, will cause that dormant capacity to be invoked. Such practice is called sādhana-bhakti.

4) Books : Sri Caitanya-caritamrta – 1975 Edition : Cc. Adi-lila : Adi 7: Lord Caitanya in Five Features : Adi 7.95-96 :

“I firmly believe in these words of My spiritual master, and therefore I always chant the holy name of the Lord, alone and in the association of devotees. That holy name of Lord Kṛṣṇa sometimescauses Me to chant and dance, and therefore I chant and dance. Please do not think that I intentionally do it. I do it automatically.

5) Antya lila C.C.4.71

“Of the nine processes of devotional service, the most important is to always chant the holyname of the Lord. If one does so, avoiding the ten kinds of offenses, one very easily obtains the most valuable love of Godhead.”

PURPORT

Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī Prabhu gives the following directions in his Bhakti–sandarbha (270):

“Chanting the holy name is the chief means of attaining love of Godhead. This chanting or devotional service does not depend on any paraphernalia, nor on one’s having taken birth in a good family. By humility and meekness one attracts the attention of Kṛṣṇa. That is the verdict of all the Vedas. Therefore if one becomes very humble and meek, he can easily attain the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa in this age of Kali. That is the fulfillment of all great sacrifices, penances and austerities because when one achieves ecstatic love of Godhead, he attains the complete perfection of life. Therefore whatever one does in executing devotional service must be accompanied with the chanting of the holy name of the Lord.” The chanting of the holy name ofKṛṣṇa–Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma,Hare Hare-has been praised by Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī in his Nāmāṣṭaka (verse 1):

nikhila-śruti-mauli-ratna-mālā-
dyuti-nīrājita-pāda-paṅkajānta
ayi mukta-kulair upāsyamānaṁ
paritas tvāṁ hari-nāma saṁśrayāmi

“O Hari–nāma! The tips of the toes of Your lotus feet are constantly being worshiped by the glowing radiance emanating from the string of gems known as the Upaniṣads, the crown jewels of all theVedas. You are eternally adored by liberated souls such as Nārada and Śukadeva. O Hari–nāma! I take complete shelter of You.”

Similarly, Śrīla Sanātana Gosvāmī has praised the chanting of the holy name as follows in hisBṛhad-bhāgavatāmṛta (Chapter One, verse 9):

jayati jayati nāmānanda-rūpaṁ murārer
viramita-nija-dharma-dhyāna-pūjādi-yatnam
kathamapi sakṛd-āttaṁ muktidaṁ prāṇīnāṁ yat
paramam amṛtam ekaṁ jīvanaṁ bhūṣaṇaṁ me

“All glories, all glories to the all-blissful holy name of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, which causes the devotee togive up all conventional religious duties, meditation and worship. When somehow or other uttered even once by a living entity, the holy name awards him liberation. The holy name of Kṛṣṇais the highest nectar. It is my very life and my only treasure.”

In Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (2.1.11) Śukadeva Gosvāmī says:

etan nirvidyamānānām
icchatām akuto-bhayam
yogināṁ nṛpa nirṇītaṁ
harer nāmānukīrtanam

“O King, constant chanting of the holy name of the Lord after the ways of the great authorities is the doubtless and fearless way of success for all, including those who are free from all material desires, those who are desirous of all material enjoyment, and those who are self-satisfied by dint of transcendental knowledge.”

Similarly, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu has said in His Śikṣāṣṭaka(3):

tṛṇād api sunīcena
taror api sahiṣṇunā
amāninā mānadena
kīrtanīyaḥ sadā hariḥ

“One should chant the holy name of the Lord in a humble state of mind, thinking oneself lower than the straw in the street. One should be more tolerant than a tree, devoid of all sense of false prestige and ready to offer all respect to others. In such a state of mind one can chant the holy name of the Lord constantly.” Regarding the ten offenses in chanting the holy name, one may refer to the Ādi-līlā, Chapter Eight, verse 24.

