# October 18 ## Spoken on October 18 *Lectures from this day: 10 recordings* --- **[1968: Lecture](spoken/1968/681018le.sea)** > Not that because your spiritual master says that "Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead." No. If you have got any doubt, just question, just try to understand. It is a fact that He's the Supreme Personality of Godhead, undoubtedly. But if you have got some doubt, you can clear it. *Asaṁśayam.* In this way, if you practice this *yoga* system, Kṛṣṇa consciousness, the topmost of all the *yoga* system, *asaṁśayam samagraṁ māṁ yathā jñāsyasi*, t*hen you'll understand Kṛṣṇa, or the Supreme Personality of Godhead, perfectly well, without any doubt, and your life will be successful. > So it is up to you. Not by comparison, but by your own activities. If you actually follow the instruction given by Lord Jesus Christ, you will also develop love of Godhead. There is no doubt. Similarly, if you follow the instruction of Kṛṣṇa, you will also develop. So it is up to you. You try to follow. If you do not follow, simply try to make a comparative study, "This is good" or "This is bad," "This is bad" or "This is good," that is called *śrama eva hi kevalam* —*simply laboring. --- **[1972: The Nectar of Devotion](spoken/1972/721018nd.vrn)** > So a devotee, on account of his eyes being smeared with the ointment of love of God, he sees Kṛṣṇa twenty-four hours within his heart. That is the vision of the devotee. Atheist class will say, "Where is God?" because he has no eyes to see the God. But a theist class, or a devotee, he sees God, or Kṛṣṇa, twenty-four hours. He does not see anything else. In the *Caitanya-caritāmṛta* it is said, *sthāvara jaṅgama dekhe nā dekhe tāra mūrti*. A devotee, *mahā-bhāgavata,* highly advanced devotee, he sees trees, but he does not see the tree; he sees Kṛṣṇa. How? Has he gone mad? No. Actually he sees. > Paṇḍitāḥ,* those who are actually *paṇḍitas,* learned, knowledge, they see everyone on the equal level. *Paṇḍitāḥ sama-darśinaḥ. Vidyā-vinaye-sampanne.* He sees one very learned scholar, *brāhmaṇa,* and sees a cow, sees one elephant, sees one dog, sees one dog eater, the lowest of the humankind, but he's *sama-darśinaḥ.* He sees every one of them as spirit soul, the body as Kṛṣṇa's energy. Therefore he has no different vision for different person. *Vidyā-vinaya-sampanne brāh..., paṇḍitāḥ sama-darśinaḥ*. This is called Brahman realization vision. Brahman realization, God. --- **[1972: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.2.7](spoken/1972/721018sb.vrn)** > So actual *śānti,* if anyone wants *śānti,* as it is described in the previous verse, *sa vai puṁsāṁ paro dharmo yato bhaktir adhokṣaje*. You can execute any type of religious system. It does not matter. But if it is leading you to the ultimate goal of life, *bhakti,* then you are successful. Why? The next verse says, *vāsudeve bhagavati bhakti-yogaḥ prayojitaḥ*. Bhakti-yoga...* The Adhokṣaja. In the previous verse it has been explained: *adhokṣaja.* And who is that Adhokṣaja? *Adhokṣaja* means "that you cannot realize by your sense perception." He's called Adhokṣaja. > So to attempt *vāsudeva-bhakti* means perfection of life. *Vāsudeve bhagavati bhakti-yogaḥ prayojitaḥ*. If we execute pure devotional service into the lotus feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, then *jñānam, janayaty āśu vairāgyam.* This is the test of *bhakti. Janayaty āśu vairāgyam.* A man is tested how much he has advanced in *bhakti-yoga* by his detachment from material enjoyment. If you..., if one is attached to sense enjoyment, at the same time he poses himself as a great devotee, that cannot work. --- **[1973: Lecture at Bhāratīya Vidyā Bhavān](spoken/1973/731018le.bom)** > So therefore Kṛṣṇa says, the Supreme Personality of Godhead says, that "I descend." *Yadā yadā hi dharmasya glānir bhavati bhārata*. What is that *glāniḥ*? When one forgets Kṛṣṇa, or God, and manufacture his own religion, *paśu-dharma*, he cannot be happy. That is not possible. Just like if you make your own laws, you cannot be happy. You must obey the laws of the state. Similarly, what is the law of God? That is *dharma. Dharmaṁ tu sākṣāt bhagavat-praṇītam. Dharma* cannot be manufactured by any man or any demigod or any saintly person or... No. The *dharma* is given by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, which He says as the last instruction in the *Bhagavad-gītā: sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja*. > So this definition given by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, that *jīvera svarūpa haya kṛṣṇa nitya-dāsa:* "The real, original characteristic of the living entity is to serve Kṛṣṇa," that is confirmed in the *Bhagavad-gītā.