# January 9 ## Spoken on January 9 *Lectures from this day: 13 recordings* --- **[1967: Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Madhya-līlā 22.11–15](spoken/1967/670109cc.ny)** > So those who are eternally liberated, they love Kṛṣṇa. Therefore they are perfect in the spiritual world. *'Nitya-mukta'-nitya kṛṣṇa-caraṇe unmukha, 'kṛṣṇa-pāriṣada' nāma*. They are all associates. The Supreme Lord is person, and His innumerable lovers, living entities, they are also individual person. Love means there is person, individual. Without individual person, there is no question of love. When I..., when the word "love" is used, there must be two lovers. Then the word is applicable, love. If there is no person, love is not with the air. There must be person. > Everyone wants to love. That is natural propensity. Everyone. When there is no loving object, then in this material world we sometimes love cats and dogs. You see? Because I must love somebody. If I don't find any suitable person lovable, then I turn my love to some hobby, to some animal, like that, because love is there. So this is dormant. Our love for Kṛṣṇa is dormant. It is within us, but because we have no information of Kṛṣṇa, therefore we are reposing our love to something which is frustration. That is not the object of love. Therefore we are frustrated. --- **[1969: Bhagavad-gītā 4.19–25](spoken/1969/690109bg.la)** > So the *antavat tu phalaṁ teṣām*.* Therefore in the *Bhagavad-gītā* you'll find there is a statement, *kāmais tais tair hṛta-jñānā yajanti anya-devatāḥ : "Those who go to worship the demigods, they have lost their intelligence on account of too much lusty propensity." Just like sometimes a person goes to bribe the policeman, constable, because he is illegal. But if you become, I mean to say, true to your state laws, you haven't got to bribe the constable or this officer, that officer. You see? > So you be true Kṛṣṇa conscious. Then there will be no disturbance from these demigods. But the less-intelligent class of men, in order to save themself from the disturbance of the demigods—there are many varieties of demigods—they go to this, to that, to this, to that. But an intelligent man... That is also stated, *bahūnāṁ janmanām ante jñānavān māṁ prapadyate* : "One who is perfectly intelligent, after many, many births of culturing knowledge, he comes to Me and surrenders, 'Yes.' " *Vāsudevaḥ sarvam iti.* --- **[1969: Bhajan & Purport to Gaurāṅga Bolite Habe](spoken/1969/690109pu.la)** > So God is so merciful that even some persons cannot understand Him... First thing is people cannot understand actually what is God, but God comes Himself to explain Himself. Still, they commit mistake. Therefore Kṛṣṇa comes as a devotee to teach us about Kṛṣṇa consciousness. So we have to follow the footprints of Lord Caitanya. > The next line is *viṣaya chāḍiyā kabe śuddha ha'be mana.* [spells out] This *kabe* means "when," aspiring. *Śuddha* means "purified." *Ha'be,* "will be." *Mana* means "mind." So when actually our spiritual master or Nityānanda Prabhu is pleased upon us, at that time the symptom will be that we shall no longer hanker after material enjoyment. --- **[1970: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 6.1.15](spoken/1970/700109sb.la)** > Similarly, you can elevate yourself to the Pitṛloka*, bhūtejyā yānti bhūtāni*. Or if you like this ordinary life you can remain here, *mad-yājino 'pi yānti mām*. "And those who are engaged in My devotional service, they come to Me." So the best process is, intelligent process, that why shall I bother again to go even to the higher planetary system? Maybe millions of years of age I can live there, but after all, there is death. But I do not want death, because I am eternal. Death is an artificial imposition upon me, on account of my desire to enjoy this material world, *bhūtvā bhūtvā pralīyate*. I am changing. So the intelligent process is therefore elevation: this devotional service, Kṛṣṇa consciousness. This is the most intelligent process for elevating yourself. > The Lord says, *yānti deva-vratā devān*. Those who want higher standard of life like the demigods, more beautiful body, long duration of life... According to demigods' calculation our six months is equal to one day of the demigods. Similarly the hundred years. But their hundred years and our hundred years, different. Their hundred years means, just calculate, if their one day is our six months, then their 30 days means—six into 30: 180 months. Their one month means our 180 months. Similarly one year, and such 10,000's of years they live. So a very long duration of life. This is in the Svargaloka. The moon planet is also one of the Svargalokas. --- **[1973: The Nectar of Devotion](spoken/1973/730109nd.bom)** > Not that because one has got very advanced knowledge, he can understand Kṛṣṇa. That is not possible. *Nāhaṁ prakāśaḥ yoga-māyā-samāvṛtaḥ.