03 - BTG Year-2009 March

C O N T E N T S
Founded 1944. Vol. 6 No. 3 March 2009
Features
10
4 9 18
THREE KINDS OF LORD CAITANYA’S ART OF
DEVOTEES MERCY FORGIVENESS
Three levels of An irresistible offer Is forgiveness equal to
consciousness from the Supreme weakness?
Lord
Columns Departments
EVERY
T K
10 DISCIPLINE ’ K
EACHING ÅÑËA S
L 2 IDS
ETTERS
TOWN AND
AT HOME
VILLAGE 28
ÇRÉLA
M E
14 BATTLEY XPERIENCE
PRABHUPÄDA
20 CENTRES
18
WITH TERROR SPEAKS OUT IN I NDIA 30
What is the goal of life?
BOOK DISTRIBUTION
16 NECTAR VAIÑËAVA
IN YOUR OWN
26 CALENDAR 31
V P WORDS
22 RUNNING
EDIC ERSPECTIVE
FOR PEACE Which day on the EDITORIAL 32

Vaiñëava calendar has
special significance for Ten objections to India’s
you, and why? lunar mission lunacy
“Eating, sleeping, sex life, and

trying for defense, these are
common formulas both for the
animals and for the man.
Therefore a human being is
distinguished from the animal
when he enquires about
transcendence.” —p20
OUR PURPOSES
• To help all people discern reality from illusion, spirit from matter, the eternal from the temporary. • To expose the faults of materialism.
• To offer guidance in the Vedic techniques of spiritual life. • To preserve and spread the Vedic culture. • To celebrate the chanting of the
holy names of God as taught by Lord Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu • To help every living being remember and serve Çré Kåñëa, the Supreme
Personality of Godhead.
MARCH 2009 BACK TO GODHEAD 1
ÈngMarch09(latest).p65 1 2/10/2009, 2:45 PM

LETTERS
BACK TO
GODHEAD PRAYERS FOR WHAT? cessities without expecting prayers
The Magazine of the Regarding prayers to Lord from them.
Hare Krishna Movement Kåñëa, there are different views. A human being on the other
One view is that ant and elephant hand, has fully developed con-
FOUNDER
(under the direction of His Divine Grace face life on their own strength and sciousness and more is expected
Çré Çrémad Bhaktisiddhänta Sarasvaté not by praying to God. Another from him. We should thus pray for
Prabhupäda) His Divine Grace
A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupäda
view is not to ask anything from something that is befitting our sta-
God. Another view says not to ask tus as God’s children in need of His
BTG INDIA: EDITOR Çyamänanda Däsa anything material and ask only for mercy having forgotten our real
• ASSISTANTS Nima Suchak, Muräri Gupta
Däsa, Nanda Duläla Däsa, Mukunda Mälä
çraddhä, bhakti and prema. Please position. Even if we might not cur-
Däsa • CORRESPONDENT Gadädhara Paëòita clarify the above in detail. rently be at this highest position,
Däsa •PROOFREADER Rädhä Rasikräja God is mother and father. What we should endeavor to get there.
Däsa • PUBLISHER Yudhiñthira Däsa (Ujwal
Jajoo) • PRODUCTION Sat Cit Änanda Däsa
is wrong in asking mother and fa-
(Sanjiv Maheshwari), Sundar Rüpa Däsa ther? The material world is created WHY MAKE FUN OF
(Sudarshan Sapaliga) • GENERAL by God and the body needs the SCIENCE?
MANAGER (CIRCULATION) Panduraìga
Däsa (Rajendra-kumar Pujari) •ACCOUNTS
material world. If the material world I am a devotee of Lord Kåñëa,
Sahadeva Däsa (S.P. Maheshwari) is bad then God should have given but the way you make fun of sci-
• SUBSCRIBER SERVICES Manjaré Devé birth to man in another good world. ence is not acceptable, because if
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To change your address or clear up any tava päda-paìkaja-sthita-dhülé- tilators in the hospital. If you are
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PRINTING Magna Graphics Pvt. Ltd.,
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Mumbai. else. ated by Kåñëa Himself. If you still
© 2009 The Bhaktivedanta
Parents feed and take care of continue I think you are the most
Book Trust International. All their child even if he is mentally atheistic person in the world.
® rights reserved. (Trustee for the
retarded, whereas in the case of an Damodar,
Bhaktivedanta Book Trust: Jayädvaita Swami.)
ISSN: 0005-3643. Published for The
intelligent child, they reward him By e-mail
Bhaktivedanta Book Trust by Ujwal Jajoo , 33, with active service. Their relation-
Janki Kutir, Next to State Bank of Hyderabad, ship grows as the child endeavors OUR REPLY: Lord Kåñëa gives us
Juhu, Mumbai and printed by him at Magna
to serve his parents. ingredients and also the intelli-
Graphics Pvt. Ltd. 101-C&D, Govt. Industrial
Estate, Kandivli (W), Mumbai-400067, India. Similarly, lower species of life gence how to use the ingredients.
Editor: Çyamänanda Däsa, Çré Çré Rädhä- viz. ants, elephants etc, although Unfortunately, we don’t give credit
Gopénätha Temple, Chowpatty, Mumbai- 400
spirit souls do not have their con- to Kåñëa nor follow His purpose.
007, India.
sciousness developed fully. Still, the Mother Sétä is the energy of Lord
Lord provides them with their ne- Räma. When Rävaëa tried to
2 BACK TO GODHEAD MARCH 2009

V E D I C
exploit Sétä Devé, he was destroyed, trika eka-kälaù/ prapadyamänasya
whereas Kubjä had some special yathäçnataù syus tuñöiù puñöiù kñud-
T H O U G H T S
ointments meant for Kaàsa, but apäyo ‘nu-ghäsam: Devotion, direct
At the present moment the hu-
she decided to use them in service experience of the Supreme Lord,
man society teaches one to love
of Lord Kåñëa and Lord Balaräma. and detachment from other
his country or family or his per-
So everything should be used in the things—these three occur simulta-
sonal self, but there is no infor-
service of the Lord. neously for one who has taken shel-
mation where to repose the lov-
When we criticize science, we ter of the Supreme Personality of
ing propensity so that everyone
criticize the atheistic motive of the Godhead, in the same way that
can become happy. That miss-
scientists and the selfish end-usage pleasure, nourishment, and relief
ing point is Kåñëa, and The Nec-
of modern inventions. We have to from hunger come simultaneously
tar of Devotion teaches us how
examine whether the inventions and increasingly, with each bite, for
to stimulate our original love for
are helpful for society or harmful. a person engaged in eating.
Kåñëa and how to be situated in
For example, nuclear and chemi- Still, if you are not experienc-
that position where we can en-
cal weapons. Mostly, scientists are ing these symptoms, you have to in-
joy our blissful life.
atheists, expert in denying God His trospect and find out reasons.
His Divine Grace
rightful claim, and turning people Çréla Bhaktisiddhänta Sarasvaté
A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
away from Him. We will not object Öhäkura points out that sometimes
Prabhupäda,
to them if they accept that God in the course of performing devo-
Preface to The Nectar
exists, and He is the cause of all tional service, we get busy only
of Devotion
causes. with the externals. This will not lead
We are not against science if it to any nourishment in as much as
Philosophical research culmi-
is used for moral and ethical pur- one doesn’t experience nourish-
nates in understanding the Su-
poses. As for using ventilators for ment if there are worms in one’s
preme Personality of Godhead.
His Holiness Jayapatäka Mahäräja, stomach.
After achieving this under-
this usage in serving the pure devo- If we are not experiencing any
standing, when one becomes
tee of the Lord has definitely advancement in spiritual life, then
free from the material modes of
earned the inventor a lot of spiri- we should check whether we are
nature he attains the stage of
tual credits. accepting guidance. Çréla Rupa
devotional service. Either by
Gosvämé mentions in Bhakti-
devotional service directly or by
DOES KÅÑËA rasämåta-sindhu that taking shelter
philosophical research, one has
UNDERSTAND ME? of a bona fide spiritual master is one
to find the same destination,
Kåñëa takes the essence of one’s of the first activities of devotional
which is the Supreme Personal-
devotional mentality. I am trying service (ädau gurväçrayam). If we
ity of Godhead.
seriously to become a good devo- are doing so, we can be rest assured
Lord Kapiladeva,
tee for the past six years. Still, that we are on the right path, even
Çrémad-Bhägavatam 3.32.32
somehow or other I am not able to though we might not be experienc-
become a good devotee. Will Kåñëa ing great spiritual ecstasy at the
Give up all fear and shyness and
understand me? current moment. If we aren’t al-
take shelter of the merciful Lord
Gaurav Talwalkar, ready seeking shelter, we should do
Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu. He
By email so at the earliest.
rescues the most wicked of heart,
and therefore He is known as
OUR REPLY: Yes, surely. Kåñëa is Replies to the letters were written by
patita-pävana, “the savior of the
taking essence of your devotional Nanda Duläla Däsa.
fallen.”
mentality even at this very mo-
Çréla Narottama Däsa Öhäkura,
ment. Write to us at:
Prärthanä
Çré Kavi, one of the nine Back To Godhead, 3rd Floor, 302,
Yogendras mentions, bhaktiù Amrut Industrial Estate, Western
pareçänubhavo viraktir anyatra caiña Highway, Mira Road (E) 401104.

