# November 15 ## Spoken on November 15 *Lectures from this day: 10 recordings* --- **[1968: Lecture](spoken/1968/681115le.la)** > The basic principle is wrong. *Gṛha-vrata.* The concept of life is wrong. *Gṛha-vratānām.* And why they want to be limited by this poor concept of life? This is called material existence. *Adānta-gobhir viśatāṁ tamisram*. This limited concept of life is due to unbridled sense. This limited concept of life they want to keep, because they want to satisfy their senses. I am going to the assembly, United Nation, but I am keeping myself as American or as German, as Russian or Indian, that "My nation shall be happy in this way." Indian is thinking in that way, American is thinking that way, Russian is thinking in another way, another way. > So why I want that I shall be happy in this way? I make my own plan: "My nation will be happy in this way." This is called *saṁsāra, adānta-gobhir,* because I want to satisfy my senses. *Adānta-gobhir viśatāṁ tamisram.* And the position is *punaḥ punaś carvita-carvaṇānām*. Punaḥ punaś carvita-car..., carvita-carvaṇa* means chewing the chewed. --- **[1970: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 6.1.19 and Conversation](spoken/1970/701115sb.bom)** > "In the city of Kānyakubja, formerly there was a *brāhmaṇa.*" *Kānyakubje dvijaḥ kaścit.* "There was a *brāhmaṇa.*" *Āsīd dāsī-patir ajāmilaḥ. Dāsī-pati* means one who keeps woman; it is not married. He kept one woman, *dāsī;* therefore he was the husband of a *dāsī.* He was living with a woman who was not married wife. So a *brāhmaṇa* of the name Ajāmila who was husband of a kept woman, *kānyakubje dvijaḥ kaścid dāsī-patir ajāmilaḥ, nāmnā naṣṭa-sadācāraḥ.* But he lost all good qualification of a *brāhmaṇa.* That is the result of illegitimate connection with women. > Now Śukadeva Gosvāmī is giving an example from the history. Now it is explicitly stated here, *itihāsaṁ purāṇam.* All the *Purāṇas* that we have got, they are not legends; they are all history. They are all histories. Just like there is no chronological history one after another, but any incident which has taken actually place, they are reciting. --- **[1971: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 7.6.1](spoken/1971/711115sb.del)** > So understanding of Kṛṣṇa is not for ordinary man, but the most scientific and pure soul. Because Kṛṣṇa says only persons who are *siddhas,* in the perfectional stage of life, he can understand; not all. Those who are in the perfectional stage of life, *brahma-bhūta*, out of them, *yatatām api siddhānāṁ kaścin*, out of them one may—*kaścin* means one—may understand Kṛṣṇa. And so far His connection with the *gopīs*, that is not understandable by persons who are not free from sinful activities. > So this non-moving entities, namely the trees, the plants, the grass, they cannot move, *apadāni*. They are called *apadāni, apadāni catuṣ-padām*. Everything is described there, the nature's law. *Ahastāni sahastānām apadāni catuṣ-padām*. *Nūnaṁ mahatāṁ tatra jīvo jīvasya jīvanam. Ahastāni sahastānām*: just like man has got hands; therefore he eats some animal which has no hand, only legs—that means *paśu*. Similarly, *apadāni catuṣ-padām*. *Apadāni* means one who hasn't legs, cannot move—that means the trees and the plants and the grass and the straw—they are foodstuff for the *catuṣ-padām*, for the animals: goats, cows, buffalo. They eat them. *Nūnaṁ mahatāṁ tatra*: and those who are weak, they are eatable by the strong. --- **[1973: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.2.10 Hindi](spoken/1973/731115sb.del)** > Such are the professional speakers, if you approach them and listen continuously for two or four thousand years, even then you will be reaping any benefit. But if you are looking for actual knowledge of essence, *tattva jnana*, then as Kṛṣṇa has said in the *Bhagavad gīta tad vijñānārthaṁ, tad viddhi praṇipātena*, if you wish to attain real knowledge of essence tattva jnana then you will have to follow this principle. *Praṇipāt* means *prakṛṣṭa-rūpeṇa nipāt*, just like the Lord says—*sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja*, one should search for such a person—unto whom one can fully surrender—"My dear sir, I surrender at your feet." > Therefore, *kāmasya