# November 12 ## Spoken on November 12 *Lectures from this day: 11 recordings* --- **[1971: Paṇḍāl Lecture](spoken/1971/711112le.del)** > Kṛṣṇa says that He is *suhṛt. Suhṛdaṁ sarva-bhūtānāṁ jñātvā māṁ śāntim ṛcchati*. Kṛṣṇa says. *Bhoktāraṁ yajña-tapasāṁ sarva-loka-maheśvaram, suhṛdaṁ sarva-bhūtānāṁ jñātvā . One should know that our best friend is Kṛṣṇa. And *ātmeśvaraḥ,* and He is the Lord of me. I am *ātmā* and He is Paramātmā, *ātmeśvaraḥ.* Therefore, ultimately... > In the *Bhagavad-gītā* it is said that mind is the enemy or mind is the friend. If you can create your mind your friend, then there is immense profit Kṛṣṇa conscious. And if you create your mind enemy, the mind will drag you in so many things, you will forget your duty and responsibility of human life. Therefore *yoga* system, practicing *yoga* means controlling the mind. Controlling the mind. But the easiest process of *yoga* system is that you simply think of Kṛṣṇa always, then the perfection of *yoga*. Kṛṣṇa says it: --- **[1971: Conversation with Guru Dāsa & Brahmānanda](spoken/1971/711112r1.del)** > So any amount of wind or storm may go on if you are under the tree you don't feel anything. And if a small canopy underneath the tree will protect you from rain and there rain with full strength cannot, everything falls on the leaves tuk, tak, tuk, tak. On a small canopy.... Nature's way of giving protection not only to the birds, towards the human beings. In Africa when I saw they prepare regular cottage up upon the hill. > Guru Dasa: The idea of book selling and distributing that I am speaking off. Not the polit... Not for this quarter but the idea of printing cheap editions and distributing on a wide scale is a very good way to preach. --- **[1972: The Nectar of Devotion](spoken/1972/721112nd.vrn)** > And Kṛṣṇa says, *māṁ hi pārtha vyapāśritya ye 'pi syuḥ pāpa-yonayaḥ*. He says that even though some people are considered to be *pāpa-yoni,* low born, it doesn't matter, but he can accept the shelter of the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa. *Prabhaviṣṇave namaḥ. Prabhaviṣṇave namaḥ. Kirāta-hūṇāndhra-pulinda-pulkaśā ābhīra-śumbhā yavanaḥ khasādayaḥ, ye 'nye ca pāpā*. Still more low born than these people, *śudhyanti,* they can be purified if they actually take shelter of a pure devotee. They can be purified. That is the injunction of the *śāstras,* Śukadeva Gosvāmī. *Śudhyanti.* People may argue how such low-born people can be purified. That reply is: *prabhaviṣṇave namaḥ.* It is the supreme power of Lord Viṣṇu. It is possible. Kṛṣṇa says. > Vaiṣṇava is *patitānām pāvana.* He can deliver all the fallen souls. So we have become crippled. Therefore we are talking this, that "This Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is killing our Hindu principles." No. It is really, actually Vedic principle that one should be learned, and he should distribute the knowledge for *paropakāra.* That is brahminism. *Para-duḥkha-duḥkhī. Kṛpāmbudhir yas tam ahaṁ prapadye*. Lokānāṁ hita-kāriṇau.* These are the statements in the *śāstra.* --- **[1972: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.2.33](spoken/1972/721112sb.vrn)** > The *guṇa* or *nirguṇa,* these two words are there in the Vedic literature. When we speak of *guṇa,* that is..., means these three *guṇas,* three material modes of nature. And *nirguṇa* means above these three material modes of nature. So actually devotional service is above the three modes of material nature. *Sa guṇān samatītyaitān brahma-bhūyāya kalpate*. > So when you are actually in pure devotional service, *sarvopādhi-vinirmuktam*, being freed from the interaction of the three material modes of nature, that is real transcendental stage of devotional service. So we have to try to go to that platform. Otherwise, we shall remain a *prākṛta-bhakta.* As it is said here: *bhuṅkte bhūteṣu tad-guṇān.* We have to become transcendental to the three modes of material nature. --- **[1973: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.2.6](spoken/1973/731112sb.del)** > This question may be raised. Because Arjuna was a family man. He was not a *sannyāsī,* neither he was a Vedāntist. A military man is not expected to become a Vedāntist. *Kṣatriya,* he knows how to fight. And Kṛṣṇa says that "I will speak to you." Why? *Bhakto 'si priyo 'si me* : "You are My dear friend. Therefore I shall tell you." So this is the process of understanding: you have to become dear friend of Kṛṣṇa. Then you will understand *Bhagavad-gītā.