# February 25 ## Spoken on February 25 *Lectures from this day: 13 recordings* --- **[1973: Lecture [Partially Recorded](spoken/1973/730225le.jkt)** > Simply I invite all the intelligent class of men to understand. Take one of our books. We have given not only one *Bhagavad-gītā...* [indistinct] means universe. Anyone can take part in the Kṛṣṇa [indistinct] illiterate, literate, rich, poor—anyone. But if anyone is proud of his education, let him come and study our books, understand this philosophy, and I'm sure he'll find satisfying. Don't take it as something sentimental, religious [indistinct]. No. It is a scientific, educational movement. Take it in that light, and you'll be profited. >this is not a movement sentimental. No. It is scientific. That is why one should... [indistinct]...Christian, anyone, because it is science. Automatic, "Two plus two equal to four." It is four for everyone. Not that because one is Muhammadan then it will be five, or because one is Christian it will be three. No. "Two plus two equal to four." Just like [indistinct] two. Similarly, this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement will be efficient for everyone if he studies impartially. Otherwise, how in the Western world the Americans—they are not foolish people, all these young men; they are qualified, educated—they're accepting this movement very seriously? I have got many branches almost in every city in America. Similarly, in Europe. Why not here? --- **[1973: Room Conversation, Bhagavad-gītā 9.34](spoken/1973/730225r1.jkt)** > So these things are there. But if somebody argues that "You are saying lowest of the mankind, but we see so many Dr. Radhakrishnans, they also do not admit." Therefore the word is used, *māyayāpahṛta-jñānāḥ.* They appear to be very highly learned scholars, but their real knowledge has been taken by *māyā. Māyayāpahṛta-jñānāḥ. Āsuri-bhāva.* Why it has been done so? Because *āsuri-bhāva,* there is no God. That is their determination: "There is no God." Therefore their merit is being misused, they have become the lowest of the mankind. They have become the fool number one, and all their so-called education, academic knowledge, has been taken away by *māyā.* This is... > Just like if you decorate the dead body, it may be pleasing to some relatives of the dead body; otherwise what is the value of it? Others will think, "What a foolish man he is, that decorating the dea..." Suppose if there is dead body and you're decorating with sandal pulp, [indistinct] flower, nice cloth. That may be your sentiment because the dead body belongs to your father or mother, like that. It is pleasing to you, but actually what is the value? So similarly, this human civilization is meant for understanding God. If that sense is lacking, then it is simply decoration of the dead body. That's all. There is no value. --- **[1974: Bhagavad-gītā 7.11–12](spoken/1974/740225bg.bom)** > We require something to eat because we have got this body. So minimizing the bodily enjoyments... Bodily enjoyment means... Or necessities. When you use bodily necessities in excessive proportion, that is called *kāma.* Otherwise, to satisfy the bodily necessities, that is not *kāma.* Therefore Kṛṣṇa says that *kāmo 'smi bharatarṣabha, dharmāviruddho bhūteṣu*. Dharma aviruddha.* The religion, religion means regulation. *Dharmaṁ tu sākṣād bhagavat-praṇītam*. > Therefore Kṛṣṇa says that *dharmāviruddho bhūteṣu kāmo 'smi bharatarṣabha* [7.11]. Who is following the, strictly the regulative principle, even in sex life he can see Kṛṣṇa. Which is considered abominable, but even in sex life, if you are following the rules and regulations, you can see Kṛṣṇa. Therefore when such sons are begotten, they become devotees of Kṛṣṇa. Therefore according to Hindu principle, there is *garbhādhāna-saṁskāra,* ten kinds of *saṁskāras,* reformative measures. So the sex life should be also open to the *saṁskāra.* It is a *saṁskāra, garbhādhāna-saṁskāra. Garbhādhāna-saṁskāra* means when you are going to make your wife pregnant, there is *saṁskāra,* there is ceremony. And especially in the *brāhmaṇa* families, if there is no *garbhādhāna-saṁskāra,* he immediately becomes a *śūdra.