FOUNDER’S LECTURE
Våndävana, October 23, 1972
Three Kinds
of Devotees
Three levels of consciousness
by His Divine Grace

A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupäda
Founder-Äcärya of The International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
Pradyumna (reading): ished perpetually. When one is

Generally, neophyte devotees are thus engaged in devotional ser-
anxious to see Kåñëa, or God, but vice all varieties of rasas or mel-
God cannot be seen or known by lows turn into eternity. In the
our present materially blunt beginning one is trained accord-
senses. The process of devotional ing to the principles of regulation
service as it is recommended in under the guidance of the äcärya
The Nectar of Devotion will gradu- or spiritual master, and gradually,
ally elevate one from the mate- when one is elevated, devotional
rial condition of life to the spiri- service becomes automatic and
tual status wherein the devotee spontaneous eagerness to serve
becomes purified of all designa- Kåñëa. There are twelve kinds of
tions. The senses can then be- rasa, as will be explained in this
come uncontaminated, being book, and by renovating our re-
constantly in touch with bhakti- lationship with Kåñëa in five pri-
rasa. When the purified senses mary rasas we can live eternally
are employed in the service of the in full knowledge and bliss.
Lord, one becomes situated in Prabhupäda: There are three
bhakti-rasa life, and any action kinds of devotional stages:
performed for the satisfaction of kaniñöha adhikära, lower stage, the
Kåñëa in this transcendental madhyama adhikära, middle stage,
bhakti-rasa stage of life can be rel- and uttama adhikära. So the

kaniñöha-adhikära means: lower stage thinks that he’s worship- ways under the service of Kåñëa. So
ing the Deity very nicely so he has anyone who is giving service to
arcäyäm eva haraye realized Kåñëa. No. Na tad-bhakteñu Kåñëa, we should take care of them
püjäà yaù çraddhayehate cänyeñu sa bhaktaù präkåtaù småtaù. also. We should offer our respect.
na tad-bhakteñu cänyeñu We have to make further advance- It is stated in Bhakti-rasämåta-
sa bhaktaù präkåtaù småtaù ment. Kåñëa does not mean alone. sindhu that if a devotee is coming,
Kåñëa’s devotees are especially al- and there is no one to receive him,
A devotee who faithfully en- ways with Kåñëa. Therefore when then a püjäré engaged in Deity wor-
gages in the worship of the Deity we recognize a devotee of Kåñëa ship may stop Deity worship for the
in the temple but does not behave and offer him respect as devotee time being and should go immedi-
properly toward other devotees or of Kåñëa that is further advance- ately to receive the devotee. Kåñëa
people in general is called a präkåta- ment. also says mad-bhakta-püjä
bhakta, a materialistic devotee, and In the madhyam-adhikäré stage, abhyadhika. Kåñëa is satisfied more
is considered to be in the lowest or in further advancement of de- when a devotee worships His devo-
position. (Bhag. 11.2.47)
In the lower stage, the devotee is
engaged in Deity worship. It is not Deity worship is not lower than medita-
that Deity worship is lower than
meditation. Deity worship is the be- tion. Deity worship is the beginning of
ginning of devotional service. How devotional service.
to approach the Deity, how to
cleanse the floor, how to change the
dress, flower, how to make äraté—
everything is mentioned in detail in votional service, one can see four tee. Kåñëa says, “If one is worship-
the Bhakti-rasämåta-sindhu. categories. ing Me and one is worshiping My
One who is not advanced, he devotee, then the person who is
cannot see Kåñëa properly. When éçvare tad-adhéneñu worshiping the devotee, he’s more
we speak of Kåñëa, He is not alone. bäliçeñu dviñatsu ca important than the person who is
Just like if we speak of king, “The prema-maitré-kåpopekñä worshiping Kåñëa.”
king is coming,” it does not mean yaù karoti sa madhyamaù Therefore in the Gurvañöaka by
the king is coming alone. His min- Viçvanätha Cakravarté Öhäkura, it
isters, his secretaries, his military “The intermediate Vaiñëava has is said there: Yasya prasädäd
commanders, his queens, his ser- to love God, make friends with the bhagavad-prasädo yasya aprasädäd
vants, so many other servitors of the devotees, instruct the innocent and na gatiù kuto ‘pi: “By the mercy of
king, they are also coming. Kåñëa reject jealous people. These are the the spiritual master one receives the
says in the Bhagavad-gétä, ahaà four functions of the Vaiñëava in benediction of Kåñëa. Without the
sarvasya prabhavaù [Bg. 10.8]. Kåñëa the intermediate stage.” [Cc. grace of the spiritual master, one
is the root of all emanations: Kåñëa’s Madhya 22.64] cannot make any advancement.”
expansion, Kåñëa’s different types The best devotee is the spiritual
of energies, paräsya çaktir vividhaiva ADVANCED DEVOTEE master. Unless one is devotee, pure
çrüyate [Cc. Madhya 13.65, purport]. When we are further advanced, devotee, how he can be spiritual
He has got multi-energies, out of we not only see Kåñëa, but also His master? Spiritual master means rep-
which the äcäryas have taken three devotees. We can recognize, “Here resentative of God. So who can
principal energies, the external is a pure devotee of Kåñëa.” In the become representative of God?
energy, the internal energy, the lower stage a devotee is concerned Unless he is twenty-four hours en-
marginal energy. And Kåñëa’s in- with Deity worship; he does not gaged in the service of God, Kåñëa,
carnations and expansions—all to- take much care of the devotees. But how he can be spiritual master? This
gether mean Kåñëa. when one is advanced further, he is also explained by Viçvanätha
can see Kåñëa and His devotees Cakravarté Öhäkura säkñäd-
THE KANIÑÖHA-ADHIKÄRÉ also. Éçvara tad-adhéna. Tad-adhéna dharitvena samasta-çästraiù. The
The kaniñöha-adhikäré in the means devotees. Devotees are al- spiritual master is described as as

good as Hari, the Supreme Person- teach to address amongst the devo- living entity is originally a devotee
ality of Godhead, because the tees “Prabhu,” “Such and such of Kåñëa. But circumstantially, be-
spiritual master is representative of Prabhu.” This should not be simply ing covered by the coat of mäyä,
Kåñëa, the most confidential ser- spoken by the lips. It should be he’s playing like demon. But his
vant of Kåñëa. realized. Everyone should think original nature is a devotee of
But the spiritual master does not other devotee as his prabhu, master. Kåñëa.
think of himself as Hari. Although He should try not to become Bhakti, devotional service be-
he’s offered the respect of Hari, he master. gins when one is actually self-real-
thinks himself as humble servant of ized. Before that, sa bhaktaù
Hari and all others. A spiritual tåëäd api sunécena präkåtaù småtaù. Anyone who has
master takes disciples as his spiritual taror api sahiñëunä got the identification of this body,
master. He thinks, “Kåñëa has sent amäninä mänadena he is engaged in Deity worship, but
me so many spiritual masters.” He kértanéyaù sadä hariù he does not actually realize his self,
does not think himself as spiritual he does not know who is a devo-
master. He thinks himself their “One can chant the holy name tee, and he does not know his duty
servant, because Kåñëa has ap- of the Lord in a humble state of to other persons, he remains a
pointed him to train them. There- mind, thinking himself lower than präkåta-bhakta. Präkåta-bhakta
fore he thinks himself as servant of the straw in the street. One should means he’s situated on the material
the disciples. This is the position. be more tolerant than the tree, platform, but under the direction
So when one is advanced, he can devoid of all sense of false prestige of spiritual master, under the direc-
see the importance of devotees. and ready to offer all respects to tion of the çästras, he’s trying to im-
The advanced devotee never others. In such a state of mind one prove his condition of material ex-
disobeys or disrespects another can chant the holy name of the istence. That is called präkåta-
devotee. Disrespect to another Lord constantly.” (Çikñäñöaka 3) bhakta. We should not remain per-
devotee is a great offense, vaiñëava- We should be always ready to petually a präkåta-bhakta. We must
aparädha. Vaiñëava-aparädha is a offer respect to all, not only devo- improve to the level of madhyama-
very serious offense. Therefore we tees, but everyone, because every bhakta. Madhyama-bhakta means he