* Kṛṣṇa says, *mamaivāṁśo jīva-bhūtaḥ* : "All these living entities, they are My parts and parcels." Just try to understand. What is the duty of the parts and parcel? Suppose this finger—they are the parts and parcel of my body. What is the duty of the finger? The finger has to catch the foodstuff or prepare the foodstuff and put into the mouth. The finger cannot enjoy; it has given to the stomach. Similarly, if we are parts and parcel of Kṛṣṇa, we cannot enjoy anything directly without giving Kṛṣṇa. That is our duty. *Jīvera svarūpa haya nitya kṛṣṇa-dāsa*. So Kṛṣṇa also said in the *Bhagavad-gītā, dharma-saṁsthāpanārthāya sambhavāmi yuge yuge.* --- **[1975: Bhagavad-gītā 16.6](spoken/1975/751018bg.joh)** > Very nicely described. The first symptom is *pravṛtti* and *nivṛtti.* Why we are in this material world, when it has begun—that the *asuras* do not know. Sometimes they ask that "Why we have come to this material world? We are suffering, we can understand." Or sometimes they say, "God is unjust, unkind, that they have created this material world and we have been put into it," so on, so on. But actually this *pravṛtti,* this intention or this purpose of enjoying this material world, is not given to you by God. We have created. God's desire is that you become a devotee. *Sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja*. That is God's desire. But you don't want it. > We don't want to stop the tendency of material enjoyment. No *nivṛtti.* The human life is meant for *nivṛtti.* The cats' and dogs' life is for *pravṛtti.* The sex desire, they cannot stop it. It is not possible. If you teach some dogs that "You forget the sex life," it is impossible. That is not possible. So they cannot stop this desire of sex life. But if a human being can be induced... Therefore there is *brahmacarya* [celibacy] system, there is Vedic education, there is *Bhagavad-gītā*, so many other things. If people take advantage of these books they can stop this *pravṛtti,* this intense desire for enjoying this material world. But the *asuras,* they do not know that what we should accept and what we should not accept. *Pravṛtti* means to accept something, and *nivṛtti* means to deny something. So they do not know. This is the first symptom of the *asuras. Pravṛttiṁ ca nivṛttiṁ ca na viduḥ. Pravṛttiṁ ca nivṛttiṁ ca janā na vidur āsurāḥ. Āsurāḥ janāḥ*, those who are demons, *asuras,* they do not know it. --- **[1975: Morning Walk](spoken/1975/751018mw.joh)** > Therefore a sober man... A man should be educated to become sober, that "Let me tolerate this itching, that's all. I save so much trouble." This is knowledge. To become rascal and more rascal, more rascal and suffer, is that civilization? Simply to make the people rascal and suffer and commit suicide? Just tell them that he has created this civilization that suffer and become rascal. That's all. Unless you become rascal, how you will suffer? So keep them rascal and suffer. This is nature's arrangement, that "You living entity, you have forgotten Kṛṣṇa. All right, come under my control. Be rascal, remain rascal and suffer." *Daivī hy eṣā guṇa-mayī mama māyā*. Why she is doing that? "Surrender to Kṛṣṇa. Otherwise you will go on suffering like this." This is the nature's way. *Prakṛteḥ kriyamāṇāni guṇaiḥ karmāṇi*. But the rascal... Because he is rascal, he does not know that "I am under the full control of *prakṛti,* material nature, and her business is to keep me rascal and suffer." And they are advanced in education. > In the Vedic system, sex life is allowed only for begetting children. Therefore they are... Restriction. Allowed, but with great restriction under religious rules and regulation and so many things, *garbhādhāna.* Then the first principle is, even it is taken for begetting child, it is not secret. *Garbhādhāna-saṁskāra.* There should be a function, all the *brāhmaṇas* and relatives should come, and there will be ceremony, and everyone will know that "This man is going to now sex, have sex for begetting children." This is ceremony—not secretly, like cats and dogs. Cats and dogs also, they do not do secretly. A human being do it secretly and do not want the botheration. Therefore their scientific advancement means how to kill the child, how to make abortion, how to take contraceptive pills, how to distribute them, how allow the children, "Yes, you go on, but take these pills so that you may not be bothered." Yes. Why not stop it, botheration? That you cannot, because animals. Because animal civilization, they cannot do it. *Kaṇḍutive manivasi viṣaheta dhīraḥ.