* This is the *śāstric*... You must follow the *saṁskāra. Saṁskārād bhaved dvijaḥ janmanā jāyate śūdraḥ.* One who follows the *saṁskāras,* then he becomes purified. This is, this is called *dharmāviruddhaḥ,* "not against the religious principles." --- **[1974: Morning Walk [Partially Recorded](spoken/1974/740225mw.bom)** > Not *Kalki avatāra.* This *hari-nāma avatāra.* Yes. *Nāma-rūpe kali-kāle kṛṣṇa avatāra* [Cc Ādi* 17.22]. Kṛṣṇa, in this age, He has descended in the form of Hare Kṛṣṇa. *Nāma-rūpe kali-kāle kṛṣṇa avatāra.* The name is already there. It is being propounded all over the world. --- **[1975: Arrival Lecture](spoken/1975/750225ar.mia)** > Out of many thousands, millions people, one is anxious to make his life successful. Nobody is interested. Practically they do not know what is actually success of life. The modern civilization, everyone is thinking, "If I get a good wife and nice motorcar and a nice apartment, that is success." That is not success. That is temporary. Real success is to get out of the clutches of *māyā,* means this material conditional life which comprehends birth, death, old age and disease. We are passing through many varieties of life, and this human form of life is a good chance to get out of this chain of changing body one after another. > You simply chant Hare Kṛṣṇa *mantra,* and whatever you can, offer Caitanya Mahāprabhu. He is very kind. He does not take offense. Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa worship is little difficult. We have to worship Him with great awe and veneration. But Caitanya Mahāprabhu has voluntarily come to deliver the fallen souls. Little service, He will be satisfied. He will be satisfied. But do not neglect. Because He is very kind and compassionate, that does not mean we should forget His position. He is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, so we should offer Him very great respect, and as far as possible... But the advantage is that Caitanya Mahāprabhu does not take any offense. And to worship Him, to please Him, is very easy. *Yajñaiḥ saṅkīrtanaiḥ prāyair yajanti hi su-medhasaḥ.* Simply you chant Hare Kṛṣṇa *mahā-mantra* and dance, and Caitanya Mahāprabhu will be very pleased. He introduced this dancing and chanting, and this is the easiest process for God realization. So as far as possible... If possible, twenty-four hours. If that is not possible, at least four times, six times, chant Hare Kṛṣṇa *mantra* before Caitanya Mahāprabhu, and you will get success in your life. This is a fact. --- **[1975: Bhagavad-gītā 13.1–2](spoken/1975/750225bg.mia)** > Therefore in *Bhagavad-gītā* the living entity has been described as *prakṛti,* not *puruṣa. Apareyam itas tu viddhi me prakṛtiṁ parām*. Kṛṣṇa says that this material nature, matter, dull matter... Earth, water, air, fire, sky, these are called gross material elements. So they are also *prakṛti. Bhinnā prakṛtiḥ me aṣṭadhā*. > So our Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is teaching people to become submissive to the authority. That is the beginning of knowledge. *Tad viddhi praṇipātena paripraśnena sevayā*. If you want to learn the transcendental subject matter, which is beyond the scope of your thinking, feeling and willing... Mental speculation means thinking, feeling and willing, psychology. But subject matter which is beyond your thinking. So God or anything about God is beyond the limit of our thinking, speculation. Therefore, we have to learn it submissively. *Tad viddhi praṇipātena. Praṇipāta* means submission. *Prakṛṣṭa-rūpeṇa nipāta. Nipāta* means submission. *Tad viddhi praṇipātena paripraśnena.* First of all find out somebody where you can fully surrender. Then you enquire about transcendental subject matter. Just like Arjuna is following strictly. He has first of all submitted to Kṛṣṇa, *śiṣyas te 'haṁ śādhi māṁ prapannam : "My dear Kṛṣṇa, we are talking friendly, so on equal level. So You will speak something, and I shall speak something. In this way we shall simply waste our time, and there will be no conclusion. Therefore, I submit as disciple. Whatever You will say, I will accept." --- **[1975: Departure Lecture](spoken/1975/750225dp.car)** > So you follow the advice, as given by Rūpa Gosvāmī, *utsāhāt.