knows what is God, and what is lowest.” human form of life, but you are
Kåñëa’s devotee. He knows the utilizing it like animals—eating,
people in general, and he knows tåëäd api sunécena sleeping, mating, and defending.
the atheistic persons. Four catego- taror api sahiñëunä You may be very great political
ries of persons manifest before him. amäninä mänadena... leader, but your engagement is like
We may artificially say, “In my view, animal.” That is the fact.
everyone is the same...” That is, of He wants to give respect to ev- What these politicians do? They
course, higher stage. Paëòitäù sama- eryone, but he doesn’t expect any make arrangement for eating, sleep-
darçinaù [Bg. 5.18]. But we should respect for himself. If one wants ing, mating, and defending. That’s
not imitate that stage. Because we respect for oneself, that means he’s all. They promise, “I shall give you
are in the neophyte stage, we should still kaniñöha-adhikäré. A mahä- nice eating. You give me vote.
not imitate the vision of mahä- bhägavata is ready to give respect Make me minister of food. I shall
bhägavata. Mahä-bhägavata does not even to the ant. And for himself give you enough food.” Or so many
see anyone as non-devotee. He sees he doesn’t want any respect. That other things, they falsely promise,
everyone as a better devotee than is mahä-bhägavata. A devotee or rightly promise. Actually, minis-
himself. Just like Kåñëadäsa Kaviräja should not only give respect to the ter or minister’s father no one can
Gosvämé. He writes in the Caitanya- devotees, but he should try to make give you food. The food is supplied
caritämåta: others into devotee. That means by Kåñëa. Eko bahünäà yo vidadhäti
preaching. kämän: the Lord is supplying
jagäi mädhäi haite muïi se päpiñöha What is the meaning of preach- everyone’s necessities.
puréñera kéöa muïi se lagiñöha ing? People are engaged in mate-
rial activities, and the preacher MADHYAM-ADHIKÄRÉ
“I am a worse sinner than Jagäi should approach them and say,
and Mädhäi and am even lower “You are spoiling your time, my éçvare tad-adhéneñu
than the worms in the stool.” dear sir. You become a devotee of bäliçeñu dviñatsu ca
He’s not pretending. Actually, a Kåñëa.” This is preaching. “You are prema-maitré-kåpopekñä
mahä-bhägavata, thinks, “I am the simply spoiling. You have got this yaù karoti sa madhyamaù
The kaniñöha-adhikäré is just

learning how to become devotee
and he is, by regulative principles,
engaged in Deity worship, and
gradually he’s raised to the platform
of madhyam-adhikäré. Madhyam-
adhikäré means he knows what is the
position of God, Kåñëa what is the
position of devotee, what is the
position of people in general, and
what is the position of an atheist.
éçvare tad-adhéna, or the devotees;
bäliça means innocent persons.
And dviñatsu means envious. There
are many persons, who as soon as
(Left to right) Kaniñöha adhikäré is

only interested in going to a temple.
A madhyama adhikäré teaches
innocent people about Kåñëa. By
mercy of an uttama adhikäré or
spiritual master one
recieves the benidiction of Kåñëa

they hear something about God them. And not to waste his time The best example is Caitanya
become immediately irritated. That with the demons who are not in- Mahäprabhu. He’s Kåñëa Himself,
is called dviñatsu, demon. So a terested in the matter of God. but He’s playing the part of mahä-
madhyam-adhikäré devotee can see bhägavata. He never discussed
these four kinds of persons: the MAHÄ-BHÄGAVATA Kåñëa’s rasa-lélä publicly. He simply
Supreme Personality of Godhead When you are raised to the dealt with ordinary persons by
Kåñëa; His devotees; innocent highest platform of devotional ser- chanting Hare Kåñëa mantra and
persons; and the atheist class, de- vice, then there is no more whenever there were scholars and
mons. So he treats all these four dviñatsu. No more friends, no more philosophers like Särvabhauma
classes accordingly. enemies. A mahä-bhägavata sees Bhaööäcärya, Prakäçänanda
He tries to love God. He tries that “Everyone is engaged in the Sarasvaté, He talked philosophy,
to make friendship with the devo- service of the Lord, except me.” Vedänta-sütra. And when there was
tees and not become envious of That is mahä-bhägavata’s vision. But high-class devotee like Rämänanda
them. If the devotee is uttama- we should not imitate that. A mahä- Räya, He discussed about Kåñëa’s
adhikäré, he should take lessons bhägavata feels like that, that “I am lélä. Not that with everyone He dis-
from him. If he’s equal, then he the lowest.” Just like Bhaktivinoda cussed Kåñëa’s lélä. No. Neither did
should make friends with him. And Öhäkura has sung, ämära jévana, He discuss philosophy with every-
one. For the general public, so long
He remained at Jagannätha Puré,
every evening, He was simply or-
Our aim is to become devotee of Rädhä-Kåñëa, ganizing great saìkértana party, four
but to know how to become devotees of Rädhä- hours, at least. Although He’s
Kåñëa Himself, He’s playing the
Kåñëa, we must study these books, Bhakti-
part of äcärya, playing the part of
rasämåta-sindhu especially. devotee.
So we should follow Caitanya
Mahäprabhu, the six Gosvämés,
if he’s lower, then he should try to sadä päpe rata, nähiko puëyera leña. and gradually, let us learn what de-
help him to become a higher devo- He says, “My life is always engaged votional service is, and how to ex-
tee. in sinful activities. I’ve not a trace ecute it. Everything is very nicely
With Éçvara, God, he simply tries of pious activity. I have given so explained in the Bhakti-rasämåta-
to increase love for Kåñëa, Yato much distress to all other living sindhu which we have presented
bhaktir adhokñaje. How I can ren- entities.” He’s representing com- herewith as The Nectar of Devotion,
der better service to Kåñëa? This is mon man. But he’s feeling like that. the complete science of bhakti-yoga.
one business. Another business is It is not that he is artificially speak- So first of all, we should take
to make friendship with anyone ing. Just like Rädhäräëé. She thinks advantage of these granthas, and
who is devotee. To those who are always Herself as the lowest of the then gradually make progress.
innocent just like a child, simple, devotees. She feels that the other Narottama Däsa Öhäkura
who are not offenders, devotee gopés are better qualified to serve therefore says:
tries to preach Kåñëa consciousness. Kåñëa. And She is not so much
Those who are dviñatsu, demons, qualified. Therefore in Våndävana, rüpa-raghunätha-pade haibe äkuti
simply against God, devotees avoid you’ll find, the devotees approach kabe häma bujhabo çré yugala-péri...
them. Don’t go to them for preach- Rädhäräëé. “Jaya Rädhe.” Because
ing. Neither to love them. Of if Rädhäräëé advocates for him to Our aim is to become devotee
course, everyone should be loved, Kåñëa, he will be very easily ac- of Rädhä-Kåñëa, but to know how
but according to the time and cir- cepted. If Rädhäräëé’s pleased, to become devotees of Rädhä-
cumstances. So for a preacher who then She represents the devotee’s Kåñëa, we must study these books,
is trying to do good to the inno- case that “Here is a devotee. He’s Bhakti-rasämåta-sindhu especially.
cent persons—who do not know better than Me. Kindly accept his Thank you very much. (end)
what is God, how to love God—a service Kåñëa.” So Kåñëa cannot
preacher’s business is to teach deny.

LORD C AITANYA’ S M ERCY
An irresistible offer from the Supreme Lord
by Hari Caitanya Thamnineedi
W
hat is the current situa so one may get confused as to what we need not return anything! No
tion of the world? Mis to chant. For this reason, very re- need of any documents, or any se-
eries and suffering ev- cently the Supreme Lord Himself curity. Just take it to your heart and
eryday. Terrorist attacks, global came as Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu propagate this offer to all the un-
warming, deadly diseases, earth- and propagated the congregational fortunate people who are not yet
quakes, floods. The list goes on. chanting of the holy names in In- the recipients of the offer. This will
But there is hope. dia, Hare Kåñëa, Hare Kåñëa, Kåñëa be your repayment!
God has decided to give an of- Kåñëa, Hare Hare/ Hare Räma, Now let us analyze this matter
fer to uplift ourselves from this mis- Hare Räma, Räma Räma, Hare as a business transaction. If we are
erable condition of life. How? By Hare. He openly distributed this given some loan which need not be
giving personal loans of repaid back and
His special mercy. God also is actually giv-
is our father, our best ing us something
friend, and our ever very valuable to our
well-wisher. He is su- lives without taking
preme, so He can give much of our time
unlimitedly—so much and energy, then
that you can’t take it all what’s wrong in
with your limited po- giving it a try?
tential. This is the offer There is no ques-
from that Supreme Per- tion of this not
son who owns and con- working, as
trols everything. When many people
we take a loan from any since long time
bank of this material are experienc-
world, we undergo tening a joyful and
sion and suffer mental blissful life. An
disorders. gift without considering if the re- intelligent person
ceiver was fit or unfit and this has will think, “Why
WHAT IS THE OFFER? been the policy of His bank ever should we be barred from some-
The offer is the gift of the most since. Everyone can take this loan: thing which has benefited so many
valuable commodity in the entire children, young, old, men, women, people?”
existence: the Lord’s holy name. people of all caste, creed, color etc. We are not exaggerating the ef-
Just by chanting the names such as It is clearly mentioned in the fects of the gift. All major religions
Kåñëa, Alläh, Jehoväh, Räma, etc., holy scriptures that whoever takes recommend chanting the holy
all auspiciousness will dawn into your to the chanting of the holy names name of Lord.
life; you will be freed from all suf- of lord, all his material sufferings Christ glorified the Lord’s holy
ferings and miseries of this world. will come to an end. name: “Our Father thou art in
There are many names of Lord, The best part of the offer is that (please turn to page 15)

