# May 22 ## Spoken on May 22 *Lectures from this day: 10 recordings* --- **[1968: Bhagavad-gītā 8.5–8](spoken/1968/680522bg.bos)** --- **[1972: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 2.3.1–3](spoken/1972/720522sb.la)** > Śrī* means beauty. In the Durgā-pūjā, Devī-pūjā, they ask, after offering Mother Durgā all sorts of paraphernalia, then they *puṣpāñjali,* they pray favor, *dhanaṁ dehi rūpaṁ dehi balaṁ dehi. Dehi, dehi. Dehi* means "give me." After *pūjā*... Therefore it is called *pūjā. Pūjā,* just like in business circle, if you want to take some business from a big merchant, so you satisfy him, flatter him, and sometimes invite him in hotel and give him nice dinner. In this way, after he is satisfied, "Sir, if you kindly give me this contract." [laughter] Or "If you give me this post." The ultimate aim is his post and contract, not to satisfy the person. No. He's spending some money for his own sense gratification. Similarly, all these *pūjās,* the demigod *pūjā,* that is for his sense gratification. That's all. Kṛṣṇa therefore condemns this: *kāmais tais tair hṛta-jñānā yajante anya-devatāḥ*.* This very *kāma,* these words, *kāma, kāmas, kāma, kāma.* > But we Vaiṣṇavas, we do not accept that suicidal policy. We want to keep our individuality, not merge. We don't want to finish our identity. Our real identity is eternal servant of Kṛṣṇa: *jīvera svarūpa haya nitya-kṛṣṇa-dāsa*. So we want to keep that identity, and we want to serve Him eternally. Eternally means now we are in this material world, we are being trained up how to serve Kṛṣṇa. This Deity worship, this is a training. The same thing will continue when you go to Vaikuṇṭha or Vṛndāvana. The same way we shall personally serve. Here, Kṛṣṇa... This is also personally. But due to my imperfectness, I cannot see Kṛṣṇa in His actual spiritual form, *sac-cid-ānanda-vigraha* [Bs. 5.1].* --- **[1973: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.9.40](spoken/1973/730522sb.ny)** > "Bhīṣma's aspiration to remember the *gopīs* is a prayer to have their mercy also at the last stage of his life. The Lord is satisfied more when His pure devotees are glorified, and therefore Bhīṣmadeva has not only glorified the acts of Arjuna, his immediate object of attraction, but also he has remembered the *gopīs,* who were endowed with unrivalled opportunities by rendering loving service to the Lord. The *gopīs*' equality with the Lord should never be misunderstood to be like the *sāyujya* liberation of the impersonalist. The equality is one of perfect ecstasy, where the differential conception is completely eradicated, for the interests of the lover and the beloved become identical." > Just like if you love somebody, what he is—he is rich man, poor man, educated or non-educated—there is no consideration. Love has no such thing, consideration. Similarly, *gopīs'* love for Kṛṣṇa was pure. There was no consideration that Kṛṣṇa was God, therefore they wanted to dance with Him. No. Kṛṣṇa wanted to dance with them, therefore they came to Kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa is now calling by the vibration of His flute at this dead of night. So, all these young girls, they are all married—some of them are mothers—so immediately left their home. That is described in the *Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.* Some of them were cooking, some of them were feeding, breast-feeding the children, some of them were feeding the husband or the father. --- **[1975: Morning Walk in Botanical Gardens](spoken/1975/750522mw.mel)** > Śrutakīrti:[introducing recording] The following is Śrīla Prabhupāda's morning walk, which takes place in Melbourne, Australia, Botanical Gardens on May 22, 1975. [break] --- **[1975: Room Conversation](spoken/1975/750522r1.mel)** > Kṛṣṇa can understand what we want. So when we sincerely want Kṛṣṇa, then Kṛṣṇa sends His representative, *guru. Guru* is outside representative of Kṛṣṇa. So to the sincere student, Kṛṣṇa teaches from inside and outside. That is the way, so that he becomes quickly fit for going back to home, back to Godhead. So this behavior, to be attached to spiritual master, is a good qualification. *Yasya prasādāt,* by his mercy, Kṛṣṇa becomes merciful. By Kṛṣṇa's mercy, one gets spiritual master, and by the spiritual master's mercy, one gets the mercy of Kṛṣṇa. > So your this behavior, attachment, is very much appreciated both by Kṛṣṇa and devotees. So continue this attitude and follow the instruction. Then it is guaranteed, go back to home, back to Godhead. It is not difficult. For a sincere person to go back to home, back to Godhead, is not at all difficult. Especially Kṛṣṇa in this age has personally appeared as Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. And Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is very, very kind to the fallen souls. *Pāpī-tāpī jata chilo, hari-nāme uddhārilo.* His business was with all the *pāpī* and *tāpī. Pāpī* means sinful, and *tāpī* means suffering. *Pāpī-tāpī jata chilo...