# December 17 ## Spoken on December 17 *Lectures from this day: 10 recordings* --- **[1966: Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Madhya-līlā 20.245–255](spoken/1966/661217cc.ny.md)** > And when the material world is created, the first *avatāra* is *puruṣa-avatāra.* The Mahā-Viṣṇu, Garbhodakaśāyī, They create. And then *līlāvatāra. Līlāvatāra,* under some particular circumstances, to save some particular devotee or to display some particular feature... Just like Lord Rāma, He incarnated. He is *līlāvatāra.* Then *guṇāvatāra.* For maintenance of this material world there are different kinds of modes of nature, and to control those modes of nature there are *avatāra:* Brahmā, Viṣṇu, Maheśvara. *Līlāvatāra.* Then *manvantarāvatāra.* The changes of millenniums, that *manvantarāvatāra.* And then *yugāvatāras, yugāvatāra,* in each and every *yuga.* Just like this Kali-yuga. This is called Kali-yuga. In the Kali-yuga the incarnation is Lord Caitanya. > And when Kṛṣṇa personally comes, His..., He can be seen in two features, *bālya, paugaṇḍa:* His childhood and boyhood, up to sixteenth year. That is the real feature of Kṛṣṇa, *kiśora.* And further features, that is expansion of Kṛṣṇa, Vāsudeva. *Vāsudevaḥ sarvam iti*. --- **[1968: Interview](spoken/1968/681217iv.la)** > He can understand about God, but the animal cannot. Therefore if a man does not take to this understanding, he is no better than animal. A man who has no God consciousness, or Kṛṣṇa consciousness, he is no better than animal, because he has no other business than the four principles of bodily demands. So that is also prevalent in animal kingdom. > Therefore this is a privilege for human being, to understand about God, and as such, in every human society there is some sort of religious principle. This religious principle means to understand God. Either you take it Christianity or Judaism or Hinduism, every religion is trying to understand God according to their capacity. So without this understanding, means Kṛṣṇa consciousness, a human life is as good as animal life. --- **[1970: Room Conversation](spoken/1970/701217r1.sur)** >personal ambition. It is service to Kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa wants. Kṛṣṇa says, *sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ*. So we are canvassing. > And because they have no guide, therefore their intelligence is not being purified. Simply there is a, I mean to say, a propensity for renunciation, *tyāga.* But *tyāga...* [Hindi] After renunciation, what is the next stage they do not know. That we are giving: "Yes, come here. Stand here." [laughs] Is it not? --- **[1970: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 6.1.32–33](spoken/1970/701217sb.sur)** > Bhagavad-gītā* therefore says curing the disease means *janma-mṛtyu-jarā-vyādhi-doṣa..., kleśa-doṣānudarśanam .* Those who are actually advancing in spiritual life, they should always keep in front that "We may advance in so many things, but these four things—birth, death, old age and disease—cannot be solved by our so-called material advancement of science." And *Bhagavad-gītā* points out that you should always keep these four principles of misery in front. Then you'll be able to advance in spiritual path. > So that can be realized. The easiest process is this chanting Hare... *Ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanaṁ bhava-mahā-dāvāgni-nirvāpanam .* And next stage is that the blazing fire of this material existence will be extinguished immediately. Here in our disciples you will find Americans, Europeans, Japanese, Africans. They are all absorbed in Kṛṣṇa thoughts, chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa. They have lost all these misgivings, *upādhi,* designation, nonsense designation. The nonsense designation is the cause of their bondage. --- **[1973: Chanting Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta Ādi-līlā 10th and 11th Chapter](spoken/1973/731217ch.la)** > The thirty-sixth branch, Buddhimanta Khān, was extremely dear to Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu. He was always prepared to carry out the Lord's orders, and therefore he was considered to be a chief servant of the Lord. > While he stayed with Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī, his engagement was to recite Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam for him to hear. As a result of this Bhāgavatam recitation, he attained perfectional love of Kṛṣṇa, by which he remained always maddened. --- **[1973: Morning Walk](spoken/1973/731217mw.la)** > That is the disease, material disease. "I want to satisfy my senses, and anyone who will help me in my sense gratification, I shall worship him. If he does not, then I shall not." Everywhere. This Nixon became president because he promised that "I shall satisfy your senses." Now he is not doing so, so "Get out." This is the whole formula, material world. "You satisfy my senses, you are my friend. And as soon as stop, then you are not my friend." That's it. [break]...are considered the most authoritative