Hare Krishna Society

Nov 11 1975 Bombay

Devotee (3): [break] You were speaking about the blind person who is thinking that he can see. He is in illusion. How can we best convince him that he is not able to see?

Prabhupāda: You have to convince him that “Your eyes are imperfect.” Then you can tell, “Just close your eyes. Can you see the eyelid? It closes, but you cannot see. Why? You have got eyes. When there is some particle in the eye, so close and find out where is the particle. Why making this way, this way, this way? So what is the value of your eyes? This is the proof. You cannot see even your eyelids. So why do… Why you are so much proud of seeing?” Is it not?

Devotee (3): Yes.

Prabhupāda: This is conviction. He can say that “I cannot see on account of distant place, the planet,” but you see the nearest. So you cannot see distant place things and you cannot see nearest. Then what is the value of your eyes? That means you can see only under certain condition. So condition is offered by somebody else. Therefore you are conditioned. Your seeing is conditioned, because it is not absolute. So how do you believe your eyes? Hm?

Devotee (3): The vision of the eyes is imperfect. We have to see by intelligence, from the authority…

Prabhupāda: Yes. That is not intelligence; that is fact. Intelligence you should have that “However I can perceive by the senses, the senses being imperfect, all our perceptions are imperfect.” That is intelligence.

Devotee (3): :Then one may ask, “Well, how do I recognize that this is the bona fide authority?”

Prabhupāda: :Who authorized? Another rascal, that’s all. He’s a rascal. Another rascal… Just like sva-vid-varāhoṣṭra-kharaiḥ saṁstutaḥ puruṣaḥ paśuḥ [SB 2.3.19]. A lion is being praised by the rabbit in the jungle. The rabbit is also animal; lion is also. So what is the use of lion being praised by a rabbit? If a lion is praised by a rabbit, does it mean lion is more than animal? So similarly, these so-called scientists, big men, they are being praised by small rascals. That does not mean on account of praising, he has become more than animal. He remains animal.

Devotee (3): :We see Kṛṣṇa as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, but they see Him as a common man like themselves also.

Prabhupāda: :Therefore they are mūḍhas. Avajānanti māṁ mūḍhāḥ. Only the mūḍhas can deride. Avajānanti māṁ mūḍhā mānuṣīṁ tanum āśritaḥ [Bg. 9.11]. It is stated already.

Devotee (3): :Then how is it that some people do finally come to accept Kṛṣṇa?

Prabhupāda: Yes. They come in the paramparā system, through guru. Tad-vij�ānārtham sa gurum evābhigacchet [MU 1.2.12]. Therefore you have to go to guru to understand. You cannot understand personally. That is not possible. Therefore our system is to see through the guru and śāstra, not by these naked eyes. That is misleading.

Devotee (3): Then the key would be to recognize and appreciate the importance of the guru.

Prabhupāda: Parampara. Guru is also not authority by himself. He is authority by his guru, paramparā. If he is coming in the paramparā system, then he is guru. Otherwise he’s not guru. Just like what we are doing? We are simply repeating the Kṛṣṇa’s word. That’s all. Therefore guru. And as soon as I make addition or alteration, I am goru

Harikeśa: Goru means?

Prabhupāda: Goru means cow, animal. Go-kharaḥ. Sa eva go-kharaḥ [SB 10.84.13]. The go-kharaḥ, these animals have been, I mean, exemplified because these two animals work for others very heavily. The bull also loads heavily, and the ass also loads very heavily for others, not for his own benefit. The bull is working day and night and being whipped… (end)

Link to this page:https://prabhupadabooks.com/conversations/1975/nov/morning_walk/bombay/november/11/1975

Some Conclusions- Today it has become fashionable and commonplace to disobey or disbelieve in the bona fide gurus instructions. And even if someone repeats verbatim his instructions, still they wont believe you or will argue with you. This is yet only another symptom of this degraded age of quarrel and hypocrisy.

SB 4.18.5–A foolish person who manufactures his own ways and means through mental speculation and does not recognize the authority of the sages who lay down unimpeachable directions is simply unsuccessful again and again in his attempts.