Hare Krsna

Below is a short description of exactly how the impersonalists do their “meditation”. Srila Prabhupada also explains the evolution of human consciousness (life after life) from gross matter (materialists) up to spirit and how that kind of individual takes to certain types of worship. Finally at the end he explains how, except for the devotee, everyone is giving trouble to God with our own “plans”.
But the real plan is to surrender, thats all.

damaghosa das
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Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati App day Feb 15 1971

…Say, for meditation, it is very difficult to meditate on impersonal feature. Therefore, they artificially think like that: “I am the whole. I am moving the stars, I am moving the moon.” Or some color display is taking place. Artificially. This meditation is artificial. Therefore, they do not get any result. Simply waste time, and they remain the number one debauch, as they are. So this kind ofmeditation… Because they will not put any form… “The Brahman is impersonal.” So how they can think of any form? It is very difficult to adjust. Therefore Bhagavad-gītā says, kleśo ‘dhikatarasteṣām [Bg. 12.5]. They want to meditate upon impersonal Brahman, but it is verytroublesome. Because Brahman is not impersonal, but force, they want to make Brahmanimpersonal.

So in order to mitigate this troublesome position, some of their ācāryas, Śaṅkarācārya, has said that “You imagine a form. There is no real form, but you imagine some form.” And he has recommended five forms. The first form is Durgā, Śakti. The second form is Sūrya, the sun, sun worshiper. And the third form is Gaṇeśa, and the fourth form is Śiva. And the fifth form is Viṣṇu. Of course, these are the different stages of spiritual development. Durgā… Durgā meansthe material power, energy. So when a person is in the lowest stage of material existence, he realizes some power. That’s a fact. The scientists also, they realize some power, there is some power in the material world. They go on searching after what is the ultimate power, but they cannot find it out. That is not possible. But they accept that there is some power, nature’s power. So that isthe stage of śakta stage, Durgā worship. Then… Power… Just like modern scientists, they also have gone to the power of the sun. That power, another power. That power is sun, and that is called saura, worshiping the sun. Just like there is a Parsi community in India. Fire worship is recommended in the Vedas. So that powerful sun, sun-god, they worship the sun. That is the stage of saura, saura stage. And then, next is the power vox populi, the power of the votes. That is thestage of Gaṇapati. Gaṇa… Gaṇa means the number of people. Just like in nationalism they are counting upon the power. In this way, they realize some sort of power, I mean to say, moving force or the soul. That is the stage of… They say, śivo ‘ham. Śivo ‘ham. Ahaṁ brahmāsmi. That is thestage of śaiva. And when they expand that, that “This power, this spiritual power, soul, is all over, all-pervading, impersonal Brahman,” that is… They, sometimes they accept Viṣṇu. Viṣṇu means all-pervading. But their realization of Viṣṇu is impersonal.

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Hare Krsna

1) What follows is some short segments out of a lecture by Srila Prabhupada where he nicely gives a short history of his life and how he met Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Maharaj, his guru. Of particular interest is where Prabhupada states that he was initiated by his guru because he was thinking always of him and accepted his disciplic conclusions. Some years later he got formally initiated.

2) Another very important point is that Srila Prabhupada states that his only qualification was his cent percent faith in the words of his guru Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Maharaj.

3) And the final point is where Srila Prabhupada states that we as disciples should not be so concerned with public opinion. Our only business should be to satisfy our guru and the param para, then our “business” is finished. This is particular relevant today since one of iskcons mis-leaders recently has publicly stated that doing Hari nama sankirtan looks like some fairly tale world…here is his youtube statement..

“If you want to see a fairy tale world, and I don’t mean to offend Vaisnavas because they’re great souls, but you can see on Youtube, you can see these harinam parties, sometimes in European capitals, where devotees are jubilant, you can just see, ‘We’re saving the world, we’re saving the world’ (mockingly) and everyone is just walking by. It’s like parallel universes. It’s just parallel universes. We’re not in the real world….”
(Youtube video of Hrdayananda das go das)

Canakya pandit says its better to have NO leader than bad leaders !

