# April 11 ## Spoken on April 11 *Lectures from this day: 8 recordings* --- **[1969: Room Conversation](spoken/1969/690411r1.ny)** > The perfection of Vedic knowledge is to know Kṛṣṇa, and that is also confirmed in the *Bhagavad-gītā, bahūnāṁ janmanām ante* : after many, many births. *Jñānavān. Jñānavān* means Vedāntist. Not... They have made it, that Vedāntist... Vedāntist..., Vaiṣṇavas, they are also Vedāntist, but it has become a common sense, a common affair that the impersonalists, they are called Vedāntists. Because, due to Śaṅkarācārya's propaganda, they have made their position as Vedāntists. But common men, they do not know that the Vaiṣṇavas are the best Vedāntists. > So reality is there in the spiritual world. Therefore it is called *janmādy asya yataḥ.* The idea comes from there. But the impersonalists, due to their intelligence being very meager, they think that the Absolute Truth is without any variety: impersonal or void. They think that varieties are only in the material world. But actually, real varieties are there in the spiritual world. It is only reflection, as it is described in the *Bhagavad-gītā, ūrdhva mūlam adhah-śākham. Adhah-śākham. Aśvatthaṁ prāhur avyayam*. --- **[1969: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture [Partially Recorded](spoken/1969/690411sb.ny)** > So *ātmavit-sammataḥ.* It must be approved by great *ācāryas.* We are pushing on this Kṛṣṇa consciousness not by whims. It is approved by great *ācāryas.* We are following their footsteps. That's all. That is our business. *Ātmavit tattva, ātmavit-sammataḥ.* And then *puṁsām,* for the people in general, *śrotavyādiṣu yaḥ paraḥ*. > So he's beginning, Śukadeva Gosvāmī is beginning to talk about Kṛṣṇa, and this book is *The First Step in God-Realization.* How, for ordinary common men, how one can realize God, these things will be described. We shall describe. --- **[1971: Paṇḍāl Lecture](spoken/1971/710411le.bom)** > So in this way if one is too much entangled how one can. We should always remember Prahlāda Mahārāja said that: *kaumāra ācaret prājño dharmān bhāgavatān*. The beginning was that, "My dear demon friends from the childhood you should learn Kṛṣṇa consciousness and be." If I am advanced, if I am young man, if I am married, if I am again fallen into this family life then it may not be possible actually. That is a fact. The family attraction, nobody is interested in Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, they are simply interested with these things: the association of wife, family, children, motorcar, house, bed, furniture. They are so much attracted with these things that the main business of their life, Kṛṣṇa consciousness, they are not interested. > Na hanyate hanyamāne śarīre*. By changing body, the eternal soul does not, I mean to say, annihilate. *Na hanyate hanyamāne śarīre.* This understanding is called Brahman understanding, that "I am eternal. I have no birth; I have no death. The birth and death is pertaining to this body. I am changing body from one body to another." This is called *brahma-bhūtaḥ* understanding. *Ahaṁ brahmāsmi,* that is. --- **[1973: Bhagavad-gītā 2.13](spoken/1973/730411bg.ny)** > So as soon as we are in the bodily concept of life, immediately the necessity is for sense gratification. But Kṛṣṇa says to Arjuna that "You are not this body." So therefore my self-interest does not depend on my bodily comforts. They do not know this. Everyone at the present moment, in this age, their only business is how to gratify the senses. The Western countries, they have got little information, but in India, there was cultivation of all kinds of philosophy. > So our expansion, these expansions, these material expansion, bodily expansion, means illusion. *Janasya moho 'yam ahaṁ mameti*. This illusion increases, that "I am this body, and in bodily relation, everything is mine." *Ahaṁ mama. Ahaṁ* means "I", and *mama* means "my." So, so long one shall remain in the bodily concept of life, his illusion will increase. It will never decrease. Therefore the first instruction of Kṛṣṇa to Arjuna... Because if Arjuna would not have been in that position of illusion, that "I am this body, and the other side—my brother, my grandfather, my nephews—they're all my relations. How can I kill?" This is the illusion. Therefore to dissipate this illusion, darkness, Kṛṣṇa begins the first lesson, that "You are not this body." --- **[1974: Bhagavad-gītā 4.22](spoken/1974/740411bg.bom)** > That is lacking in the present civilization. Not only at the present moment, because Kṛṣṇa was speaking five thousand years ago, and before that, He spoke *Bhagavad-gītā* millions and trillions of years ago to the sun-god. This is the way of material civilization or material conditioned life, competition. The real competition began by being jealous to Kṛṣṇa. Real competition began. *Kṛṣṇa-boliya-jiva bhoga vāñchā kare* [*Prema-vivarta*]. Kṛṣṇa is the supreme enjoyer. Kṛṣṇa says, *bhoktāraṁ yajña-tapasāṁ sarva-loka-maheśvaram*.* > So if a person becomes Kṛṣṇa conscious, that "I am part and parcel of Kṛṣṇa," as Kṛṣṇa says in the *Bhagavad-gītā, mamaivāṁśo jīva-bhūtaḥ*. We are actually part and parcel of Kṛṣṇa. And Kṛṣṇa is providing food for everyone. *Avaśya rakhibe kṛṣṇa viśvāsa pālana.