nendriya-prītiḥ*, we are surely having sense desires, *kāma*. We have these ten senses so they will need to be engaged. Which is why the scriptures advice, the instructions within the scriptures is same as the government which opens a wine shop by giving a license for those who wish to drink alcohol. The law is that you cannot drink wherever you wish to. You should go to the shop to drink. Similarly, in the scriptures it has been said for those who wish to eat meat, they don't care for anyone's instruction anyway. Those who are *rākṣasa*, they don't care for anyone's proscription, not at all. Therefore, the scriptures say, "alright, if you wish to eat meat, eat." How you an eat? You have to worship goddess Kali and offer the sacrifice of a goat in it. That flesh you can accept for food. This is the verdict of the scriptures. Similarly, if anyone wishes to indulge in sex life, *loke vyavāyāmiṣa-madya-sevā nityā hi jantor*, within every entity up to a microbe this desire exists, there is no university required to teach these four things. --- **[1974: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 3.25.15](spoken/1974/741115sb.bom)** > But because the *yājñika-brāhmaṇa* cannot do that... There is no *yajña.* Not possible. Therefore this kind of *yajñas* are prohibited in this Kali-yuga. In the Kali-yuga the only one *yajña* is this *saṅkīrtanam. Yajñaiḥ saṅkīrtana-prāyair yajanti hi su-medhasaḥ*. Those who are intelligent person, they know this kind of *yajña* will not be successful. Because people do not know, they cannot chant the *mantras* rightly, neither there is facility. So many things. Therefore in this age, dull age, the only concession is to perform *saṅkīrtana-yajña. Yajñaiḥ saṅkīr...* And *yajña* means to worship the Supreme Lord, Viṣṇu. *Yajñaiḥ. Varṇāśramācāravatā puruṣeṇa paraḥ pumān viṣṇur ārādhyate*. Ārādhyate.* Real purpose is to worship Lord, Viṣṇu. *Nānyat tat-toṣa-kāraṇam.* Therefore performances of *yajña* is required. > God is *puruṣa,* not female. *Puruṣa* means enjoyer, and *prakṛti* means enjoyed. Everything is enjoyed by the supreme *puruṣa*. We are also *prakṛti.* That is also stated. We are not *puruṣa.* This dress may be... That is *māyā,* illusion. Actually, we are *puruṣa,* and *prakṛti* means... Here the so-called woman is also *puruṣa. Puruṣa* means enjoyer. The women, they are also thinking how to enjoy. And man is also thinking how to enjoy. Therefore imitation *puruṣa.* But actually, they're *prakṛti.* It is stated in the *Bhagavad-gītā, apareyam itas tu viddhi me prakṛtiṁ parām*. --- **[1975: Lecture in Hindi and English](spoken/1975/751115le.bom)** > This meeting Him is the merging into the *brahma-jyoti,* the impersonal effulgence of the Lord. This merging is not the ultimate liberation. After this, we come back into this world. This is given in the scriptures: *ye 'nye 'ravindākṣa vimukta-māninas*.By merging with the impersonal effulgence of Lord, he thinks that he is liberated. *T*vayy* asta-bhāvād aviśuddha-buddhayaḥ.* Because he does not have any experience about the form of the Lord, therefore his intelligence is impure, not pure. That is why, *āruhya kṛcchreṇa paraṁ padaṁ tataḥ patanty adho*. > So the summary is if you increase your attachment for Kṛṣṇa. Just like Arjuna. Arjuna had already attachment for Kṛṣṇa, but when he listened *Bhagavad-gītā* from Kṛṣṇa, he understood what is Kṛṣṇa. Then, in the beginning, he was not listening to the order of Kṛṣṇa, that "You must fight." But when he understood that "Kṛṣṇa is my friend. Kṛṣṇa is my life and soul," then he said, *kariṣye vacanaṁ tava [*Bg* 18.73]: "Yes. I shall do now. I shall kill. Never mind." This is attachment and detachment. First of all he had attachment to the family, and when he understood that "My real attachment is Kṛṣṇa. Whatever He is saying, I shall do it..." This is attachment, detachment. --- **[1976: Room Conversation [Partially Recorded](spoken/1976/761115r1.vrn)** > ...punishment, Kali-yuga. But this is proper punishment. Because the public also, they're not anxious to become God conscious. Hari Śauri: No. They're anxious to avoid it. There's a few, but not many. --- **[1976: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 5.5.28](spoken/1976/761115sb.vrn)** > This is the peace formula. People should know that who is ultimately the proprietor. We are claiming the proprietorship of this land, but we are not proprietor actually. Actually the proprietor is Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He said, *sarva-loka-maheśvaram.