* Otherwise, for thousands of years you may go on reading *Bhagavad-gītā,* you will not learn even a word of it. That is the secret. *Evaṁ paramparā-prāptam imaṁ rājarṣayo viduḥ*. > So by Kṛṣṇa consciousness, by constantly thinking of Kṛṣṇa, as Kṛṣṇa advises, *man-manā bhava mad-bhakto mad-yājī māṁ namaskuru*, if you dovetail your whole life to these principles, thinking of Kṛṣṇa, *man-manāḥ,* to become devotee of Kṛṣṇa, *mad-bhakta; mad-yājī,* to worship Kṛṣṇa and to simply... If you cannot do anything, either four or one if you can do. If you simply come and offer your obeisances to Kṛṣṇa, you are getting the benefit. Kṛṣṇa says, *man-manā bhava mad-bhakto mad-yājī māṁ namaskuru.* The *navadhā-bhakti, śravaṇaṁ kīrtanaṁ viṣṇoḥ smaraṇaṁ pāda-sevanam , in this way, if you remain touched with Kṛṣṇa, that is the perfection. Some way or other you remain touch with in Kṛṣṇa. These are the process. *Man-manā bhava mad-bhaktaḥ. Śravaṇaṁ kīrtanaṁ viṣṇoḥ.* Viṣṇu and Kṛṣṇa is the same. You have to hear. --- **[1974: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 3.25.12](spoken/1974/741112sb.bom)** > So *na tad vacaś citra-padaṁ harer yaśo pragṛṇīta karhicit, tad vāyasaṁ tīrtham uśanti mānasāḥ. Mānasāḥ* means those who live in the *mānasa-sarovara.* In Bombay I don't find any such place, but even in Western countries, especially in London, there are many nice parks, very clear water. And in America also. Wherever these Europeans have settled. In Sydney, Australia, there are many nice parks with water. Formerly, in India also, in old Dvārakā, Mathurā, the parks were there. Parks are necessary for cleansing the mind. So the fact is that as there are classes of birds which are called crows and there are classes of birds which are called swans, white swans... "Birds of the same feather flock together." That is an English proverb. The crows will mix with crows, and the swans will mix with swans. Therefore the devotees are swans, and the most advanced devotee is called *haṁsa, paramahaṁsa. Paramahaṁsa.* So those who are *haṁsas,* they are not interested in the matter for the crows. Therefore a *haṁsa,* a *paramahaṁsa,* when he hears a question from a person about transcendental, *uttamam, śreya uttamam..., tasmād guruṁ prapadyeta jijñāsuḥ śreyam uttamam*, a person who is interested to enquire about the transcendental subject matter, *kṛṣṇa-kathā,* then the person who is questioned, he becomes very glad. > So here it is called *apavarga-vardhanam:* how to increase interest in liberation. People have become so dull, they do not understand what is the meaning of liberation. They do not understand. Just like animal. He... If an animal is informed that "There is liberation," what he will understand? He will not understand. It is not possible for him. Similarly, at the present moment, the human society has become exactly like animals. They do not know what is meaning of *apavarga* or liberation. They do not know. But time was there when people understood that this human life is meant for *apavarga. Apavarga—*to cease from the business of *pa, pha, ba, bha, ma.* That is called *apavarga-vardhanam.* So the questions made by Devahūti and the answers, which will be given by Kapiladeva, that is *apavarga-vardhanam.* That is wanted. This is the instruction of the whole *Vedas. Tasyaiva hetoḥ prayateta kovidaḥ*. For *apavarga* everyone would try. Everyone should try his best. "And what about my maintenance?" To maintenance, the *śāstra* never gives any stress, that "You try for maintenance." The *śāstra* says, "It will come. It is already there. It will come." But we have no such faith, that "God is given..., giving food to the animals, to the birds, to the beasts, to the trees, everyone, and why He shall not give me? Let me engage my time for *apavarga.