# January 4 ## Spoken on January 4 *Lectures from this day: 9 recordings* --- **[1967: Bhagavad-gītā 10.4](spoken/1967/670104bg.ny)** > So these are all material enjoyments: eating, sleeping, defending and mating. And spiritual enjoyment is just opposite. There is no sense enjoyment. There is self-realization, or purifying the senses. Spiritual enjoyment means purifying the senses. *Sarvopādhi-vinirmuktaṁ tat-paratvena nirmalam*. > Material enjoyment means eating, sleeping, and defending and mating. These four principles, they are called material enjoyment. Just like we see advertisement. The other day I was seeing the *New York Times* magazine. So all advertisements are based on mating. That's all. So because mating is most attractive, therefore the shopkeepers, they advertise their dress, putting before one very nice girl. Because our attraction is for mating, so as soon as we see a nice girl, our attention is diverted immediately. That is the psychology. --- **[1967: Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Madhya-līlā 21.13–48](spoken/1967/670104cc.ny)** > Here the difference is there. The impersonalists, they cannot understand that even in individuality there is no difference. As soon as they think of individuality, oh, they think that there is difference. Then what is liberation? Yes. And actually there is no difference. The difference is only that Kṛṣṇa's personality and others' personality, they are conscious that "Kṛṣṇa is our object of love." That's it. The center is Kṛṣṇa. In this way, the individual boys and girls and Kṛṣṇa, everyone is enjoying spiritual bliss. > Now, Śukadeva Gosvāmī is writing. Now, these boys who are playing with Kṛṣṇa, they are playing with whom? They are playing with the Supreme Absolute Truth, who is considered as impersonal by the great sages. *Itthaṁ satāṁ brahma... Brahma-sukha.Brahma,* transcendental Brahman realization. The reservoir of Brahman realization is here, Kṛṣṇa. So these boys who are playing with this Kṛṣṇa, He is the reservoir of the Brahman realization. --- **[1969: Bhajan & Purport to Parama Koruṇa](spoken/1969/690104pu.la)** > Therefore he requests everyone, *bhaja bhaja bhāi, caitanya nitāi:* "My dear brothers, I request you. Just you worship Lord Caitanya and Nityānanda,'' *sudṛḍha viśvāsa kari',* "with firm conviction and faith.'' Don't think that this chanting and dancing will not lead you to the desired goal. It will, because there is assurance of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu that you will get all perfection by this process. > Therefore Locana dāsa Ṭhākura says that "You must have firm faith and conviction.'' It will act. *Bhaja bhaja bhāi, caitanya-nitāi, sudṛḍha. Sudṛḍha* means firm; *viśvāsa kori',* with faith and conviction. But what is the process? The process is *viṣaya chāḍiyā, se rase majiyā.* If you want to be Kṛṣṇa conscious under that process, then you have to give up your engagement of sense gratification. That is the only restriction. You cannot do that. Then it will be very nice. --- **[1973: The Nectar of Devotion](spoken/1973/730104nd.bom)** > Similarly, Hare Kṛṣṇa *mahā-mantra* is transcendental vibration. When we chant loudly, anyone who hears—it doesn't matter whether he's man, animal, tree, insect—anyone who will hear, he'll get profit. This is transcendental vibration. Just like when there is... Not to speak of this transcendental vibration, even the vibration of cloud, that is also Kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa says in the *Bhagavad-gītā, śabdaḥ khe pauruṣaṁ nṛṇām. Raso 'ham apsu kaunteya prabhāsmi śaśi-sūryayoḥ*. So animal has no realization that "Here is Kṛṣṇa," but a human being, after attending *sat-saṅga,* devotee's..., association of the devotees, he can understand: "Oh, here I am drinking water. > But when one becomes Kṛṣṇa conscious, he loves everyone. Because his connection with Kṛṣṇa... Kṛṣṇa says, *sarva-yoniṣu kaunteya sambhavanti mūrtayaḥ yāḥ* : "All forms of living entities, all species of life, their mother is this material nature, and I am the seed-giving father." That is real humanity. *Samaḥ sarveṣu bhūteṣu.