# October 16 ## Spoken on October 16 *Lectures from this day: 11 recordings* --- **[1972: The Nectar of Devotion "Bhakti means devotional service"](spoken/1972/721016nd.vrn)** > The..., practically Caitanya Mahāprabhu appeared to glorify the significance of the holy name. He is actually the *ācārya, namācārya,* but He transferred His *namācārya-*ship to Haridāsa Ṭhākura. So Caitanya Mahāprabhu's movement, *kibā vipra kibā śūdra nyāsī kene naya*. It doesn't matter whether he's a *brāhmaṇa* or a *śūdra* or anyone, if he's *kṛṣṇa-tattva-vettā,* if he knows the science of Kṛṣṇa, then he can be made the spiritual master. *Yei kṛṣṇa-tattva-vettā sei guru haya.* That is Caitanya Mahāprabhu's movement's significance. > "The present Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is also based on the authority of Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī Prabhupāda. We are therefore generally known as *rūpānugas,* or followers in the footsteps of Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī Prabhupāda. It is only for our guidance that Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī prepared his book *Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu,* which is now presented in the form of *TheNectar of Devotion.* Persons engaged in the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement may take advantage of this great literature and be very solidly situated in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. --- **[1972: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.2.5](spoken/1972/721016sb.vrn)** > So the sages in the Naimiṣāraṇya, their inquiry was that "After departure of Kṛṣṇa, the principles of religion, under whom they are now protected?" Religious principles should be protected. Therefore, Kṛṣṇa's another name is Dharmasetu: He protects. *Yadā yadā hi dharmasya glānir bhavati bhārata, tadātmānaṁ sṛjāmy aham*. Just like it is the duty of the state, of the government, to give protection to the department of law and order, similarly Kṛṣṇa, or the Supreme Personality of Godhead, He gives protection to religious principles. > Just like we be..., these political leaders, they become friend of the country. But they are their own party men. "I am Congress Party," "I am this party," so "I, I love my this party." And even if he loves all human beings, he sends the animals to the slaughterhouse. So he cannot be friend of everyone. But Kṛṣṇa is friend of everyone. You have seen Kṛṣṇa's picture. He's embracing the calf also, and He's embracing Rādhārāṇī. Not that He's simply attached to Rādhārāṇī and the *gopīs.* He's attached to everyone, every living entity. *Sarva-yoniṣu kaunteya sambhavanti mūr...*. Therefore Kṛṣṇa is the best friend of everyone. --- **[1974: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.8.36](spoken/1974/741016sb.may)** > Therefore *bhave 'smin kliśyanti. Kliśyamānānām.* Simply wasting time, without knowing what is the aim of... The aim of life is you have to satisfy Kṛṣṇa. We have repeatedly that... Therefore Kṛṣṇa says nothing, that "The most confidential knowledge, Arjuna, I am giving you. I have spoken to you *Bhagavad-gītā* in so many detail, but because you are My intimate, dear friend, I give you the most confidential knowledge." *Guhyatamam.* This word is used. What is that? "Surrender," that's all. *Sarva-dharmān parityajya mām...*. "This is the most confidential... Simply surrender and do what I say." That is the fact. If we act as Kṛṣṇa says, then we shall be very, very happy. There is no doubt about it. And if we do not act, then we shall suffer. This is fact. There is no question about it. Just like... Just like I have several times told you that Kṛṣṇa says, *parjanyād anna-sambhavaḥ.* No—*annād bhavanti bhūtāni*. > The next step, it is said that..., that *bhava-pravāha uparamam,* in the next verse. What is that? *Śṛṇvanti gāyanti.* This is the process. *Śṛṇvanti.* Simply sit down. You haven't got to work very hard. *Śṛṇvanti. Sthāne sthitāḥ śruti-gatāṁ tanu-vāṅ-manobhiḥ* : "You..., you don't require to change your position. You simply hear." Therefore this very word is used in the beginning. What is that? *Śṛṇvanti. Śṛṇvanti* means "hears." Simply hear. And *gāyanti.