* "I am not supposed to be exposed to all this nonsense." He says. Kṛṣṇa says, *bhaktyā mām abhijānāti yāvān yaś cāsmi tattvataḥ*. "Actually what I am," *tattvataḥ,* "in truth, that can be understood through devotion," through love of Kṛṣṇa, *bhakto 'si priyo 'si me*. > Similarly, *brahmeti paramātmeti bhagavān iti śabdyate*. The Absolute Truth is realized in three different features: Brahman, impersonal Brahman, *brahmeti;* localized Paramātmā, the Lord is situated in everyone's heart, localized Paramātmā; and Bhagavān, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The Māyāvādī philosophy is that because God is everything, therefore there is no separate existence of God. This is Māyāvādī philosophy. God is everything, that's all right, but that's not..., that does not mean God loses His existence. This is material conception. The material conception is that you take anything... Suppose you take a piece of paper and you make it into small pieces and throw it, then the original paper has no existence. So the Māyāvādī philosophers, they are thinking like that. If God is everything—that's a fact; God is everything—but that does not mean that God is lost of His own existence. That is material. --- **[1974: Morning Walk](spoken/1974/740109mw.la)** > In the name of *dharma,* so many rascaldom is going on. Therefore Kṛṣṇa says, *sarva-dharmān parityajya.* It is not *dharma.* And *Bhāgavata* says, *dharmaḥ projjhita-kaitavo 'tra* : "This cheating type of religious system is rejected from *Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.*" All so-called religions, they're simply cheating. Cheating. *Dharmaḥ projjhita-kaitavaḥ. Kaitavaḥ* means cheating. Everything is cheating. They say, "We are advancing." What you are advancing? The problem, birth-death, is there. So what is the meaning of your advancement? *Dharmaḥ projjhita-kaitavo 'tra paramo nirmatsarāṇām.* > Business—eating, sleeping, sex life and defending—this is also animal's business. And you are also doing the same. How you are distinct from animal? You'll die. The animal will die. But if you say, "I'll die after one hundred years, and this ant will die after one hour," that does not mean that you are in reality. It is a question of time. Just like this huge universe, it will be all be destroyed. As your body will be destroyed, this will be destroyed, annihilation, dissolution. Nature's way, everything will be dissolved. So therefore it is dream. It is a long duration dream, that's all. Nothing else. But the advantage is that even in this dream you can realize the reality, God. That is the... So if you don't take advantage of this dream, then you are missing. --- **[1974: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.16.12](spoken/1974/740109sb.la)** > Therefore knowledge must be taken from the Vedic literature. *Veda* means full knowledge. And that full knowledge, when it is properly utilized, then you can understand Kṛṣṇa. *Vedaiś ca sarvair aham eva vedyam*. First of all you have to take to the Vedic literature for real knowledge. And when you come to the platform of real knowledge, then you can understand Kṛṣṇa. Before knowing Kṛṣṇa, you are in darkness. You are in darkness. Because it is said, *vedaiś ca sarvaiḥ. Veda* means knowledge. The ultimate goal of knowledge is to understand Kṛṣṇa. And therefore it is called *Vedānta. Vedānta. Veda* means knowledge, and *anta* means the ultimate. *Vedānta. Vedānta* philosophy. So *Vedānta* philosophy gives you direction that what is the object of knowledge. *Athāto brahma-jijñāsā:* "Now object of knowledge is to understand the Supreme, the origin of everything." That is object of knowledge, philosophy. Philosophy means science, anything. Science also trying, "What is the original cause of this creation? Where is the original cause of life?" But because *andhā yathāndhair upanīyamānāḥ*, > So actually, if we want to have knowledge of everything, the source of knowledge is *Vedas.