Hare Krsna

damaghosa das
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Vrn Sept 25 1976

Now Kṛṣṇa advised Arjuna that “You release this saṁhārāstra,” how to counteract. Unnaddham astra–jñaḥ. Unnaddham: “You know better than him how to counteract.” Hy astra–tejasā: “By another…” [break] …different astras[weapons]are released by different expert military men. So that science is not yet discovered. By mantra. Just like here it is said that he took water, āpaḥ. Spṛṣṭvāpas taṁ parikramya. Āpaḥ. Just like we take, oṁ apavitraḥ pavitro vā sarvāsvasthāṁ gato ‘pi vā. Similarly, mantra and water can be utilized for very, very important purpose. Simplymantra and water. So this is the science. This is called subtle science, not gross. They have discovered this atomic weapon—they require so many chemicals. But when you come to the higherstage, subtle, then mantra and water will do. Nothing more. No more chemicals. Simply mantra and water. That is yet you have to learn.

But these things are there in the Vedas. If you are a serious student of Veda you can also learn, you can also fight like Arjuna. There is no difficulty. Therefore Kṛṣṇa says astra–jñaḥ. Unnaddham astra–jñaḥ. You can also become learned in the higher science of military art. You can also utilize. But that requires brain, good brain. That is not possible now, because the culture is lost. Now everyone is śūdra. Nobody is kṣatriya, nobody is brāhmaṇa. By the time… Kalau śūdra sambhava.The śūdras cannot learn all these veda. Because śūdras have no right to understand Vedic knowledge. It is meant for the brāhmaṇas, kṣatriyas. Even not for the vaiśyas. Striyo vaiśyās tathā śūdrāḥ. They are rejected, woman and vaiśya and śūdra. Kṛṣṇa says. Striyo vaiśyās tathā śūdrāḥ.But Kṛṣṇa says te ‘pi yānti parāṁ gatim: “Even woman, and śūdra and vaiśyas, low grade, they can also get parāṁ gatim, promotion to the transcendental world.” How? Māṁ hi pārtha vyapāśritya ye‘pi syuḥ pāpa–yonayaḥ [Bg. 9.32]. If you take to Kṛṣṇa consciousness, then even these low-grade born persons, beginning from striya śūdra vaiśya, and down, caṇḍālas… Caṇḍālas means less than the caṇḍāla. Kirāta-hūṇāndhra-pulinda–pulkaśāḥ. They are caṇḍālas. Kirāta means the black clan, or the Africans. So they are called kirāta. Hūṇāndhra-pulinda-pulkaśā ābhīra-śumbhā yavanāḥkhasādayaḥ [SB 2.4.18]. Yavanas, khasādaya, Mongolians, without any moustaches. Kirāta-hūṇāndhra-pulinda–pulkaśā ābhīra-śumbhā yavanāḥ khasādayaḥ ye ‘nye ca pāpāḥ. “Even there are still more low-grade, sinful society,” ye ‘nye ca pāpā yad-apāśrayāśrayāḥ, “if he takes the shelter of a pure devotee, śudhyanti, becomes purified.” Becomes purified. How?Śudhyanti? Because prabhaviṣṇave namaḥ. Lord Viṣṇu has got so exalted power that through His devotee He can purify anyone.

“We should always remember that Krishna is the only order giver.
His order is received through the agency of the spiritual master.
The bona fide spiritual master is the manifest representative of Krishna.
The spiritual master is described in the scriptures as good as Krishna
because he is the most confidential servitor of Krishna.
To please the spiritual master is to please Krishna.”

