# March 16 ## Spoken on March 16 *Lectures from this day: 13 recordings* --- **[1967: Purport to Bhajahū Re Mana](spoken/1967/670316pu.sf)** > Without association of devotees, it is impossible to train the mind. It is not possible by the so-called *yoga* system or meditation. One has to associate with devotees; otherwise it is not possible. Therefore we have formed this Kṛṣṇa consciousness society so that one may take advantage of this association. So Govinda dāsa, poet and devotee, is advising, *durlabha mānava-janama sat-saṅge:* "You have got this very nice, rare human body. Now associate with devotees and engage your mind on the fearless lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa." He is requesting his mind. > Bhaja, bhaja* means worship; *hu,* hello; *mana,* mind. The poet Govinda dāsa, a great philosopher and devotee of the Lord, he is praying. He is requesting his mind, because mind is the friend and mind is the enemy of everyone. If one can train his mind in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, then he is successful. If he cannot to train his mind, then life is failure. Therefore Govinda dāsa, a great devotee of Lord Kṛṣṇa... --- **[1968: Lecture [Partially Recorded](spoken/1968/680316le.sf)** > So this is the instruction in the *Bhagavad-gītā. Man-manā bhava mad-bhakto mad-yājī māṁ namaskuru*. Kṛṣṇa says that "Always be thinking of Me in your mind." *Man-manā. Manaḥ* means mind. *Man-manā bhava mad-bhakto,* "and become My devotee. Don't think Me as your enemy." Sometimes Kṛṣṇa is thought of as enemy. That kind of thought is useless. Not useless. Of course, the enemies who thought of Kṛṣṇa always, they also got salvation. Because, after all, they thought of Kṛṣṇa. But not in that way. > Similarly, we are hankering after loving Kṛṣṇa in a perverted way. But because we have no information of Kṛṣṇa, we have forgotten our relationship with Kṛṣṇa, therefore we are loving this body, that body. Ultimately, I am loving a cat or dog or something else. The love is there, but we have misplaced the love. As soon as we replace our love to Kṛṣṇa, then our perfection of love is manifested and our perfection of life is also achieved. --- **[1971: Conversation [Partially Recorded](spoken/1971/710316r1.bom)** > Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: You see, if we open up the temples now, on our way around, traveling around, then it limits our ability to travel. But if we stick to our principles, simply traveling and preaching widely and distributing great literature, in great, great quantity, and making many, many members throughout the world, then we'll have many contacts for later on, when we can go back and open temples. There'll be many contacts. Just like Your Divine Grace, Prabhupāda, you have made many contacts, so that now, coming back from India, immediately there are many people we can go and see who you already know. > Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: We can... Not for this mission. Later on. Later on we can come back for that purpose specifically. Just like when we sent someone to Berlin to open a temple, we can send men to Bombay, to this place. But for now, if we can travel widely around the world, throughout the Middle East, Africa, South America, go to Europe... --- **[1971: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 7.7.10–15](spoken/1971/710316sb.bom)** > So we are discussing Prahlāda Mahārāja when his mother was captured by the demigods and their purpose was to keep Prahlāda's mother under custody till she delivers the child. Because they took the child born of a demon, Hiraṇyakaśipu, would be a greater demon. Therefore just on his birth he should be killed. That was their proposal. In the meantime Nārada said, interfered, "No, no, this is not good." "This woman bears the child who is *mahābhāgavata*—great devotee." How Nārada Muni knew it that the child was great devotee? Because he personally instructed, practically he was instructing his mother and... Or he would instruct the child, even within the womb. So transcendental vibration is so powerful that simply by hearing one becomes a great devotee, even if he does not understand. That hearing process, this Hare Kṛṣṇa *mantra*, we have to give chance to the people, "Come, sit down and hear and you'll be benefited." > Ayaṁ niṣkilbiṣaḥ*; Nārada said that, "Do not try to kill this child." He will be *niṣkilbiṣaḥ*—completely free from all sinful reaction; *sākṣān mahā-bhāgavato mahān*—a great devotee; *tvayā na prāpsyate saṁsthām, anantānucaro balī*—and it is not possible for you to kill him because he is protected by *ananta*. --- **[1974: Morning Walk [Partially Recorded](spoken/1974/740316mw.vrn)** >if he's prepared to pay double the price, so why not pay the full price, fourteen *lakhs*? We have paid two *lakhs;* let him pay twelve *lakhs,* and he'll immediately transfer, and we'll take double price from him, so that... --- **[1974: Room Conversation](spoken/1974/740316r1.vrn)** > American guest: And, uh, then he started to