* Unfortunately we are claiming God's property as our own. That means we are thieves. There is United Nation to formulate peace of the world, but truly speaking, it is an assembly of thieves and rogues. How there can be peace? The people must be trained up to know who is the proprietor. If the United Nation immediately accepts that this whole planet is the property of God and we are simply sons of God—not only human being but also the animals, the trees, the plants... There are 8,400,000 different forms of living entities, and Kṛṣṇa claims, *ahaṁ bīja-pradaḥ pitā:* "I am the seed-giving father." And we, all living entities, we are sons of the supreme proprietor. Let us enjoy the father's property without encroaching upon others' share. *Īśāvāsyam idaṁ sarvam* [Īśo mantra 1]. *Tena tyaktena bhuñjīthā mā gṛdhaḥ kasya svid dhanam.* > The *mahā-bhāgavata* knows that, that although this material world is a world of forgetfulness of Kṛṣṇa... Material world means when you forget Kṛṣṇa. Here you will find cent per cent people, they have forgotten Kṛṣṇa. They do not care to know Kṛṣṇa, neither they have got any relationship with Kṛṣṇa. Therefore it is material world. Here the nature is how to forget Kṛṣṇa. There is a verse in *Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam: īśād apetasya viparyayo 'smṛtiḥ.* That is called *māyā. Māyā* means *viparyayo 'smṛtiḥ.* Everything is in relationship with God, but he, the rascal atheist, he'll say, *jagad āhur anīśvaram:* there is no *īśvaram.* This is materially... This is material world—forgetfulness. *Viparyayo 'smṛtiḥ.* --- ## Letters on November 15 *Letters from this day: 23* --- **[1967: Letter to Brahmananda](letters/1967/671115_brahmananda)** > The Kirtanananda incident is certainly very unhappy and your dealing with the situation is quite appropriate. Lord Caitanya composed the verse that one should be humbler than the straw and more tolerant than the tree for chanting the Holy Name of Krishna, but the same Author learning the insult committee upon the person of Lord Nityananda became furious and the Lord wanted to immediately kill the insulter. The idea is that personally, one should be very meek and humble even in the presence of greatest provocation, but a slight insult to Krishna and His Representative should at once be taken seriously and appropriate measures should be taken. --- **[1967: Letter to Rayarama](letters/1967/671115_rayarama)** > The incident of Kirtanananda and Hayagriva chapter may now be closed. We shall always pray to Krishna for their recovery and we should not seriously take their counter propaganda. --- **[1968: Letter to Gurudasa](letters/1968/681115_gurudasa)** > A qualified disciple increases the importance of the Spiritual Master. So I find in you some good qualities. You think yourself as very humble but you appreciate the services of your God-brothers and I am very much pleased on your such behavior. --- **[1969: Letter to Advaita](letters/1969/691115_advaita)** > There are improvements to be made because the essays are not adjusted on the right side. Besides that, it is being printed not on glazed paper. The photograph has not come out very distinctly. Also the cost is not very satisfactory. --- **[1969: Letter to Balai](letters/1969/691115_balai)** > Kirtana is our life and soul, and the press is part of kirtana. So both of you, husband and wife, always remember this and try to execute both these ways of activities. --- **[1969: Letter to Brahmananda](letters/1969/691115_brahmananda)** > Regarding your request for your deliverance from the clutches of Maya, please rest assured of being delivered, because we have captured the strong chain of disciplic succession. This chain is coming down from the highest platform, Krishna. Just like a rope comes down the well so that anyone who may catch the rope from any position is sure to be delivered; so our aim should be to not give up the rope. --- **[1969: Letter to Harold Torf](letters/1969/691115_harold_torf)** > I am very