T E A C H I N G K Å Ñ Ë A’S K I D S
DISCIPLINE
AT HOME
Handling misbehavior carefully
By Aruddhä Devé Däsé
M
any parents have asked matically the children will obey shall be successful in educating
me the question: “How because they want to please their them to the topmost standard.
did you discipline your parents. Of course the center of Then they shall always very hap-
children? How do you motivate that love is Kåñëa and when we pily agree to do whatever you ask
them to learn?” serve Kåñëa together, a spiritual them.” (Letter, 1972)
Love was Çréla Prabhupäda’s for- bond is established in the family When we raise our children with
mula for discipline. He said that if which is much more powerful than Kåñëa in the center, they become
we can get the children to obey the material bonds we already pos- saintly in character. The transcen-
through love then that is better sess. Çréla Prabhupäda said in a let- dental heroes of the Bhägavatam
than force or punishment. If there ter, “…if we train children by de- become their role models. The chil-
is love and trust between the par- veloping and encouraging their dren emulate these heroes in their
ents and the children, then auto- propensity to love Kåñëa, then we play and begin to reflect their char-

encourages a relationship of love when parents give both love and
and trust between us and the chil- good training, accompanied by
dren. When there is love and trust, their own example, the children
there is obedience. Then a child will be disciplined, motivated to
wants to please his parents, and dis- learn, and happy. Prabhupäda said
cipline becomes very easy. that children should both love and
The desire to please the parents fear their teachers.
is natural for children if they are Prabhupäda did not want teach-
loved. Pleasing their parents be- ers to use force or severe punish-
comes their reward for things done ment to get children to do what is
well. The parents shower the chil- expected of them. Rather, obedi-
dren with constant encouragement ence can be generated through
and applause. They show their love proper training. Çréla Prabhupäda
by feeding them nice prasäda and said, “Simply they should be en-
working with them on all kinds of gaged in such a way that they are
Kåñëa conscious activities. They somehow or other remembering
chant and serve the Deities to- Kåñëa at every moment, that’s all.
gether. In this kind of relationship It is not a mechanical process, that
there is no pressure on the parents if we force in such a way they will
to give monetary or any kind of ma- come out like this, no. We are per-
terial rewards to the children and sons, and Kåñëa is a Person, and our
in turn the children feel happy and relationship with Kåñëa He leaves
proud to be their students. Mate- open as a voluntary agreement al-
rial rewards are not good because ways, and that voluntary attitude—
by that the children learn that the Yes, Kåñëa, I shall gladly co-oper-
mark of success is material profit. ate whatever you say—that ready
willingness to obey is only possible
GIVE GOD NOT GOODS if there is love.
Nowadays we see that parents (Letter, 18 Nov, 1972)
give all material facilities to their In a conversation, Çréla
children but will not allow them to Prabhupäda also says, “Superfi-
read Bhagavad-gétä, go to the cially, strictness may be necessary—
temple, or join a spiritual organiza- some material laws or basic prin-
tion. When the children are ciples—and if they don’t follow,
trained only for sense gratification, they’ll be reprimanded. But they
we should not be surprised if they should develop the idea of love.”
become disobedient and disrespect-
ful to elders. DEALING WITH
acter. For example, if one associates Real love means to give our MISBEHAVIOR
with thieves he will become a thief, children spiritual training so that One thing that worked well for
or if one associates with a business- they become Kåñëa conscious. Par- us in dealing with our children’s
man, he will become a businessman. ents who want to flood their chil- naughtiness and misbehavior was to
Similarly, one can become saintly in dren with material things and al- keep them always engaged in some
the association of saintly devotees. low them to do anything they want Kåñëa conscious activity. If the chil-
Children take seriously whatever without setting limits will not get dren are not sufficiently engaged
they see their parents do and if we good behavior from them. Rather, it is natural that they will create
are self-disciplined the children will the children will develop low self- problems and demand attention.
also be the same. We should teach esteem. On the other hand, when We should channel their naughti-
not just by precept but by example parents force their children to obey ness into productive behavior, so
and see our children as servants of out of fear of punishment, they may that they can spend their energy
Kåñëa. This kind of understanding become rebellious later in life. But and be happy and active. Children

are playful by nature; we should not of forced discipline involving physi- cipline. Children obey because of
try to curb their playfulness but cal punishment or beating. Using affection and respect for their
rather dovetail their energy to force is not only against Vedic prin- teachers and parents. This kind of
Kåñëa conscious activities. ciples but can also drive away chil- environment motivates the chil-
The whole purpose of punish- dren from Kåñëa consciousness by dren to learn and they become just
ment is to change the heart, not giving them a bad taste. like sponges for knowledge.
just to instill fear. Prabhupäda of- “If there is need you may shake
ten gave the example of the thief your finger at them but never physi- Aruddhä Devé Däsi is a disciple
who commits theft despite know- cal punishment is allowed. Try as of His Holiness Gopäla Kåñëa
ing that he will be punished, be- far as possible to discipline them Gosvämé Mahäräja. She home-
cause his heart has not been puri- with love and affection, so that schooled her two children in USA,
fied. So the solution is to help the they develop a taste for austerity of where she resides with her family. Her
children control their senses life and think it great fun to serve older son, Rädhikä Ramaëa Däsa (Dr.
through Kåñëa consciousness. The Kåñëa in many ways. Rising early Ravi Gupta), holds a Ph.D in Hin-
Bhagavad-gétä says that by getting a and mangala-äraté, this is enough duism from Oxford. He entered Boise
higher taste one can give up lower austerity. Besides that, let them State University at the age of 13,
tendencies. The same principle ap- learn something, chant, dance, eat where he completed dual B.A. degrees
plies to children. If we engage them as much prasäda as they like, and in Philosophy and Mathematics with
properly in Kåñëa conscious activi- do not mind if they have playful highest honors. Her second son
ties, they will give up their desires nature—let them also play and run, Gopäla Hari Däsa (Gopal Gupta) is
to misbehave, and even if they ac- that is natural. It is nice if they eat currently working towards his Ph.D
cidentally misbehave they will un- often—if children overeat it in Science and Religion at Oxford
derstand and reform quickly. If they doesn’t matter, that is no mistake.” University. He entered Boise State
still don’t reform some light pun- (Letter to Aniruddha, 1972). University at the age of 12 where he
ishment may be necessary. Çréla Prabhupäda said that the completed a bachelor’s degree and
Personally I did not punish my children should be so trained that M.Tech. in Electrical Engineering
children but only verbally cor- they enjoy performing austerities with highest honors.
rected them and scolded them for Kåñëa. Good training can only Readers interested in learning
when they were naughty or did not be done if there is obedience, and more can join her internet group
do what they were supposed to. A obedience will naturally lead to dis- www.krishnahomeschool.com
firm voice and stern look was usu-
ally enough. I tried to use the posi-
tive method as far as possible. They W
understood that Kåñëa would not Blunders N E UMN
L
be pleased with them if they mis- CO
behaved and in the process, we too
Remember the day
would not be happy with them. I when you failed to control your
did not use the “grounding” or angry words. Or the errors in
“time out” method. I felt that de- preaching that put a newcomer
nying them some Kåñëa conscious off—till now.
time, food or association is unnec- Here is a column to share
essary and goes against the principle the mistakes and blunders that
of making them Kåñëa conscious. you have made after coming to
Children become irritable and re- Kåñëa consciousness, and how
sentful by frequent grounding, and they affected preaching,
ultimately begin to take it lightly. relationships etc. Share them
Çréla Prabhupäda was against so that others learn from them
punishing children by not giving and not repeat the history.
them prasäda. It is very important Write to us at:
for children to eat to their full satis- ed.btgindia@pamho.net
faction. He was also against any kind Subject: Blunders