say, "Well, if they believe in an external God,'' or something like that, "then it is heretical.'' I says, "But nevertheless,'' I says, "uh, like in the writings of, say, Meister Eckhart or the different mystics, they all seem to describe their experience in pretty much similar terms." So I said, I asked him, "Does this mean that the experience is different or not?'' So then he argued. He finally says... Well, he didn't say it directly, but what he said is that if..., if you want to get the experience of touching something to find out what hot is, he says you may have different motive. Like some people may do it because it's pretty; some out of curiosity or different motive. In other words, he admitted that the experience finally was the same, even though the approach was different. > American guest: Well, the way, uh, the way it's interpreted, you know, by the people that practice it is that, uh, you don't extinguish your desires either, but they're transformed into the Buddha principles. They say this is the meaning of Mahayana Buddhism, is that you, uh, learn to identify the desire passions with the Buddha principles, and so they become transformed so that... --- **[1974: Room Conversation](spoken/1974/740316r2.vrn)** > "I am the servant of the servant of.'' So you have to serve your immediate master, *dāsa-dāsānudāsaḥ,* servant of the Supreme Lord. If you want to jump over the original master, that is not good. Then you will be dismissed like, like my friend. --- **[1974: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 2.1.1](spoken/1974/740316sb.vrn)** > So we should be very much careful of our next birth. Because... *Yaṁ yaṁ vāpi smaran bhāvaṁ tyajaty ante kalevaram*.* This is the verdict of Kṛṣṇa. At the time of death, whatever thought is there, you get next birth a similar body. The mind, mind creates the body, gross body. As we have got this gross body, so within this gross body there is the subtle body: mind, intelligence and ego. These rascals, they do not know that when the gross body is annihilated, it does not mean that the soul is finished. No. *Na hanyate hanyamāne śarīre*. This is the verdict. Don't think because the gross body is now finished, therefore the person is finished. No. The person is there within the subtle body, and the subtle body will carry him. Just like the fragrance is carried by the air: You cannot see what is this fragrance, but you can smell. A very good smell, wherefrom it came? That is subtle carrying. Similarly, the soul is carried after annihilation of this body, gross body, material. Mind, intelligence, ego—that is also material, but subtle. You cannot see. Everyone knows that I have got mind, I have got soul, but you cannot see. Neither I can see. But there is. But one who does not know what is soul, what is subtle body, they become perplexed. Therefore Kṛṣṇa says, *dhīras tatra na muhyati. Dhīra,* those who are sober, one who knows how things are going on, *dhīras tatra na muhyati.* > So how He has got a father? Oh, that is His mercy. He accepts one devotee as His father. And when He's addressed in relationship with His devotee... Nanda Mahārāja wanted Kṛṣṇa as his son. Kṛṣṇa agreed, "Yes, I shall become your son." So everyone, if you want Kṛṣṇa as your son... Not to become God, but to become the father of God. The Māyāvādī philosophers, they want to become God. But we Vaiṣṇava, we want to become the father of God. This is Vaiṣṇava philosophy. Father of God means he controls God. He's not controlled by God. So a devotee can get such position. Everyone is being controlled by God, but a devotee is so exalted that Kṛṣṇa says that "I wish to be controlled by you." This is Kṛṣṇa's position. Therefore the Vaiṣṇava *kavi* advises, *bhaja huṅ re mana śrī-nanda-nandana, abhaya-caraṇāravinda re. Durlabha mānava..., durlabha mānava-janama sat-saṅge taraha e* [Govinda Dāsa Kavirāja]. --- **[1976: Sannyāsa and Harināma Initiations](spoken/1976/760316in.may)** > Anywhere, either you are in this district or that district, it doesn't matter. Either you are at home or outside home, it doesn't matter—you become a *guru,* everyone. "How shall I become *guru*? I have no qualification." Caitanya Mahāprabhu said, "You don't require any qualification. You simply require one qualification: that you repeat the instruction of *Bhagavad-gītā.* That's all." *Yāre dekha tāre kaha kṛṣṇa-upadeśa*. That's all. You become a *guru.* Don't adulterate *kṛṣṇa-upadeśa* like a rascal or nonsense. Present it as it is, *Bhagavad-gītā.* Then you become a* guru.* You can become a* guru* in your family. You can *guru* your society, your nation, wherever you are. And if it is possible, you go outside and preach this mission of *Bhagavad-gītā.* Therefore our movement's name is Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Whatever Kṛṣṇa says, you accept and preach, you become *guru.* > The *śānti...