* And the essence of *Veda* is called *Vedānta.* And the descriptive explanation of *Vedānta* is the *Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam: bhāṣyaṁ brahma-sūtrāṇām. Brahma-sūtra. Brahma-sūtra* is the *Vedānta* philosophy. Kṛṣṇa has also referred to *Brahma-sūtra: brahma-sūtra hetumadbhir viniścitaiḥ*. He recommends that *hetumadbhir prasthāna.* There are three *prasthānas,* and *Brahma-sūtra* is also *prasthāna,* the way of understanding. So Kṛṣṇa has recommended that "If you want to know things with reason and argument, then try to understand *Vedānta-sūtra.*" Those who want to know the Absolute Truth through reasoning and argument, then one should study *Vedānta-sūtra.* But *Vedānta-sūtra... Sūtra* means codes. Just like they have got code book. One word, it is meaning so many other things. Businessmen, they have got codes. When they send cable to their customer or to their principle, they use some codes. It saves so many words. So *Brahma-sūtra. Sūtra* means codes. So in that code also, require explanation. That explanation is *Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. Bhāṣyaṁ brahma-sūtrāṇām. Brahma-sūtrāṇām,* the codes explained in the *Brahma-sūtra,* that is explained in the *Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.* --- **[1975: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 3.26.32](spoken/1975/750109sb.bom)** > "*Ācārya,*" Kṛṣṇa says, *māṁ vijānīyāt,* "he is Myself. I am. Because he is My perfect representative—he won't speak anything nonsense; he will speak something or everything which he has heard from Me—therefore he is *ācārya.*" *Ācārya* means one who knows the *śāstra* and practically uses in his life, and the same thing, he teaches to his disciple. That is called *ācārya. Ācārya* is not a self-made man. No. *Ācārya* means *ācinoti yaḥ śāstrāṇi.* One who understand the *śāstra,* the Vedic *śāstra,* and practices in life and teaches the same thing to his student—that is called *ācārya.* So *ācāryaṁ māṁ vijānīyān nāvamanyeta karhicit, na asūyeta martya-buddhyā*. > That does not mean that the meaning has changed: "Because it has become old, now I can change." The speaker can say that "When Kṛṣṇa says *man-manā bhava mad-bhaktaḥ,* so Kṛṣṇa is dead and gone. Now I am incarnation of Kṛṣṇa. You think of me." This is going on. This rascaldom is going on. "Kṛṣṇa is now dead and gone. Now I am *avatāra.*" Then the answer is, "Then you will be dead and gone, then somebody will come." Just like the meaning of "my head." One child, one boy, was reading "my head," and the teacher is explained, " 'My head' means my head." So the child thought teacher said... When he explained the meaning, " 'My head,' it is my head," so the child thought, "The teacher says 'my head.' Therefore 'my head' means teacher's head." [laughter] Another person came: "No, no. It is not teacher head. It is 'my head.' " Then he thought brother's head, then father's head. In this way he became puzzled. --- **[1976: Morning Walk](spoken/1976/760109mw.mad)** > Mahāṁsa*:* He falls down due to certain offenses, but afterwards, by the mercy of a pure devotee, he comes back. Because he has tasted the nectar of devotional service, he may try to enjoy the material world for some time. But afterwards he will be fed up again and come back. --- **[1977: Morning Walk](spoken/1977/770109mw.bom)** > Prabhupāda:* [Transl. If you can kindly do a favour...these Europeans, Americans who are running this organization, if some of them are granted permanent visa it would be a great help.] > This is the fault. Of the inferior position, they are claiming superior position. *Apareyam itas tu viddhi...* And Kṛṣṇa is giving practical example: "this is inferior. Beyond this there is a superior nature. What is that? *Jīva bhūta.*" Immediately. And still the rascal cannot understand what is superior, inferior. --- **[1977: Morning Darśana and Room Conversation Ramkrishna Bajaj and friends](spoken/1977/770109r1.bom)** > This is *mukti. Mukti* means when you are acting differently. That is my condition. That is my bondage. And when I act according to my original position, that is *mukti.* So everyone is acting here to become master. So there is no question of *mukti.* As soon as you understand that "My real position is I am servant of God, so let me act as serv...," then it is *mukti. Hitva anyathā rūpam.