MY EXPERIENCE
BATTLE WITH
TERROR
by Nilesh Ghosalkar

I
am a constable in Maharashtra either side. Around 20 feet from the even experiences from every day life.
Police. I have received special window on the first floor, we were
training in the use of fire-arms pounded by a deafening blast from Write to us at:
and have fought in numerous po- a grenade, followed by heavy assault ed.btgindia@pamho.net
lice encounters against gangsters. I fire. I ducked but lost all sense of Subject: My experience
was therefore picked for the rescue direction as thick black smoke
operation in The Taj during the blinded me completely. When the
November 26 terror attacks in smoke cleared, my two colleagues lay
Mumbai. on the floor—dead. I was unhurt; a
Life for me is like walking on a pillar stood between me and the Lord Caitanya’s mercy
razor’s edge: adventurous, danger- bullets and exploding shrapnel. (Continued from page 9)
ous—and uncertain. For support I was dazed. I could not retreat, Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name.”
and strength I listen to Nåsiàha nor go ahead; my buddies were dead. (Matthew 6:9)
Praëäma on my mobile phone. I I took deep breaths and played the Guru Nanak prayed: “In the
N å s i à h a ambrosial hours of the morning I
Praëäma again. meditate on the grace of the true
As the holy vi- name.”
b r a t i o n s Muslims repeatedly chant the
reached from 99 sacred names of Allah on their
my ears to my prayer beads.
heart, I regained Buddhists also practice repetition
my composure of the name of Lord Buddha (namu

and reassessed amida butsu).
the situation. Sanätana-dharma recommends
Later we be- the chanting of the Hare Kåñëa

gan a combined mahä-mantra:
attack from the
front and back. viceyäni vicäryäëi
Sharpshooters vicintyäni punaù punaù
mounted on a kåpaëasya dhanänéva
fire-fighter tvan-nämäni bhavantu naù
staircase and
(Left) Nilesh standing behind the fatefull pillar that saved him. from the front, O Lord, just as a miser continu-
(Above) Nilesh with the Lord of his life, Nåsiàha Deva. they arose to the ally collects, counts, and remem-
also have photos of my temple Dei- level of the first floor and took po- bers his money, in the same way let
ties, lectures, and Hare Kåñëa sition. We fired relentlessly from us continually collect, count, and
kértana on it. So when I was called inside the hotel. Then a rocket remember Your holy names. (Çré
for duty that night I played the launcher hurled a bomb that set the Bhavänanda, from Çréla Rüpa
Nåsiàha Praëäma and felt the pres- room ablaze. The terrorist, his body Gosvämé’s Padyävalé.)
ence of the Lord with me. now in flames, jumped out of the So no other bank in the world
When we reached the hotel, I window to meet his death. can give us such a fantastic offer
was assigned to combat a terrorist I prayed to Lord Nåsiàha Deva. with so many benefits. Therefore
on the first floor. The terrorist was He is always with me. He came out let us celebrate this new year with
in a duplex. He would climb the of a pillar to save His devotee extra bliss by chanting the holy
internal staircase and fire from Prahläda Mahäräja, but for me He names of the Lord.
first, second or third floor—so con- came as a pillar. So hurry up!
fusing us about his actual position.
He could see us in open and well- BTG welcomes articles for this Hari Chaitanya Thamnineedi has
lit area, while he hid in dark. column based on readers’ experiences Bachelors Degree in Chemical Engg.
Amidst cross-fire I moved ahead with the Deities, holy name, sacred and is currently working with a mul-
with two other soldiers, one on my books, dhäma, spiritual master—or tinational company.

BOOK DISTRIBUTION NECTAR
PROTECTED BY KÅÑËA take care of this man.” dangers at every step in this mate-
The December book distribution “And you,” they turned to the rial world, Lord Kåñëa especially
marathon in Mumbai started right man, “Why are you harassing protects His devotees.
after the notorious terrorist attacks Panditji? You did not want a book
at CST railway station and other and he is not bothering you. Why CLEANING THE ECOLOGY
places. The atmosphere was tense are you having problems when he I had an experience recently
and full of suspicion and mistrust. is giving books to others?” which made me remember Çréla
Devotees had planned to distribute They silenced the man. Prabhupäda very much and made
books at prominent railway stations The destination arrived. Every me think what he would say in such
and also in local trains, but the at-
tack had raised fears of uncertainty
about the reaction of commuters as
well as the railway authorities. Will
the permissions be canceled? Will the
authorities allow distribution of
Bhagavad-gétä in public places when
the communal tension was so high?
December 1 arrived, and the
devotees began the first stall. It went
on without any obstacle.
One devotee, Bhakta Balaji, a
Phd. holder, recalls his experience:
One day I was distributing
Bhagavad-gétä in the second class
compartment of local trains. As I
finished my short announcement,
one man standing at the far end
called me. I went nearer. His face,
eyes and even his ears had turned
red. Burning with fury, he shouted,
“I am an ex-army man. India is a
secular country, how can you dis-
tribute these books here?”
I decided not to answer back. I
smiled and ignoring him walked
back and began to show books to
other commuters.
But sensing some commotion one got down. But when I got a situation.
behind I turned back. My lack of down, the man began to follow me. I was approached by college stu-
answer had only further infuriated Seeing this, these six men immedia- dents who were taking a course in
the man and he had come closer. tely surrounded me and made a Environmental Politics. They loved
He looked threatening; probably protective cordon around me. For- it, and they were taking interviews
intending to hit me. tunately we had a book stall at that for their teacher with great
Suddenly six people got up si- station. These men accompanied enthusiasm. They wanted to
multaneously from different cor- me to the stall where other devo- interview somebody spiritual with
ners of the compartment. “Stop!” tees were present. Seeing them, the their video camera. I decided to try
they shouted at the man. “You go man left. to say exactly what Prabhupäda
Panditji,” they said to me, “we will I realized that although there are would say in order to make it short

and concise. BOOK REVIEW
I told them the only way to a
clean environment would be to
start from the inside with the your inner vision is the next step
chanting of Hare Kåñëa, Hare inviting the reader to discover the
Kåñëa, Kåñëa Kåñëa, Hare Hare/ power of clear thinking and men-
Hare Räma, Hare Räma, Räma tal power born out of spiritual edu-
Räma, Hare Hare. I told them that cation.
we have materialistic dust upon our A clear thinking pattern also
hearts and we need to chant to begs for avoidance of contamina-
clear it away. If we don’t start clean- tions and the next chapter brings
ing from the inside then all the leg- out the positive purifying habits
islation or conferences will have no that deal not just with association
effect because people will go back with God and His people but also
to their same unclean habits. tells us how to develop meaning-
They asked, “But do you Hare ful, loving, and enthusiastic rela-
Kåñëas have anything else to clean tionships—something that is sure
up the environment?” to act as a soft shock-absorber in
Size: 11x15cm, Pages: 128, Price: Rs. 20/-, the current turbulent times.
I said, “Our dormant love for Softbound
God and one another has turned Well, all this may seem simple
into lust due to material association. Recession–Adversity or common sense, something you may
We must transform that lust back Opportunity, by BTG author say that you always knew in the
into love by chanting the mantra. Caitanya Caraëa Däsa, comes at a back of your mind, but the credit
That is the most effective way by time when the world is facing the goes to the author to bring these
which the environment will be re- worst economic scenario after the subtle truths right under the spot-
stored to its natural condition.” great depression of 1928. light. The simple facts of life are
“I agree,” the girl replied. “I had The title of the book promises exposed by specific case studies—
tried to renounce everything by liv- to turn this grim crisis into a bright both from modern life as well as
ing on a beach for one week and it chance, but, as the pages unfold, it tradition—to present human re-
was a most beautiful experience. Do presents not a prescription to sponse in uncommon situations. It
you Hare Kåñëas renounce every- money making—as the title might seeks your focus and stirs your in-
thing?” have suggested—but a deeper per- telligence bringing you to the point
“You cannot renounce things spective of personal growth. of putting your faith in the prin-
artificially,” I replied. “If you listen The book views the recession as ciples and more importantly, con-
to the radio or watch TV, you pro- a man-made horror born out of vincing you to go for the change.
gram yourself to go out shopping malpractices of greedy brokers, As Ralph Waldo Emerson, an
or buy that new car. So why not set bankers, and customers. The begin- ardent fan of the Bhagavad-gétä
your mind straight spiritually by ning with its descriptions of birds once said about it, “I owed a mag-
hearing the mantra, Hare Kåñëa soaring effortlessly in the vast sky nificent day to the Bhagavad-gétä.
Hare Kåñëa Kåñëa Kåñëa Hare has a magical effect of soothing a It was the first of books…the voice
Hare Hare Räma Hare Räma Räma passionate heart and preparing the of an old intelligence which in an-
Räma Hare Hare. If you chant first reader for more attentive and fo- other age and climate had pon-
thing in the morning then you will cused reading. dered and thus disposed of the same
not spend your whole day pollut- Then it discusses recession, its questions which exercise us.”
ing the environment, but you will pathogenesis, world-wide effects, The wisdom worked for him;
think of Kåñëa and serve Kåñëa and finally embarks upon the treat- and it will work for you.
instead.” ment plan. The first process offered (To obtain copies write to Krishna
Again, “But is there anything is the sane advice to simplify your Kishor at
else that you Hare Kåñëas do to save life—live with modest means and krishnakishoredas@gmail.com)
the environment?” resist the compelling call of a lav-
(please turn to page 21) ish but expensive lifestyle. Clarify