*" They have no faith. They have no such education. Therefore good association required. Not the crows' association, but swans' association. Then this sense comes. --- **[1975: Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Madhya-līlā 20.120](spoken/1975/751112cc.bom)** > Therefore these sinful persons who are thinking like that, that "I am God. I have no sinful activities. I am independent. I can do whatever I like," they have been described in the *Bhagavad-gītā* as *duṣkṛtina, duṣkṛtina. Na māṁ duṣkṛtino mūḍhāḥ prapadyante narādhamāḥ*. So by the grace of Caitanya Mahāprabhu one can learn how to become liberated in one second. One second. It doesn't require many births. Of course, to come to this position, as Kṛṣṇa says, *bahūnāṁ janmanām ante jñānavān māṁ prapadyate*, after many, many births, that is very difficult job. We do not know. Suppose in this life I am living for hundred years or eighty years or ninety years. Then again another eighty years, ninety years, another hundred years, four, five hundred years, or five thousand years... Because according to the body... The trees are standing for hundreds of years, five thousand years. So *bahūnāṁ janmanām ante* is not very easy thing. It may be millions of years. So after millions of years, if one actually becomes wise, *jñānavān,* he understands this simple truth, that *jīvera svarūpa haya kṛṣṇera nitya dāsa,* this simple truth, that every living entity is eternally the servant of Kṛṣṇa. If he understands this, then he becomes immediately liberated. > But intelligent man, he takes things very intelligently, that "If Caitanya Mahāprabhu said *jīvera svarūpa haya nitya kṛṣṇa dāsa*, then why I am falsely thinking that 'I am God. I am not dependent on anyone,' this, that? Let me accept this." Then you become *mukta,* immediately. Simply acceptance how Kṛṣṇa says, *sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ*, he becomes immediately *mukta.* Then actually when he is *mukta,* then there is life in *mukta. Mukta* does not mean finished life. Just like if you become free from a certain type of disease. So after being cured there is duty. There is duty. Not that after being cured, the disease also cured, and you are also cured, you are also finished. No. After the disease being cured, there is healthy activities. That is required. --- **[1975: Morning Walk](spoken/1975/751112mw.bom)** > So *māyā* is also Brahman. *Māyā* is also Brahman. *Sarvaṁ khalv idaṁ brahma.* Why *māyā* is different from God? It is creation of God. *Mama māyā,* Kṛṣṇa says. *Mama māyā.* So how *māyā* can be... The difference is, police cannot arrest the president. Now it has been proved in the law. The president, the prime minister, they cannot be interfered by the police or law. That is good judgment. If the head of the state is also interfered by police, that does not look well. So this judgment is very nice. Therefore in English constitution the first word is, "The king can do no wrong." You cannot accuse king of doing wrong. Whatever he does, it is all right. > Parīkṣit Mahārāja has condemned this process. He has compared the *kuñjara saucavat. Kuñjara* means elephant. The elephant takes bath in the river or in the lake very minutely, becomes very cleansed. And as soon as he will come on the shore, he takes some dust and... You will find this. He's such a big animal, but he has no sense that "Now I have washed all dirty things. Again I am taking dirt?" So this kind of knowledge, that "Cleanse yourself by doing *prāyaścitta,* and again unclean." If you have cleansed yourself, then keep yourself clean. Why you are uncleaning again? This is foolishness. --- **[1976: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 5.5.25](spoken/1976/761112sb.vrn)** > So *bhakti,* devotional service, is not easy, but at the same time very easy, one moment's business. One moment's. But I must be willing. Kṛṣṇa says, *sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇam*. If I do it, immediately... But that, I am not willing. We have seen so many persons. Kṛṣṇa says directly that "You surrender unto Me," *sarva-dharmān parityajya.* Still, he says, "When Kṛṣṇa will be merciful, then I shall do." What is this nonsense? Kṛṣṇa is directly asking you. Again He has to become merciful? What kind of mercy? These are all pleas, different pleas. Actually He doesn't want that "I shall not surrender unto You, sir. I shall place some pleas. That's all." In that way... When we become actually *niṣkiñcana* or *akiñcana,* then, as Caitanya Mahaprabhu advises, *niṣkiñcanasya bhagavad-bhajanonmukhasya*. *Bhagavad-bhajanonmukha* means *niṣkiñcana. Param...* What is that *bhagavad-bhajana*? *Pāraṁ paraṁ jigamiṣor bhava-sāgarasya. Bhava-sāgara,* this ocean. *Sāgara* means ocean, and *bhava, bhava* means take birth, again die. *Bhūtvā bhūtvā pralīyate*.* That is called *mṛtyu-saṁsāra-vartmani,* Kṛṣṇa says. *Mām aprāpya nivartante mṛtyu-saṁsāra-vartmani*. This is *bhagavad-bhajana.* We do not know how many times we have taken birth and again died. That's a fact. *Tathā dehāntara-prāptiḥ*. Millions and millions, for years, we are doing that. *Mṛtyu saṁsāra.