* So... Just like we say "Hare Kṛṣṇa," and all repeat, "Hare Kṛṣṇa." *Gāyanti. Śṛṇvanti,* first of all hear: Hare Kṛṣṇa. The leading, I mean to, singer, he says, "Hare Kṛṣṇa," and we repeat, "Hare Kṛṣṇa." So *śṛṇvanti gāyanti.* Very simple method. *Śṛṇvanti gāyanti gṛṇanti.* And takes it very seriously, accept: "Yes, this principle will alleviate all my sufferings." Seriously. *Śṛṇvanti gāyanti gṛṇanty abhīkṣṇaśaḥ. Abhīkṣṇaśaḥ* means continuously, not that "For some days I do, and then again I go to my own habits." No. *Abhīkṣṇaśaḥ,* continually. And *smaranti.* And if you take it, then naturally you will think of Kṛṣṇa. *Smaranti nandanti.* And then gradually you'll be pleased. You'll feel pleasure. Otherwise, hackneyed, how you can continue? From early in the morning you are chanting. Unless you feel some pleasure, how you can do it? Artificially, it is not possible. *Nandanti.* And what is the subject matter? simply glorifying the activities of the..., of Kṛṣṇa. Just like we sing, *udilo aruṇa pūraba-bhāge, dvija-maṇi gorā amani jāge.* This is our subject matter of singing. What is this? Now, activities of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, that as soon as there is early rise of the sun, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu immediately started His *nagara-saṅkīrtana.* Not of any other. Śrī Caitanya... *Tavehitam.* Simply... The subject matter must be there. If I hear, the subject matter must be there. The subject matter is Kṛṣṇa's activities. Caitanya and Kṛṣṇa is not different. --- **[1975: Morning Walk](spoken/1975/751016mw.joh)** >God consciousness, there is no question of peace. [break] If we know that the Supreme Lord, God, is our father, and He has..., everything belongs to Him, His property, therefore, instead of fighting, let us enjoy father's property peacefully. Then there will be peace. We are peacefully walking in this park because we know that it is commonwealth, it is government's property. I can walk, and the dog can also walk. Then there will be peace. And if I think, "No, it is my property," and you think your property, then there will be fight between you and me. So where is peace? Why you claim South Africa as your property? You are foreigner. You want peace. You are expert in keeping them subdued, the Africans. Otherwise, lawfully, it is African property. Why you have taken? Either you make it God's property, otherwise make it African property. You have no right to come here. If you say God's property, then everyone has got equal right. So they do not know what is the meaning of peace. > There is... *Yad gatvā na nivartante tad dhāma paramaṁ mama*. That is intelligence. Now, suppose that here is open field. There is... We are walking very nicely. And the downtown, congested city, that is not very nice. So at least if I don't spoil my energy to make the place uncomfortable, if I save my energy and chant Hare Kṛṣṇa in this open field, that is intelligence or that is intelligent? Which is intelligent? We are also going to die. That's all right. But we are going to die like intelligent person, not like cats and dogs. That is the difference. --- **[1975: Room Conversation with Mr. Singer, Reporter of The Star](spoken/1975/751016r1.joh)** > This is the first instruction. Just like in the body of a child the spirit soul is there; therefore the child is becoming a boy, and the boy is becoming a young man, young man is becoming old man. Then what is the next? Then the old man must have a next body. This is very simple logic. Now... But I am the same. I was also a baby. I was a boy. I remember. But the body is no longer existing. I am existing. I know that I had such-and-such body. So therefore the conclusion is that after annihilation of this body, I will exist in another body. *Tathā dehāntara-prāptiḥ*. So who knows this science? And there are 8,400,000 forms of body. What kind of or what form of body I am going to get next, where is that science? So we are teaching, by Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, all these things, not only theoretically but with scientific knowledge, philosophy, everything. You can see our... We have got over fifty books of four hundred, five hundred pages each. We are teaching only about Kṛṣṇa consciousness. > If the leader is blind, how he can help other blind men? He must be open eyes. Then he can lead thousands of blind men—"Come