# June 8 ## Spoken on June 8 *Lectures from this day: 9 recordings* --- **[1972: Lecture [Partially Recorded](spoken/1972/720608le.la)** > So therefore to save ourself from degradation, to save our this life... We are actually, we are all eternal, but because we don't want Kṛṣṇa consciousness, we want animal consciousness, tree consciousness, animal consciousness. So Kṛṣṇa is very kind: "All right, you become tree. What can I do?" Kṛṣṇa is always ready to give you all facilities. > Now it is up to you to make your choice whether you are going to dance with Kṛṣṇa or you want to become naked tree standing for ten thousands of years. That is your choice. A living entity has got this independence. Just like Kṛṣṇa asking Arjuna, *yathecchasi tathā kuru* : "I have spoken to you about things as they are. Now it is up to you to make your choice. Whatever you like, you can do." So Kṛṣṇa is so merciful, *ye yathā māṁ prapadyante... . --- **[1974: Arrival Address](spoken/1974/740608ar.par)** > We have no brain. We are all not very intelligent. But we can understand if there is the active principle soul within this body, there must be a Supersoul within this huge structure of body, and that is called God. *Mohitaṁ nābhijānāti mām ebhyaḥ param avyayam . Those who are bewildered, *narādhamāḥ. Narādhamāḥ*, the lowest of the mankind. These things cannot be understood by the cats and dogs. Their body is constituted in such a way that they cannot think of there is an active principle within this body and there is active principle in this huge, gigantic body. The cats and dogs cannot understand, but a human being can understand. And that active principle is Kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa means all-attractive. As the active principle within this body is all-attractive, this beautiful body of French boys and girls, why? The active principle is there; therefore they are attractive. Many people come to see your city. Why? The active principle is there. So Kṛṣṇa means the active principle of everything. That is explained in the *Bhagavad-gītā:* > So the atheist are divided into four classes. Number one is *duṣkṛtina. Duṣkṛtina* means they have got merit. *Kṛti* means meritorious. The modern men, they have got merit. Especially the Western people, they have got nice merit. Just like while passing through the city, we saw very nice buildings. So to construct such buildings it requires merit, undoubtedly. But what for this building? *Duṣkṛtina*, only for committing sinful life. Therefore it is called *du*, *duṣkalya*. Meat-eating, illicit sex, intoxication and gambling. Meritorious they are undoubtedly for constructing this building, but what is the purpose? The purpose is sinful activities. These things are going on. Therefore they are called *duṣkṛtina*. And *mūḍha. Mūḍha* means they cannot understand what is God. It is very simple thing. Anyone can..., a child can understand. Take for example your body, my body. What is the important thing in the body? The soul. Without the soul, you may be very big man, even Napoleon Bonaparte, but as soon as the soul is gone, it is useless. The whole world is useless. Anyone can understand. Where is now Napoleon Bonaparte, who struggled so much for glorifying France? But where is that gentleman? Finished. As soon as the soul is gone... You may keep one statue, dead statue, that is another thing. But you do not know where the soul has gone and what he is doing now. --- **[1974: Morning Walk](spoken/1974/740608mw.gen)** > This is the description of the Gosvāmīs. They are well versed in all different types of Vedic scriptures just to establish a peaceful society, *sad-dharma,* very nice gentleman, peaceful society. *Lokānāṁ hita-kāriṇau,* for the benefit of the whole human society. Therefore they are honored all over the world. This is *gosvāmī* business, not to exploit, shame, live like irresponsible man, eat, drink, be merry and enjoy. > "Sex life which is under regulative principle of the Vedic knowledge," Kṛṣṇa says, "I am that sex life. I am that sex life." And beyond that, this is illicit sex life. And yesterday I was reading that *dharma...