* Why don't you teach them to become *dhīraḥ,* sober—"Let me tolerate this itching sensation"—*brahmacārī*? That teaching is not good. You do it repeatedly, suffer, and suffer consequences. And to stop it they suffer in so many ways, suffering, suffering. --- **[1976: Bhagavad-gītā 13.8–12 in Hindi [translated](spoken/1976/761018bg.cha)** > Varṇāśrama*, the consideration of four varṇas and four *āśramas* prevails. Until this system is established it is dog society. This too has to be given up. First we should give up this doggish and sheepish propensity and by culture one should claim to be a *brāhmaṇa*, *kṣatriya*, *vaiśya* and *śūdra*. By culture. That also has to be given up. And that is called *sarva-dharmān parityajya* So long one is situated in the four *varṇas*, *varṇāśrama*, that is also a material platform. That too has to be abandoned. The Supreme Lord said *sarva-dharmān parityajya*, the point He is making is that you are proud of being American, Indian, *brāhmaṇa*, *kṣatriya*, white, black and the activities you are pursuing accordingly, all that has to be given up. That is called *amānitvam*. *Adambhitvam*. This *mānitvam* or false prestige that I am *brāhmaṇa*, I am *kṣatriya*, I am American, this false prestige everybody is having. That I am great and everyone else is insignificant. This is a material disease. That has to be given up, *adambhitvam* or prestigious position. It has to be given up. *Amānitvam adambhitvam ahiṁsā, ahiṁsā*, if we try to explain each words it will take whole night even if I will try to explain briefly. We have to acquire this *ahiṁsā*. Actually if you notice these four or five *ślokas* beginning from eight to twelve it is filled with complete knowledge. It is a platform of *jñāna-yoga*. Complete knowledge. Take any religious system, take any moral instruction, everything is available here. *Ahiṁsā*. *Ahiṁsā* is possible only when you have acquired *amānitvam adambhitvam*. Otherwise it is useless. The Supreme Lord Himself is describing. *Ahiṁsā* can be accomplished when you are *amānitvam adambhitvam*. The general meaning of *ahiṁsā* is not to become envious of anyone unnecessarily. That is called *ahiṁsā*. Without any cause. Just like kill the animals and eat it. If you have got nice foodstuffs to eat by which your body will be nourished then why do you unnecessarily kill a poor animal? This is called *jñāna*. When the Supreme Personality of Godhead has supplied us wheat, rice, ghee, milk, fruits, vegetables with which we can prepare delicious foodstuffs. We can offer that food to the Supreme Lord and take His remnants, *prasāda* then why you uselessly kill a poor animal. That is called *ahiṁsā*. We won't die of starvation. This is in the *śāstra*. If you can spare someone then spare him. That is *ahiṁsā*. Nowadays human society has become uncivilized. When they don't know how to grow rice, they live in the forest. They cannot clear the jungle and grow rice. If they kill animal and eat that is not sinful. God has given you plenty of food grains you eat and live. Why do you kill animals? When you learn to do it that is called *ahiṁsā*. The Supreme Lord says, *patraṁ puṣpaṁ phalaṁ toyaṁ.* > One who wants to approach the Supreme Lord, to go to the Supreme Lord, to be engaged in His service is not possible with this present body. For that, your real body, *dehino 'smin yathā dehe,* the spirit soul, with that spiritual body you can go to Him. That also you can avail. As you want, because the Supreme Personality of Godhead is sitting within your heart. It is not difficult to find out the Supreme Lord. Because, He is sitting in your heart. *īśvaraḥ sarva-bhūtānāṁ hṛd-deśe 'rjuna tiṣṭhati* This is God. He is sitting within everyone's heart. He is sitting within the heart of a hog and also in the heart of a demigod. It doesn't mean that because He is within a hog, He has become a hog. The Supreme Lord always resides in Vaikuṇṭha. But He guides the demigods and the hogs. In the *Upaniṣad* it is stated that two birds are sitting in one tree. One bird is eating the fruits and the other bird is simply watching and giving whatever fruits the first bird is desiring. Take it. The Supreme Lord gives him all facilities. Take it. --- **[1977: Room Conversation](spoken/1977/771018r1.vrn)** >mind, *niveśaya,* fix up in Kṛṣṇa. This is Rūpa Gosvāmī method. *Yena tena prakāreṇa manaḥ kṛṣṇe niveśayet* [*Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu* 1.2.4]. So you are already attached to Kṛṣṇa. You'll see the picture and enjoy. So you can give this picture to him, his own. --- **[1977: Lecture](spoken/1977/771018r3.vrn)** > Room Conversation > — > *October 18, 1977, Vṛndāvana > >...would that be all right? Of course, first they're going to finish this gate. Should I go and see it tomorrow? --- ## Letters on October 18 *Letters from this day: 19* --- **[1967: Letter to Mukunda](letters/1967/671018_mukunda)** > Today I have been to the American Consular office & upon presentation of the invitation letters from the different centers I was at once granted visitors visa under \#B2. The officer whom I met was very sympathetic & he said that Immigration visa from this side would take a long time for being granted better I took the visitors visa—so I have accepted it. --- **[1968: Letter to Dayananda](letters/1968/681018_dayananda)** > If