PURPORT-At the present moment it has become fashionable to disobey the unimpeachable directions given by the ācāryas and liberated souls of the past. Presently people are so fallen that they cannot distinguish between a liberated soul and a conditioned soul. A conditioned soul is hampered by four defects: he is sure to commit mistakes, he is sure to become illusioned, he has a tendency to cheat others, and his senses are imperfect. Consequently we have to take direction from liberated persons. This Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement directly receives instructions from the Supreme Personality of Godhead via persons who are strictly following His instructions. Although a follower may not be a liberated person, if he follows the supreme, liberated Personality of Godhead, his actions are naturally liberated from the contamination of the material nature. Lord Caitanya therefore says: “By My order you may become a spiritual master.” One can immediately become a spiritual master by having full faith in the transcendental words of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and by following His instructions. Materialistic men are not interested in taking directions from a liberated person, but they are very much interested in their own concocted ideas, which make them repeatedly fail in their attempts. Because the entire world is now following the imperfect directions of conditioned souls, humanity is completely bewildered.

Lord Balaram’s Appearance Day 2022 Celebration at Vancouver Krishna Balaram Center

Link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fONphkufLxJXN5kmruUkdp5lKLVL6Eaj?usp=sharing

Srila Prabhupada epaks out; Some quotes on illegal interpretation of books,

speculation, qualifications of Guru, etc

As soon as personal motivation comes in, it is not possible for one to understand our Krishna Consciousness philosophy

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by Haripada dasa

Here in the process of Krishna consciousness everyone has the opportunity to chant The Maha-Mantra Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare / Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare (the H is read as J for jota), and be happy in Krishna consciousness, here there is neither discrimination nor exploitation, everyone has the opportunity to lead a pure and sinless life, for that you have to follow the 4 regulative principles, Continue reading →

Compiled by Gargamuni dasa

Question: What is the Real Test of an Advanced Devotee in Krsna Consciousness?………….

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Here is the philosophy of how to treat and deal with others-especially Vaisnavas. If we do the following we will be developing actual and real spiritual consciousness which takes us out of the third class materialistic devotees mentality and category.

Dec 14 1972 letter Tusta krsna

We advise everyone to address one another as Prabhu. Prabhu means master, so how the master should be disobeyed? Others, they are also pure devotees. All of my disciples are pure devotees. Anyone sincerely serving the spiritual master is a pure devotee, it may be Siddhasvarupa or others, a-Siddhasvarupa. This must be very clearly stated. It is not only that your Siddhasvarupa is a pure devotee and not others. Do not try to make a faction. Siddhasvarupa is a good soul. But others should not be misled. Anyone who is surrendered to the spiritual master is a pure devotee, it doesn’t matter if Siddhasvarupa or non-Siddhasvarupa. Amongst ourselves one should respect others as Prabhu, master, one another. As soon as we distinguish here is a pure devotee, here is a non-pure devotee, that means I am a nonsense. Why you only want to be in the spiritual sky with Siddhasvarupa? Why not all? If Siddhasvarupa can go, why not everyone? Siddhasvarupa will go, you will go, Syamasundara will go, all others will go. We will have another ISKCON there. Of course, Mr. Nair must stay.

SB 3.29.16-The devotee should regularly see My statues in the temple, touch My lotus feet and offer worshipable paraphernalia and prayer. He should see in the spirit of renunciation, from the mode of goodness, and see every living entity as spiritual.

SB 3.29.22-One who worships the Deity of Godhead in the temples but does not know that the Supreme Lord, as Paramātmā, is situated in every living entity’s heart, must be in ignorance and is compared to one who offers oblations into ashes.

SB3.29.23-One who offers Me respect but is envious of the bodies of others and is therefore a separatist never attains peace of mind, because of his inimical behavior towards other living entities.

SB3.29.24-My dear Mother, even if he worships with proper rituals and paraphernalia, a person who is ignorant of My presence in all living entities never pleases Me by the worship of My Deities in the temple.

SB3.29.25-Performing his prescribed duties, one should worship the Deity of the Supreme Personality of Godhead until one realizes My presence in his own heart and in the hearts of other living entities as well.

SB 3.29.26-As the blazing fire of death, I cause great fear to whoever makes the least discrimination between himself and other living entities because of a differential outlook.

PURPORT-There are bodily differentiations among all varieties of living entities, but a devotee should not distinguish between one living entity and another on such a basis; a devotee’s outlook should be that both the soul and Supersoul are equally present in all varieties of living entities.

So these few verses and purports above by Srila Prabhupada should be teaching us how to deal with one another and I am talking devotees here, not the karmis.