* When there is irreligious sex, then it increases *varṇa-saṅkara,* unwanted population. So the modern civilization, they're letting loose the women for prostitution, and they want nice children. That is not possible. Why this park is kept like this? --- **[1975: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 6.1.6-7](spoken/1975/750608sb.hon)** > So it is a fact that we are changing body, and Kṛṣṇa says this example, that as we are changing even in this life the body, similarly we shall have to change this body. The authority says, and we are practical example is there. Why we should not believe in the next life? Even a child can understand. But they are trying to avoid next life. That is their philosophy. If there are next life, and next life one is going to put into the hell and suffering is there, to dismiss this problem they do not believe in next life. This is the real fact. But actually this is the fact. If you live irresponsibly, then you have to suffer. So not that all living entities are going to the hell, but some of them. Some of them. Because most of the living entities, they are less than the human being—8,400,000. So 8,000,000's they are below the human standard of life, human being. They are animals. *Jalajā nava-lakṣāni sthāvarā lakṣa-viṁśati* [*Padma Purāṇa*]. Nine *lakhs,* hundred thousand in the water, different types of forms, body. Then insect... Then plants, trees, then insect, then birds, then beast, then human being. This is the evolution. So these 8,000,000 different forms of body below the human being, they are not punishable because they are animals. They have no intelligence. Then again, amongst the human being, those who are intelligent, those who are acting according to the Vedic instruction, they will not be also suffering. Those who are avoiding the instruction of the *Vedas,* they will be put into that hellish condition of life. > This seven days' discussion is imitated by the professional *Bhāgavata* reciters in India. But that is not required. We have to hear *Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam* daily. Parīkṣit Mahārāja had only seven days left in his life; therefore he hurriedly finished the reading of *Bhāgavatam.* But, of course, he had seven days assured. We haven't got seven minute assured. We can die at any moment. Anyway, the recommendation is *nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā.* We should read *Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam* daily. Simply you go on reading. *Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā. Naṣṭa-prāyeṣv abhadreṣu nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā*. --- **[1976: Garden Conversation](spoken/1976/760608gc.la)** > So this morning I was talking with Hari-śauri that our test is this: that because it is written in the *Bhagavad-gītā* that *na māṁ duṣkṛtino mūḍhāḥ prapadyante narādhamāḥ*, so anyone who is not surrendering to God, he's thinking independently, so he is either miscreant, a rascal, lowest of the mankind, *māyayāpahṛta-jñānāḥ,* all knowledge taken by *māyā—*in these groups. Our test is very simple. As soon as we see somebody is not thinking as God thinks, as Kṛṣṇa thinks, we take him in either of these groups. That is our test. *Na māṁ duṣkṛtino mūḍhāḥ*—we see, practically, they do not speak or they do not think as Kṛṣṇa says, but he's thinking independently. Therefore he is *mūḍha.* His thinking is imperfect, so therefore, he's *mūḍha.* And because his thinking is imperfect, another *mūḍha* comes, he says "I think like this." This is their controversy. So many independently thinking philosophers have spoiled the broth. Too many cooks spoil the broth. Real knowledge is lacking. Hmm? Anyone, any question? Yes? Just attend to the question. > Because he has constantly thought over the sporting, naturally he'll think of sporting in the water. So this gross body, when finished, his mental, intellectual and false ego will carry him to become a fish, and he'll have full freedom how fish is jumping within the water, going against the waves. A small fish can go against the waves. There is a Hindi poetry that a small fish can go against the big waves, whereas a big elephant is washed away. This is practical. *Bahiya jāya[?] gajarāja. Gajarāja* means..., *gaja* means elephant. In big waves, if you put an elephant, he'll be washed away. But a small fish, he'll go against the waves. He's expert. This example is given that the fish, although he's very small, he's of the water. He's under the water. Therefore he's so powerful. He can go against the waves. That means *āśraya.