you can manage such Prasadam eating place and the temple at one place it will super-excellent. Our chanting is medicine and our Prasadam is the diet for curing material disease. --- **[1968: Letter to Harer Nama Tosana Krsna](letters/1968/681018_harer_nama_tosana_krsna)** > I thank you once more for your assurance of service to Krishna and it is very enlightening for me that we have got so many nice souls to serve the cause of Krishna, and in the matter of pushing Krishna consciousness in this country and all over the world. --- **[1968: Letter to Krsna Devi](letters/1968/681018_krsna_devi)** > When I received the news sent me by your husband to Jayananda that you are going to be operated, I was little bit perturbed, but immediately I submitted my prayer to Krishna, and I am so glad that Krishna is so merciful. He has saved your life and your baby, it is very much pleasing to me. --- **[1968: Letter to Nandarani](letters/1968/681018_nandarani)** > is not possible to accept because on the 25th I shall be in Montreal, and on the 26th I shall be starting for Santa Fe, and from Santa Fe I am coming to Los Angeles. Perhaps you have already known this fact from your husband, because Jayananda talked with him, about the program. --- **[1968: Letter to Umapati](letters/1968/681018_umapati)** > If you so desire, you can see me in Montreal on the 24th instant, and I shall be glad to know what is your particular difficulty. --- **[1969: Letter to Gargamuni](letters/1969/691018_gargamuni)** > I thank you very much for your letter dated October 10, 1969. I have already informed Tamala Krishna in my letter dated 13rd October that I have sent Brahmananda a check for $4,000, as he wanted $5,000 and you have sent $1,000 and Subala has sent him also $500. I am also pleased to learn that the Spiritual Sky is making appreciable profit for expanding Krishna Consciousness and opening branches. --- **[1969: Letter to Tamala Krsna](letters/1969/691018_tamala_krsna)** > Gradually this meeting should develop into a committee of the West Coast presidents, and similarly there should be one for the East Coast, so in the future we can form a central governing body for the whole institution. --- **[1973: Letter to Govardhan Das](letters/1973/731018_govardhan_das)** > So far the new disciples are concerned, I am accepting on your recommendation the following as my initiated disciples: --- **[1973: Letter to Jagadisa](letters/1973/731018_jagadisa)** > Regarding the management of the Ottawa and Regina centers try to train them. Whenever there is something extraordinarily wrong, you can remain there for sometime. --- **[1973: Letter to Kirtanananda](letters/1973/731018_kirtanananda)** > Now this displeasing of godbrothers has already begun and gives me too much agitation in my mind. Our Gaudiya Math people fought with one another after the demise of Guru Maharaja but my disciples have already begun fighting even in my presence. So I am greatly concerned about it. --- **[1974: Letter to Ajita](letters/1974/741018_ajita)** > I am pleased to accept the following as my initiated disciples and their names are as follows: --- **[1974: Letter to Bhagavan Prabhu](letters/1974/741018_bhagavan_prabhu)** > The threat is in relation to a road that is being built there. Regarding the book distribution, Gargamuni Swami and Jayatirtha recently were sent to Bombay especially to organize the BBT there. --- **[1974: Letter to Dhananjaya Das](letters/1974/741018_dhananjaya_das)** > Things are going on. That I wanted. The classes and program must continue. That is the life of the temple. Everyone must attend the morning and evening program, otherwise it will be a dead temple. --- **[1974: Letter to Gangamayi](letters/1974/741018_gangamayi)** > There have been many letters coming from different quarters regarding the election; therefore I have called for a re-election in the presence of all members and two GBC men. --- **[1974: Letter to Giriraja](letters/1974/741018_giriraja)** > Regarding the road, if by sacrificing the wide road we have gotten the sanction of constructing according to the layout plan, then there is no harm. Begin little, little, so it can be understood that we have begun. --- **[1974: Letter to Ksirodakasayi](letters/1974/741018_ksirodakasayi)** > Yes, the Mahabharata is an authoritative book. It is considered the fifth veda. But, quotations must be given from the original Mahabharata. --- **[1974: Letter to Nandalal](letters/1974/741018_nandalal)** > Regarding the hole in the Deity, no do not repair it like you have stated. You can fill up the hole with wax, and go on worshiping. --- **[1975: Letter to Manager State Bank Of India](letters/1975/751018_manager_state_bank_of_india)** > 30-122492 (1-23/210), dated September 29,1975 for the amount of U.S. Dollars 141.29 (One-hundred forty-one dollars and twenty-nine cents). ---