* --- **[1974: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.16.7](spoken/1974/740104sb.la)** > But Bhagavān Śrī Kṛṣṇa informs us that wherever you may go, the Yamarāja is ready, the representative of Kṛṣṇa as Yamarāja, just like the magistrate is also the representative of the government. So he is ready to come exactly as you finish your terms of duration of life. That is the way. *Ābrahma-bhuvanāl lokāḥ punar āvartino 'rjuna*. So at the end of life, everyone becomes disgusted. Therefore there is some release interval. At the end of life, mostly, people, those who are..., especially ordinary human being, they do not wish to live anymore. Even from the point of view, this bodily, old body, always diseased, rheumatic pains, so... And there is no life. For old man there is no enjoyment, material enjoyment. He wants to enjoy, but he cannot enjoy. Therefore generally, they become disgusted. > So that is the difference between a child in the womb and a grown-up woman. You see? That is by nature. They forget. *Strī-śūdra-dvijabandhūnāṁ trayī na śruti-gocarā*. Therefore *Mahābhārata* was created by Vyāsadeva, Vedic instruction through history, to Battle of Kurukṣetra. Because *strī, śūdra,* woman, *śūdra* and *dvija-bandhu*... Men born in high-class family, but behavior is different, they are called *dvija-bandhu.* So they cannot understand the Vedic lessons directly. It is not possible. They have no such intelligence. *Strī, śūdra* and *dvija-bandhu.* So *Vedānta-sūtra* says, *janmādy asya yataḥ anvayād itarataś cārtheṣu.* They cannot understand. Therefore through *Mahābhārata* they are instructed. History. History they can hear. So Prahlāda Mahārāja says, "It is the duty of human being, even from childhood, *kaumāra...*" *Kaumāra* means from the age of fifth year up to tenth year. This is called *kaumāra.* So people should be educated about this, that the problem is how to stop *janma-mṛtyu-jarā-vyādhi*. --- **[1975: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 3.26.27](spoken/1975/750104sb.bom)** > As it is said in the *Brahma-sūtra, athāto brahma-jijñāsā,* the *Bhāgavata* says that *jīvasya tattva-jijñāsā:* "The living entity's only business is to inquire about the Absolute Truth." *Na yaś ceha karmabhiḥ:* "No other business." *Dharmārtha-kāma-mokṣa .* So *dharma...* Generally, people think that "Becoming religious, we shall be economically developed." *Dharma artha.* "We shall get *artha.* We shall be..." That is... Automatically it comes. If you are actually following the religious principle, *artha* will come. There is no doubt. And... But we do not know what is *dharma.* That is the difficulty. That you have to learn from Kṛṣṇa, athāto brahma-jijñāsā, from the *guru.* And what *guru* says, Kṛṣṇa says? *Sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ*. This is *dharma.* Anything else, that is all cheating. *Dharmaḥ projjhita-kaitavaḥ atra *. > So in this way desires cannot be finished. That is not possible. *Kāma-sambhavaḥ.* It is not possible. Therefore the best thing is that fix up your mind in Kṛṣṇa, in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Then you will be happy, the mind always engaged in Kṛṣṇa's business, planning how to satisfy Kṛṣṇa. That you are..., require. That is intelligence. Kṛṣṇa wants everyone to surrender unto Him. When Kṛṣṇa says, *sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja*, He does not say only to Arjuna; He says to everyone. So that is Kṛṣṇa's desire, and if you want to serve Kṛṣṇa, to fulfill His desire, that means you canvass everyone to surrender to Kṛṣṇa. This is preaching. Kṛṣṇa wants it. It is declared. So your business is to satisfy Kṛṣṇa. So do it. Why don't you do it? Why you are aspiring after *mukti, siddhi* and *bhukti*? These are all personal. Anyone who is executing pious activities, acquiring *puṇya,* what is the result? *Puṇya* means he will go to the heavenly planet. That is sense gratification. --- **[1976: Lecture](spoken/1976/760104le.nel)** > You can go very high in the sky, but if you don't get any shelter in any other planet... So similarly, you can make your spiritual progress understanding of Brahman, but if you do not get any shelter at the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa, then you'll fall down. That is a fact. We have seen many *sannyāsīs,* they give up this material world, that *brahma satyaṁ jagan mithyā.