* If one takes shelter of the supreme powerful, he also becomes powerful. The example is given, the small fish, it has no power, but because he has taken shelter of the water, it can go against big waves, whereas a big elephant, he'll be washed away, because he has not taken shelter. He has not taken shelter of the water. He is..., on the land he is very powerful, but in the water he has no power. --- **[1976: Morning Walk](spoken/1976/760608mw.la)** >is that one does not understand that he is imperfect. Or he knows that he is imperfect, still, he wants to push forward his opinion. That is the difficulty. He knows he's imperfect. But he does not think that "I am imperfect. What is the value of my opinion?" --- **[1976: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 6.1.42](spoken/1976/760608sb.la)** > So this is our position, that *prakṛteḥ kriyamāṇāni guṇaiḥ karmāṇi sarvaśaḥ ahaṅkāra-vimūḍhātmā*.* Anyone who is proud of his so-called knowledge, so-called experience—simply "I believe," "I think," "It may be," "Suppose"—what is this knowledge? They're all nonsense. When you get knowledge *śuśruma,* from the authority, that is knowledge. Otherwise all useless. All useless. Because your senses are imperfect. You cannot see properly. You cannot hear properly. You cannot touch properly. You cannot smell properly. These are your instruments for getting experience. You cannot go. How you can say in other planets there is no life? You cannot go. According to the scientists' calculations, they say that to go to the topmost planet it will take forty... Eh? Forty thousands of years. Who is going to travel forty thousand years? But we are seeing. The planets are there. Go there and see. You cannot estimate of one universe, which you are practically seeing. And in the *śāstra* we hear that there are millions of universes. > Therefore we must be very cautious and, I mean to say, with sense we must act. And if we act according to the direction of the *śāstra,* then our position is safe. Otherwise, we are risking life. Risking life means this human life. Human life... The dog has got ear; we have got also ear. But a dog cannot understand *śāstra.* That is not possible. Or the elephant has got ear, very big ear. [laughter] Does it mean that he can hear more? No. This is rascaldom. One must be quite able to hear to understand *śāstra.* Therefore *śāstra* is meant for the human society. In the *Caitanya-caritāmṛta* you will find, the Sanātana Gosvāmī's teachings, you will find, *anadi bahirmukha jīva kṛṣṇa bhuli gela, ataeva kṛṣṇa veda purāṇa karila*. --- ## Letters on June 8 *Letters from this day: 27* --- **[1968: Letter to Rayarama](letters/1968/680608_rayarama)** > I have not heard anything from you in long time what is the situation with publication of our Back To Godhead. --- **[1969: Letter to Ananda](letters/1969/690608_ananda)** > I am very glad to receive you letter (undated), and I have noted your new address. --- **[1969: Letter to Hansadutta](letters/1969/690608_hansadutta)** > I understand that you are feeling some inconvenience due to police interruption, but we have to make the best of a bad bargain. --- **[1969: Letter to Ishan](letters/1969/690608_ishan)** > I am pleased to note that you are working very enthusiastically in Krishna Consciousness. --- **[1971: Letter to Jadurani](letters/1971/710608_jadurani)** > Everyone here is so much appreciative of all you artists. All of you have my full blessings and your godbrothers' congratulations. Krishna will surely bless you all. Thank you very much. --- **[1971: Letter to Karandhara](letters/1971/710608_karandhara)** > So far the small paperback edition of KRSNA book is concerned, we will not be getting it for six months at least. --- **[1971: Letter to Punjab National Bank](letters/1971/710608_punjab_national_bank)** > Re: my savings fund account number 2595 and standing order for paying Srimati Radharani De --- **[1972: Letter to Acyutananda](letters/1972/720608_acyutananda)** > I am very glad to hear that you are going to take Indian citizenship and passport. --- **[1972: Letter to Gargamuni](letters/1972/720608_gargamuni)** > I am glad to hear that you will be going to Gujarat state for about one month and that you are preparing one Gujarati BTG for distributing there. Tamala Krishna is doing very nicely by this traveling program in Bihar and Bengal. --- **[1972: Letter to Giriraja](letters/1972/720608_giriraja)** > Yes, by Krishna's Grace we have a very responsible task before us, so combinedly we should do it nicely so that everything goes on systematically. --- **[1973: Letter to Karandhara](letters/1973/730608_karandhara)** > Yes, in Mayapur I am much improved from how I was in Los Angeles. The great advantage here is that there is always open air and a good