# September 18 ## Spoken on September 18 *Lectures from this day: 9 recordings* --- **[1971: Engagement](spoken/1971/710918le.nai)** > So Kṛṣṇa says, *sa kāleneha yogo naṣṭaḥ paran-tapa*. In due course of time that *yoga* system is now lost. Why? The *paramparā* system is lost. Learning the system, the *Bhagavad-gītā yoga* system, from the master to the disciple, when Kṛṣṇa was present personally, it was lost. He says, *yogo naṣṭaḥ paran-tapa*. Therefore Kṛṣṇa says, "The same *yoga* system, Arjuna, I shall inform you." Why? "I am not a Vedāntist." Kṛṣṇa was speaking to Arjuna. Arjuna was not a Vedāntist; he was a military man. A military man is not expected to become a Vedāntist. He knows his military art. Why Kṛṣṇa decided to preach *Bhagavad-gītā* to Arjuna? > So this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is authorized. It is not a sentiment. It is based on Vedic literature. *Kṛṣṇas tu bhagavān svayam*. *Ete cāṁśa-kalāḥ puṁsaḥ kṛṣṇas tu bhagavān svayam*. So, today's time is almost finished. I request all Indians in this foreign country, Nairobi, to take part in this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement very seriously. It is India's gift to the whole world. If India is actually serious to become glorious, they cannot become glorious by imitating technology of the Western world. They remain behind hundred years for this technological development. Learn this technology of Kṛṣṇa consciousness and distribute throughout the whole world. They are in need of it. --- **[1972: Morning Walk](spoken/1972/720918mw.la)** > There was a grocer's shop in ''Waterloo Street' in ''Calcutta' that was formerly known as Rāṇī Mūḍhāni's lane because Rāṇī Mūḍhāni was supplying English wines. He was supplying free to the aristocratic section. I know in our childhood days there was biggest propaganda for drinking tea otherwise Indians did not know how to drink tea. Smoking cigarettes, these were taught to them. Similarly anything Indian, ah that is useless. Just like our Jawaharlal Nehru he was made in London and he thought anything Indian, that is useless. > Still, the Vedic civilisation there was enough gold, enough jewels, enough silk, enough milk, grains everything. We don't find in the Vedic history where people are making scientific research. But they do not accept the history of the Vedic civilisation. Eh? Then, then there was no human being? Say five thousand, ten thousand years ago that is their version? --- **[1972: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.3.13](spoken/1972/720918sb.la)** > So senses are so strong. *Balavān indriya-grāmaḥ.* It is prohibited. What to speak of others. Therefore, the common moral teachings and the Vedic civilization is to accept any woman except his own wife as mother. *Mātṛvat para-dāreṣu. Para-dāreṣu.* Everyone is supposed to be married. *Dāra* means wife; *para-dāreṣu,* other's wife. It doesn't matter if she is younger or older, but she should be treated as mother. Therefore it is the system in Vedic culture, as soon as one sees another woman, she [he] addresses her, "mother," Mātājī. Immediately, "mother." That makes the relationship. The woman treats the unknown man as son, and the unknown man treats the unknown woman as mother. This is Vedic civilization. > So at that time Bhīṣma, the most celebrated *brahmacārī—*he never accepted any wife or he had no connection with any woman—he immediately stood up. He said that "I am celebrated throughout the whole world as *brahmacārī,* but if I would have been in the position of Kṛṣṇa... He was dancing with young girls, but He was not agitated. But I would have been agitated. I admit. Therefore He is *dhīra.* He should be elected." You'll find *rāsa-līlā,* Kṛṣṇa was dancing with so many young girls, but you won't find there was any sex relation. There was nothing like that. So that is *dhīra.* --- **[1973: Room Conversation](spoken/1973/730918r1.bom)** > Just like Caitanya Mahāprabhu says, *mama janmani janmani* [*Cc Antya* 20.29, *Śikṣāṣṭaka*4], birth after birth. And when you go back to home, back to Godhead, there is no birth. *Yad gatvā na nivartante tad dhāma paramaṁ mama*. You don't return. But here Caitanya Mahāprabhu says, "Birth after birth." So he's already *mukta,* he's already in the Vaikuṇṭha. Is that clear? Yes. Therefore *kṛṣṇa-bhakta* is *niṣkāma.