* Then, after some years, he comes down again this *mithyā jagat* to open schools and hospitals. And if this world is *mithyā,* then why you are interested with the schools and hospitals? That means they could not get any Brahman realization. They again come to taste. So therefore *śāstra* says, *āruhya kṛcchreṇa paraṁ padam*. One can rise up to the *paraṁ pada, brahma pada,* but *patanty tataḥ. Āruhya kṛcchreṇa paraṁ padaṁ tataḥ patanty adho. Adho* means this material world. Why? *Anādṛta-yuṣmad-aṅghrayaḥ.* They could not take shelter at the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme. *Brahmaṇo 'haṁ pratiṣṭhā. Yasya prabhā prabhavato jagad-aṇḍa-koṭi* [Bs. 5.40]. This Brahman is the rays of the body of Kṛṣṇa, just like the sunshine is the rays of the sun-god, the sun planet. > So unless we come to the point of taking shelter at the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa, our life is imperfect. Therefore Kṛṣṇa comes. He says ultimately that "My dear Arjuna, because you are My very dear friend, I am giving you the most confidential knowledge." What is that? *Sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja*. This is most confidential. So Caitanya Mahāprabhu's mission is the same, because Caitanya Mahāprabhu is Kṛṣṇa Himself. Kṛṣṇa reminded that *sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja,* but the *duṣkṛtina mūḍha narādhamāḥ, [*Bg*7.15] they could not understand it. Therefore Caitanya Mahāprabhu came again as a devotee of Kṛṣṇa to teach how to take shelter of Kṛṣṇa's lotus feet. This is Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Therefore Caitanya Mahāprabhu says that—His mission is especially to the Indians, those who are born in India—that *āmāra ājñāya guru hañā tāra ei deśa*. --- **[1976: Morning Walk](spoken/1976/760104mw.nel)** >behind using the machinery, cars, airplanes, other things also, I think very convincing, Swāmījī, when you say that they are meant only for Kṛṣṇa's service, and if it is dedicated for that, it is used; otherwise it is misused, abused. --- **[1977: Room Conversation](spoken/1977/770104r1.bom)** > Now they are conscious about the movement, that "If it is allowed to increase, then our whole program will be finished." And young men are taking. They are not rejecting. That is their concern. They are concerned about their business and industry. If these young men are held up in plain living, then where their industry? Industry means to exploit the work of others and give them one dollar and make profit ten dollars. This is industry. At the cost of others, some capitalist gaining huge profit. This is industry. "And let them live in a hellish condition, go to hell. Never mind. You work in the factory, and we make profit." > The Communist is trying to take over the industry and get the whole profit. [laughs] That's all. The condition remains the same—hellish. But... What is called? Complacent. He's satisfied that "I am getting the profit." All foolish. The Iran is also imitating European method of exploiting. They're bringing men from village. In India also, British period, they used to that. But Indian people are little clever. They would come from the village to the city alone, not with family. They earn money and send to the family. And whenever they like, they go away. They're not dependent. And if you bring family, you have to work. --- ## Letters on January 4 *Letters from this day: 33* --- **[1969: Letter to Upendra](letters/1969/690104_upendra)** > Also, I have just yesterday received one letter from a boy in Seattle named Charles McCollogh, and he has desired to come here to Los Angeles and receive initiation from me. --- **[1971: Letter to Hayagriva](letters/1971/710104_hayagriva)** > Our touring program here in India is going on and I have just come from Allahabad where we attended the Ardha Kumbha Mela celebrations for three weeks. Our camp was very highly appreciated by all the big officials and they have said that ours was the most successful presentation. Even the members of many Mayavadi camps had to appreciate our movement's activities and they have joined our Kirtan also even though I strongly defeat all their arguments in daily lectures. --- **[1971: Letter to Stephen](letters/1971/710104_stephen)** > Your