* Kṛṣṇa is providing everyone. Just like in our Society... This is practical. We have got about hundred branches, and each branch, we have got not less than twenty-five men, up to two-hundred and fifty. But we have no, I mean to say, provision store. Every day we depend on Kṛṣṇa. If food comes... This is called *ākāśa-paḍati[?].* The food must be dropped from the sky. This is called *ākāśa-paḍati[?].* And Kṛṣṇa will send. If Kṛṣṇa sends, then we eat. But you will be surprised that we have to spend not less than \$80,000 per month, but Kṛṣṇa is supplying. *Eko yo bahūnāṁ vidadhāti kāmān.* Why Kṛṣṇa will not supply? If Kṛṣṇa is supplying to the elephant in the forest, and those who have dedicated their life there Kṛṣṇa, they will not be supplied with the necessities? Why not? --- **[1974: Morning Walk](spoken/1974/740411mw.bom)** > So this is full of ignorance, and there are so many miseries. So Kṛṣṇa hasn't got a body like this. [aside:] Hare Kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa, Your body is *sac-cid-ānanda-vigraha.* So we can distinguish what is Kṛṣṇa's body and what is our body. [break]...understand. Try to understand, that what is the nature. That is called spiritual body. So we have got also similar body, but very small, very small. That is covered by this material body. And because in the spiritual body I am person, I have got form, therefore the material elements have taken a form. Just like when your coat is made, it is made according to your body. Because you have got hand, so the coat has got a hand. But the hand of the coat is not real. The real hand is within the coat. *Dehino 'smin yathā dehe*. Within. These foolish people, they do not understand. They take, "This is hand. This is hand." He does not know that this hand is artificial, outward. Real hand is within. This is their misconception. > So one has to awaken the intelligence. So that supreme intelligence is Kṛṣṇa consciousness. When one comes to the point of supreme intelligence, that is called Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Just like a rose flower, when it comes to the full blooming stage, it is very beautiful, fragrant, like that. So when a living entity comes to the understanding of his constitutional position—what he is actually—and acts like that, that is called Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Then it is full development. That is called *buddhi-yogam. Buddhi* is there, intelligence is there, and when it is fully developed for understanding Kṛṣṇa, that is called *buddhi-yogam.* --- **[1975: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 5.5.2](spoken/1975/750411sb.hyd)** > This is Vedic injunction. He's also living entity, we are also living entity, but He is supreme and we are subordinate. That is the difference. *Eko yo bahūnāṁ vidadhāti kāmān.* This is our position. This is self-realization. When you understand this, that "Kṛṣṇa, or the Supreme Lord, or God, whatever you say, He's the whole spirit soul, and we are fragmental portion of that spirit soul, and He's the maintainer; we are maintained. He is the predominator; we are predominated," so this is first realization, *brahma-bhūta.* This is called *brahma-bhūta.* And if you make more advance in *brahma-bhūta* stage, then maybe after many births you can understand what is Kṛṣṇa. That is the ver... *Bahūnāṁ janmanām ante*. Kṛṣṇa says in the *Bhagavad-gītā, bahūnāṁ janmanām ante jñānavān māṁ prapadyate.* When one is perfectly *jñānavān,* wise, then his business is *vāsudevaḥ sarvam iti sa mahātmā sudurlabhaḥ*. Then he can understand that Vāsudeva, the son of Vasudeva, Kṛṣṇa, is everything. That realization required. That is the perfection of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. > Ahaṁ sarvasya prabhavaḥ.* Kṛṣṇa says that "I am the origin of everything," the same answer. *Janmādy asya yataḥ.* Who is that person from whom everything has come into existence? So if Kṛṣṇa is fact, Brahman, then He says, *ahaṁ sarvasya prabhavaḥ,* "I am the origin of everything," how other things can be false? No. We do not accept this philosophy. If Kṛṣṇa is truth, then this world is also truth. It may be temporary—*bhūtvā bhūtvā pralīyate* —*but it is not untruth. So Caitanya Mahāprabhu therefore has criticized Śaṅkarācārya, *māyāvādi-bhāṣya śunile haya sarva-nāśa* : "If you accept Māyāvāda philosophy, then your progress is doomed, finished." This is the... --- **[1977: Morning Conversation About Newspaper Articles](spoken/1977/770411r1.bom)** > Without God consciousness, there cannot be any education. There cannot be any good qualities. You do not know this. Simply you are crying in the wilderness. You yourself do not know. All the education, its propaganda is how to make the world godless, although the most scientific knowledge of God is there in the *Bhagavad-gītā.*" Write him. Give him a slap, that "You do not know." Introduce our Kṛṣṇa consciousness books in the educational department. "*Yato mata tato patha,"* "Transcendental Meditation," "God has given you senses. Why you should not enjoy?" This is his... > I see *Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam,* so exalted knowledge and so beautifully literary presented. *Śrīmat. Śrīmat* means beautiful. Throughout the whole world, you won't find any literature. This is India's fortune, and they are keeping it packed up. *Jñāna-khaleṣu. Jñāna-khala* means envious. You have got some knowledge, but you are envious; you don't want to disclose to anyone. They are called *jñāna-khala.