# November 9 ## Spoken on November 9 *Lectures from this day: 11 recordings* --- **[1966: Bhagavad-gītā 8.28–9.2](spoken/1966/661109bg.ny.md)** > So long we go on speculating about God but do not surrender, that is not perfection of knowledge. Perfection of knowledge is *bahūnāṁ janmanām ante* : "After many, many births' mental speculation, philosophical speculation, when one understands what is actually God, God, then he surrenders there. He surrenders there." So long we do not surrender, we cannot understand God. So *bahūnāṁ janmanām ante jñānavān māṁ prapadyate.* The Lord says, "One who is actually in knowledge, that knowledge is achieved after many, many births, not all of a sudden." > Of course, if we accept that "God is great. Let me surrender," then we can accept in a second. But our present position is to become envious of any great. So we are also envious of God, so "Why shall I surrender unto God? I am independent. I shall work independently." These things are there. Therefore, for rectifying these misgivings we have to wait many births. And Lord says, "After many, many births, one who is actually in knowledge, he surrenders unto Me. He surrenders." *Bahūnāṁ janmanām ante jñānavān māṁ prapadyate.* --- **[1968: Śrī Brahma-saṁhitā Lecture](spoken/1968/681109bs.la)** > Everything is being supplied by the order of Kṛṣṇa, because *prakṛti* is working, nature is working... How it is working? *Mayādhyakṣeṇa. Mayādhyakṣeṇa prakṛtiḥ sūyate sa carācaram.* "Under My order," Kṛṣṇa says. *Prakṛti,* nature, is not working blindly. You see? It has got its master, Kṛṣṇa. > So this is not life. Life is athāto brahma-jijñāsā: "This human form of life is meant for inquiring Brahman." And if you engage yourself in this Brahman business, or Kṛṣṇa consciousness business, rest assured, Kṛṣṇa will take care of you. *Teṣāṁ satata-yuktānāṁ yoga-kṣemaṁ vahāmy aham : "I take care personally for their necessities of life." Ordinarily, Kṛṣṇa, or God, is taking care of everyone even if he's not in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, and those who are coming to Kṛṣṇa consciousness, what to speak of them? Special care by Kṛṣṇa. Rest assured. Engage yourself rigidly to Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Be happy. That is our program. --- **[1972: The Nectar of Devotion](spoken/1972/721109nd.vrn)** > Prabhupāda:*Yoga siddhis,* they are simply material arts. Just like one example is given, that *aṇimā siddhi, aṇimā siddhi* means to enter into the stone. So we see in the Western countries they are boring big, big hills and entering in the stone. So that *aṇimā siddhi* is being possible..., is made possible by modern scientific researches. So all the *siddhis—aṣṭa siddhi, aṇimā, laghimā, prāpti, prākāmya, īśitā, vaśitā—*these all *siddhis* are material; they are not spiritual. But people do not know what is spiritual perfection. They become amazed by seeing some magic by these yogic arts. They're simply material arts. > So impersonal Brahman realization, *nirbheda-brahmānu-sandhana,* is good attempt, but above that if one cannot make progress... *Brahmeti paramātmeti bhagavān iti śabdyate*. The Absolute Truth is realized as impersonal Brahman, then Paramātmā, then the Supreme Personality of Godhead. So unless a wise *jñānavān, jñānī,* does not reach to the platform of understanding the personality, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, his intelligence is still not very much purified. --- **[1972: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.2.30](spoken/1972/721109sb.vrn)** > So Kṛṣṇa creates. Before creation, *aham ādir hi devānām*. In the *Bhagavad-gītā* it is said, *devānām.* First of all, Brahmā was created. Then other great sages were created. Then other demigods were created. But Kṛṣṇa says, *aham ādir hi devānām.* Therefore He's not a created being of this material world. We have to consider in that way. > If one..., anyone thinks that he is Paraṁ Brahman, then it must be understood that he's under the clutches of *māyā.* That is the last snare of *māyā.* Therefore Kṛṣṇa says that when one actually becomes knowledgeable, cognizant, he surrenders. *Bahūnāṁ janmanām ante jñānavān māṁ prapadyate*. That is real knowledge. --- **[1974: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 3.25.9](spoken/1974/741109sb.bom)** > This *bahu-vacana,* living entities, they are *anantyāya kalpate.* They are unlimited number. There is no counting. So many. But He is the leader. *Nityo nityānāṁ cetanaś cetanānām.* So we are, living entities, we are expansion of Kṛṣṇa. *Viṣṇu-tattva* also expansion of Kṛṣṇa. *Svāṁśa, vibhinnāṁśa.