* [to child, who has been whispering throughout:] Sit down. --- **[1975: Room Conversation with Raymond Lopez, Wally Strobes, Bob Bourne](spoken/1975/750522r2.mel)** > The meaning is that "Anyone who is God conscious, a devotee, he has got all the good qualities." What we consider as good qualities, he has got. And similarly, one who is not a devotee of God, he has no good qualities, because he will hover on the mental platform. There are different platform. Bodily concept of life, general, "I am this body. Therefore my business is to satisfy the senses." This is bodily concept of life. And others, they are thinking, "I am not this body. I am mind." So they are going on mental speculation like philosophers, thoughtful men. And above that, there is intelligent class of men, practicing some yoga. And spiritual platform means above that. First bodily concept, gross, then mental, then intellectual, then spiritual. > So this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is on the spiritual platform, above body, mind and intelligence. But actually, we should come to that platform, because we are spirit soul, we are neither this body nor this mind nor this intelligence. So one who is on the platform of spiritual consciousness, they have got everything—intelligence, proper use of mind, proper use of the body. Just like a millionaire, he has got all the lower-grade possession. Ten rupees or hundred rupees or hundred pounds—he has got all everything. Similarly, if we try to make an attempt to bring people on the platform of God consciousness, then he is possessing all other qualities: how to take care of the body, how to use the mind, how to use intelligence, everything. But it is not possible that everyone should become God conscious. That is not possible, because there are different grades. But at least one class of men should remain in the society as ideal, God conscious. Just like for our usual life we require lawyers, we require engineer, we require medical practitioner, we require so many; similarly, in the society there must be a class of men who are fully God conscious and ideal. That is necessary. Just like in your body you have got hands, legs, belly, but the head must be there. If your head is cut off, then, despite you have got hands, legs and belly, it is useless. So this attempt, Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, is an attempt to keep at least one class of men ideal devotee, ideal character. At least, people will see, "Oh, here is an ideal character." That is required. That is described in the *Śrīmad-..., Bhagavad-gītā,* how to create a first-class man. Just like we have got educational institution for giving instruction on law or medical science or engineering, similarly, there must be an institution to make first-class devotee, ideal man. That is necessary. --- **[1975: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 6.1.1–2](spoken/1975/750522sb.mel)** > So *Vedānta* philosophy says... That is *Vedānta* philosophy, ultimate knowledge. The ultimate knowledge, that is explained in the *Bhagavad-gītā,* what is that ultimate knowledge. *Vedaiś ca sarvair aham eva vedyam*. You are cultivating knowledge. "The ultimate goal of knowledge," Kṛṣṇa says, "is to know Me." *Vedaiś ca sarvair aham eva vedyam.* The whole knowledge is meant for understanding God. That is the end of knowledge. By progressive knowledge you can make progress, but unless you do not[?] come to the point to understand what is God, then your knowledge is imperfect. That is called *Vedānta.* Athāto brahma-jijñāsā. [*Vedānta-sūtra* 1.1.1] This human form of life, nice facility, intelligence... Just like Australia was undeveloped. Since the Europeans came here, it is now very developed, resourceful, because the intelligence has been utilized. Similarly, America, many other places. So this intelligence should be utilized. But if we simply utilize this intelligence for the same purpose as the cats and dogs are engaged, then it is not proper utilization. The proper utilization is *Vedānta. *Athāto brahma-jijñāsā: "Now you should inquire about Brahman, the Absolute." That is intelligence. > Therefore our program is that we offer Kṛṣṇa the best foodstuff. Kṛṣṇa says, "Give Me this foodstuff." What is that? *Patraṁ puṣpaṁ phalaṁ toyaṁ yo me bhaktyā prayacchati, tad aham aṣnāmi*.* If you call a guest, you should ask him, "My dear friend, what can I offer you, you'll like to eat?" So if he says, "Give me this thing, I shall be very much pleased," that is your duty to give him. Similarly, people may ask that "Why I cannot offer meat to Kṛṣṇa?" No, Kṛṣṇa does not say. Kṛṣṇa does not want it. Kṛṣṇa is mentioning in the *Bhagavad-gītā* that "You give Me..." *Patraṁ puṣpaṁ phalaṁ toyaṁ yo me bhaktyā prayacchati : "You give Me vegetables, give Me fruits, give Me grain, give Me milk, nice water, nice flower, nice *tulasī.