* Everyone is trying to have peace—peace of the mind, peace of the society, peace of the nation. Very good. But you do not know how to get this peace. That is described in every Vedic literatures. Therefore Vedic knowledge is so important. *Nityo nityānāṁ cetanaś cetanānām* [*Kaṭha Upaniṣad* 2.2.13]. The Supreme Lord is the leader. He's also a living being like us. He's not a dead stone. He is... Just like Kṛṣṇa, when He comes, He lives like us, just like human being. So similarly the... Not similarly. Kṛṣṇa is a living being like us. He has got also two hands, two legs, one head, as you have got. But what is the difference between you and Him? The difference is that *eka,* that singular number living being. *Vidadhāti kāmān bahūnām,* He maintains everyone, and we are maintained. That is the difference. We plural number living entities, we are maintained, and He, the Supreme Lord, being, Supreme Being... In the dictionary, English dictionary, God means Supreme Being. So Supreme Being, He's also living being. He's not a dead stone. The difference is that He is the maintainer, and we are maintained. He is the ruler; we are ruled. This difference we have to understand. And He is the proprietor; we are servants. Caitanya Mahāprabhu's philosophy is this. That is a fact. *Jīvera svarūpa haya nitya kṛṣṇa dāsa*. --- **[1976: Morning Walk](spoken/1976/760316mw.may)** > Pick up the best man. Caitanya Mahāprabhu, He picked up the best men, Sanātana Gosvāmī, Rūpa Gosvāmī. So His movement became successful. Sanātana Gosvāmī was not an ordinary man. Very educated, learned *brāhmaṇa* and minister, Caitanya Mahāprabhu picked up. Similarly Rūpa Gosvāmī, similarly Jīva Gosvāmī. Picked up means by His preaching they became converted. So similarly pick up a person like Sanātana Gosvāmī, intelligent, in position, and try to convince him. Why he will not be convinced, if he's a human being? This is not religion. That I am breathing, what is this breathing? Eh? What is the breathing? >religion, the so-called religion, it is changed. Formerly there was no Christianity, and now Christianity. And now, from Christianity, so many others, so many others. That is not religion. --- **[1976: Room Conversation With Rādhā-Dāmodara Saṅkīrtana Party](spoken/1976/760316r1.may)** > Utsāha* is the basic principle, *utsāha* and *sādhu-saṅga [Cc Madhya* 22.83], association of *sādhu.* Simply *utsāha* and the association is not *sādhu*—then it is material. *Utsāha* in association of *sādhu. Sādhu* means devotee. *Sādhur eva sa mantavyaḥ*. Who is *sādhu*? *Bhajate mām ananya-bhāk.* One who has no other business than to serve Kṛṣṇa, he is *sādhu.* So the association of such *sādhu... Sādhu, sato vṛtteḥ sādhu-saṅge.* Whatever a *sādhu* does, there is no fault. Everything is right. But still, because we are in this material world, we shall act in such a way that nobody can accuse us. *Sato vṛtteḥ. Sādhu* is above all this *vṛtta,* but still, you keep pace with the material world; otherwise your activities will be hampered. Therefore Rūpa Gosvāmī has said *sato vṛtti:* "The dealings should be very honest." *Sato vṛtteḥ sādhu saṅge, ṣaḍbhiḥ,* six items. *Utsāha,* enthusiasm; *dhairya,* patience. *Utsāhān dhairyāt niścayāt,* with confidence. So enthusiasm, patience, confidence. > So these Māyāvādīs, they say the *brahma satyaṁ jagan mithyā:* "This material world is false, and Brahman is reality." And we don't say that. Everything is reality because it comes from reality. When it is not used for Kṛṣṇa, that is unreality. It is not properly being used. Otherwise there is no such thing as unreality, because it is coming from reality. So why shall I give it up, *tyāga*? Neither *tyāga,* neither *bhoga.* Everything utilize for Kṛṣṇa. This is our way. Any question on this regard? I saw your wife also. She is here. --- **[1976: Śrī Gaura-Pūrṇimā Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 7.9.38](spoken/1976/760316sb.may)** > The Absolute Truth is one, *advaya-jñāna.* There is no difference. But He, according to our qualification of understanding the Absolute Truth, He appears as Brahman, impersonal Brahman; He appears as localized Paramātmā, Supersoul; and He appears as the beloved Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa—according to the receiver. *Ye yathā māṁ prapadyante*.* That is meant. If you want to understand the Absolute Truth as impersonal Brahman, you realize that. If you want to realize the Absolute Truth as Paramātmā, everywhere, all-pervading, you can realize Him. And if you want to see Him as the most beloved, then you can also have. That is the meaning of *ye yathā māṁ prapadyante.* You can realize the Absolute Truth any way. He is prepared to manifest Himself as you desire. > So "as you desire" does not mean... That also, He is present because, here it is stated, that *nṛ-tiryag-ṛṣi-deva-jhaṣāvatāraiḥ.* According to the evolutionary process, so there was water all over the universe. So at that time, *daśa-avatāra, keśava dhṛta-mīna-śarīra jaya jagadīśa hare* [Daśāvatāra Stotra 1]. Similarly, He became tortoise. Then He becomes Nṛsiṁhadeva, He became Vāmanadeva—so many. That is going on, *nitya, nitya-līlā.