* Still, we are so shameless, we want to do again and again that thing. *Punaḥ punaś carvita-carvaṇānām*. This word is used, *punaḥ punaś carvita-carvaṇānām.* I have enjoyed this material life, *āhāra-nidrā-bhaya-maithunaṁ ca* [*Hitopadeśa* 25]. Eating, sleeping, sex and *bhaya* is everywhere. A small insect up to Brahmā or Indra, this is the business. > Kuntidevī, in her prayer she has addressed Kṛṣṇa, *akiñcana-gocara:* "You are realized by such person who has no other thing to possess." *Akiñcana-gocara.* This very word is very... And Caitanya Mahāprabhu also said, *niṣkiñcanānām. Niṣkiñcanasya bhagavad-bhajanonmukhasya. Bhagavad-bhajana* means *niṣkiñcana.* If we want to enjoy something material, oh, there is no question of *bhagavad-bhajana,* because even if you have little pinch of desire to enjoy material comforts, you'll not be admitted. Therefore Kṛṣṇa says, *sarva-dharmān parityajya*. Fully. *Anyābhilāṣitā-śūnyam* [Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu*1.1.11].* Then... *Śūnya* means zero. Unless you make material, [*CB Madhya-khaṇḍa* 13.225] --- **[1977: Room Conversation](spoken/1977/771112r1.vrn)** --- ## Letters on November 12 *Letters from this day: 31* --- **[1967: Letter to Krsna Devi](letters/1967/671112_krsna_devi)** > You will read the letter of your husband & try to know my mind. I am coming very soon to see you when everything will be adjusted. Hope you are well. --- **[1967: Letter to Subala](letters/1967/671112_subala)** > That is preaching, cooking, writing, talking, chanting, everything one man's show. "I do not want a crowd of Kirtananandas, but I want a single soul like Brahmananda, Mukunda, Rayarama & Satsvarupa. --- **[1968: Letter to Brahmananda](letters/1968/681112_brahmananda)** > Regarding press, if the Dai Nippon Company has not come to conclusion and the matter is prolonged so much then we cannot wait any more, in that case, the 6000 dollars which I have kept aside for their payment may be invested in press work, and the book printed in our own press. --- **[1968: Letter to Malati](letters/1968/681112_malati)** > Yes, we should always think ourself as the most fallen, the most ignorant, and it is simply by the Mercy of Lord Caitanya that we have even the opportunity to serve Krishna. --- **[1968: Letter to Mukunda Gurudasa](letters/1968/681112_mukunda_gurudasa)** > George Harrison is interested to see me, and he is going to stay one week more, and so let us see what happens. --- **[1968: Letter to Rayarama](letters/1968/681112_rayarama)** > Regarding your calendar dates, I have already written to the following Sannyasis to send you the calendar dates. If you have not received them, then please remind them. Their addresses are as follows: --- **[1968: Letter to Syamasundara](letters/1968/681112_syamasundara)** > Yes, it is your good fortune that you can serve Krishna in so many ways—to work, to write, to speak, to paint, to build—all of these talents must be employed in Krishna's service. We are so fortunate to be in this human form of life, and to have the opportunity and the capacity to serve Krishna, and as there is very little time, we must do as much each day as we possibly can to serve Krishna, and to become always engaged in thoughts and activities of Krishna. --- **[1970: Letter to Damodara](letters/1970/701112_damodara)** > I am glad to see that you are working in the universities. They are a good field for spreading our Krishna Consciousness activities. Try and get all our books accepted in the college libraries and classroom courses. --- **[1970: Letter to Kirtanananda](letters/1970/701112_kirtanananda)** > Actually it is unique and there is no comparison with it of any other Movement. It was Caitanya Mahaprabhu's prediction that by accepting this Movement, everywhere people will be very happy. --- **[1970: Letter to Sivananda](letters/1970/701112_sivananda)** > and letter dated Oct. 18. Due to travelling and so much work, I was not able to answer you sooner. --- **[1970: Letter to Vamanadeva](letters/1970/701112_vamanadeva)** > Similarly we are trying in India to establish some centers and the response of the people here has been very favorable towards our movement which they have found to be a great stimulus to the revival of Krsna consciousness which they have been forsaking for the imitation of your Western material prosperity. You all my students must simply maintain your standard of pure conduct