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Hare Krsna-Below We will find some very interesting points about personal behavior for a Vaisnava which are definitely applicable to all of us in this age of quarrel and hypocrisy.

Jan 7 1976

My dear Bhakta Ralph

Please accept my blessings. I beg to thank you letter, undated.

There is no reason why you cannot associate with any of my disciples, providing that they adhere to our principles. As long as Siddha Svarupa Maharaja and Tusta Krishna Maharaja act as sannyasis, ie. dress in dhoti, keep shave headed with sikha, follow strictly the rules and regulations and preach from my books, I have no objection. Sometimes there will be a little misunderstanding between Godbrothers, that is even going on amongst liberated souls. What is important is that everyone must engage in Krishna’s service under the direction of the spiritual master.

I hope this meets you well. Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

72-08-26 letter

My Dear Gaurasundara,

Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter dated August 20, 1972, and I am quite surprised to read it. This does not sound like you. All along I have been discouraged in every way by my Godbrothers, but still I have stuck to my duty, keeping my Spiritual Master always in front. Because there is some fighting or bickering amongst us, that does not mean that I should go away. If I have understood the order of my Spiritual Master rightly, then I must perform my duty under any circumstances and never one think of going away under disgust. I have appointed you to be my GBC representative in South America because I think that you are very much responsible and capable to do it, and I am very fond of you and your good wife Govinda dasi for helping me all along. So do not be disturbed or worried by some small thing, rumor, or misunderstanding. There is no plot amongst our so-called big men against you or Siddha-swarup Ananda. That is childish.

Where have you got this idea to retire and simply translate books? That is not in our line. My Spiritual Master has given me the instruction to spread this movement all over the world and you are my good disciples, are helping me do this. Without your good help I could not have done anything, so practically you can take all the credit for spreading this Krsna Consciousness movement and fulfilling the prophecy of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. If there is some incident and I claim that no one is cooperating with me or no one will work with me, that is my defect, not theirs. The Vaisnava devotee must think like this. We should not find fault with others and criticize and go away, that is not the Vaisnava way.Better we should always be willing to offer all respects to others and consider them as our superiors always.

Meanwhile, hoping this meets you in good health,

(Note-one idea here is that SP was just starting his movement and did not want the devotees to fight with each other and go away. And at that time, things were pretty much going the way SP wanted. There was no unauthorized gurus on such a large scale like we have today. Also going away meant at that time-from iskcon. Today iskcon itself is so far gone away, it is hard to remain there and remain sane. But today we have all the books and instructions so that we don’t need to “go away” Going away means leaving Krsna Consciousness altogether.)

67-11-18

My Dear Brahmananda,

Please accept my blessings. Replying your letter of Nov. 9, I beg to inform you that Kirtanananda and Hayagriva’s recent standing is being directly dealt by me; at least Hayagriva is not as fanatic as Kirtanananda.His latest letter reveals that he is not out of Krishna Consciousness as we understand. The whole episode was generated by personal grudge. This personal grudge is not inhuman and as I have told many times, that individualism is the cause of personal misunderstanding. When such individualism is employed in the center of Krishna there is no harm even if there is personal misunderstanding. Personal misunderstanding exists even in the higher levels. There is competition of loving Krishna even in the party of Srimati Radharani. It is a kind of rasa to compete in loving affection centering around Krishna. We shall, therefore, try to bring back Hayagriva and Kirtanananda to their senses. After all we must understand that we are dealing with persons affected by Maya. Every one of us is under the influence of the external energy, Maya. The best way to get out of the clutches of Maya is to concentrate our attention in the loving service of Krishna. I understand that Hayagriva and Kirtanananda are continuing to chant Hare Krishna is their center. I hope therefore they will not go astray and the misunderstanding may be cleared up in due course of time. (Even amongst our God-brothers we have misunderstanding but none of us is astray from the service of Krishna. My Guru Maharaja ordered us to execute his mission combinedly. Unfortunately we are now separated. But none of us have stopped preaching Krishna Consciousness. Even if there was misunderstanding amongst the God-brothers of my Guru Maharaja none of them deviated from the transcendental loving service of Krishna. The idea is that provocation and misunderstanding may remain between one man and another. But our staunch faith in Krishna Consciousness may not allow any material disruption. Please therefore try to be sympathetic with any person even if they differ. The only qualification we have to scrutinize is if one is acting in Krishna Consciousness as far as one is able to do it.)