* He has no any desire, because he's already fulfilled with all desires. He's, he's in the service of the Lord. > Therefore in the *śāstra* it is said, *modeta sādhur api vṛścika-sarpa-hatyā*. When Prahlāda Mahārāja's father was killed by Hiraṇya..., I mean to say, Nṛsiṁhadeva, Prahlāda Mahārāja prayed, "Sir, You reduce Your anger now. Nobody is displeased with You, because my father was just like a scorpion and snake, and when a scorpion and snake is killed, nobody's unhappy. So nobody is unhappy. Your action is not decried by anyone. Please now become in Your sense." So in the whole living entities, kingdom of living entities, the *vṛścika, vṛścika* and *sarpa...* --- **[1975: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 6.2.15](spoken/1975/750918sb.vrn)** > So everything is explained there. We are preaching Kṛṣṇa consciousness not with empty hand. We are prepared to talk on *Vedānta.* We are prepared to talk on *Upaniṣad.* And the conclusion is, *kṛṣṇas tu bhagavān svayam. Ete cāṁśa-kalāḥ puṁsaṁ kṛṣṇas tu bhagavān svayam*.* This is the conclusion. Kṛṣṇa also confirms that *mattaḥ parataraṁ nānyat kiñcid asti dhanañjayaḥ, praṇava*. Sometimes they take *praṇavaḥ* as the Supreme. Kṛṣṇa says, *praṇavaḥ ahaṁ sarva vedeṣu:* "This *praṇava, oṁkāra,* in all the *Vedas,* that is I am. That is My sound representation." So this holy name of Kṛṣṇa is so powerful that simply by chanting, one can become liberated. This is the blessing of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. He said, *ihā haite sarva siddhi haibe tomāra[*Caitanya*-*bhāgavata Madhya* 23.78].* All *siddhis. Ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanam*. Siddhi* means to cleanse the heart. That is *siddhi.* Because we are now materially obsessed, we are thinking, "I am Indian," "I am American," "I am this and that," all material—*upādhi* [material designation]. And *bhakti* means when you are freed from the *upādhi,* then *bhakti* begins. > So amongst the Āryans there is the division—*brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya, śūdra, brahmacārī, gṛhastha, vānaprastha.* The Āryans, they do follow it, these Vedic principles, *varṇāśrama-dharma. Varnāśramācāravatā puruṣeṇa paraḥ pumān, viṣṇur ārādhyate*. What is the purpose of *varṇāśrama*? Now, *viṣṇu ārādhana.* "Why Viṣṇu *ārādhana*? There are so many other demigods." That is also answered by Lord Śiva. When he was asked by Pārvatī, "What is the best form of worship?" he recommended, *ārādhanānāṁ sarveṣām:* "There are many different types of worship." *Sarveṣam. Viṣṇur ārādhanaṁ param.* He never said, Lord Śiva, that "My *ārādhana* is..." Kṛṣṇa says, *mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja*, but no other demigod has ever said. No. You'll never find. Here Lord Śiva says, *viṣṇur ārādhanaṁ param.* Then again he stresses, *tasmāt parataraṁ devī madīyānāṁ, tadīyānām ārādhanam* [*Padma Purāṇa]:* "*Viṣṇu-ārādhanam* is the best, but better than this best there is another *ārādhanam*." What is that? "To worship Vaiṣṇava." *Viṣṇu*-*ārādhana* is the topmost, but *vaiṣṇava-ārādhana* is still more. Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura therefore says, *chādiyā vaiṣṇava-sevā, nistāra peyeche kebā.* The *vaiṣṇava*-*ārādhana* is so important. Therefore Kṛṣṇa says, --- **[1976: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.7.22](spoken/1976/760918sb.vrn)** > These rascals, they do not know. *Saṁsṛti.* Therefore here we see just *tvam eko dahyamānānām apavargo 'si saṁsṛteḥ.* This is Kṛṣṇa. Arjuna is *mahājana.* He is *mahājana.* He's directly Kṛṣṇa's friend. He knows what is Kṛṣṇa. Therefore he submitted that "Kṛṣṇa, it is perplexity. I do not like to fight, and You are asking me repeatedly to fight. So it is very awkward position. I cannot understand." *Kārpaṇya-doṣopahata-svabhāvaḥ.* "I have been infected with *kārpaṇya-doṣa,* and *kṣatriya,* I am in the battlefield. It is my duty to fight, but I am declining." That is *kārpaṇya-doṣopahata-svabhāvaḥ.* "My nature, *svabhāva,* is to fight, but I am avoiding this. So therefore my position is not good, I can understand. Therefore," *śiṣyas te 'haṁ śādhi māṁ tvāṁ prapannam , "I accept You as my spiritual master. You... I am surrendered, *prapannam.* You kindly instruct, *śādhi mām.*" This is beginning of *Bhagavad-gītā.* So Arjuna knows that for this *saṁsṛti,* for this suffering of the material world, only Kṛṣṇa is the savior. Only Kṛṣṇa. *Tvam ekaḥ,* "Only You. Not anybody else." Nobody can. And He also, Kṛṣṇa also says, *mām ekam.