in Pure Krsna Consciousness and everyone will be satisfied that this is the best way to bring in the needed peace and prosperity to the world. --- **[1971: Letter to Jagadisa](letters/1971/711112_jagadisa)** > This college program and school work you are doing is very encouraging to hear. This traveling Sankirtana is very good; to go from village to village as Lord Caitanya has predicted. --- **[1971: Letter to Kirtanananda](letters/1971/711112_kirtanananda)** > I have answered your several letters, but somehow or other it appears they did not reach you. I am very much pleased by this travelling Sankirtana program. --- **[1971: Letter to Nityananda](letters/1971/711112_nityananda)** > I am very pleased to know that your temple is doing nicely and that there are sincere souls trying to understand this Krishna Consciousness process. --- **[1973: Letter to Jayapataka](letters/1973/731112_jayapataka)** > Your description of Sridhara Maharaja's birthday celebration is nice, and I thank you for presenting on my behalf a copy of Caitanya Caritamrta. --- **[1974: Letter to Hansadutta](letters/1974/741112_hansadutta)** > Whenever you call me for coming there I shall come. Never quit the Frankfurt palace. It is very nicely situated, in a open place. --- **[1974: Letter to Jagadisa](letters/1974/741112_jagadisa)** > I have also received the enclosed clipping from Ottawa and the information about the property. --- **[1974: Letter to Kirtanananda](letters/1974/741112_kirtanananda)** > Yes, following the rules and regulations is the real qualification of GBC. We have made things easy for being qualified for such position, but still they are violating. Haridasa Thakura only took one of the items, the chanting, and he was so affectionate to Lord Caitanya. --- **[1974: Letter to Pradyumna](letters/1974/741112_pradyumna)** > I think you should stay. Your presence is required. If you are leaving because of your wife, then your wife must agree to pay for your return fare. If she agrees, then you can go. --- **[1974: Letter to Sri Govinda](letters/1974/741112_sri_govinda)** > I am glad to know that you are cooperating with Jagadisa Prabhu for rectifying the difficulties there. --- **[1974: Letter to Tripurari](letters/1974/741112_tripurari)** > This book selling is the real preaching of our cult. Especially when you sell Caitanya Caritamrta and Srimad-Bhagavatam. They will understand what we mean by reading these books. --- **[1975: Letter to Abhinanda](letters/1975/751112_abhinanda)** > Yes, this is very good that you have taken seriously our programs here in India such as the book distributing. --- **[1975: Letter to Bhagavata](letters/1975/751112_bhagavata)** > So those who say that the Mahabharata battle was fought 3,000 B.C., that is correct. --- **[1975: Letter to Gurudasa](letters/1975/751112_gurudasa)** > This preaching and managing of the sankirtana parties is our real business. It is very good that they are paying something for the lectures. --- **[1975: Letter to Mr. K. T. Desai](letters/1975/751112_mr._k._t._desai)** > You mention God, but who is God? If you do not know who is God, then how can you say that He is the Super Joy? --- **[1975: Letter to Sacimata](letters/1975/751112_sacimata)** > So I understand that you are doing the layouts for the German *Back to Godhead* and also the Swedish *Back to Godhead. --- **[1975: Letter to Sri N. Tombi Singh](letters/1975/751112_sri_n._tombi_singh)** > I am prepared to go to Manipur with 6 or 7 or my European and Indian disciples in April, 1976. So if you can arrange for my going there, I am prepared. --- **[1975: Letter to Sri Singh](letters/1975/751112_sri_singh)** > Please find enclosed copy of letter. I am prepared to go to Manipur with some of my European and Indian disciples some time in April, 1976. --- **[1975: Letter to Svarupa Damodara](letters/1975/751112_svarupa_damodara)** > I had never received your letter of September 21st and the invitation for going to Imphal for Manipur Gita Mandal. --- **[1976: Letter to Kirtiraja](letters/1976/761112_kirtiraja)** > You must immediately supply the books for the University library. It is my earnest desire to have my books translated and published in Russian and Polish. --- **[1976: Letter to Prabhusvarupa](letters/1976/761112_prabhusvarupa)** > With that 10,000 plus 10,000 from us you can begin work immediately to construct a boundary wall. From Mayapur I may go to Haridasapur and begin work immediately. ---