* We are *vibhinnāṁśa. Mamaivāṁśo jīva-bhūtaḥ*. But there are *svāṁśa,* personal expansion, and separated expansion. The separated expansions we are. We are also expansion of Kṛṣṇa. And *viṣṇu-tattva* also expansion of Kṛṣṇa. But *viṣṇu-tattva* is *vibhu;* we are *aṇu—*very, very small. *Keśāgra-śata-bhāgasya śatadhā kalpitasya ca, jīva-bhāgaḥ sa vijñeyaḥ*. The..., if you divide the top portion of your hair into one hundred parts, then take one part, again divide into one hundred parts, that is the dimension of the *jīva.* Therefore *aṇu. Aṇu* means like atom. And Kṛṣṇa is *vibhu.* So therefore Kṛṣṇa is *ādya. Ahaṁ sarvasya prabhavaḥ*.* Kṛṣṇa says, and Devahūti says also, the same thing. > Ādya* is Bhagavān. *Ādya* is not Brahman or Paramātmā. Origin of everything is neither Paramātmā nor Brahman. Brahman is the bodily rays of Bhagavān. *Yasya prabhā prabhavato jagad-aṇḍa-koṭi* [Bs. 5.40]. Yac-chaktir asti jagad-aṇḍa-cayā yad-antaḥ. Yasya prabhā.* The... Just like the sunshine. Sunshine is not *ādya;* the sun-god is *ādya.* The sunshine is distributed all over the world, all over the universe. Everyone knows it. But is it *ādya*? Is it the origin? No, no, no. It is not origin. The origin is the sun globe, or the sun-god. As soon as the sun disappears, there is no more sunshine. Therefore sunshine is not *ādya.* Sunshine is dependent on the sun globe. Similarly, this Brahman effulgence is dependent on the body of Kṛṣṇa. *Brahmaṇo 'haṁ pratiṣṭhā.* Similarly, Paramātmā is also Kṛṣṇa's expansion. *Ekaṁ bahu syāma.* That is the Vedic instructions. He becomes many—as many living entities are there. *Advaitam acyutam anādim ananta-rūpam ādyaṁ purāṇa-puruṣam...* [Bs. 5.33]. *Ādyam* again. *Advaitam acyutam anādim ananta-rūpam.* That *ananta-rūpam,* as Paramātmā or incarnation. *Advaitam acyutam.* But it does not mean that because Kṛṣṇa has become many, it does not mean Kṛṣṇa is finished. No. Kṛṣṇa is there. *Pūrṇasya pūrṇam ādāya pūrṇam evāvaśiṣyate* [Īśo* Invocation].* This is Vedic instruction. Kṛṣṇa is *pūrṇa,* and if He expands Himself in millions of Kṛṣṇa... Actually, He has done so as Paramātmā. *Īśvaraḥ sarva-bhūtānām*. There are millions. *Nityo nityānāṁ cetanaś cetanānām* [*Kaṭha Upaniṣad* 2.2.13]. --- **[1975: Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Madhya-līlā 20.100-108](spoken/1975/751109cc.bom)** > So Sanātana Gosvāmī submitted to his *guru*. This is the actually necessity of approaching a *guru,* not that *guru* should be approached for some material gains, for some medical help: "Guru Mahārāja, I am suffering from this disease. Give me your blessing," and he gives some powder and you are cured. So for this purpose there is no necessity of *guru.* You can go to a medical man, then he can help you. Why should you search out a *guru*? But that has become a fashion. For some material gain they would go to *guru.* And if the *guru* can manufacture gold, then what to speak of? This is going on. But *śāstra* does not say that you should approach a *guru* for some material benefit. No. *Tasmād guruṁ prapadyeta jijñāsuḥ śreya uttamam*. > "It is the place for suffering." How you can be happy? It is meant for suffering. But people are thinking they are happy or, if they make this plan executed, then they will be happy. You see. Nobody is happy. Big, big politician, they plan so many things. Unfortunately they never become happy, and we have got many examples—we do not wish to discuss—but it is a fact that this place is *duḥkhālayam aśāśvatam.* The great authority, Kṛṣṇa, says. And here is a realized soul, Sanātana Gosvāmī. He said that "Why I am subjected to so many miserable condition?" This is a fact. *Duḥkhālayam.* This *ālayam,* this place, is for suffering, *duḥkhālayam,* and *aśāśvatam,* and you cannot stay here for long time. Even if you think that it is very happy place, you'll not be allowed. *Duḥkhālayam aśāśvatam*. --- **[1976: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 5.5.21–22](spoken/1976/761109sb.vrn)** > That means consciousness is fully developed when he is a devotee, when one adores the lotus feet of the Lord. *Yuṣmad-aṅghrayaḥ.