* The first thing is enthusiasm, that "I must see Kṛṣṇa." You are seeing Kṛṣṇa. The Deity of Kṛṣṇa and Kṛṣṇa is not different. But even personally you can see. Simply we have to continue the enthusiasm. Enthusiasm means to take things very seriously, *utsāhād dhairyāt,* and patiently. Although we are determined to go back to home, back to Godhead, so we should patiently follow the rules and regulations. So these are the six principles: endeavor..., mean, enthusiasm, and firm determination, and patience, and executing the regulative principles, *tat-tat-karma-pravartanāt,* and *sato vṛtteḥ,* means behavior must be very honest, no duplicity, and... *Utsāhād dhairyāt niścayāt tat-tat-karma-pravartanāt,* and *sato vṛtteḥ,* dealing must be very honestly, no hypocrisy, *tat-tat-karma-pravartanāt, sādhu-saṅga,* and in the association of devotees. If you follow these six principles, namely enthusiasm, determination, patience, and executing the regulative principle and keep yourself honest and in the association of devotee, if you follow these six principle, then your success is sure. > So these are the six principle, positive. *Ṣaḍbhir bhaktiḥ prasidhyati.* By following these six principle, success is assured. Similarly, there are opposite number. What is that? *Atyāhāraḥ,* eating too much. *Atyāhāraḥ* means eating too much or unnecessarily collecting too much. And *prayāsaḥ. Prayāsaḥ* means too much endeavoring for a thing, mean, unnecessarily taking some anxiety. Don't do that. *Atyāhāraḥ prayāsas prajalpaḥ,* and talking nonsense, gossiping some subject matter which has no concern with Kṛṣṇa consciousness. We are accustomed to do that. We should avoid it. *Atyāhāraḥ prayāsaś ca prajalpo niyamāgrahaḥ [*Upadeśāmṛta* 2]. Niyamāgrahaḥ* means the positive rules and regulation, simply make a show but not actually realize it. *Niyamāgrahaḥ, laulyam,* and to become very greedy, and *jana-saṅgaś ca,* and mixing with persons who are not devotee. These six things should be avoided, and the first things should be followed. Then your success in devotional service is sure.* [Hṛdayānanda begins to translate and pauses] *Prajalpaḥ,* unnecessary gossiping. Just like people are wasting time taking one newspaper and talking for hours. These things should be avoided. And to associate with nondevotees. And greediness. These things should be avoided. --- **[1976: Morning Walk [Partially Recorded](spoken/1976/760225mw.may)** > That is decision, that from this Western world, they haven't got to take anything. If they have got to take anything, it is from India. That they have decided. And that's a fact. --- **[1976: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 7.9.18](spoken/1976/760225sb.may)** > Therefore Prahlāda Mahārāja is giving warning that "I shall recite the narration of Your pastime which is composed by Brahmā." *Viriñci. Viriñci* means... *Śiva-viriñci-nutam*. That is the secret of success. You cannot compose by whimsical way. No. That is not. That will not be possible. Therefore the next word is very important, when he says, *pada-yugālaya-haṁsa-saṅgaḥ. Pada-yugālaya-haṁsa-saṅgaḥ.* This is possible when we associate, *saṅgaḥ... Saṅgaḥ* means association. Whose association? *Pada-yugālaya-haṁsa.* One who is... Because Kṛṣṇa's feet is compared as lotus—"lotus feet," we say—so where there is lotus, there is *haṁsa*, swan, swan, you'll find. That is the difference between the crows and the swan. Crows gather in a place, filthy place, where all rotten things are kept. The crows come there. Where all rotten things are there, all the crows will come. But when there is lotus, the crows will not go there; the *haṁsa*, swan, they'll go there. Even in the bird society there are classes: crow society, swan society, pigeon society, sparrow society. Everyone has got society. But one society is different from another society. Similarly, where there is *kṛṣṇa-kathā,* the crowslike men will not come. Where there is cinema, where there is prostitute dance, where there is drinking, the crowslike men will gather. *Tad vāyasa-tīrtham. Tad vāyasa... Vāyasa* means crows. > So, *na tad vacaś citra-padaṁ harer yaśo pragṛṇīta karhicit, tad vāyasaṁ tīrtham.