– Letter to: Nandarani, Krishna Devi, Subala, Uddhava, Delhi, October 3, 1967

from Damaghosa dasa, Yasoda nandana dasa, Dravinaksha dasa and other Prabhupada anugas

Srila Prabhupada re Acarya may make little changes.

They are mahājanas. So we have to follow Prahlāda Mahārāja. He is our guru, pūrva-ācārya. Nārada is pūrva-ācārya. He is disciple of Nārada. Therefore he is ācārya, and his disciplic succession… There are sampradāyas: Brahma-sampradāya, Kaumāra-sampradāya… Anyone who is bona fide ācārya, he can create his own disciplic succession, but one disciplic succession and the other disciplic—they are not different. They are of the same conclusion. The Vaiṣṇava ācāryas, just like our Rāmānujācārya, Madhvācārya, and Nimbārka, and who that? Rudra-sampradāya? Viṣṇu Svāmī. They are all of the same movement. Ārādhyo-bhagavān vrajeśa-tanayaḥ, kṛṣṇas tu bhagavān svayam [SB 1.3.28]. That is their conclusion. There is no different conclusion. Although they have got varieties of methods—śuddhādvaita, dvaitādvaita, vaśiṣṭādvaita, like that—they present the same philosophy in clear way. And Caitanya Mahāprabhu presented the same philosophy, that acintya-bhedābheda. That is ācārya. Ācārya gives some way for simple understanding. The same conclusion, but according to the time, circumstances, they give a very easy method to understand.That is ācārya. Ācārya is following strictly the previous ācārya, but according to the circumstances, he may make little changes. That is… That change is not change from the original idea. No.

Lectures : Srimad-Bhagavatam Lectures : Canto 7: Lectures : SB 7.9: Lectures : Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.9.12 — Mayapur, February 19, 1976

Sp re the ācārya knows how to adjust things, at the same time keep pace with the spiritual interest(?)

Lectures : Srimad-Bhagavatam Lectures : Canto 1: Lectures : SB 1.1: Lectures : Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.1.9 — Auckland, February 20, 1973 : 730220sb.auc :

Prabhupāda: But the directions should be taken from scriptures. But there are many scriptures. So ācārya means, just like Gosvāmīs, they would read all the scriptures and take the essence of it and give it to his disciples that, “You act like this.” Because he knows what to give, how to manipulate, so that his ekāntataḥ śreyas will be achieved. Ultimate goal. That is ācārya. Therefore the ācārya knows how to adjust things, at the same time keep pace with the spiritual interest(?). It is not that the same thing to be applied everywhere. He is eager to engage actually the people in the real benefit of life, but the means may be different. Just like my Guru Mahārāja. He is the first time that he allowed thesannyāsīs to drive in a motorcar. A sannyāsī never drives in a motorcar, you see? But not for sense gratification. Suppose we are going by aeroplane. A sannyāsī should walk. The Jain sannyāsīs they never ride on a car, you know that. You know that. They will never ride on a car. But now they are also riding. But suppose we are preaching now. I came from India. If I were to say, “I am a sannyāsī, I will not ride in a car or aeroplane, I must walk.” Then what kind of preaching there would have been? You see? So therefore it depends on the ācārya how to adjust things. So, my Guru Mahārāja, “Alright go on preaching on a motorcar, it doesn’t matter.” These Gosvāmīs, they went to Vṛndāvana, severest type of austerities. They used to life underneath a tree. Now if in this age I advise you that you also live underneath a tree, then it will be difficult to preach. You see? Nobody is accustomed in that way, such severe type of austerity. They must be given, as far as possible, comfortable accommodation otherwise they will not come. They will not take. Now this…. This is adjustment. The ācārya knows how to adjust things. The real purpose is how one will take to spiritual consciousness, or Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Keeping one’s aim to that point some concession may be given. As far as possible, keeping pace with the time, circumstances. Then? “The sages, therefore, inquired…” Huh.