* So those who are promoted even to the Brahmajyoti, they are also not fully conscious. Fully conscious means a devotee. *Vāsudevaḥ sarvam iti sa mahātmā sudurlabhaḥ*. That is full consciousness. Without this consciousness, Kṛṣṇa consciousness, there is no question of full-fledged. Just like a small bud of a flower. First of all the seed. The seed grows, then the buds come out, then gradually the buds develop, it becomes flower, then full-fledged flower, then fragrance, beauty. Everything is developed. That is real development. Similarly, this is the process of development. When one comes to Kṛṣṇa consciousness, then it is full-fledged flower, with fragrance, beauty and everything. That is the perfection. > Therefore those who are devotees, they do not care either for Brahmā or for the ant. They do not care. *Kaivalyaṁ narakāyate tridaśa-pūr ākāśa puṣpāyate, vidhi-mahendrādiś ca kīṭāyate.* For a devotee... Vidhi means Lord Brahmā, and Mahendra means this *maghavat—*here it is said—means Indra. So for a devotee they treat equally, either Brahmā or Indra, *kīṭāvat,* just like an ant, because they know that he may be Brahmā, he may be Indra, but he has got this material body, as one small insect, it has got material body. --- **[1977: Room Conversation](spoken/1977/771109r1.vrn)** > As I approached the front door, the first person I met was a middle-aged woman who spoke good English. She was a biology teacher, and we discussed the life principle as she took me to the history department and then reception. There, with two other Chinese persons, we discussed Chinese politics, and I explained the natural social body, *varṇāśrama.*" He was discussing *varṇāśrama* with them. "However, as they began to understand how much sense it made, they said I had better talk to the people of the political philosophy but were unwilling to arrange it, and I was unable to also. They admitted to still having a class society in China, but the goal was to have no classes, with the means of production so arranged that everyone could have what they wanted. Such demons. They accept Marx, Lenin and Mao as absolute authority and plan to spread this perfect social system, as they call it, all over the world. I gave one *Gītā* to the main public library. They accepted when they found out that I was a Canadian and thanked me very much. > "Then, on October 25th, with saffron *dhotī* and Chinese cymbals, I went out on the main street in Kwangchow in the evening, chanting the holy name." This is in China, Śrīla Prabhupāda. "At first there were many suspicious looks, but in a few minutes I had a large crowd following me. Soon the children were running in front, with some of them dancing. I also began to dance, and a loud uproar ensued from the audience. The crowd grew larger and extended out into the road, where the buses began to honk their horns. Just then a cymbal fell from the string to the ground. As I picked it up and repaired it, the crowd came very close all around and tightly crowded. I chanted loudly, 'Hare Kṛṣṇa,' and heard one 'Kṛṣṇa' in return. I responded with 'Kṛṣ-ṇa' loudly, and three or four answered. Soon I had about twenty responding to the chant, but decided to go on, as the crowd was getting too big. --- **[1977: Room Conversation](spoken/1977/771109r3.vrn)** --- ## Letters on November 9 *Letters from this day: 25* --- **[1967: Letter to Rayarama](letters/1967/671109_rayarama)** > The separation of Kirtanananda and Hayagriva is not a very happy incident. I was practically in tears for their attitude of separation on such flimsy grounds. --- **[1969: Letter to Bhagavan](letters/1969/691109_bhagavan)** > It is very encouraging that from the very beginning of your center you are successfully executing your entrusted duties. --- **[1970: Letter to Tulsi](letters/1970/701109_tulsi)** > I am glad to see that you are taking seriously to spreading this Krishna Consciousness Movement to all your fellow Americans. Try and increase Sankirtana Party more and more to new areas and ever-larger circulation of our literatures. I am glad to read in your letter you are going to the universities to preach. --- **[1970: Letter to Vrindaban Candra](letters/1970/701109_vrindaban_candra)** > The important thing is to see that everyone is following a regulated schedule of chanting 16 rounds, reading, Sankirtana, and temple worship. Any breakage in the performance of one's duties will surely be a hindrance in one's advancement. --- **[1973: Letter to Dinesh Candra Sarkar](letters/1973/731109_dinesh_candra_sarkar)** > Certainly I was sick when I left Calcutta for London, but I improved my health there. I am 78 years, and still by the grace of Krsna it is going on. --- **[1973: Letter to Vegavan](letters/1973/731109_vegavan)** > It is very good to hear of your programs in the high schools. Please continue and increase this program there. --- **[1974: Letter to Jayatirtha](letters/1974/741109_jayatirtha)** > I am in due receipt of your telegram