* "Rascal, *mām ekam.*" This same *eka.* Arjuna says *tvam ekaḥ* and Kṛṣṇa says *mām ekam.* The same purpose. This is to be learned, that *eka,* "Only Kṛṣṇa." *Kṛṣṇaika-śaraṇam.* That is wanted. Simply take shelter of Kṛṣṇa. That will save you from this *saṁsṛti.* > So suffering and suff... Therefore material existence is called *saṁsṛti. Saṁsāra.* So therefore we read every day from the *Gurvaṣṭaka, saṁsāra-dāvānala-līḍha-loka.* This *saṁsāra,* this material existence, is just like *dāvānala. Dāvānala* means forest fire. Forest, in the forest nobody goes to set fire, but it takes place automatically. Even if you don't want, it will come. This is *saṁsāra.* In your country, nice city, New York City, but every moment there is fire—*dung-dung-dung-dung-dung-dung-dung-dung.* Why? Very nice city, big city, big roads, big..., but there is suffering. Who wants this fire? But government has to make arrangement for fire brigade, and because it is great nation, very prosperous nation, there is very constantly, very frequently, there is fire. Frequently. You won't find such fire in India, at least. We have no such experience that every moment there is fire brigade. Is it not? I am exaggerating? Huh? You see. We have got so many cities in India, but we don't have such arrangement that constantly, twenty-four hours, *dung-dung-dung-dung-dung-dung-dung-dung-dung-dung.* At least we haven't got. Less suffering, because we are not so advanced. The more materially you become advanced, the more suffering. *Daivī hy eṣā guṇa-mayī mama māyā*. --- ## Letters on September 18 *Letters from this day: 27* --- **[1968: Letter to Malati](letters/1968/680918_malati)** > This is giving me so much pleasure to hear how nicely you are carrying on this movement in London. It was originally my Guru Maharaja's desire that there should be a center established in London, and by His Mercy, now you have successfully begun this mission; so please keep me informed how you are progressing there. --- **[1968: Letter to Sivananda](letters/1968/680918_sivananda)** > Regarding collecting fund: The Brahmacaris, Vanaprastha, and Sannyasis are not supposed to earn money like Grhasthas. The Grhasthas or the householders can engage himself in earning money, either by accepting job or some professional work. --- **[1972: Letter to Bali-Mardana Pusta Krsna](letters/1972/720918_bali-mardana_pusta_krsna)** > I have been informed by Sriman Syamasundara of your question via telephone from New York Temple, and my reply is that this *sankirtana* or street chanting must go on, it is our most important program. --- **[1972: Letter to Dr. Karan-Singh](letters/1972/720918_dr._karan-singh)** > I beg to inform you of one matter which may be of interest to you, namely that we have now got thousands of disciples and well-wishers in the Western countries and out of them many are desiring to... --- **[1972: Letter to Govinda](letters/1972/720918_govinda)** > And I am always thinking about you, along with your good husband Gaurasundara, because you have been of such good assistance to me for pushing on this Krsna Consciousness movement in your country and other places around the world. --- **[1972: Letter to Nayanabhirama](letters/1972/720918_nayanabhirama)** > These kinds of dramas about Krsna, Krsna's pastimes, and also Lord Caitanya's pastimes, are very much desirable for presenting to the public widely. --- **[1972: Letter to Niranjana](letters/1972/720918_niranjana)** > If you require to have anything sent you from this country, I can arrange. Yes, if you can come to Vrndavana in October to see me, that will be very nice. --- **[1974: Letter to Madhudvisa](letters/1974/740918_madhudvisa)** > I like Australia very much because of your book distribution. So sell books and secure money and purchase the house and pay BBT conveniently. --- **[1974: Letter to Mr. Majumdar](letters/1974/740918_mr._majumdar)** > The subject matter you have inquired from me is very grave and cannot be replied haphazardly. --- **[1974: Letter to Mr. Ogata](letters/1974/740918_mr._ogata)** > Kindly send quotation for 32 pages, simple black printing, and cover colored on four pages, same size as the Back to Godhead. Kindly send quotation for the minimum quantity you print, and what will be the charges F.O.B. India. --- **[1974: Letter to Mr. S. N. Sharma](letters/1974/740918_mr._s._n._sharma)** > So