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Hare Krsna-Below is a wonderful morning walk conversation with Srila Prabhupada over the idea we are not these material bodies. They also discuss what is the cause of death-heart attack, car accident, or just that the body is wearing out? In the end after nicely defeating all the karmi arguments, Srila Prabhupada tells us that philosophy is not to be discussed with the common man as they will not understand. Better to give him kirtan and prasadam and little by little they will come to understand it all. Everyone will like kirtan, dancing and Krsna prasadam.

I feel the same is true of guru tattva as many devotees cannot yet understand it because they have not taken sufficient time in reading the books. Nor have they been yet blessed by Srila Prabhupada or Lord Krsna as Paramatma.

damaghosa das

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Oct 4 1975 Mauritius morning walk conversation on you are not this body

Prabhupāda: But the size of the body has changed.

Brahmānanda: The size has changed. It has grown, increased.

Puṣṭa Kṛṣṇa: It looks different, completely… It looks different. There is no similarity.

Prabhupāda: Yes. There is no similarity. Why the child… There was no mustaches. Why you have mustaches? How you can say “The same body”? You shall have to give your own argument. Child had no mustaches; you have got now mustaches. How you can say the same body? The child had no sex desire; now you have got sex desire.

Brahmānanda: They would say all these things are dormant within the child’s body, and now they are coming out.

Prabhupāda: That we also say, but that body not… That “dormant” means dormant in the soul, not in the body. That is the knowledge. Dormant it is, but dormant in the soul, not in the body.

Puṣṭa Kṛṣṇa: They have to admit that it’s a different body because if the body is simply made of food and they are eating so much and evacuating so much, then it has to be a different body.

Prabhupāda: No, it is different body, undoubtedly. If they foolishly argue, that is different thing. Therefore rascal. Their argument has no value. How you can be the same body? So many changes. The body is changed. (to Indian man:) What is that? It was not garam?

Indian man (1): No, garam not.

Prabhupāda: So this argument, how he can refute, that he has died twenty-two years?

Puṣṭa Kṛṣṇa: Well, he can also say that he has lived twenty-two years, because he has no perception of any life before that time. He can’t remember living before.

Brahmānanda: “Before, I was not alive. Now I am alive, so I have lived for twenty-two years. Before, I was dead; I was not alive. Now I am alive, so I’ve been alive for twenty-two years.”

Prabhupāda: So before, you were not alive. Then how your life came?

Puṣṭa Kṛṣṇa: The combination of…

Prabhupāda: Do it. Again foolishness. These rascals… (laughs) Then, if you can create life, then where is the question of dead body? You create again. Give life again. If you are so competent that you can give life, combination, then this dead body is there. You bring chemicals and inject.

Puṣṭa Kṛṣṇa: The same chemicals are there, too. The same chemicals, living body, dead body—five minutes before, five after—is the same chemicals. But they can’t explain why there is such a drastic difference.

Prabhupāda: What is that same chemical?

Puṣṭa Kṛṣṇa: In the living body, two minutes before death and two minutes after…

Prabhupāda: So what is that? Name that, what is that chemical. Then bring it.

Puṣṭa Kṛṣṇa: Let him try and make life. Not possible.

Prabhupāda: If you know the chemical, then you bring it. Chemical is available. Why this is dead? What they will answer? What this chemical is wanting, that it is dead?

Brahmānanda: Well, we may not know…

Prabhupāda: Then, you rascal, why you are talking? You do not know. (laughter)

Brahmānanda: But, then, neither do you know.

Prabhupāda: Huh? No…

Brahmānanda: You can say soul, but you don’t…

Prabhupāda: No. But you cannot answer my question; therefore you are more rascal than me. You cannot answer. Your… You are…

Harikeśa: You have the position. He’s in a position. He cannot answer.

Prabhupāda: Yes. You say that chemical is missing. I say what is that chemical?

Puṣṭa Kṛṣṇa: No, but the chemical is not missing.

Prabhupāda: Then?

Puṣṭa Kṛṣṇa: The same chemical is there. Two minutes before death and two minutes after death, the body chemistry has not changed so much.

Prabhupāda: No. What is that missing that it is dead?

Puṣṭa Kṛṣṇa: They can’t answer.

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Srila Prabhupada speaks Out; Some quotes on illegal interpretation of books, speculation, qualifications of Guru, etc

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Srila Prabhupada: What is the Real Test of an Advanced Devotee in Krsna Consciousness?…

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