* Any literature very nicely written, just like Shakespeare writing or some other, big, big mundane writers, their writing, it is very nicely written, grammatically very correct, and metaphorically very nicely meant... *Na tad vacaś citra-padam. Citra-padam* means very artistically written. There are literatures very artistical—*na tad vacaś citra-padaṁ harer yaśo pragṛṇīta na karhicit—*but there is no glorification of the Lord, simply literary presentation, such kind of literature is described, *tad vāyasa-tīrtham:* "This kind of literature is preferred by the class of men who are like crows." Crows. But the Vedic literature, which is sung by Lord Brahmā or Lord Śiva or a devotee, even that is broken language presented, *tad gṛṇanti śṛṇvanti sādhavaḥ:* "They'll be accepted by saintly person.* They'll sing it and they'll accept it." That is the secret of success. If your literature is exactly following the *mahājano yena sa gataḥ,* then it will be liked by highly advanced saintly person. And if it is a presentation of mundane literary career... Therefore that gentleman has rejected even Aurobindo and Dr... Others he has rejected: "They are useless." Other commentation on *Bhāgavata,* he has... But he has rejected even Aurobindo and Dr. Radhakrishnan. Dr. Radhakrishnan is well known as a big philosopher, and Aurobindo, he's also known as great speculator, but he rejected. Yes, they should be rejected because it is *vāyasa-tīrtha.* What is the use, jugglery of words? It has no fact; all imaginary. All imaginary. --- **[1977: Evening Darśana](spoken/1977/770225ed.may)** > In America, Australia, Africa, they can produce so much grain that ten times of the population as it is now can be maintained. Similarly, Australia can produce *ghee*. So by Kṛṣṇa's arrangement everything is all right, the economic problem. Why they create this situation and occasionally fight and finish the whole...? Such a rubbish civilization, *rākṣasa,* unnecessarily increasing military power and spending all the revenues. Russia spends sixty-five percent—unnecessarily. And still starving. So this is *mūḍha, duṣkṛtina. Duṣkṛtina,* only engaged in sinful activities, *duṣkṛtina,* and rascals, *mūḍha, narādhamā.* He got the opportunity of this human life, and misusing it unnecessarily—*narādhamā.* And their university education—*māyayāpahṛta,* useless knowledge. Useless. *Apahṛta-jñāna.* Actually they have no knowledge. Why? The only fault is there is no God. *Āsuraṁ bhāvam āśritāḥ*. So one... That is the basic fault. Everyone is trying: "There is no God. Science." This is the basic principle. So the whole human society is suffering on account of these fools and rascals. > So our Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is *para-upakāra,* how to bring them in peaceful condition, in normal mental condition, and make this life successful by chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa. So we have to do it very carefully. It is *para-upakāra.* So always remember this fact, that they are... The whole world is being controlled by *āsuraṁ bhāvam āśritāḥ,* atheist class of men, and people are suffering everywhere. But Kṛṣṇa also descends when such condition prevailing. *Yadā yadā hi dharmasya glānir bhavati*. So now Kṛṣṇa has descended in His name, *nāma-rūpe kṛṣṇa-avatāra* [*Cc* Ādi 17.22*]. So try to do some good to the society. You have got a great mission, and don't deviate. Try to... And Kṛṣṇa will give you all help. So..., but always keep in mind that this civilization is a wrong civilization. Wrong civilization. It is not quite civil. What do you think? In Hong Kong I have seen. People are living so wretchedly. --- **[1977: Room Conversation](spoken/1977/770225r1.may)** > Similar surrender to *guru. Yathā deve,* as you surrender to Kṛṣṇa, similar to *guru*—then your life is perfect. *Yathā deve tathā gurau, tasyaite kathitā hy arthāḥ prakāśante.* Then this meaning of the scripture will be revealed automatically. And you are singing daily, *guru-mukha-padma-vākya, cittete kariyā aikya, āra nā kariha mane āśā.* Nothing more. Then your life is perfect. This is secret. *Guru-mukha-padma-vākya, cittete kariyā aikya, āra nā kariha mane āśā.