because they give sense gratification. "You are sick. Now you are unable to gratify your senses. I give you some medicine so you become strong and go on with your sense gratification." Therefore doctor is very good man. > Otherwise, soul is unaffected. *Asaṅgo 'yaṁ puruṣaḥ:* "This *puruṣa,* the soul, is unaffected by any material condition." The same example as I give, that you have a good car. You are identifying yourself. But you are not the car. You are affected if the car is smashed, because you have got absorption in the car, that "This is my car." The other man is not affected. Similarly, due to our absorption, *ahaṁ mameti,* "It is my," "It is mine," we are suffering. --- **[1973: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.15.39](spoken/1973/731217sb.la)** > Na tasya kāryaṁ karaṇaṁ ca vidyate:* "He has nothing to do." Because He is great, why He should work? All the subordinates will work. We are all subordinate; therefore we shall work for God. But we have made our formula, that "God shall work for me." "God, give us our daily bread. We have nothing to do. Simply give us our bread." What is this? But the Vaiṣṇava idea is that "Without giving bread to God, God will die." Yaśodā-māyi is thinking, "If I do not give Kṛṣṇa to eat something nice, Kṛṣṇa will become lean and thin." That is love of Godhead, how to serve Kṛṣṇa, how to serve God. *Sevonmukhe.* That is real religion. When we are not to take service from God, but we are ready to give service to God, that is real religion. *Sa vai puṁsāṁ paro dharmo yato bhaktir adhokṣaje*. Adhokṣaje.* God is beyond our senses; therefore He is Adhokṣaja. > Prāṇair arthair dhiyā vācā etāvaj janma-sāphalyaṁ dehinām iha dehiṣu*. This human form of life can be perfected. How? How it can be perfected? *Prāṇair arthair dhiyā vācā. Prāṇa* means life. *Artha* means riches. *Prāṇair arthair dhiyā. Dhiyā* means intelligence. And *vācā, vācā* means words. So we have got four things. We have got our life, and everybody has got some riches, either one pound or one million pound. Everybody has got something. That is called *artha. Prāṇa, artha,* and everyone has got intelligence, and everyone has got the power to speak. So we have to engage all these four things. Either four or three or two, at least one, we must engage. *Prāṇair arthair dhiyā, śreya-ācaraṇaṁ sadā.* This is the principle of religion, or perfection of life. *Etāvaj janma.* Then our life will be... There are many other *ślokas* in *Bhāgavatam.* --- **[1974: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 3.26.5](spoken/1974/741217sb.bom)** > Māyā...,* whose *māyā*? It is Kṛṣṇa's *māyā. Māyā* means something wonderful, mystic. Or *māyā* means illusion. So many, there are meaning. *Māyā* means affection also. So some way or other, this Durgā-devī, Māyā, is Kṛṣṇa's *māyā.* Just like prison house. Prison house is also government house, but it is not as good as the government house. It is government... The proprietor is the government. It is looked after by the government. You can call it government house, but government house is different, *rāja-bhavan.* Similarly, everything belongs to Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. *Īśāvāsyam idaṁ sarvam* [Īśo*mantra* 1]. Everything belongs to Him. Therefore Kṛṣṇa says, *mama māyā. Mama māyā. Daivī hy eṣā guṇa-mayī mama māyā*. That is creation of Kṛṣṇa. It is necessary. Somebody... The question is asked, "Why Kṛṣṇa created this material energy, which is so miserable condition?" *Duḥkhālayam aśāśvatam*. > And He is ready. Kṛṣṇa is ready. Therefore He comes personally to canvass, that "Why you are rotting in this material world?" *Sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja*. Just like fathers, sane father, request the bewildered son, "Why, my dear son, you are suffering in this way? Why don't you come back to home, and live peacefully and blissfully?" But no, we are determined. We are determined. Although Kṛṣṇa is canvassing, His devotees are canvassing, "No. No, sir. We shall enjoy here." What is enjoyment? Birth and death, disease and old age—is that enjoyment? But they have no brain to understand. Dull, *mūḍhāḥ, duṣkṛtina.* Therefore Kṛṣṇa says, *na māṁ duṣkṛtino mūḍhāḥ prapadyante narādhamāḥ*. Kṛṣṇa says, "Surrender unto Me. I give you protection." But they will not do. Why? Because *duṣkṛtino mūḍhāḥ narādhamāḥ.* That is the position. --- **[1975: Morning Walk](spoken/1975/751217mw.bom)** > That is the qualification for chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa: humbler than the grass, tolerant than the tree, giving all respect to others, expecting no respect for oneself. These are the qualification to become perfect Kṛṣṇa conscious. *Amānitvam adambhitvam ahiṁsā kṣāntir ārjavam*. Amānitva.* Although he is very qualified, he says "No, no, no. I have no qualification." *Amānitvam.* This is *amānitvam.