here." And if he is himself blind, then what..., how he can help? That is wanted. One blind man... One open-eyes man is sufficient to lead many thousands of blind men. But if the leaders are also blind, then it is useless. He must be in perfect knowledge. That is wanted. We do not expect that mass of people will understand this philosophy. It is not possible. But at least the leaders, they must know how to lead people—the father, the teachers, the government, like that. Then people will follow. --- **[1976: Bhagavad-gītā 9.3 in Hindi [translated](spoken/1976/761016bg.cha)** > In this world there are two *dharmas*. One is karmi who simply makes plan for sense gratification. This is *karmīs* business. And those who call themselves *jñānī* their slogan is, *brahma satya jagan mithyā*. Give up this false world. So two kinds. Therefore the Supreme Lord says "Abandon both the *karmī-dharma and jñānī-dharma*." Then what to accept? "Accept *bhakti-dharma*." *anyābhilāṣitā-śūnyaṁ jñāna-karmādy-anāvṛtam* When you give up all types of desires and become freed from the influence of *jñāna* and *karma* then you will attain *bhakti*. *ānukūlyena kṛṣṇānu-śīlanaṁ bhaktir uttamā* Take shelter of that devotional service. Everything will be successful. > The Supreme Lord is teaching this *dharma* that, *sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja*. "You will be happy by following this *dharma*. Otherwise, *mṛtyu-saṁsāra-vartmani,* you will continue to rot here and go on with this business birth after birth. This is the solution of your life. Take it." But who are the people who don't accept it? *Aśraddadhānāḥ*. Those who have no faith in the words of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, they don't accept it. Therefore the Lord says that who are those persons who do not accept what I instruct? *Mūdhā*, *narādhamā*, *māyayāpahṛta-jñānā* and *āsuraṁ bhāvam āśritāḥ. *[1976: Press Interview](spoken/1976/761016iv.cha)** > The recommended process in the *Bhagavad-gītā,* that *annād bhavanti bhūtāni*. If you have sufficient foodstuff, then everyone is satisfied. And it is the duty of the *vaiśya* class, *kṛṣi go-rakṣya vāṇijyam*, *go-rakṣya vāṇijyam vaiśya-karma svabhāva-jam*. The, according to *Bhagavad-gītā,* this is the business of the *vaiśyas.* The *brāhmaṇas,* they should be very much highly educated, enlightened in spiritual knowledge. The *kṣatriyas,* they should govern, give protection. The *vaiśyas,* they should produce enough food. And those who are neither *brāhmaṇa* nor *kṣatriya, śūdras,* they can help. That's all. This is their arrangement. Then everyone will be satisfied. The society will go on. Just like in your body you require brain, the head; you require arms, you require belly, you require legs. Similarly, *brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya, śūdra.* That is essential. If you have simply brain and no leg, then it is also useless. There must be brain and leg also. There must be *brāhmaṇa,* there must be *śūdra,* there must be... Then the social arrangement is perfect. > So in India we have got immense Vedic literature for understanding this business of the soul. And in human form of body, if we do not take care of the spiritual portion of our life, then we are making suicide. That is the proposal of all great personalities born in India, *ācāryas* like... Recent... Formerly, there were big, big *ācāryas* like Vyāsadeva and others, Devala. Many, many *ācāryas.* And the recent, within, say, one thousand five hundred years, there are..., there were many *ācāryas* like Rāmānujācārya, Madhvācārya, Viṣṇu Svāmī, and within five hundred years Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu. They have also given us many literatures about this spiritual knowledge. But at the present moment this spiritual knowledge is neglected. So it is the Caitanya Mahāprabhu's message to the whole world that every one of you, you become *guru,* a spiritual master. So how everyone can become a spiritual master? To become a spiritual master is not easy job. One must be very learned scholar and must have full realization of the self and everything. But Caitanya Mahāprabhu has given us a little formula, that if you strictly follow the teachings of *Bhagavad-gītā,* and if you preach the purpose of *Bhagavad-gītā,* then you become *guru.