* Don't manufacture ideas, rascal. Then it is finished. In material world everyone is a demon-crazy. Everyone is manufacturing ideas. And they are suffering. All rascals are manufacturing ideas. *Kartāham iti manyate. Ahaṅkāra-vimūḍhātmā kartāham iti manyate*. He's fully under control of the laws of nature, and he's thinking, "I am independent. I can manufacture ideas." *Āḍhyo 'ham...* That is... Find out this. *Āḍhyo 'ham janavān asmi ko 'nyo 'sti,* some like that, in the Sixteenth Chapter. "Demon-crazy." Crazy demons are thinking like that. [chuckles] "I can manufacture something. I am very intelligent. We..." > Therefore *mūḍha.* For few years, suppose he remains so-called God. And what is the benefit? Next life he may become a dog. What is the benefit? Therefore *mūḍha. Māyā-sukhāya, indriyārtham. Indriyārtha-māyā-sukhāya bharam udvahato vimūḍhān*. Hmm? For sense gratification for a few years, and make such gorgeous cheating process. Therefore he's rascal. He does not know the value of his eternal life, how he is going to become a dog next life. He knows, but he doesn't care. He's such a rascal. For temporary happiness, men and woman, er, woman and money. --- **[1977: Room Conversation With Artists and About BTG](spoken/1977/770225r2.may)** > That "Somehow or other, bring him to chant Kṛṣṇa or to become little Kṛṣṇa conscious. Then, when he's little purified, then the *vidhi-niṣedhāḥ...*" He's not rejecting the *vidhi-niṣedhāḥ. Vidhi-niṣedhāḥ* means regulative principles. It is not rejected, that... But when he's a little purified, this *vidhi-niṣedhā syur etayor eva kiṅkarāḥ.* Just like one... First of all let him become rich, get some money. And then, when he has got money, he can keep some servant, some assistant, some secretaries, like that. First of all earn money. > That is wanted. There is one word by Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura, [quoted from *Prema-Vivarta*, Chapter 7 Text 1 by Śrī Jagadānanda Paṇḍita] *nāmākṣara bāhirāya baṭe tabu nāma kabhu nāya*: "The... Simply the alphabets are coming, but that is not *nāma.*" *Nāmākṣara,* Hare Kṛṣṇa, the alphabets, are coming out, but it is not the holy name. --- **[1977: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 7.9.5](spoken/1977/770225sb.may)** > So if this feeling is not there in God, then how He can be God, this feeling? Just like if one innocent little child comes and offers some respect to us, immediately we become feelingly merciful: "Oh, here is a nice child." So Lord Kṛṣṇa, Nṛsiṁhadeva, He also became *pariplutaḥ,* feelingly merciful, not ordinary merciful, feeling that "How innocent this child is." So feelingly, *utthapya,* immediately got him up: "My dear child, get up." And immediately put His hand on the head. *Utthāpya tac-chīrṣṇy adadhāt karāmbujam. Karāmbhuja,* lotus hand, lotus palm. So these feelings are there. And He wanted... Because this boy was bewildered that such a big *mūrti* came from the *stambha*, the columns, and the father, gigantic father, is dead, naturally he is little disturbed in mind. So therefore *vitrasta-dhiyāṁ kṛtābhayam:* "My dear child, don't be afraid. Everything is all right. I am present, and there is no fear. Be pacified. I will give you protection." So this is the exchange. So there is no need of very..., becoming very learned man, Vedantist and... Simply these things are required: you become innocent, accept the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and fall down at His lotus feet—everything is complete. This is wanted: simplicity. Simplicity. Believe in Kṛṣṇa. As Kṛṣṇa says, *mattaḥ parataraṁ nānyat kiñcid asti dhanañ...*. Believe it! There is no more superior authority than Kṛṣṇa. And He says, *man-manā bhava mad-bhakto mad-yājī māṁ namaskuru*. > So this can be enjoyed by the devotees, not the... Atheist class of men or non devotees cannot understand. Therefore Kṛṣṇa said, *bhaktyā mām abhijānāti*. Only the devotees, no others. Others, they have no admission in this kingdom, to understand. If you want to understand Kṛṣṇa it is only through *bhakti.