* Don't think the *avatāra* comes only to the human society, *nṛ.* But He appears amongst the animals, amongst the insects, amongst the trees. Therefore in the *Bhagavad-gītā* there is statement, "Among the trees, I am this tree. Among the animals, I am this animal. Among the persons... Among the fighters, I am this, I am this." He's everything, but just to point out a few... In another place He says, *raso 'ham apsu kaunteya*. --- ## Letters on March 16 *Letters from this day: 17* --- **[1967: Letter to Rayarama](letters/1967/670316_rayarama)** > I am pleased to learn that you are conducting classes very nicely and Krishna is supplying you intelligence to answer some critical questions by the audience. The more one can meet opposite elements successfully the more one is supposed to be advanced in Krishna consciousness. To a sincere heart Krishna gives all intelligence to combat such dialogues. --- **[1967: Letter to Satsvarupa](letters/1967/670316_satsvarupa)** > I have seen the typed copies of Narada Bhakti Sutra as well as Teachings of Lord Caitanya. --- **[1968: Letter to Jadurani](letters/1968/680316_jadurani)** > I thank you very much for it, and I am so glad to hear that everything is going well there, and that Yadunandana and John are there helping in so many ways. --- **[1969: Letter to Advaita](letters/1969/690316_advaita)** > I think we shall have to open the press immediately because the business transaction with Dai Nippon is not very prospective. --- **[1969: Letter to Gopala Krsna](letters/1969/690316_gopala_krsna)** > I am sorry I could not acknowledge receipt of your money, but it was deposited in the bank less $3. --- **[1969: Letter to Jadurani](letters/1969/690316_jadurani)** > I am happy to hear that you are all appreciating the new record album "Govinda", and I have good hopes of it selling nicely to so many American and European people. I hope you are feeling stronger day by day, and please convey my blessings to all your God-brothers and God-sisters there with you. --- **[1970: Letter to Gopala Krsna](letters/1970/700316_gopala_krsna)** > When the large Deities are installed, the small Deities should be worshiped as *Vijaya Vigraha* which means this pair of Deities may go outside the Temple in a small car as they have made in L.A. This car was made by Nara Narayana, so he can give you the idea. --- **[1970: Letter to Satsvarupa](letters/1970/700316_satsvarupa)** > When the large Deities are installed, the small Deities should be worshiped as Vijaya Vigraha which means this pair of Deities may go outside the Temple in a small car as they have made in L.A. This *Vijaya Vigraha* may be taken out with Sankirtana Party, not always, but conveniently. --- **[1971: Letter to Karandhara](letters/1971/710316_karandhara)** > Now to make a solution to the problem the following formula should be followed: Print 200,000 BTGs without fail. Each center must collect at least 25 cents for each copy as donation, if not more. --- **[1971: Letter to Mr. Yukio Ogata](letters/1971/710316_mr._yukio_ogata)** > Please accept my greetings. It is understood that the *Back To Godhead* department is in debt by $52,000.00. I am very sorry that this has increased so much. Therefore I am sending check no 16-320 for $20,000.00. So please continue to print *Back To Godhead* magazine without hesitation. Your money is always safe. --- **[1974: Letter to Dhrstaketu](letters/1974/740316_dhrstaketu)** > Yes, it is all right that you devote your time to painting instead of street sankirtana. The main thing is that you be engaged in some worthwhile work for Krsna without wasting even a moment. Unless we are constantly engaged then there will be sickness and illicit sex automatically. --- **[1974: Letter to Satyahit](letters/1974/740316_satyahit)** > I am pleased to hear you have been preaching among the Gujarat community in Panama City and that they are sympathetic to our movement. --- **[1976: Letter to Branch Manager Central Bank Of India](letters/1976/760316_branch_manager_central_bank_of_india)** > Replying your kind letter dated 9th March, 1976, I am sending herewith the specimen of signature for the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust account for your records. --- **[1976: Letter to Tejiyas](letters/1976/760316_tejiyas)** > I am enclosing one copy of a letter to the Punjab National Bank, Bengali Market, New Delhi. Kindly attend to this immediately. We can discuss further when I come to Delhi on the 24th March. --- **[1977: Letter to Minakshi](letters/1977/770316_minakshi)** > From your letter I can understand that you and your brother Indresh are both great devotees. --- **[1977: Letter to Nityananda](letters/1977/770316_nityananda)** > The New Talavan Review and the brochure are both very nicely done and I thank you for them. --- **[1977: Letter to Subhavilasa](letters/1977/770316_subhavilasa)** > The farm you describe sounds nice and if you can supply grains, butter, etc. to Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa as you suggest, it is very good. ---