ART OF
FORGIVENESS
When the world is facing unprecedented violence, forgiveness may be equated
with weakness, construed as an invitation to let evil loose upon the world.
Nothing could be further from the truth, as this essay shows.
by Dämodara Paëdita Däsa
W
hat doth it profit a man if he breeds sin but
kills the sinner!” Assuredly, vice begets but
vice. What could one ever expect from a
heart that is putrefied by the murky waters of illusion?
Nothing more than spawning ground for anger, envy,
greed, false pride, duplicity, deceit . . . Hate and intoler-
ance are devouring up man’s divine inclinations and
polluting his reason. Can we save our souls by stockpil-
ing nuclear armament or seek consolation in ultra hi-
tech advancement or instill hope by daily enacting inane
anti/preventive statutes? What gain is there for the soul
if the body is killed? How treacherous is this modern
history!
In utter frustration, we must turn to the timeless
teachings of the Vedas for consolation and inspiration.
God is love personified. That divine love is like a bound-
less ocean. Just as each drop of ocean water tastes salty,
so also, compassion pervades every minute atom of God’s
love. Tolerance, forgiveness, humility generosity, self-
lessness, sacrifice, and empathy are some of the innu-
merable waves of this ambrosial prema-sindhu.
Not surprisingly, both saints and sinners have a lot to
do with forgiveness. The spotless saint doles out forgive-
ness, freely, regardless of caste and creed; whereas the
condemned sinner pleads desperately for it, because that
and only that can assuage the intense pangs of guilt and
remorse that haunt him day and night. Conclusively,
forgiveness is as crucial to the heart of a suffering soul as

air to the lungs in times of asphyxia. and killed Çiçupäla out of revenge. classic example of the forgiving
When God, the compassionate Rather, Kåñëa’s compassionate nature of God’s love. Conclusively,
Father, desires to extend His two heart felt great pity. Understand- love reveals the presence of for-
helping hands of comfort and re- ing that His cousin was too de- giveness and forgiveness testifies to
lief toward a condemned son, fallen praved to acknowledge those con- the existence of love.
by the wayside that act of mercy tinuous acts of forgiveness, Kåñëa Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu’s
brings shame, remorse and, even- liberated Çiçupäla from debased golden formula for forgiveness:
tually, gratitude to the Father FOR envy by the all-auspicious If one accepts that others, like
- GIVING that rejected soul an- Sudarçana cakra. Being completely himself, are not perfect, basic tol-
other chance. It would not be a fan- purified by the touch of that divine erance comes to the rescue of such
ciful exaggeration to presume that disc, the helpless soul of Çiçupäla an honest being and protects him
forgiving is a compound word, com- began to worship Lord Kåñëa and from criticizing and judging others
prising FOR (forgetting the past then sought shelter by entering falsely. Intolerance betrays the help-
misdeeds of a sinner) by always into the all loving transcendental lessness of false pride. When one
“GIVING” him a fair chance for body of Kåñëa. This is a classic in- secretly treasures a vice, within his
reformation. The only sad part is— stance of the loving nature of for- own heart, he takes offence upon
God is willing, but man is weak— giveness. seeing that same vice in another
“God forgives and man con- At a most crucial juncture of the because he has lost his sense of
demns!” Such a sacred paradox! battle of Laìkä, Lord Räma pro- shame; not only that, he becomes
When Lord Kåñëa forgave His claimed, “Even now, if Rävaëa were begrudging and libelous toward his
envious cousin Çiçupäla for blas- to come to Me for shelter, and beg victim, even to the extent of ag-
pheming Him a hundred times; it forgiveness, how willingly I would gression. Guilt never deserts such
is not true that Kåñëa lost His pa- embrace and accept him as one of a pretender!
tience, the hundred and first time, my intimate kith and kin.” This is a Humility, in its basic form, is an
alter ego of tolerance; both of them
combine to diffuse the impulsive
urge to pass hasty judgment. Toler-
ance keeps one’s mind open to the
possibility and the need to forgive,
in spite of vehement dissuasion by
the false ego. Active humility, in al-
liance with the inner conscience,
goes even a couple of steps further
in instilling conviction and the de-
termination to concede that it is an
offence to condemn another (for
a particular vice), when one’s own
heart is festering with that same
vice. Tolerance catalyses humility
with the resolution that the only
means to be purged of a vice is to
forgive another who has that same
vice.
Progressively, when one learns
to respect a helpless victim, that re-
spect sublimates into the desire to
(please turn to page 24)
Lord Räma was willing to forgive

Rävaëa if he were to return
Sita and beg forgiveness.

ÇRÉLA PRABHUPÄDA SPEAKS OUT
What is the Goal of Life?

This room conversation between His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Prabhupäda and a professor took place in Caracas, Venezuela on February 19, 1975.
Prabhupäda: (translated into Spanish by Hådayänanda

Gosvämé) At the present moment it is required that
the leading men should understand the aims of life
and introduce them into society for the general
benefit of human society. In the present chaotic
position of society...just like we see on the road,
cars are running with great speed, this way and
that way, but they do not know the aim of life. Ask
any one of them “What is the aim of life, and why
are you running so speedily, and what is the
business?” Everyone will say, “I have got business. I
am going hurriedly.” And if I ask, “What is that
business?” “Business means to earn some money and
maintain the family.” That’s all. To earn some money
and maintain the family, or sleep or indulge in sex at
night—is that the aim of life? So that is my submission to
the heads of the cultural movement. Is that the cultural
end: to sleep at night or sex indulgence and during the
day earn money and maintain the family? I am asking
this question.
Professor: (translated into English by Hådayänanda
Gosvämé) He agrees that the goal
of life is not that, but that from his
childhood he’s been trained in a
certain way, and he has not been
taught anything else. How can he
achieve a different way of life?
Prabhupäda: Yes, we are teaching
that in this Kåñëa consciousness
movement, how you can change it.
Therefore we ask all leading men
to understand this movement and
join it. That is our request.
Professor: There is a question I
would like to ask. I do know that it

is not the aim of life just to keep “Dog is eating on the street, and we actually know what is
your family, go to bed and have sex. are eating very palatable dishes, transcendence. They understand
But it is part of life. nicely made, very tasteful—this is that there is something, but they
Prabhupäda: That I know also, advancement of civilization,” that do not know what it is. Therefore
everyone knows. But beyond that, is not advancement of civilization they speculate by their imperfect
there must be some aim of life. because it is, after all, eating. senses. Gradually it becomes
Professor: But being so... I think Similarly, sleeping; the animals craziness. Therefore you find that
that there is... There should be sleep on the street and we sleep in defect.
some kind of humbleness, the a very nice apartment. But in
necessary humbleness. sleeping, we dream horrible things
Prabhupäda: No, humbleness is of more than the animals. So eating,
course a good qualification, but you sleeping, sex life and trying for
will find the humbleness in animals defense — these are common Book Distribution ....
too, very humble. If you cut his formulas both for the animals and (Continued from page 16)
throat, he will not say anything. So for the man. Therefore a human “Okay,” I said. “One other thing.
humbleness, that is another thing, being is distinguished from the Which do you think causes more
but what should be the aim of life? animal when he enquires about global warming, driving a car or
What is the actual aim of life? If we transcendence. And that is eating meat?”
forget the aim of life and simply explained in the great literature They were well informed on that
become humble like an ass, is that Brahma-sütra, or the philosophy of from their professor.
a very good qualification? The ass Vedänta-sütra, athäto brahma So I explained that Hare Kåñëa
is very humble. You load tons upon jijïäsä: “Now we have got this devotees would never interfere
it and it will not protest. Very human form of life. We must with the God-given life of any liv-
humble. enquire about the Brahman, or ing being. Only animals will eat
Hådayänanda: He says that the transcendence.” So our bodily other animals. Human life is a cross-
goal of life is to achieve the necessities of life should be roads between compassionate spiri-
transcendence. simplified as much as it is required. tual life and animal life. Hare Kåñëa
Prabhupäda: Yes, right. The goal of We must save time for enquiring devotees are automatically inclined
life is realization of transcendence. about transcendence. So unless we not to pollute the environment
So, that they are forgetting. They enquire about the transcendence, because they do not slaughter the
have made their goal of life sense then we are two-legged animals. animals.
gratification. This is culture, this is the aim of life. Finally the interview was over.
Professor: What kind of Professor (Hådayänanda): He’s They thanked me profusely and
transcendence would that be? saying that in European history, in asked me to explain Prabhupäda’s
Prabhupäda: Transcendence means the name of looking for books to them. They bought two
the Absolute Truth. What do you transcendence, there have been so books and gave 22 dollars.
mean by transcendence? many wars, hatred between men, By Karuëa Dhäriëé Devé Däsé
Professor: By transcendence, I and, you may know, in Spain they
understand it, the universal had what is called the Inquisition NO BARS!
consciousness. The search for God. where they burned so many people. by Rakesh Uberoi
Prabhupäda: Yes, you are right. This And so he’s saying, psychologically, We visited an alcohol dealer in
human life is distinguished from that his brain tells him that in the New Delhi. He was a lively man.
animal life because the animal name of searching after He said he never encouraged
cannot enquire about transcendence there has been so people to drink too much.
transcendence. If man is not much bad, so how is this different? We said we encourage people
interested in transcendence, then Prabhupäda: The difference is not to drink alcohol at all as it is
he is animal. If he is simply transcendence is beyond our mind, harmful for the health, wealth, and
interested with the bodily demands bodily activities, mental activities or their spiritual life.
of life, namely eating, sleeping, sex, intelligence. The European He then said, “Bhagavad-gétä is
and defense, these are bodily philosophers and a wonderful scripture,” and ordered
demands of life. So if we think that transcendentalists, they do not 200 Bhagavad-gétäs!