breeze which is naturally very good for any breathing difficulties. The coughing is almost gone, but still sometimes at night it gives a little trouble. --- **[1973: Letter to Madhudvisa](letters/1973/730608_madhudvisa)** > Regarding Hrsikesa das, he is coming here to Mayapur on the 12th of this month and I shall discuss with him at that time what shall be his engagement. I am very pleased with the book distribution that you are doing there, and I was especially glad to know that 160 Srimad-Bhagavatams were distributed in Melbourne alone last Friday. --- **[1974: Letter to Acyutananda](letters/1974/740608_acyutananda)** > You should not write anything to Madhava Maharaja's camp. You may have talked many things with Mangala Niloy but why write him in black and white. The letter must not be sent. --- **[1974: Letter to Damodara](letters/1974/740608_damodara)** > I have asked you to stop the political program because actually you cannot organize as the others can. We cannot manage with separate money, separate brains from our regular ISKCON propagation. It is not so easy to do politics, moreover it is a filthy atmosphere. --- **[1974: Letter to Hansadutta](letters/1974/740608_hansadutta)** > Syamasundara has voluntarily suspended his responsibility as GBC and I am enclosing my letter to him in this regard. --- **[1974: Letter to Revatinandana](letters/1974/740608_revatinandana)** > It is very good news that you are out preaching free from too much entanglement in temple life. That is your proper engagement and I am glad to hear you are touring to 120 colleges. --- **[1974: Letter to Rupanuga](letters/1974/740608_rupanuga)** > I have stopped the political movement because it will not help us. It is a very filthy atmosphere. Better you do not indulge in those things with expenditure of money and spiritual energy. --- **[1974: Letter to Syamasundara](letters/1974/740608_syamasundara)** > You have taken the right decision. For the time being you suspend your GBC responsibilities and let Hansadutta manage as he is doing nicely. Hansadutta saw me recently, however, and was complaining that he is meeting with an opposing party there, although he is working as authorized GBC. --- **[1975: Letter to Doc Dockstader Shari Dockstader](letters/1975/750608_doc_dockstader_shari_dockstader)** > I am very pleased to know that you have accepted the Krishna Consciousness way of life. --- **[1975: Letter to Dr. W.H. Wolf-Rottkay](letters/1975/750608_dr._w.h._wolf-rottkay)** > Wolf-Rottkay 12915 Venice Blvd., Apt. Regarding your question at the end, yes, the soul is eternal and it is transmigrating from one body to another. Therefore the body is undergoing evolution, not the soul. --- **[1975: Letter to Gargamuni](letters/1975/750608_gargamuni)** > Go on preaching for now, so far money matters, that we shall see later. Preaching is our life. Follow strictly the principles, read, chant,—then there is success. --- **[1975: Letter to Hansadutta](letters/1975/750608_hansadutta)** > I don't think that Hayagriva is at fault. He has not changed the meaning or the philosophy in any way. But if you like to use the original manuscript, then if it is possible, you can use it. --- **[1975: Letter to Mooljibhai Patel](letters/1975/750608_mooljibhai_patel)** > Sriman Citsukhananda das Adhikari is also enthusiastic in this connection, therefore, if your good self along with other Hindu Vaisnavas help us in this connection, it will be my pleasure to get another temple in San Francisco as soon as possible. --- **[1975: Letter to Mr. N.V. Bhakta](letters/1975/750608_mr._n.v._bhakta)** > I can go to Zambia at any time by my secretary's arrangement. So, Brahmananda Swami, my chief secretary, is coming to meet me in Los Angeles on the 20th of June, and then he can give you reply as to when I shall be coming to Zambia. --- **[1975: Letter to Revatinandana](letters/1975/750608_revatinandana)** > Yes preach as much as possible. Preaching is our life. Make sure that they continue to follow the principles, chant 16 rounds and read studiously and their spiritual advancement will be guaranteed. --- **[1975: Letter to Sri Govinda](letters/1975/750608_sri_govinda)** > One year ago, I already accepted the invitation of Philadelphia temple for their Rathayatra and they are holding it on the same date as you. --- **[1975: Letter to Sudama](letters/1975/750608_sudama)** > Last time, when I saw you in Hawaii, and I saw that you had become mad, I was very surprised how you had become like that. ---