* The exact words used in Bengali, it is said, *yāre dekha, tāre kaha 'kṛṣṇa'-upadeśa*. To become *guru* is very difficult job, but if you simply carry the message of *Bhagavad-gītā* and try to convince anyone you meet, then you become a *guru.* --- **[1977: Room Conversation About 10th Canto](spoken/1977/771016r1.vrn)** > Then it says *samohayan vatsa-bāla-steyena*. So *samohayan vatsa-bāla-steyena,* "By stealing the *vatsa* and *bālas,*" *mohayitum upakramamāṇaḥ...* Viśvanātha Cakravartī says, "Just beginning to try to make him illusioned." *ajo brahmāpi svayaiva māyayā svayameva viṣṇau prayuktayā hetunā vimohitaḥ bhagavanmāyayā viśeṣeṇaiva mohitaḥ* --- **[1977: Room Conversation With Baradrāj](spoken/1977/771016r3.vrn)** > Then the second exhibit will perhaps be a whole group of scientists, and these scientists are sitting in one room, but they're all from different ages. And each one of them in turn expresses that they're having so many doubts. This we will take directly from their own quotations from different biographies, and we will show that the scientists are very confused about the origin of life, that they cannot actually explain anything, and they are saying this in their own words. Many scientists have said things like this—Darwin, Einstein. We have a list of eight here, and we can use their quotes. And they express bafflement, ignorance and failure to understand life or explain the universe. > So we call the introduction to the exhibition, we call it "The Overture." In this introduction there are several points. The first point is that we are not made up of... We're showing what is the body. So we're showing that the body is made up of different elements. And there's a film that shows how the man is made up of different component parts. We are showing that different organs are just like different machines and mechanical systems, and that life is consciousness and that consciousness is different from and did not come from matter. So we're showing that the heart is like a pump, and lungs are like bellows, and the eyes are like cameras, and the ears are like tape recorders, and the brain is like a computer, and so on. But behind all of these machines there is the witness, there is the seer, or the soul. So he is different from all these different machines. Then we show... We take everything down to smaller and smaller particles, and we bring everything down to atomic structure, and then we show that there does not seem to be any purpose to this. So where is life? Are we just...? My life is full of purpose, so where is the life here? Can we be just molecules? Where does life begin? And then we show all the different... On this portion of the exhibit we are working with Svarūpa Dāmodara and the Bhaktivedanta Institute to make a scientific presentation. This will involve films and dolls and other special effects to show the..., how ridiculous is the idea of material evolution, so-called evolution of matter into consciousness. So Svarūpa Dāmodara has his own presentation that we're going to use here. We've seen some of it during the conference. --- ## Letters on October 16 *Letters from this day: 36* --- **[1967: Letter to Brahmananda](letters/1967/671016_brahmananda)** > 10) & I've also received Kirtanananda's letter. From Rayarama's letter it is clear that Kirtanananda has not rightly understood Krishna Consciousness philosophy & it appears that he does not know the difference between impersonal & personal features of Krishna. We shall pray to Krishna for his recovery but we cannot allow him to speak on my behalf. --- **[1967: Letter to Kirtanananda](letters/1967/671016_kirtanananda)** > I've received your note along with Brahmananda's for first time since you left to N. --- **[1967: Letter to Rayarama](letters/1967/671016_rayarama)** > Krishna is certainly one and different, but his oneness is stressed by the impersonalists which is distinct from our philosophy. Our philosophy of Krishna's oneness & difference is explained in the 9th ch, 4th verse of B.G. --- **[1968: Letter to B. N. Jariwala](letters/1968/681016_b._n._jariwala)** > The humble service which I am rendering to the American people, in the matter of Krishna Consciousness, is undoubtedly being responded nicely by the American younger generation, and recently