Lectures : Srimad-Bhagavatam Lectures : Canto 1: Lectures : SB 1.1: Lectures : Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.1.9 — Auckland, February 20, 1973 : 730220sb.auc

Srila Prabhupada re Vaiṣṇava who is preaching, it may be in a different way, according to time and place and the party—they have to change something,deśa-kāla-pātra—but we have to see the essence.

So misunderstanding of God… There is no misunderstanding of the authorities. The misunderstanding, the common man… Just like in Australia, when I spoke, there was no misunderstanding. There was agreement by the priests and myself. There was complete agreement. (aside:) You were with me? Or… No. You were not. They, after hearing my lecture for one hour, they agreed and clapped for ten minutes. So there cannot be any misun… Those who are actually… They questioned, “What is your opinion of Lord Jesus Christ?” and I said, “He preached God consciousness. He’s our guru. Anyone who preaches the message of God, he is guru.” So they very much appreciated, and actually it is so. Vaiṣṇava who is preaching, it may be in a different way, according to time and place and the party—they have to change something, deśa-kāla-pātra—but we have to see the essence. Wherever there is God consciousness, wherever is there understanding.

Lectures : Srimad-Bhagavatam Lectures : Canto 1: Lectures : SB 1.8: Lectures : Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.8.28 — Mayapura, October 8, 1974

Position of the pure devotee acarya, acarya is a good as Krsna

– One should never be envious of the acarya

– For preaching work, acarya may do something which is not consistent.

– Acarya may sometimes transgress the law

– Vaishnava acarya’s activities are not understood even by the wisest man

– Acarya has finished all business of material satisfaction

“…But in devotion, there is no karma-bandha. As Kṛṣṇa is free from all reaction, similarly Kṛṣṇa’s devotee who wants to satisfy Kṛṣṇa only, he is also free from all reaction. Therefore Kṛṣṇa says, ācāryaṁ māṁ vijānīyān nāva-manyeta karhicit [SB 11.17.27]. “The ācārya is as good as I am,” Kṛṣṇa says. Nāva-manyeta karhicit, “Never neglect him.” Na martya-buddhyāsūyeta,“Never be envious of the ācārya, thinking him as anything of this material world.” Ācāryaṁ māṁ vijānīyān [SB 11.17.27]. Therefore, ācārya’s position is as good as Kṛṣṇa. Sākṣād-dharitvena samasta-śāstrair **. Ācārya is always cautious that he may not be subject to criticism. But who criticizes ācārya, he becomes immediately offender. Because he is playing the part of ācārya, he plays as far as possible. But sometimes for preaching work, he might have to do something which is not consistent. But if he is criticized, then that man who criticizes, he becomes... Of course, he must be ācārya, not a bogus. Ordinary man cannot transgress the laws, but Kṛṣṇa and His representative, ācārya, might be sometimes seen that he has transgressed. Therefore Kṛṣṇa says, ācāryaṁ māṁ vijānīyān [SB 11.17.27]. Vaiṣṇavera kriyā, mudrā vijñeha nā bujhaya. In the Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Vaiṣṇava ācārya, his activities is not understood even by the wisest man. Vaiṣṇavera kriyā, mudrā vijñeha nā bujhaya. Brahmaṇy upaśamāśrayam. Ācārya, guru, he is completely surrendered to Kṛṣṇa. He has taken the shelter of Kṛṣṇa, being completely freed from all material affection. Brahmaṇy upaśamāśrayam. Everything… Everyone has got some material desire to fulfill, but a guru or ācārya has no such business. That is the symptom of ācārya. He has no more any material business. Brahmaṇy upaśamāśrayam. He has finished all business of material satisfaction. That is the symptom of ācārya. And śābde pare ca niṣṇātam. And he has taken full bath in the ocean of transcendental (indistinct). Śābde pare ca niṣṇātaṁ brahmaṇy upaśamāśrayam. Tasmād guruṁ prapadyeta [SB 11.3.21], one should surrender to such spiritual master. Jijñāsuḥ śreya uttamam, when he is actually serious about inquiring the transcendental subject matter. Otherwise there is no need of accepting guru orācārya. He has no business. If one is not interested in the transcendental subject matter …” Conversations : 1972 Conversations : March, 1972 : Room Conversation with John Griesser (later initiated as Yadubara Dasa) — March 10, 1972, Vrndavana