* --- ## Letters on April 11 *Letters from this day: 20* --- **[1970: Letter to Acyutananda](letters/1970/700411_acyutananda)** > Just before receiving this letter, I have sent another letter to you dated 9th April, 1970. --- **[1970: Letter to Rsi Kumara](letters/1970/700411_rsi_kumara)** > New York is the best city of your country, therefore the prospect of preaching in New York City is especially very great. I began my preaching life in this city, therefore I have got some special attraction for New York. I wish, therefore, that a fitting and imposing temple may be situated in New York. --- **[1970: Letter to Satsvarupa](letters/1970/700411_satsvarupa)** > I am very glad to know that you are busy now in the press assembling the new book *Krishna Consciousness the Topmost Yoga,* that is very nice. I am sending $2,400 next week as Advaita has requested. --- **[1970: Letter to Shyama Dasi](letters/1970/700411_shyama_dasi)** > So we should not be neglectful in prosecuting Krishna Consciousness, thinking that because we have taken to Krishna we have become perfect. No, the process is continuing even Krishna's own prayer. --- **[1970: Letter to Subala](letters/1970/700411_subala)** > Regarding religion, not only at present, but also in the past, all of them are described as pseudo-religions. The Bhagavat has condemned such pseudo-religion in the second verse of the first chapter, first canto. --- **[1971: Letter to Bhagavan](letters/1971/710411_bhagavan)** > Regarding our newly acquired press, whether it is possible to dispatch it to India. --- **[1971: Letter to Damodara](letters/1971/710411_damodara)** > I am so glad to hear how you are increasing your program at the schools and colleges and teaching classes there also. This university teaching should be vigorously done and our literatures introduced as well. --- **[1971: Letter to Jagadisa](letters/1971/710411_jagadisa)** > So far as the "rehabilitation center" is concerned, such work can be taken up, but to have any separate institution apart from the temple is not possible. --- **[1971: Letter to Jayapataka](letters/1971/710411_jayapataka)** > Please give the enclosed document to Tamala Krishna. What this is for I do not know, so he should see to it and do the needful. --- **[1971: Letter to Krsnakanti](letters/1971/710411_krsnakanti)** > You ask that you become strong enough to fearlessly preach Krishna Consciousness. --- **[1971: Letter to Sudama](letters/1971/710411_sudama)** > So far as raising money for going there, I have already given Bhanu $280.00. He had this for passage fee deposited in my book account and now I have returned it. --- **[1972: Letter to Hansadutta](letters/1972/720411_hansadutta)** > The meeting of the GBC appeared to be very unconstitutional, because all the men were not informed or invited. --- **[1973: Letter to Govinda](letters/1973/730411_govinda)** > In the past you were sending me the dried banana, so you please resume sending me. The day after tomorrow I am starting for Los Angeles, so I would like to receive some of that dried banana from you. --- **[1973: Letter to Jayapataka](letters/1973/730411_jayapataka)** > I may request you to send me some of that bitter melon that you are growing there. --- **[1973: Letter to Pusta Krsna](letters/1973/730411_pusta_krsna)** > I have been informed of the situation of the South African program by Brahmananda Swami who is here with me now as personal secretary, and I want to send you there. --- **[1973: Letter to Satsvarupa](letters/1973/730411_satsvarupa)** > Now I am concerned that the Gurukula experiment should come out nicely. These children are the future hope of our Society, so it is a very important matter how we are training them in Krishna consciousness from the very childhood. --- **[1974: Letter to Adi-Purusa](letters/1974/740411_adi-purusa)** > Regarding the books in question, yes, as you suggest, you may send them to me. They may be dispatched to me here at Hare Krsna Land, Bombay. --- **[1974: Letter to Dayananda](letters/1974/740411_dayananda)** > It is extremely assuring to me to hear that Gurukula is doing nicely. The importance of the school in Dallas cannot be overestimated, both for our ISKCON movement, and for the outsiders as well, indeed it is important for the whole world. I was discussing this point in my lecture last night here in Bombay, that human life means *tapasya,* and tapasya must begin with *brahmacaryena,* life at Gurukula. --- **[1974: Letter to Madhudvisa](letters/1974/740411_madhudvisa)** > I do not think that you have failed in your work there, but by your going and preaching it appears the temple life has much improved. That you could not convince Bhutatma to stay as president is not your fault. Now you stay at New Jagannatha Puri, your first spiritual home until you are sure the new president, Bhakta dasa is fully understanding of how to conduct things. --- **[1974: Letter to Tejiyas](letters/1974/740411_tejiyas)** > In reponse to your telephonic message I beg to enclose herewith check number PJH 365504 for Rs 17,600 in favor of the Punjab National Bank. ---