we are... --- **[1968: Letter to Brahmananda](letters/1968/681016_brahmananda)** > Regarding Gargamuni: All of a sudden I thought that he should go and take charge of his father's business. And as soon as I proposed, he phoned to his father and he also was very much anxious to receive. --- **[1968: Letter to Candravali](letters/1968/681016_candravali)** > 59 of Srimad-Bhagavatam, it is stated "anyone who hands over a charity of this great work on the full moon day attains to the highest perfection of human life by going back to home, back to Godhead." Does this mean that by giving the Gayatri mantra, only vol. one, or the complete work?) it is not the Gayatri mantra, but the Srimad-Bhagavatam. --- **[1968: Letter to Gaurasundara](letters/1968/681016_gaurasundara)** > I may be going to Vancouver or Montreal from here, for a day or two to take my immigration visa, and then I may go to Santa Fe, and from there, I am going to Los Angeles. Please send me at least one letter in a week, the report of your activities there, and I hope Krishna will help you in your nice endeavor. --- **[1968: Letter to Gurudasa](letters/1968/681016_gurudasa)** > I am in due receipt of your nice letter dated Oct. Previous to this I received one letter from Mukunda and that was also very encouraging, so I am sure combined together you will have a great success in starting the ISKCON temple in London. So by Grace of Krishna there you are meeting nice gentlemen, interested gentlemen, and I hope it will come very grand success. --- **[1968: Letter to Mahapurusa](letters/1968/681016_mahapurusa)** > I thank you very much for your letter dated 11th Oct., along with Gaurasundara's. So I am enclosing one letter for you received from Nandarani. --- **[1968: Letter to The Consulate General Of The Usa](letters/1968/681016_the_consulate_general_of_the_usa)** > MTL-V-14 (CAN)10’C dated October 4, 1968, I beg to inform you that my request to transfer my file to your Vancouver office, as I did on October 10th and 11th, may be ignored as I am coming to see you at Montreal in order to keep my appointment as above mentioned, fixed by you. --- **[1969: Letter to Cidananda](letters/1969/691016_cidananda)** > It is a great pleasure to receive your letter dated October 7, 1969, and I am so glad to read it that you have got a nice place for starting our temple. --- **[1969: Letter to Jayapataka](letters/1969/691016_jayapataka)** > I beg to inform you that I have received a letter from the Gaudiya Mission, Calcutta, in which they write to say as follows: --- **[1969: Letter to Subala](letters/1969/691016_subala)** > I thank you very much for your contribution of $500 to the starting of our press in Boston as well as your $15 contribution to the maintenance fund. --- **[1971: Letter to Karandhara](letters/1971/711016_karandhara)** > From Delhi Tamala Krishna has written that they want to get "Hare Krishna" and "Govindam" 45 rpm records impressed in Calcutta but the charge is exorbitant. because there are many companies which imprint records, so we can print 10,000 copies. --- **[1971: Letter to Ksirodakasayi](letters/1971/711016_ksirodakasayi)** > I was just anxious to receive a letter from you since you have gone to India and I am so much pleased to receive your letter dated 8th October, 1971. --- **[1973: Letter to Dayananda](letters/1973/731016_dayananda)** > Regarding the older boys, they can do gardening engagement and other brahmacari engagements, study and manual work. --- **[1973: Letter to Kurusrestha](letters/1973/731016_kurusrestha)** > Take care of the young people for a future Krsna conscious generation. The worship of Lord Jagannatha must go on nicely and cleanly. --- **[1973: Letter to Madhudvisa](letters/1973/731016_madhudvisa)** > Also enclosed please find the sacred threads for the gayatri initiations of Gopi Kanta das Brahmacari and Yasomatinanda das Brahmacari. So you can chant on the beads and hold the fire sacrifice amongst the devotees. --- **[1974: Letter to Puranjana Bhaja Hari Jananananda Rohininandana Partha Mahavisnu Nara Haridasa Patita Uddharanadas Mukundadas](letters/1974/741016_puranjana_bhaja_hari_jananananda_rohininandana_partha_mahavisnu_nara_haridasa_patita_uddharanadas_mukundadas)** > My Dear Puranjana, Bhaja Hari, Jananananda, Rohininandan, Partha