VEDIC PERSPECTIVE
RUNNING FOR PEACE

Are devotional activities less noble than running in sweltering heat?
by Murari Gupta Dasa

“Did you see me running in the in South Mumbai. chanting japa, hearing classes etc.,
marathon?” my friend Mohan “Sorry, I could not come to see is ultimately meant for your own
asked. “I was wearing a flower hat you.” I replied. “While you were spiritual purification. How does it
and holding a cutout of butterfly. sweating it out, I was hearing the help the suffering masses?”
It was the emblem of our NGO.” morning Çrémad-Bhägavatam class. “I agree with your noble cause,”
Although exhausted after complet- And after the breakfast I had to do I said. “In these times when some
ing his shorter ‘Dream Marathon’ some service in the temple.” sick minds are determined to spread
of 6 km, he was elated. He joined “I wonder at times,” he said, hate and violence in the world,
me just before the Sunday feast “how Kåñëa consciousness is help- 40,000 people coming together for
program was to start in our temple ing the needy. I mean all your peace is a great thing. They ran 42

km through the heat of the sun. Mumbai Marathon. of graduates who may have brilliant
World over people run in such “Today many hundreds of grades, but rarely spotless charac-
events—with the aim to raise funds people from Mumbai and actually ters. Most serious problems that we
for charity.” various parts of India and the world see in the world are due to the ac-
“Yes,” Mohan said, “I ran for an have assembled to run through the tions of these educated people—be
NGO that supported the blind. My streets of Mumbai. Considering the it the ecological disasters or terror-
friend —she ran for the cause of imminent fuel shortage and the ism or economic crisis. Ignorant
street dogs.” economic crises, they may be set- about God and the process of ac-
“Yes,” I lit up, “they should be ting the standard for all travel in tion in devotion to the supreme,
removed, especially because of Bombay. Certainly, the most echo most people just live for the present,
their nocturnal orchestras.” friendly way of moving about. But greedily exploiting the resources of
“She will kill you if she hears the noble purpose of this running the world without caring for the
this.” marathon, I believe is for the blind future side-effects.
Before I could answer, the people… to raise funds for blind- Now how can Kåñëa conscious-
conch blew announcing the after- ness.” ness help?
noon ärati. Mohan smiled. Mahäräja explained how a spiri-
“I will answer later,” I replied, “And they are paying money,” tual master cures the spiritual
inviting him to see the Lordships Mahäräja continued, “which is a blindness by removing the cataract
and dance in kértana—something tapasyä. And what do they get to of ignorance. But to receive this
he loved. do for paying money… perform enlightenment one has to be a good
After the kértana there was a talk tapasyä by running through the patient and be willing to undergo
by my spiritual master His Holiness heat of sun.” austerities and penances to achieve
Rädhänätha Swami Mahäräja. Not He described how it was very a higher principle. Lord Caitanya
surprisingly he chose to speak on symbolic. Blindness is a great prob- taught us to remove spiritual blind-
the mega event of the day: the lem, but there is a deeper blindness by chanting the holy names of
ness—the greatest disease, the root the Lord.
cause of all other I looked at Mohan. He was lis-
sufferings—spiri- tening attentively. I remembered
tual blindness. how chanting the holy names of
This spiritual the Lord is one of the nine pro-
blindness plunges cesses of devotional service that
people in the lead the practitioner to the path of
darkness of igno- knowledge. Prahaläda Mahäräja
rance. They don’t elaborates them in Çrémad-
know who they Bhägavatam (7.5.23):
are, what is the “Hearing and chanting about
goal of life, what the transcendental holy name, form,
is the relationship qualities, paraphernalia and pastimes
between them of Lord Viñëu, remembering them,
and God, between serving the lotus feet of the Lord,
them and other offering the Lord respectful worship
living entities. with sixteen types of paraphernalia,
I thought offering prayers to the Lord, becom-
about how the en- ing His servant, considering the
tire modern edu- Lord one's best friend, and surren-
cation system now dering everything unto Him (in
completely ig- other words, serving Him with the
nores this depart- body, mind and words)—these nine
ment of knowl- processes are accepted as pure de-
edge. Universities votional service. One who has dedi-
churn out heaps cated his life to the service of Kåñëa

through these nine methods should Those who are opportunists and fi- When delusion and false hope
be understood to be the most nancial speculators should calmly lead us to believe that stockpiling
learned person, for he has acquired consider these facts.” nuclear arsenals and imposing strin-
complete knowledge.” (From Renunciation Through gent embargos can curtail global ter-
When one gets this knowledge Wisdom by His Divine Grace A.C. rorism and usher in a new era of
about God, he can help other liv- Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupäda) peace and justice, then it is only a
ing entities reestablish their rela- matter of time that hate and revenge
tionship with God, and act with will inexorably conflagrate into a
divine consciousness. Then our much prophesized Armageddon.
actions are performed with a moral, Art of....
karmic, and socially responsible (Continued from page 19) Dämodara Paëòita Däsa serves as
manner that instead of exploitation become an instrument of compas- a spiritual counselor to patients in
provides support and empower- sion. At this stage, one receives the Bhaktivedänta Hospital in Mumbai.
ment to the people and the world. Lord’s loving empowerment to
Thus activities which may appear change the mentality of an of-
as self centered do have subtle fender. Feeling the pangs of shame,
benifits for everyone. an offender’s stone heart begins to Ten Objections....
With these thoughts I was de- throb with remorse and becomes (Continued from page 32)
lighted when Rädhänätha softened with tears of gratitude. vibhüti-bhinnam, i.e., each and ev-
Mahäräja ended the lecture by say- That softened heart becomes pos- ery one of the innumerable planets
ing, “We will also join the Mumbai sessed with the overwhelming de- within the universes is endowed with
marathon. We will dance for re- sire to reform one’s evil ways; not a particular type of atmosphere, and
moving blindness, chant for re- only that, the reformed one be- the living beings there are advanced
moving blindness, and feast for re- comes eternally obligated to always in science, psychology, etc., accord-
moving blindness.” forgive others because of having ing to the superiority or inferiority
I turned to Mohan—a known been forgiven, unconditionally of the atmosphere. Vibhüti means
lover of kértanas and prasäda. The multi-pronged power of for- “specific power,” and bhinnam
He grinned, “It is easier than giveness: means “variegated.” Scientists who
running!” (i) taking the offender by surprise, are attempting to explore outer
Both of us raised our arms and so that he is compelled to change space in an attempt to reach other
sang out Hare Kåñëa, Hare Kåñëa, his heart planets by mechanical means must
Kåñëa Kåñëa, Hare Hare/ Hare (ii) disarming one seeking revenge realize that organisms adapted to
Räma, Hare Räma, Räma Räma, (iii) putting a golden feather in the atmosphere of the earth cannot
Hare Hare God’s cap exist in the atmospheres of other
“The remnants of food offered (iv) bringing hope and inspiration planets. As such, man’s attempts to
to the Supreme Lord, known as to a listener reach the moon, the sun, or Mars
prasäda, is the best diet for all pa- If the pristine tenets of scripture will be completely futile because of
tients. And to discuss and hear top- are misinterpreted by ruthless, cold the different atmospheres prevail-
ics glorifying the Supreme Lord, to blooded mercenaries to indoctri- ing on those planets. Individually,
see the Lord's Deity form and offer nate and con gullible victims into however, one can attempt to go to
worship to Him, and to completely believing that salvation awaits those any planet he desires, but this is only
surrender oneself to the Lord— martyrs who ruthlessly massacre possible by psychological changes in
these constitute the greatest medi- helpless beings for the cause of righ- the mind. Mind is the nucleus of the
cine, the panacea. These activities teousness and divine justice; then material body. The gradual evolu-
are the only secure path to pros- why cannot the saner segment of tionary progress of the material
perity, whereas other activities will world leaders utilize those very body depends on psychological
wreak disaster. The practices of same scriptural injunctions to changes within the mind. The
devotional service to the Lord can groom a new race of honest men change of the bodily construction
never cause harm to society; rather, and women by ingraining the eter- of a worm into that of a butterfly
they can only usher in an age of nal principles of tolerance and for- and, in modern medical science, the
opportunities and benedictions. giveness in their fertile hearts? conversion of a man’s body into that