quotations from our Vaisnava sastras are very nice and I request you thoroughly to study all of our literatures very thoughtfully and try to understand the sublime import of this Krishna consciousness philosophy. The basic principle of advancement in our Krishna consciousness is stressed by Caitanya Mahaprabhu that if one simply chants the Hare Krsna Mahamantra without offense and has firm faith in Krsna and Spiritual Master then he will advance and he only can understand the deep import of Krsna consciousness. --- **[1971: Letter to Upendra](letters/1971/710104_upendra)** > We have recently been preaching and holding Sankirtana in some small villages and the result is very good. The simple villagers are very much attracted by this Sankirtana process and they join with us very nicely and listen attentively. --- **[1972: Letter to Ajita](letters/1972/720104_ajita)** > If you go there through India, overland, of course that will be cheaper for you, but it will also be a very, very difficult journey with many unfortunate or disturbing incidents. There may be chance for becoming sick also, or you may be sometimes robbed or cheated, like that. --- **[1972: Letter to Bhavananda](letters/1972/720104_bhavananda)** > "Plans underway Mayapur pandal Absolutely imperative Giriraja return immediately Calcutta for collecting." He is expecting to make at least one life member daily and distribute many books to bookstores. --- **[1972: Letter to Girirajab](letters/1972/720104_girirajab)** > From your letter it appears that you are doing nicely distributing books and if you say that with help you could make at least one life member daily, then why not continue on in Madras for a month as you suggest or until there is no more field. --- **[1972: Letter to Hanuman Amogha](letters/1972/720104_hanuman_amogha)** > I have only just now received your letter dated October 19th, 1971, which was forwarded to me from Calcutta. --- **[1972: Letter to Hayagriva](letters/1972/720104_hayagriva)** > May Krishna bless you for pushing on so sincerely our Krishna Consciousness Movement. I was simply surprised not to hear from you in so long and therefore I am so much pleased to hear from you. --- **[1972: Letter to Krsna Bhamini](letters/1972/720104_krsna_bhamini)** > I am glad that you are appreciating so much this Krishna Consciousness Movement. Lord Krishna extends His mercy to all living entities, but He is particularly attentive to the needs of His devotees. --- **[1972: Letter to Vamanadeva Indira](letters/1972/720104_vamanadeva_indira)** > I am very glad to hear that our Krishna Consciousness Movement is meeting with good success already in Oklahoma City. That is predicted by Lord Caitanya, that in every town and village Hare Nama Sankirtana will be well received. It is now an established fact that wherever we go, we will be well received. --- **[1973: Letter to Dhruvananda](letters/1973/730104_dhruvananda)** > You have asked me several questions about the deity worship in Los Angeles, so I shall answer them one after another: Your first question, shall Srimati Radharani's feet be showing, the answer is no, they should never be seen. --- **[1973: Letter to Dinatarini](letters/1973/730104_dinatarini)** > I think everything is going on there nicely, and the children are learning in the proper line. --- **[1973: Letter to George](letters/1973/730104_george)** > I was informed by some of my disciples at London, namely, Dhananjaya, Jaya Hari, Revatinandana Swami and others, that you so kindly have sent your car and drive to our place filled-up with fruits and... --- **[1973: Letter to Jadurani](letters/1973/730104_jadurani)** > The depiction of Brahma and the destruction of the material worlds is very nice. When Brahma enters into the body of Visnu, that is ultimately, at the ultimate destruction, not in the partial destruction which you are illustrating. So it is all right as you have done it. --- **[1973: Letter to Krsna Gopala](letters/1973/730104_krsna_gopala)** > Your letter December 30, 1972, is in hand, I have only just now got it, so tomorrow is your Sharadh ceremony of your father, so I do not know if this letter will reach you in time to be of any help in the matter. --- **[1973: Letter to