reading as follows: C D RATE DOWN TO 8 AND HALF PERCENT PLEASE ADVISE ON RENEWAL -JAYATIRTHA So, yes it can be continued. --- **[1975: Letter to Aksayananda](letters/1975/751109_aksayananda)** > Regarding the Life Member collection, Rs. To collect so much from visitors is Krishna's grace. We are considering to get a temple in Kuruksetra, so the collection from Delhi may be employed there. --- **[1975: Letter to Bhurijana](letters/1975/751109_bhurijana)** > So this is very nice that your checks are getting bigger. You are one of my older experienced students and I am always praying for your advancement in Krsna consciousness. As the husband of your wife, you should see that she is trained up nicely in Krishna consciousness. --- **[1975: Letter to Dhananjaya](letters/1975/751109_dhananjaya)** > Regarding the Krishna Balarama Gosala, so let them arrange the meeting of the Trustees. --- **[1975: Letter to Ghanasyama](letters/1975/751109_ghanasyama)** > You mention about the well-renown psychologist at Harvard who is interested in finding about man's true nature. --- **[1975: Letter to Hayagriva](letters/1975/751109_hayagriva)** > Regarding the scientists, they will always find something new because their knowledge is not yet standardized. They will go on making new discoveries, on account of their imperfect knowledge. --- **[1975: Letter to Jagadisa](letters/1975/751109_jagadisa)** > Regarding the Dallas Army base property, you can forward this offer to Svarupa Damodara and in this connection you may correspond with him. --- **[1975: Letter to Kapoorji](letters/1975/751109_kapoorji)** > I thank you very much for your letter dated September 30, 1975 and also the one on the 22nd which has been forwarded to me. Yes, I left Vrndavana and went to Delhi, then Ahmedabad, then Bombay. --- **[1975: Letter to Karunasindhu](letters/1975/751109_karunasindhu)** > I am very glad to receive your letter. So any one of my godbrothers cannot help me in this way of book writing because they are unfortunate in the matter of preaching work. --- **[1975: Letter to Lokananda Ramesvarai](letters/1975/751109_lokananda_ramesvarai)** > Yes, the body is received according to karma, still it is not an impediment to advance in Krsna consciousness by being deaf. --- **[1975: Letter to Rupanuga](letters/1975/751109_rupanuga)** > It is not good that all of the temples are spending more than they are receiving. --- **[1975: Letter to Satsvarupa](letters/1975/751109_satsvarupa)** > You are doing solid work. Krsna will be pleased with you. You are a sincere student from the very beginning of your spiritual life and I wish that you may advance more and more. --- **[1975: Letter to Sukadeva](letters/1975/751109_sukadeva)** > Regarding your question about prosecuting Manasvi, this is a local management problem. --- **[1975: Letter to Tripurari](letters/1975/751109_tripurari)** > I am very much obliged to you and your government that both the people and the government of America do not put any hindrances in distributing our books. This kindness of your nation will cause the blessings of Lord Caitanya to be showered upon them and the higher section of American people will all of them become Krsna conscious. --- **[1975: Letter to Trivikrama](letters/1975/751109_trivikrama)** > I am writing a letter to Sacideva instructing that Sukadeva should send him immediately to you in Japan. --- **[1975: Letter to Tusta Krsna](letters/1975/751109_tusta_krsna)** > I have no objection to your recommending these devotees, but whether you are acting as a sannyasi and observing all the rules and regulations and keeping yourself in sannyasi dress? --- **[1975: Letter to Visvakarma](letters/1975/751109_visvakarma)** > So I have now issued orders that all my disciples should avoid all of my godbrothers. --- **[1976: Letter to B.S. Bodhayana Maharaja](letters/1976/761109_b.s._bodhayana_maharaja)** > I'm very much obliged to you that you write to say, "It is clear to me that you are great powerful Acarya in the Vaisnava world at present." Sometimes Sridhara Maharaja also says like that. So, actually if you are feeling like that let us work conjointly. --- **[1976: Letter to S.N. Sharma](letters/1976/761109_s.n._sharma)** > Yes, if you want to give us this land we shall be willing immediately to invest in developing a project there. What Krishna preaches is meant for the weaker section. If they feel weak and abide by my direction, it is not my direction, it is Krishna's, they can be raised to the standard of the most exalted persons, even if they are all fools and rascals. ---