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Dear Srila Prabhupada

I offer my obeisances at your lotus feet

All Glories to you and your wonderful Krishna Consciousness Movement

Nama om Vishnu Padaya Krsna presthaya bhutale

Srimate Bhaktivedanta Swamin iti namine

Namaste sarasvate deve Gauravani pracarine

Nirvisesa sunyavadi pascatya Desa tarine

Bhakti siddhanta sishyaya Bhativedanta namine

Prasannaya prasantaya tasmai Sri gurave namah

On this most auspicious day, let me repeatedly try to understand your unique position and offer my obeisances at your lotus feet.

tvam nah sandarśito dhātrā

dustaram nistitīrsatām

kalim sattva-haram puṁsām

karna-dhāra ivārnavam

TRANSLATION

We think that we have met Your Goodness by the will of providence, just so that we may accept you as captain of the ship for those who desire to cross the difficult ocean of Kali, which deteriorates all the good qualities of a human being.

Learned men, therefore, must be cautious of this age, and if they at all want to cross over the dangerous ocean of Kali, they must follow the footsteps of the sages of Naimisāranya and accept Śrī Sūta Gosvāmī or his bona fide representative as the captain of the ship. The ship is the message of Lord Śrī Krsna in the shape of Bhagavad-gītā or the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.1.22

You have explained that the Lord sends one of His reliable sons or a servant..

“…. The Lord unwillingly creates this material world, but He descends in His personal form or sends one of His reliable sons or a servant or a reliable author like Vyāsadeva to give instruction. He Himself also instructs in His speeches of Bhagavad-gītā. This propaganda work goes on side by side with the creation to convince the misguided living entities who are rotting in this material world to come back to Him and surrender unto Him. Therefore the last instruction of Bhagavad-gītā is this: “Give up all your manufactured engagements in the material world and just surrender unto Me. I shall protect you from all sinful reactions…”Srimad-Bhagavatam “The Status Quo” Conversation between Manu and Kardama SB 3.21.20

You have revealed your unique potency and the actual power of a fully realized pure devotee.

“…Ordinary yogis can exhibit wonderful material activities, known as asta-siddhi, eight kinds of perfection, but a pure devotee of the Lord can surpass these perfections by performing activities which can make the whole universe tremble…” Srimad-Bhagavatam 4.8.78.

“..It is said that a single pure devotee of the Lord can deliver all the fallen souls of the world…” Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.8.5.

“…The pure devotee ignites Krishna consciousness in the hearts of the conditioned souls, and thus the blazing fire of the spiritual world becomes manifest even within this material world…” Krishna Book, Prayers of the Personified Vedas.

“…When a pure Vaishnava speaks, he speaks perfectly. How is this? His speech is managed by Krishna Himself from within the heart…” Sri Caitanya-caritamrta. 1975 Original Unrevised Undedited Edition – Madhya-lila 8.200.

“…The power of devotional service is so great that a pure devotee can electrify another person by his transcendental instruction on crossing over the ocean of nescience… “ Krishna Book, Prayers of the Personified Vedas.

Indian man (4): I know, Prabhupada, one of your Godsisters in Vrndavana. She is very old. She is staying in Tirtha Maharaja’s matha. So she told me she took her initiation when she was about sixteen year old and still she stays in the temple and she… (break) …say you’re the most pious person on this planet.

Srila Prabhupada: Yes. Hare Krsna. Srila Prabhupada conversations- November 2, 1975.