*" *Tad aham aṣnāmi:* "I eat that." Kṛṣṇa, or God, He can eat anything because He is God. He is all-powerful. But He is asking to the devotees, "Give Me these things." So we shall, we offer Kṛṣṇa these things and prepare varieties. That is our intelligence. You can make varieties. Just like one milk. You can prepare fifty different kinds of preparation from milk—at least. So many varieties. --- **[1976: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 6.1.22](spoken/1976/760522sb.hon)** > Therefore in the *Brahma-saṁhitā* it is said that *yasya prabhā prabhavato jagad-aṇḍa-koṭi* [Bs. 5.40]. On the effulgence, shining of Kṛṣṇa's body, there are innumerable universes. *Jagad-aṇḍa. Jagad-aṇḍa,* this *aṇḍa,* you were talking of that egg. *Aṇḍa* means egg, egglike, *jagad-aṇḍa. Yasya prabhā jagad-aṇḍa koṭi,* and *koṭiṣu vasudhādi-vibhūti-bhinnam* [Bs. 5.40]. In each universe there are millions and trillions of planets, each one different from the other. *Vibhūti-bhinnam. Bhinnam* means separate. As here earth is prominent, somewhere the fire is prominent, somewhere the air is prominent, but the whole thing is made of these five elements—earth, water, air, fire—that's all. So why should you deny that "Fire—no living entities"? You cannot live in the fire; you cannot live in the water. Does it mean others cannot? This is foolishness. This is foolish. And Kṛṣṇa says that *imaṁ vivasvate yogaṁ proktavān aham avyayam* : > Rūpa Gosvāmī, when he was in Vṛndāvana, he was known, the most learned scholar. So one mundane scholar came, and he approached Rūpa Gosvāmī and said, "Sir, I want to talk with you on *śāstras.*" So Rūpa Gosvāmī said, "Why talking with me about *śāstras*?" "Now, you are well known, so well known about *śāstra,* Vedic literatures. So I want to test you." "So what is the purpose?" "Now, if I can defeat you, then I will be renowned." "All right. I am defeated." So there is no question of talking, because Rūpa Gosvāmī saw, "What is the use of talking with this rascal? He is for material name and fame." "So what do you want?" "Now, if you think that you are less intelligent, then give me in writing." "All right, I am giving in writing that 'This scholar has defeated me.' " So he gave him. But Jīva Gosvāmī, his nephew, at the same time disciple, he was standing outside, that... He said, "What is that?" "Now your uncle has already given me in writing that he is defeated." "Let me see." So he took the paper. So he said, "All right, let us talk now." So when he talked with Jīva Gosvāmī, what is his learning? He became defeated. So sometimes, if somebody goes to challenge the *guru,* the real *guru* will say, "What is the use of talking with this nonsense? Better say that 'You know better than me.' That's all. 'Go away.' " *Upekṣā. Upekṣā.* Neglect him, because he has no intention to learn. He has come to simply waste time. --- ## Letters on May 22 *Letters from this day: 13* --- **[1969: Letter to Brahmananda](letters/1969/690522_brahmananda)** > Please encourage him in the matter of understanding Krishna Consciousness and avoiding the ten kinds of offenses and following the regulative principles. --- **[1969: Letter to Jayagovinda](letters/1969/690522_jayagovinda)** > You are a sincere soul, and that is the only means to get out of our ignorance and poor planning. --- **[1969: Letter to Mohini Mohana](letters/1969/690522_mohini_mohana)** > I am very much obliged to you for your appreciation of my humble services by bringing to your country this movement. --- **[1969: Letter to Mukunda](letters/1969/690522_mukunda)** > When Mataji Syamadevi came to see me in Los Angeles she was very respectful to me, every time she was touching my feet and offering obeisances. She was also very serious of having my cooperation in spreading the Krishna Consciousness Movement. --- **[1970: Letter to Gaurasundara](letters/1970/700522_gaurasundara)** > Formerly I thought I shall go along with Brahmananda, but later on I am sorry I was obliged to disappoint you on account of feeling not very enthusiastic to travel. Another point is that I am engaged in finishing the KRSNA book, and if I go even for 15 days, the progress will be halted. --- **[1970: Letter to Hayagriva](letters/1970/700522_hayagriva)** > I am very glad you are coming here by the 6th of June next, and it will be a great opportunity to discuss at that time about New Vrndavana, and other affairs. --- **[1970: Letter to Sriman Murthy](letters/1970/700522_sriman_murthy)** > You are an educated boy, and I am surprised how you have been so befooled as to accept an ordinary man as Krsna. --- **[1972: Letter to Amogha](letters/1972/720522_amogha)** > You are very intelligent boy, that I can understand, and you are very eager to serve Krishna with full capacity. --- **[1972: Letter to Himavati](letters/1972/720522_himavati)** > I have appreciated very much the photographs which you have enclosed of the Hamburg deities. --- **[1972: Letter to Syamananda](letters/1972/720522_syamananda)** > Now I understand that Madhudvisa Swami is there with you in Sydney so you may give him all assistance also. He can give you good direction how to best employ yourself in the service of the Lord. --- **[1975: Letter to Ganesa](letters/1975/750522_ganesa)** > Thank you for the $200 (Australia) and your kind sentiments. If you continue in this way being very much determined to achieve success in this lifetime, following all the rules, chanting at least 16 rounds, and reading my books, then all of your desires to advance in Krishna Consciousness will be fulfilled and you will surely attain spiritual perfection and be able to go Back to Godhead, very soon. --- **[1975: Letter to Rama](letters/1975/750522_rama)** > Please try very hard to remain fixed-up in devotional service to Lord Krishna, always chanting Hare Krishna (at least 16 rounds), following the four rules, and reading my books frequently. --- **[1975: Letter to Rasarani](letters/1975/750522_rasarani)** > Always remain engaged in the service of Krishna. Maya will never touch you if you are cent percent serving Krishna. ---