* At the present moment we are trying to act as master. So you give it down..., up. Act as servant. Then you are *mukta.* Therefore a *bhakta* is *mukta. Sa guṇān samatītyaitān brahma-bhūyāya kalpate. Māṁ ca yo 'vyabhicareṇa-bhakti-yogena ya sevate*. Anyone who is engaged as *bhakta,* he is *mukta.* All are conditioned. So if you become *bhakta,* if you surrender to Kṛṣṇa—immediately *mukti,* instantly. Kṛṣṇa says, *sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ, ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo*. > This is *śraddhā. Śraddhā* is the beginning. That *śraddhā* means when you firmly believe in Kṛṣṇa: "Yes, He'll give me protection." That is surrender. *Kṛṣṇe bhakti kaile sarva-karma kṛta haya. *When you come to this stage, firmly believe in the words of Kṛṣṇa, that is surrender. First of all, you have to check yourself whether you firmly believe in the words of God. If you don't believe, there is no question of surrender. Then you will remain where you are. This is firm belief: "Kṛṣṇa says that He will give me protection, so let me surrender. I have surrendered to *māyā*—I have not become happy—so why not surrender to Kṛṣṇa?" This is intelligence. You are not free. Then why you are declaring yourself as free? This is your disease. So intelligent means that I have no freedom actually. I am acting under the dictation of my senses. I am servant of my senses. So why not become servant of Kṛṣṇa? This is intelligent. Everyone is acting under senses, order of the senses. *Kāmādinām kathidhā na kathidā palitā durni-deśaḥ*. --- **[1977: Room Conversation](spoken/1977/770109r2.bom)** > The highest topmost bliss, *madhurya.* These dealings of Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa, *madhurya-rasa,* is the contribution of Caitanya Mahāprabhu. All other *ācāryas,* they could not give up to this. All other *ācāryas,* they contributed up to friendship—no *vatsalya,* neither *madhurya.* That is this contribution of Caitanya Mahāprabhu. There was dealings of Mother Yaśodā with Kṛṣṇa in the *Bhāgavata.* The Vallabhācāryas, they have got Bala Kṛṣṇa. But the dealings of *gopīs* with Kṛṣṇa, that was not granted. That is Caitanya Mahāprabhu's contribution. *Anarpita-carim* means it was never contributed. > "It is all my desire. Even if you do not fight, they are not going back to their home. They must be killed." This is Kṛṣṇa's plan. "You simply take the credit. That's all. It is all My desire. You are My devotee. I want to give you this credit. Otherwise, without your help they are already killed." So... Kṛṣṇa... *Paritrāṇāya...* He has got two business: *paritrāṇāya sādhūnāṁ vināśāya ca duṣkṛtām*. This is another side of His business. [end] --- **[1977: Discussion on Deprogrammers](spoken/1977/770109r3.bom)** > *Sarvātmana yaḥ śaraṇaṁ śaraṇyam*. Factually Kṛṣṇa is the ultimate shelter. If he has taken that shelter, he's free, immune. And that Kṛṣṇa has confirmed here. *Ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo...*. If he's not Kṛṣṇa conscious, then if he gives such a duty, he's liable to be punished. Therefore Kṛṣṇa says *ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo mokṣayiṣ...:* "Because you are giving up all other duties, don't think that you'll be liable to punishment. I'll give you protection." So the conclusion is: if one is not fully Kṛṣṇa conscious, then he's obliged to do his duty. This is the easiest way to become free from all obligation—to become Kṛṣṇa conscious. That, I think, Duśyanta-rājā or king Duśyanta? Duśyanta-rājā. > Deha,* [Transl. *this body] apatya,* [Transl. apatya means],offspring, children. *Dehāpatya-kalatra.* [Transl. *kalatra means wife.]Dehāpatya-kalatrādiṣv asatsv api ātma-sainyeṣu.* [Transl. We think that these things... it is a struggle,]...struggle for existence. But we think that "These soldiers will give me protection," *dehāpatya-kalatrādiṣu.* "I have got a strong body, and I have got very faithful wife. My children are so obedient and working," *dehāpatya-kalatrādiṣu,* "and so I am safe." *Ātmā sainya asatsu. Asatsu* means [Transl. temporary]. And still, *pramatto tasya nidhanam.