Madhukara](letters/1973/730104_madhukara)** > For these questions arising between married husband and wife, you are requesting me to leave your wife and take the vanaprastha order of life, for these questions you must consult with and take permission from presidents and GBC. --- **[1973: Letter to Revatinandana](letters/1973/730104_revatinandana)** > Just now I have received some more requests for giving first initiation from Dhananjaya, and now I am receiving weekly not less than ten to fifteen such requests from new students. --- **[1973: Letter to Sama Sammita](letters/1973/730104_sama_sammita)** > Yes, I was little disturbed to hear that we had closed down the Baltimore temple before. --- **[1973: Letter to Subrata Lahiri](letters/1973/730104_subrata_lahiri)** > Factually we are related to the Supreme Lord in service. The Supreme Lord is the supreme enjoyer, and we living entities are His servitors. We are created for His enjoyment, and if we participate in that eternal enjoyment with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, we become happy. --- **[1974: Letter to Brahmananda](letters/1974/740104_brahmananda)** > It will be nice if Shakti Mata can take care of the girls in the Temple. Train the Negro devotees to speak Swahili and many will join you. --- **[1974: Letter to Gurudasa](letters/1974/740104_gurudasa)** > Regarding Vrindaban affairs I have written one letter to Tejiyas a copy of which is enclosed. --- **[1974: Letter to Madhavananda](letters/1974/740104_madhavananda)** > One of my disciples, Niranjana das Brahmacari, has won a scholarship to study in Glasgow, Scotland. Allow him to stay in our Temple and take prasadam there. --- **[1975: Letter to Aticandra](letters/1975/750104_aticandra)** > I think your idea is a little utopian. So, please study my books intensely and do not fail to chant 16 rounds daily following the four regulative principles strictly. --- **[1975: Letter to Hiranyagarbha](letters/1975/750104_hiranyagarbha)** > No one can understand Krishna as He is by the blunt material senses but He reveals Himself to the devotees, being pleased with them for their transcendental loving service unto Him. So, keep everyone engaged 24 hours and everything will be all right. --- **[1975: Letter to Mr. Saral Kumar Gupta](letters/1975/750104_mr._saral_kumar_gupta)** > Saral Kumar Das Gupta B/381 Tribeni Tissues Ltd. and South America for preaching. --- **[1975: Letter to Nrsimha Dasa](letters/1975/750104_nrsimha_dasa)** > Please be very strict in following all the rules and regulations as well as chanting at least 16 good rounds daily and reading all my books thoroughly. --- **[1975: Letter to Pancadravida](letters/1975/750104_pancadravida)** > Regarding sending men to Bangkok, let us see who is a spare man or is having visa problems. But our policy as you know is not to import devotees, but to make devotees out of the local men there. --- **[1975: Letter to Prabhavisnu](letters/1975/750104_prabhavisnu)** > Madhavananda is being sent to Hong Kong to collect for Krishna-Balarama Mandira in Vrndavana. As far as the initiations are concerned, Hansadutta was not so sure about all of them, so he can go over the list with you in London, and after hearing from him, we shall consider. --- **[1975: Letter to Yasomatisuta](letters/1975/750104_yasomatisuta)** > Regarding your question, you can always use some equivalent to the words *Supreme Personality of Godhead.* That will save the situation. The real thing is that you are trying to serve Krishna, He will give you all intelligence. --- **[1976: Letter to Hrdayananda](letters/1976/760104_hrdayananda)** > In South America the people are not so rich nor so enlightened as their North American neighbors, but they are very nice people and somewhat pious and that is their credit. --- **[1977: Letter to Balavanta](letters/1977/770104_balavanta)** > It appears that now it is the government policy to curb our activities. That has begun, in so many ways; by the parents, by the municipality, by the government, by zoning; somehow or other to check this Movement. --- **[1977: Letter to Ekesvara](letters/1977/770104_ekesvara)** > So, revive rigidly the devotional practices and be repentant. Then Krsna may be pleased to excuse you. You must be repentant. ---