* Neither knowledge nor *yoga* nor *karma* nor *jñāna,* nothing—nothing will help you. Simply a devotee. And how to become devotee? How easy it is? See here the Prahlāda Mahārāja, innocent child, simply offering his obeisances. And Kṛṣṇa is also asking you, *man-manā bhava mad-bhakto mad-yājī māṁ namaskuru*. --- ## Letters on February 25 *Letters from this day: 17* --- **[1967: Letter to Brahmananda](letters/1967/670225_brahmananda)** > Please reply those letter as well as let me know if my presence is required in N.Y. Also let me know whether you have received the consignment from India. --- **[1968: Letter to Karunamayi](letters/1968/680225_karunamayi)** > Regarding your questions: Once prasadam (water, or foodstuffs) is offered to the Lord, His Plate should remain on the altar for about 15-20 minutes (while the portion in the pots may be taken by the devotees). Once the prasadam is removed from the altar, and touched by us, it should not again be placed on the altar. --- **[1968: Letter to Mario Windisch](letters/1968/680225_mario_windisch)** > 16, 1968, along with the enclosure of an older letter dated August 27, 1967. I am very sorry to learn that my dear brother Sadananda is seriously ill and the doctors have advised complete rest for him. --- **[1968: Letter to Pradyumna](letters/1968/680225_pradyumna)** > I am very much satisfied with your transliteration and request you to transliterate the 2nd Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam, and the original text is sent herewith. --- **[1968: Letter to Satsvarupa](letters/1968/680225_satsvarupa)** > You have to meet many opposing elements in the matter of preaching work therefore you should always be careful to follow the principles of Bhagavad-gita as it is. You will be glad to know that our arrangements with MacMillan for publishing Bhagavad-gita As It Is is already completed, and the manuscript is handed over to them. --- **[1969: Letter to Bhurijana](letters/1969/690225_bhurijana)** > I am so pleased with your sincere efforts to succeed in this Chapel Hill center program. --- **[1969: Letter to Indira](letters/1969/690225_indira)** > I thank you very much for this and I am always very pleased with your sincere efforts to serve Krishna. --- **[1969: Letter to Kancanbala](letters/1969/690225_kancanbala)** > I am pleased to note that you are painting nicely, so go on improving your abilities because we will require so many paintings for our temples. --- **[1969: Letter to Nara-Narayana](letters/1969/690225_nara-narayana)** > So far as the Deities are concerned, this has been discussed many times, so just do it nicely using your best judgment to make Them like the Deities which are there in N. --- **[1970: Letter to Syamasundara](letters/1970/700225_syamasundara)** > In the meantime I have posted another letter in which I have given hints how George can write the foreword. I want that he may write the foreword by his personal experience, otherwise, I could write one for him if he so desires. --- **[1972: Letter to Prajapati](letters/1972/720225_prajapati)** > I have appreciated also the newsclipping from Boston "Globe," and I understand this is a very famous newspaper in your country. --- **[1976: Letter to Bhurijana](letters/1976/760225_bhurijana)** > Please advise me if you are able to execute. I would like to send Indian goods to you for sales to the devotees and others. --- **[1976: Letter to Dina Dayala](letters/1976/760225_dina_dayala)** > It is nice to hear that your activities are going on successfully in Athens. Caitanya Mahaprabhu says, prithivite ache yata nagar adi gram sarvasa.. --- **[1976: Letter to Giriraja](letters/1976/760225_giriraja)** > It is my intelligence and your cooperation that is working. There is a story of a man who was challenged whether he had any intelligence. He then began to look in his pocket. --- **[1976: Letter to Nitai](letters/1976/760225_nitai)** > As for the college, anyway take some affiliation, that will help students to come here on student visa. --- **[1976: Letter to Ramesvara](letters/1976/760225_ramesvara)** > Regarding the devotees coming to Mayapur-Vrindaban, I would have liked they come all at least once in a year, so let the other trustees consider. If they come once every five years, then it will be five years vacant. --- **[1976: Letter to Vicitravirya](letters/1976/760225_vicitravirya)** > Please advise my secretary if you are able to execute. I would like to send Indian goods to you for sales to the devotees and others. ---