* > Dr. Patel: [Transl. I keep a gun and I have got people now.] I have got one rifle, one gun, one revolver and one pistol. I am keeping always with me now. [Transl. What can be done?] I can't give you. You must take out a license for it. [Transl. If someone attacks you, you kill him first and then both of you die. Both will go to God for justice.] These people, sir, have really ruined this, this batch of rulers. --- **[1976: Bhagavad-gītā 3.25](spoken/1976/761217bg.hyd)** > Avidvāṁsaḥ,* fools, men with poor fund of knowledge, they have discovered so many lines of activities, simply foolishness. So modern civilization, the so-called advancement of civilization, is, I mean to say, planned by the *avidvāṁsaḥ,* men with poor fund of knowledge. They are not advancement of civilization. Therefore they do not believe in the transmigration of the soul. They do not believe, avoid the major issue, and they are planning in this life they will live for fifty or sixty years, making big, big plans, *saktāḥ,* being materially attached, *saktāḥ karmaṇi,* and discovering new, new methods of engagement. *Avidvāṁsaḥ.* They do not know how to engage one brain and talent. That we have discussed the other day, that *pravṛttiṁ ca nivṛttiṁ ca na vidur āsurā janāḥ*. In which way we have to engage our brain and talent they do not know. That is the difference between a *devatā* and an *asura. Asura* does not know. *Asura* thinks that he will live forever, and let him prepare big, big plans for material comforts. This is asuric civilization. He'll not be allowed to stay here. *Duḥkhālayam aśāśvatam*. It is the place for suffering so that we can understand our position. > Why? *Cikīrṣur loka-saṅgraham:* So that others may follow that "You... Why you are making big, big plan of big, big factories? You take to this process for your economic problem solved." Kṛṣṇa advises, *kṛṣi-go-rakṣya-vāṇijyaṁ vaiśya-karma svabhāva-jam*. This is the agriculture, cow protection, trade. No industry. Kṛṣṇa never says industry—trade. Trade means... Suppose here we are attempting to grow foodstuff. So after eating for ourselves, if there is excess, then we can take this food grains or anything which we have produced to a place where there is need. That is called trade. Trade in exchange also. There is exchange; that is also trade. So that is recommended by Kṛṣṇa, and because we are Kṛṣṇa conscious, we must abide by the order of Kṛṣṇa, *kṛṣi-go-rakṣya-vāṇi...* Not for all, but a class of men, they are in the third category. The first category is the *brāhmaṇa,* the man in knowledge. He knows what is the value of life, how life should be directed this way and that way. They know, themselves, and they give guidance to the other who have no such knowledge. Therefore *brāhmaṇa* is the *guru* of all other classes of men, *kṣatriyas, vaiśyas.* --- ## Letters on December 17 *Letters from this day: 28* --- **[1967: Letter to Blanche Hochner](letters/1967/671217_blanche_hochner)** > I think both of you should wait a little more till my arrival in N.Y. You have rightly said that learning more and more about Krishna makes you so happy. --- **[1967: Letter to Indira Iris Mendoza Ekayani Esther Mendoza](letters/1967/671217_indira_iris_mendoza_ekayani_esther_mendoza)** > I can understand that you have considerably advanced in Krishna Consciousness because your heart is simple. --- **[1967: Letter to Lilasukha](letters/1967/671217_lilasukha)** > We want many preachers to broadcast this message Krishna Consciousness. One has to be engaged in one's specific occupation and at the same time to advance in Krishna Consciousness. --- **[1968: Letter to Ananda](letters/1968/681217_ananda)** > I am glad that you have already started a center in small scale and please try to improve it as far as possible. There is no question of doing anything very hastily so please try to make steady, even if slow, progress. So far as the Indian population is concerned, I think that the Sikh are useless for our purpose. --- **[1968: Letter to Gaurasundara](letters/1968/681217_gaurasundara)** > I am glad that you have also received my previously sent letters. I have also handed over your letter for Govinda Dasi. --- **[1968: Letter to Lilasukha](letters/1968/681217_lilasukha)** > With great pleasure I have read your letter of December 9, 1968. I thank you for your kind sentiments expressed and your nice attitude of humbleness and devotion. --- **[1968: Letter to Mr. Chagan Govinda](letters/1968/681217_mr._chagan_govinda)** > In the Bhagavad-gita, this omkar is mentioned as being the sound representation of Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. --- **[1968: Letter to Sivananda](letters/1968/681217_sivananda)** > You have written that you will soon be leaving Hamburg and this news has caused me some distress. I have always been glad that you were in Germany to take care of the temple and you have written that Krishna Das is also disturbed at this sudden turn. You mentioned that leaving is the best thing for your devotional service, but you should know that without the instructions of the Spiritual Master that there is no question of devotional service. --- **[1970: Letter to Jayapataka](letters/1970/701217_jayapataka)** > You have written that there is some