“My dear Lord, You are glorified by the selected verses uttered by great personalities. Such glorification of Your lotus feet is just like saffron particles. When the transcendental vibration from the mouths of great devotees carries the aroma of the saffron dust of Your lotus feet, the forgetful living entity gradually remembers his eternal relationship with You. Devotees thus gradually come to the right conclusion about the value of life. My dear Lord, I therefore do not need any other benediction but the opportunity to hear from the mouth of Your pure devotee.”

Purport

“… A pure devotee always engages in the service of the Lord, taking shelter of His lotus feet, and therefore he has a direct connection with the saffron mercy-particles that are strewn over the lotus feet of the Lord. Although when a pure devotee speaks the articulation of his voice may resemble the sound of this material sky, the voice is spiritually very powerful because it touches the particles of saffron dust on the lotus feet of the Lord. As soon as a sleeping living entity hears the powerful voice emanating from the mouth of a pure devotee, he immediately remembers his eternal relationship with the Lord, although up until that moment he had forgotten everything…” Srimad-Bhagavatam “The Creation of the Fourth Order” Lord Visnu’s Appearance in the Sacrificial Arena of Maharaja Prthu 4.20.25.

Srila Prabhupada, you have mercifully explained the actual status of the spiritually developed person.

“…Therefore, although He is present in every atom, the Supreme Personality of Godhead may not be visible to the dry speculators; still the mystery is unfolded before the eyes of the pure devotees because their eyes are anointed with love of Godhead. And this love of Godhead can be attained only by the practice of transcendental loving service of the Lord, and nothing else. The vision of the devotees is not ordinary; it is purified by the process of devotional service. In other words, as the universal elements are both within and without, similarly the Lord’s name, form, quality, pastimes, entourage, etc., as they are described in the revealed scriptures or as performed in the Vaikuṇṭhalokas, far, far beyond the material cosmic manifestation, are factually being televised in the heart of the devotee. The man with a poor fund of knowledge cannot understand, although by material science one can see things far away by means of television. Factually, the spiritually developed person is able to have the television of the kingdom of God always reflected within his heart. That is the mystery of knowledge of the Personality of Godhead…”Srimad-Bhagavatam “The Cosmic Manifestation”Answers by Citing the Lord’s Version SB 2.9.35

I have been recently asked by some devotees why is it that some senior devotees even senior ones [in age] do not seem to understand your position and your teachings.

You have nicely explained the proper mentality to understand how to behave with the acarya and mercifully are giving very important warnings. Let us always be situated at your lotus feet and absorbed in following your instructions.

I may inform you that you cannot be fool as you have humbly expressed yourself. Better to remain an ever fool before the spiritual master. But if a disciple is actually fool it reflects on the spiritual master. To think of becoming a fool is the real qualification for a bona fide disciple.
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Hare Krsna

All glories to Srila Prabhupada

Below is my submission into the annual vyasa puja book called Srila Prabhupada Tributes which is only written by what the editors consider “direct disciples” of Srila Prabhupada.

Ironically Jaya advaita swami is the editor of this book, but I don’t think he saw or even read my entry because as one can see below, the entire article is quotes from Srila Prabhupada where he explains who is a genuine guru and who is not a genuine guru. The quotes are very heavy and anybody with half a brain can understand the people in Iskcon pompously parading around like “Acaryas” do not in any way fit the description given by Srila Prabhupada as to who is a Guru !

Hare Krsna

Damaghosa das

Conversations –reporter (2): What will happen to the movement in the United States when you die?

Prabhupada:I will never die

devotees: Jaya! Hari bol! (laughter)

Prabhupada:I shall live for my books, and you will utilize.

(Some people think Srila Prabhupada is dead and gone, but this is not what he is saying above. He is just as available and viable as a spiritual authority now as he was 38 years ago.)

700704AR.SF Lectures

Pressman:Do you know how many followers there are in the United States now?