* He knows that "These soldiers will be slaughtered in this battle, struggle for existence." "Although he knows, still, he is blind." --- ## Letters on January 9 *Letters from this day: 32* --- **[1969: Letter to Brahmananda](letters/1969/690109_brahmananda)** > One thing that I beg to bring to your notice about the printing of my books. In 1954, I left my home, and for 5 years I lived as Vanaprastha here and there, and then in 1959 I took sannyasa. Of course even when I was a householder I was publishing *Back To Godhead* since 1947. --- **[1969: Letter to Paramananda](letters/1969/690109_paramananda)** > I understand that you are anxious to go to New Vrindaban. I think that it is Krishna's will that you shall go there and try to develop that nice land because there is so much potential there which can utilize your abilities in being developed. and I pray to Krishna for your future progress in life. --- **[1970: Letter to Candravali](letters/1970/700109_candravali)** > I am so glad to learn that you are going to be married with Citsukhananda on Sunday, 11th January, at the Radha-Krishna Temple. --- **[1970: Letter to Raktaka](letters/1970/700109_raktaka)** > So, I am very glad that you are determined to go ahead in Krishna Consciousness and, if you remain serious and steady, certainly you will make infallible progress. --- **[1970: Letter to Satsvarupa](letters/1970/700109_satsvarupa)** > If you go on with your work sincerely, by following the footsteps of our predecessors, certainly our movement will be recognized by the people in general. --- **[1970: Letter to Vrndavana Candra](letters/1970/700109_vrndavana_candra)** > The girl referred to is certainly very nice as I can understand from her letter, and she has sent me her beads for chanting and Subala has recommended to initiate her. --- **[1971: Letter to Nayanabhirama](letters/1971/710109_nayanabhirama)** > I am glad to hear that Philadelphia is such a good place for pushing on our Sankirtana movement and it is also very encouraging to hear that BTG distribution is increasing. Also, now that you've moved into your new temple, you should also enthusiastically resume the placing of our literatures in the schools and libraries. Then so many people will be given the opportunity of being exposed to our Krishna Consciousness philosophy, and I am very eager for this. --- **[1972: Letter to Bhavananda](letters/1972/720109_bhavananda)** > Things here are going on very nicely. Enclosed is one clipping. Last night at the festival meeting one government official spoke very highly of my movement and everyone was very pleased. --- **[1973: Letter to Bhavananda](letters/1973/730109_bhavananda)** > When he has booked the flight, Syamasundara will inform you when we are arriving. --- **[1973: Letter to Cyavana](letters/1973/730109_cyavana)** > So far getting new place, that Sarat Building is nice but we have already purchased our other building for Shs. 200,000. But if we can sell that place to buy the Sarat Building, then it is all right. --- **[1973: Letter to Damodara](letters/1973/730109_damodara)** > I am so glad to understand from you your concern about the managing of our Krsna Consciousness movement. Yes, you are my elder disciple, you are one of the leaders of our Society; therefore, it is your duty to feel always this responsibility for seeing that the things go on properly. So I am very glad to hear that you are taking so many steps for improving things and spreading Krsna Consciousness more and more to the citizens at large. --- **[1973: Letter to Hariprasada](letters/1973/730109_hariprasada)** > Now your brother is here with me and I am talking with him daily what we shall do in Hyderabad. --- **[1973: Letter to Hasyakari Rathangapani Varuthapa Laksmivan Bhaktavatsala Bhaktilila](letters/1973/730109_hasyakari_rathangapani_varuthapa_laksmivan_bhaktavatsala_bhaktilila)** > Upon the recommendation of Damodara I have gladly accepted all of you as my duly initiated disciples. --- **[1973: Letter to Hayagriva](letters/1973/730109_hayagriva)** > Who tells you not to edit? He has got his wife and family, so you should separate from him and live in the temple as the others are doing. --- **[1973: Letter to Karandhara](letters/1973/730109_karandhara)** > A few days back Rsi Kumar has come to see me from South Africa and he has handed over to me the sum of $700 in cash. This amount was reserved to pay you for the book sales for December month for South Africa, and it was to be deposited in the BBF there with you. Instead I requested him to give to me here and I am depositing in my BBF here in India. --- **[1973: Letter to