critical remarks about us from some parties, do not care for it. agrees to our terms, send us a telegram and we shall arrange for going there. --- **[1971: Letter to Jagadisa](letters/1971/711217_jagadisa)** > I am especially glad that you are having so many festivals in the colleges and schools. --- **[1971: Letter to Murti Mahati Adhideva](letters/1971/711217_murti_mahati_adhideva)** > Upon the recommendation of Sri Galim I have gladly consented to accept all of you as my duly initiated disciples. --- **[1971: Letter to Nityananda](letters/1971/711217_nityananda)** > You may call him Bhakta Vimal Das. So long as a devotee is not initiated he should have Bhakta before his name, if he is a male, Bhaktin if she is a girl. --- **[1971: Letter to Satsvarupa](letters/1971/711217_satsvarupa)** > That is all right if Mohanananda wants to go to Sydney, provided you GBC men agree and if there is suitable replacement. Regarding children without spiritual names, whatever name is there, if it is a boy, then add Bhakta first. --- **[1971: Letter to Sri Galim](letters/1971/711217_sri_galim)** > I am so happy to learn that your routine work is going on very nicely there, under your direction. There is no real need of our own temple, as long as the routine work is going on. --- **[1972: Letter to Danavir](letters/1972/721217_danavir)** > But if you have got wife, that will be difficult. If someone devotee has got wife, that will not become a very popular policy to grant so easily sannyasa. She shall always serve and obey you without fail, and you shall instruct her in Krishna Consciousness and act as her spiritual master. --- **[1974: Letter to Badarinarayana](letters/1974/741217_badarinarayana)** > I am always happy to hear of the wonderful activities of spreading Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu's sankirtana movement. Your activities are very pleasing. Going door to door, person to preach the message of chanting Hare Krsna is actually the yuga dharma for this age. --- **[1974: Letter to Jitaprana](letters/1974/741217_jitaprana)** > Your desire for leading a sankirtana party, preaching and travelling is a very good one and I suggest that you talk to your temple president or GBC and try to arrange such a program if it is possible. If we sincerely try to serve Krsna then He will give you the ability and the facilities. So please continue your service with great enthusiasm and follow strictly all of our principles and regulations. --- **[1974: Letter to Mr. Quinn](letters/1974/741217_mr._quinn)** > Thank you for your kind sentiments. You are a very fortunate person that you have come into contact with our Krsna Consciousness movement. The perfection of human life is to somehow or another advance in spiritual life and achieve love of Godhead and go back to Godhead, back to home. --- **[1974: Letter to Parvati](letters/1974/741217_parvati)** > Thank you for your kind sentiments. You should try to become expert at making these nice milk products. The cow is the most wonderful animal and she is so beneficial for human society, giving so many gifts in the form of milk products. --- **[1974: Letter to Sri Mohan Mazumdar](letters/1974/741217_sri_mohan_mazumdar)** > For the time being I have postponed my journey to Honolulu. Maybe I will be going to Australia by mid-January 1975. --- **[1975: Letter to Jayapataka](letters/1975/751217_jayapataka)** > I beg to inform you that this time while coming from Delhi to Bombay I saw one Mr. --- **[1975: Letter to M. N. Chaudhuri](letters/1975/751217_m._n._chaudhuri)** > I am very pleased to meet you the other day at the airport of Delhi. I think it was ordained by Lord Krishna because I need your help in the service of Lord Krishna. --- **[1975: Letter to Mahamsa](letters/1975/751217_mahamsa)** > I am pleased to note that everything is progressing nicely. Regarding the loan you do not have to repay it immediately, but as soon as possible. --- **[1975: Letter to Rocana](letters/1975/751217_rocana)** > First of all produce your own food grain, milk and vegetables, eat as much as absolutely necessary, don't eat more, and in this way keep your health. --- **[1975: Letter to Svarupa Damodara](letters/1975/751217_svarupa_damodara)** > Your book is selling very nicely in south India, people are appreciating it very much. --- **[1975: Letter to Yasomatinandana](letters/1975/751217_yasomatinandana)** > The program you have outlined is very nice, however I cannot go on long time procession because I am called by nature, I can go at most one hour. --- **[1976: Letter to Jayatirtha](letters/1976/761217_jayatirtha)** > That the devotees refuse to follow those who do not keep strictly to the regulative principles is very nice. I will be glad to go to the Rathayatra festival in Durban next year if they will allow me into the country. --- **[1976: Letter to Vegavan](letters/1976/761217_vegavan)** > Regarding the question you have asked, you can give a very straight answer. In the beginning of creation, when all the world was water, all living entities were aquatics. ---