Prabhupada: Unlimited. (devotees roar) Some of them admit and some of them do not admit. That’s all. (laughter ) Everyone is eternally servant of God, but some of them admit and some of them do not admit… We are just eradicating this ignorance , that “You are servant, but you admit that you are servant of God. That wil make your life successful.” That’s all. Therefore I say that there are unlimited followers . Some of them admit and some of them do not admit. That is the difficulty But if anyone comes to me, I shall make him to admit.

(The quote above means there are thousands or millions who will accept Srila Prabhupada. Some will

admit, some will not or never admit. But if one is submissive, then Krsna from within the heart will

help one understand.)

It is illegal to become a spiritual master if one is unable to deliver the disciple”. [S.B. 28.7]

(I have heard various spiritual masters say it is not themselves who is delivering their disciples, but it is Srila Prabhupada, himself.)

“Unless one takes shelter of a bona fide, fully Krsna conscious spiritual master, there is no chance of understanding Krsna…. Only one who has surrendered to a pure devotee of Krsna , and has taken the dust of his lotus feet can understand Krsna….. One must take shelter of a self-realized spiritual master, that is the way to return home, back to Godhead.” [SB 7.5.32 purport]

Madhya 15.108
The Hari-bhakti-vilasa (2.6) quotes the
following injunction from the Visnu-yamala:

adiksitasya vamoru
krtam sarvam nirarthakam
pasu-yonim avapnoti
diksa-virahito janah

“Unless one is initiated by a bona fide spiritual master, all his
devotional activities are useless. A person who is not properly
initiated can descend again into the animal species.”

“Unless one is a resident of Krishna 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 […] So to summarize the whole thing, it is to be understood that a bona fide Spiritual Master is a resident of Krishna Loka.” (Srila Prabhupada Letter, June 10th, 1969)

“A siksa guru [instructing guru or priest] who instructs against the instructions of the spiritual master he is not a siksa guru. He is a demon! Sometimes the diksa guru [initiating guru] is not present always. Therefor one can take learning, instructions from an advanced devotee. That is called siksa-guru. But siksa-guru does not mean he is speaking something against the teachings of the diksa-guru. He is not a siksa-guru. He is a rascal. Because that is offense. Guru avajna, defying the authority of guru. This is the first offense. So, one who is offensive, how can he make advance in chanting? He cannot make. Then everything is finished, in the beginning!” [Bg. 17:1-3, 07-4-74, Hawaii]“Guru cannot be self-made. No. There is no such single instance throughout the whole vedic literature. And nowadays, so many rascals they are becoming guru without any authority. That is not guru. You must be authorized!” [Bg. 4.2]

Below are 5 very important quotes on guru tattva:

1.accept a guru who is infallible

2.if you dont get a qualified guru, then everything is bogus.

3.if you dont find such a guru, that means Krsna is not pleased with you

or you are not serious enough.

4. guru must be accepted from highest order-paramahamsa order

5. who has been cheated by bogus gurus? He says “practically everyone”

The next section deals with these points:

1. if one receives a mantra from a bogus guru-it has no effect

2.not only is this mantra useless, but your deity worship is the same

3.series of quotes which explain how the illegal guru and his disciples go to hell

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Hare Krsna to all and Happy Janmastami !!!

Yesterday at Krsna Kunja Sila Puri in Snohomish Wash we celebrated Sri Krsna Janmastami and Srila
Prabhupada’s vyas puja.

It was a joyous event for all, with much Krsna Kirtan, a class from Krsna book, abhisek of Krsna Deities,, bhajans,
Vyasa puja ceremony with devotees speaking from the heart and finally guru puja, with Makhancora das leading and at the very end we all offered obeisances three times with flower offerings, called pushpa puja.

And of course there was feasting on Krsna prasadam……lest I forget to mention that one important item !

Hare Krsna
All glories to Srila Prabhupada !!!

damaghosa das
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