das, Uddharanadas, and Mukundadas: Please accept my blessings. --- **[1974: Letter to Pusta Krsna](letters/1974/741016_pusta_krsna)** > Regarding the book distribution to the Indians, yes that was my program. If the Indians like the authority of the books, take advantage and distribute profusely. --- **[1974: Letter to Revatinandana](letters/1974/741016_revatinandana)** > N.B. Why not also consult with Satsvarupa Maharaja and take standing orders for my books like he is doing. --- **[1974: Letter to Sanka](letters/1974/741016_sanka)** > I understand from Bhavananda Maharaja that you are invited here to plant a garden. So when you come your questions can be discussed. --- **[1975: Letter to Ajita](letters/1975/751016_ajita)** > If you see problems in the Stockholm center why don't you try to reform it by your example and practical application of our philosophy. --- **[1975: Letter to Audulamidasa](letters/1975/751016_audulamidasa)** > It is great offense to change dress now that you have taken babaji dress you must continue. --- **[1975: Letter to Hansadutta](letters/1975/751016_hansadutta)** > It is a good idea to have the Russian teacher in Czechoslovakia to do the translating, but it must be checked afterwards by our men with the help of someone competent. --- **[1975: Letter to Jayatirtha](letters/1975/751016_jayatirtha)** > There is no question of removal at the present moment. We shall sit together in Mayapur if there is any complaint against one another. At the Mayapur meeting, whatever we have decided that is good for one year. --- **[1975: Letter to Karunasindhu](letters/1975/751016_karunasindhu)** > Concerning your letter of Oct. 5, 1975 addressed to Brahmananda Swami, nobody should interfere with our work. --- **[1975: Letter to Kirtiraja](letters/1975/751016_kirtiraja)** > As soon as someone is trained then go to preach very nicely in Poland. Try to make some literature in Polish and Russian. Anyone can be trained to execute orders in sending out the books but preaching requires special qualification. --- **[1975: Letter to Mr. Mukund Parikh](letters/1975/751016_mr._mukund_parikh)** > Mukund Parikh, 838, Mohinoor Court, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20760 Please accept my blessings. You are knowing so many languages and you can be of great service in this respect, so why don't you join our Bombay centre and help to propagate Krishna Consciousness in Hindi and other languages. --- **[1975: Letter to Ramesvara](letters/1975/751016_ramesvara)** > Concerning the expenses listed of phone calls, you should minimize phone calls. Concerning loans to temples, loans should be limited to a certain extent. --- **[1975: Letter to S. N. Mukurji](letters/1975/751016_s._n._mukurji)** > In India we have got so many centres. Which ever is convenient for you, you can join and live with us. --- **[1975: Letter to Svarupa](letters/1975/751016_svarupa)** > Your program of life-membership is a good idea. --- **[1975: Letter to Tejiyas](letters/1975/751016_tejiyas)** > All devotees will receive visa for three years confirmed." Please explain the situation there to me. I have not received any further information yet concerning this. --- **[1976: Letter to Dr. Mohan Singh](letters/1976/761016_dr._mohan_singh)** > Meditation is meant for yogis, it is said in the Vedic literature, *Dhyanavasthita-tad-gatena manasa pasyanti yam yoginah* [SB 12.13.1] a yogi is one who always meditates on the Lotus Feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. We have explained this fact in our book "Topmost Yoga." I request you to read this book and meditate on Krishna, then you and your followers will be first class yogis performing the best meditation. --- **[1976: Letter to Jagat Guru](letters/1976/761016_jagat_guru)** > I understand from Hansadutta Maharaja that you have gone to Dubai borrowing $400.00 dollars from him. So if you want to change your programme again, at least send this money back to him. --- **[1976: Letter to Jayarandas Kuthiala](letters/1976/761016_jayarandas_kuthiala)** > So far I know His Holiness Ram Tirtha was a sannyasi, but you have written in your letter that he was a source of love to Japanese girls. I was very much surprised on this point. Kindly let me know what was the point in this connection of Swami Ram Tirtha. ---