Mr. Robert Keene](letters/1973/730109_mr._robert_keene)** > I do not know what are exactly the facts of the matter, but if there are any discrepancies as you say in the temples of ISKCON, they should be immediately rectified by conscientious officers. --- **[1973: Letter to Prahladananda](letters/1973/730109_prahladananda)** > Yes, that will be the best idea, to move your Austin temple closer to the University where there are so many potential devotees. --- **[1973: Letter to Ramesvara](letters/1973/730109_ramesvara)** > It is scarcely believable that more than 17,100 books could have been sold by one temple in three days! --- **[1973: Letter to Satsvarupa Hrdayananda](letters/1973/730109_satsvarupa_hrdayananda)** > Your letters dated December 25, 1972, are in hand and I am very much encouraged also to see the nice photos you have sent me. --- **[1973: Letter to Upendra](letters/1973/730109_upendra)** > If I get the opportunity I shall also go to that Hare Krsna farm near Melbourne City, 80 miles, and if you prepare some place for me to stay. --- **[1974: Letter to Gurudasa](letters/1974/740109_gurudasa)** > Temple construction must be finished by or before Janmastami. If you can finish my portion on or before my reaching India then I can personally go to Vrindaban and see what is the situation and how to manage. I can remain at Vrindaban through the month of February to estimate and supervise temple construction and then by the 1st of March I may go to Mayapur. --- **[1974: Letter to Revatinandana](letters/1974/740109_revatinandana)** > I know you are a very good cook and I can understand that you have found the books useful for distribution. --- **[1974: Letter to Sukadeva 1](letters/1974/740109_sukadeva_1)** > It is good news for me that our Seattle, Washington temple is growing under your able guidance, and I am much obliged to you. It would not be possible for me to preach all over the world except for your cooperation, you and your Godbrothers and sisters who are maintaining centers all over the world. --- **[1975: Letter to All Temple Presidents](letters/1975/750109_all_temple_presidents)** > This letter is to inform you that Hari das Brahmacari has received permission to go to all of our centers in the west for visiting and gaining the experience of preaching there. --- **[1975: Letter to Devamaya](letters/1975/750109_devamaya)** > Regarding astrology, you should not listen to any of these so-called astrologers—strictly avoid. Astrology is meant for the materialist, but a spiritualist does not care for the future. --- **[1975: Letter to Rupanuga](letters/1975/750109_rupanuga)** > Regarding the controversy about book distribution techniques, you are right. If we do something which is deteriorating to the popular sentiments of the public in favor of our movement, that is not good. --- **[1975: Letter to Sri Mohan Masundar](letters/1975/750109_sri_mohan_masundar)** > If you can join our asrama that will be very nice for you. But you have some business to take care of with your daughters, etc., so, finish up your business and then you will be free to join us anytime you like. --- **[1976: Letter to Abhirama](letters/1976/760109_abhirama)** > I have replied your previous letter. I do not know why you have not received it. --- **[1976: Letter to Nitai](letters/1976/760109_nitai)** > Regarding the translators, I like the work of Nrsimha Vallabha Goswami best, and I want to settle up with him. Radharamana Gupta is concerned, first let us have a Gurukula, then we shall see who will be the headmaster. --- **[1976: Letter to Tusta Krsna](letters/1976/760109_tusta_krsna)** > The important thing is to make arrangements that they hear and chant. Once they begin chanting then automatically they will want to follow the rules and regulations, attend Arati, take Prasadam, etc. --- **[1976: Letter to Vishambhar](letters/1976/760109_vishambhar)** > Most of them are not very good. Of all, I like the Goswami Nrsimha Vallabha. I want to settle terms with him. --- **[1976: Letter to Yasomatinandana](letters/1976/760109_yasomatinandana)** > I have sent you a telegram reading as follows: "Gandhi asrama house useless Letter follows." As described by you, there are so many disadvantages of that building. What is more public welfare than Krishna Consciousness? To awaken everyone's original consciousness is the best public welfare in the whole world. ---