if you are interested, you can practice these things within our association for some time. --- **[1975: Letter to Babhru Satyaki](letters/1975/750918_babhru_satyaki)** > I thank you very much for it and for your appreciation of the Krsna consciousness movement. Please continue reading my books seriously and everything will be revealed to you. --- **[1975: Letter to Bhurijana](letters/1975/750918_bhurijana)** > In this way you are rendering very nice service and the more you render service, the more you advance. Therefore the Vedic regulation is that whenever one goes to see some saintly person or to visit a temple, he must offer something. If he has no money, then he should utilize his intelligence how to spread Krsna consciousness. --- **[1975: Letter to Charles Frazier Wilson](letters/1975/750918_charles_frazier_wilson)** > So I recommend you to continue and read as much as possible and also chant Hare Krsna. We have our temple in Houston, Texas, and if possible you can associate with the devotees there for some time. --- **[1975: Letter to Pancaratna](letters/1975/750918_pancaratna)** > This proposal of yours is out of the question and it shall not be done. I hope this meets you in good health. --- **[1975: Letter to Rupanuga](letters/1975/750918_rupanuga)** > The matter regarding by-laws and the articles of incorporation should be definitely brought up at our annual Mayapur meeting. --- **[1975: Letter to Satsvarupa](letters/1975/750918_satsvarupa)** > I am having them reproduce it here for distribution to the libraries in India. I have also requested Ramesvara to make a booklet of all these reviews. --- **[1975: Letter to Srutadeva](letters/1975/750918_srutadeva)** > I was in due receipt of your Sankirtana Newsletter, Volume 2, Number 23. --- **[1975: Letter to Sukadeva](letters/1975/750918_sukadeva)** > Your letter will be reviewed during the Mayapur annual meeting. You all should co-operate and then things will go on very nicely. --- **[1975: Letter to Sushil K. Arora](letters/1975/750918_sushil_k._arora)** > I very much enjoyed my stay in Toronto and I hope that everyone there, all the devotees, especially amongst the Indian community, will co-operate to spread our movement in Toronto and establish a very nice temple. --- **[1976: Letter to Dixit](letters/1976/760918_dixit)** > I have constructed this temple and all my other temples so that at least some educated retired men shall live here without any material desires, but at the present moment people are so educated that even up to the point of death they cannot give up the enjoyable items, namely money and women. Caitanya Mahaprabhu therefore recommends *niskincanasya bhagavata bhajano 'numukhasva.*. --- **[1976: Letter to Dr. B.N. Shukla](letters/1976/760918_dr._b.n._shukla)** > I am here in Vrndavana at least until 8th October, if not longer, and I hope to see you in the meantime. I hope this meets you in good health and I await your arrival. --- **[1976: Letter to Gaura Govinda](letters/1976/760918_gaura_govinda)** > In answer to your question as to why the Indian population is so slack in spiritual life: during the British rule there was a secret policy by the British to cut down the Vedic civilization in India. There was a confidential policy by the British government to kill India's original culture and everything Indian was condemned. From the very beginning they took this position. --- **[1976: Letter to Jayatirtha](letters/1976/760918_jayatirtha)** > I think there is a very good scope for preaching in Yugoslavia as the recent reports show a good success there. You should encourage this preaching program and support it fully. I have received today the Spanish Edition of Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.4. --- **[1976: Letter to Manager Of Lloyds Bank](letters/1976/760918_manager_of_lloyds_bank)** > Please withdraw the sum of forty five hundred English Pounds Sterling (4,500 Pounds) from the above mentioned account and transfer it to the account of the International Society for Krishna... --- **[1976: Letter to Ramesvara](letters/1976/760918_ramesvara)** > I am very pleased with your report and your contact with this author and producer. --- **[1976: Letter to Tusta Krsna](letters/1976/760918_tusta_krsna)** > I thank you very much for your very nice presentation of the issue of birth. You have assimilated the process of birth very nicely through the books. ---