glad to receive your letter dated November 11, 1969, and I am so much obliged to you for your kindly offering me your service. --- **[1970: Letter to Jayapataka](letters/1970/701115_jayapataka)** > Here in Bombay we are getting good response to our membership program and I am sure in Calcutta you can also get good response. Now the holiday is done, so you can begin work on this immediately. This membership program cannot be neglected. Do not rely on anyone else for such matters, but go out and do your own work. --- **[1970: Letter to Krsna Dasa](letters/1970/701115_krsna_dasa)** > I am very glad that by Krsna's grace you have secured a very nice place in Berlin for our Temple there and with Sivananda in charge I am sure things will go on well there. --- **[1971: Letter to Lalita Kumar](letters/1971/711115_lalita_kumar)** > Because you are very sincere and enthusiastic boy, and very intelligent also, Krishna has give you this position of leadership in His army, to win the war with Maya and establish Krishna... --- **[1971: Letter to Nandakisora](letters/1971/711115_nandakisora)** > Learning Spanish is a difficult job. How can you learn? I am very much enthusiastic about expansion of our branches, but if it is dependent upon learning of Spanish language, don't take this adventure. --- **[1971: Letter to Patita Uddharana](letters/1971/711115_patita_uddharana)** > I have noted especially your description of the unfortunate accident which took place and which took away our friends Jananivasa das Brahmacari and Will Prabhu. So on one side we have to be very sorry if our dear friends are taken away from this world, and on the other side we should be satisfied that a pure devotee is never lost. --- **[1973: Letter to Sankara Pyne](letters/1973/731115_sankara_pyne)** > You can still advance in krsna consciousness even in the office by chanting and giving some percentage to the mandir. --- **[1974: Letter to Atreya Rsi](letters/1974/741115_atreya_rsi)** > When you can understand that you are a fool that means that you are a little intelligent because you can detect your own foolishness. Caitanya Mahaprabhu wanted to remain a fool just to teach us how to make progress in spiritual life. --- **[1974: Letter to Dhananjaya](letters/1974/741115_dhananjaya)** > I am glad to note that the Home Minister is looking into the visa problem for our men. The idea is that we are spending so much for constructing these projects but no local Indians are coming forward to join us. --- **[1974: Letter to Gaura Gopala](letters/1974/741115_gaura_gopala)** > My program in India is not yet fixed up. --- **[1974: Letter to Jagadisa Jayatirtha](letters/1974/741115_jagadisa_jayatirtha)** > So for maintaining the Gurukula at least the cost price for the books must be paid. --- **[1974: Letter to Tejiyas](letters/1974/741115_tejiyas)** > Pushing on this movement, I had to face so many difficulties throughout since I left my home. I lived in Delhi at Sakur Basti because the rent was cheaper there, and I could not even take an apartment in Delhi. --- **[1975: Letter to Janajanmadhih](letters/1975/751115_janajanmadhih)** > So, if you are strong enough to preach Krsna consciousness there, that is very good; that as long as you chant your 16 rounds and follow the four regulative principles, then you will get the strength. --- **[1975: Letter to Paul Diglio](letters/1975/751115_paul_diglio)** > Now you should try to become strong in Krsna consciousness. The first thing is to chant 16 rounds minimum on the beads and it is best to do this in the association of others who also desire to progress in spiritual life. --- **[1975: Letter to Touati Lakhdar](letters/1975/751115_touati_lakhdar)** > So if you chant the Lord's name and pray to Him, "What service can I render?", then soon you will advance in Krsna consciousness. --- **[1976: Letter to Mahamsa](letters/1976/761115_mahamsa)** > I am ready. When you call I shall come. So far Kadal kanal is concerned, I shall decide when I am in Hyderabad. --- **[1976: Letter to Syama Sundarji](letters/1976/761115_syama_sundarji)** > You have given me the credit of being the best disciple of Prabhupada. That is very kind of you, but I am just trying to serve him. Whatever success there is is due to his mercy. ---