of a woman (or vice versa) are more cause it reflects light from the sun. we are trying to gratify our senses
or less dependent on psychological Therefore although the scientists by flying to another planet, moon
changes. say that the stars are many suns, we planet. This is another sense grati-
4. Both the material and spiritual do not agree. According to the fication. We are meant for this
worlds belong to Lord Çré Kåñëa. We Vedic calculation, there are innu- planet. We are bound up by condi-
are not proprietors of anything. It is merable suns, but in every universe tions. Artificially we are trying to
all the property of the Supreme there is only one. go there. And making so many
Lord, just as everything in the state 6. The moon is too cold for the plans: “There will be intermediate
belongs to the government, either inhabitants of this earth, and there- station, and the petrol will be car-
in the prison house or outside the fore ordinary persons who want to ried from here,” and this and that.
prison house. Conditioned life is just go there with earthly bodies are Simply spending money. Just child-
like life in a prison house in this ma- attempting to do so in vain. Merely ish. The children spoil their time
terial world. A prisoner cannot seeing the moon from a distance and energy in certain playing. Simi-
freely change from one cell to an- cannot enable one to understand larly, this is going on because it is a
other. In free life one can go from the real situation of the moon. One sense gratification. That’s all. “Let
one home to another home, but in has to cross Mänasa Lake and then us go, how it is, moon planet.” You
prison life one cannot do that but Sumeru Mountain, and only then have no business there. You can-
must stay in his cell. All these plan- can one trace out the orbit of the not do anything there. You cannot
ets are like cells. We are trying to go moon. Besides that, no ordinary live there, but still, “Let us go, let
to the moon, but it is not practical man is allowed to enter that planet. us go. And spend all the money,
by mechanical means. Lord Kåñëa Even those admitted there after taxpayers’ money, spend like water.”
says in the Bhagavad-gétä that one death must have performed the pre- This is going on.
should not try to change from one scribed duties to satisfy the pitäs 9. “Just like people are trying to
cell to another. That will not make and devas. Yet even they are sent go to the moon planet, that is an
anyone happy. back to earth after a fixed duration ambition. But they are trying to
5. They are trying to go to the of life—on the moon. fulfill the ambition wrongly. That
moon, but actually they do not know 7. Çréla Prabhupäda says “They is not the way, to manufacture some
what it is. If they understand what are claiming they have gone to machine and enter into the moon
the moon is, why do they come back moon planet, this, that. But accord- planet by force. That is not possible.
here? If they knew perfectly what ing to çästra, they are all cheaters. You have to undergo certain rules
the moon is, they would have resided They cannot go. It is not so easy and regulations so that after quit-
there by now. They have been try- thing. Just like to enter any country, ting this body you are allowed to
ing for the last twenty years to go there are so many rules and get a particular type of body suit-
there and stay, but they are simply regulations for immigration. And able for a particular type of planet.”
saying, “Not this, not that. There are you want to go to the Candraloka 10. “Just like we are studying the
no living entities, and there is no without any restriction! Just see. moon. So many scientists were en-
possibility of our living here.” Thus Candraloka is the planet of the gaged to study the moon. Every day
they can report on what is not on demigods. There the people live for we read something about moon.
the moon, but do they know what ten thousands of years, they are so And in Bhägavata you see that the
is there? No, they do not. advanced. Their comforts are moon is very cold planet, and
According to the Vedic litera- thousand times better than this there people drink soma-rasa. And
ture, the moon is regarded as a star. standard of comfort. And you want the other day I was reading in the
The scientists say that the stars are to go there without any passport paper, the temperature is 200 de-
all suns, but according to Bhagavad- and without any visa. From com- grees less than zero. So you can
gétä the stars are of the same na- mon sense, can you enter anyone’s imagine how cold it is. So how can
ture as the moon. In Bhagavad-gétä country simply because you have we go there? You cannot go to
(10.21) Lord Kåñëa says, got aeroplane?” even Canada because when it is
nakñaträëäm ahaà çaçé “Of stars I 8. Because our main business is below zero degrees, you are so un-
am the moon.” Thus the moon is sense gratification we cannot enjoy happy. 200 degrees below
just like the many stars. What is the all these senses fully in one kind of zero…you’ll die, immediately.
nature of the moon? It is bright be- body. There is some defect. Just like - Çyamänanda Däsa

In your own words ...
Which day on the Vaiñëava calendar has special significance for you, and why?
THE MATERIAL WORLD IS MY FAVOURITE DATE IS 4 July IN OUR GAUÒÉYA calendar

called a place of darkness where 2008, the day the nine-day Kolkata there are many festivals and impor-
unlimited sufferings prevail. But I Ratha-yäträ began. I had earlier tant dates but Ekädaçé is very dear
never realized this—just like a deaf participated in the Ratha-yäträ in to Lord Vishnu and is an auspicious
and blind person who has never Hyderabad, but was not involved day, so I find it really important. I
seen or heard about light—but in- in any service. But in Kolkata I got was once told by a senior devotee
stead got adjusted to living in the the opportunity to take care of that by eating grains on Ekädaçé
present relative world considering musical instruments for the kértana one will go to hell as there is päpa-
it as the absolute. party performing before Baladeva’s puruça in grains on that day. I have
In such a precarious condition ratha. I also took care of their observed that my spiritual life be-
appears a person or harbinger of prasäda and water requirements, came better after I started fasting
spiritual world—an äcärya, a rep- sang for the Lord, and arranged for on Ekädaçé.
resentative of the Lord—giving vi- ISKCON Youth Forum’s stall in the On Ekädaçé, I try to visit Çré
sion and direction to lost human- paëòäla. It was advertised in the Rädhä-Govindadeva temple here
ity, reviving our lost relationship news that IYF would be arranging in Jaipur and preach more about
with our eternal father Kåñëa, by a stress management course by ex- Kåñëa. I take mostly fruits and some
delivering the transcendental mes- IIT students, and I was also non-grain items. Çréla Prabhupäda
sage of the Lord. preparing for that. We went always gave immense importance to
I find the appearance days of our through many major streets during fasting on Ekädaçé and I read about
äcäryas very significant. Without kértana. I got association of senior Ekädaçé many times in the books of
their teachings I would never have ISKCON leaders like His Holiness Çréla Prabhupäda. On Nirjala
been able to discriminate between Jaypatäka Swami Mahäräja and His Ekädaçé last summer, all of us
light and darkness. We need to seek Holiness Bhaktisiddhänta Swami. I chanted and distributed books the
shelter of such a bona fide äcärya felt very happy to be at the birth whole day.
who takes troubles of the material place of Çréla Prabhupäda on the Pranjal Joshi, Jaipur
world just to deliver us from our Ratha-yäträ day, as I also like Lord
present condition. Jagannätha very much. ALL DATES IN THE MONTH of
Satyänanda Däsa, Aurangabad. Santosh, Hyderabad. Kärtika (Dämodara) have special
significance. We celebrate the dis-
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupäda Çréla Bhaktisiddhänta Sarasvaté Gosvämé Çréla Gaura Kiçora Däsa Bäbäjé Mahäräja

appearance day of Çréla Guru Mahäräja delivered me. meet the devotees?
Prabhupäda in all ISKCON But for me Nandostava, Çréla R.M.Manoharan, Chennai
temples in a gorgeous and tran- Prabhupäda’s appearance day, holds
scendental manner. And we hear the most significance. Çréla I OFFER MY RESPECTFUL obei-
of the special pastime of child Prabhupäda created so many won- sances unto my spiritual master.
Kåñëa being bound with a rope af- derful ISKCON temples worldwide It is he who taught me to chant
ter great difficulty by His foster where we can perform pure devo- the holy name in a humble state,
mother Yaçodä, followed by His tional service. He revealed to us and be more tolerant and devoid
delivering the two demigods Çrémati Rädhäraëé, Lord Caitanya, of false ego, and offer respect to
Nalakuvara and Maëigréva (sons Lord Nityänanda, and their holy other expecting none in return.
of Kuvera) who were cursed by name. Çréla Prabhupäda wrote It is he who taught me to have
Närada Muni. This auspicious day, books about pure devotional ser- no desire for any mundane beauty
and the whole month of Kärtika vice. Because of Çréla Prabhupäda, and wealth, and desire only for de-
in Våndävana is celebrated by I could meet my Gurudeva and was votional service.
devotees. They light lamps in the given an opportunity to get con- It is he who reminded me that I
morning and evening during nected to Lord Kåñëa through guru- am the eternal servitor of Lord.
sandhyä-äraté time. I don’t exagger- çiñya paramparä. It is he who told me to rise above
ate when I say that it was as if all Çréla prabhupäda gave me true my mundane desires and feel the
the stars in the sky had descended friends in the form of wonderful separation from the Lord.
with great effulgence on the lamps devotees. Thus, the appearance day It is he who explained me the
in the hands of devotees and of Çréla Prabhupäda is very signifi- Çikñäñöaka prayers in this way and
danced to the tunes of Çré cant for me. gave me the love of Çré Caitanya
Dämodaräñöaka, thus offering their Gäyatré, Mumbai Mahäprabhu.
obeisances to Lord Kåñëa. Who can be then be more mer-
Çyämasundar Däsa, Pondicherry THE RATHA-YÄTRÄ FESTIVAL ciful than my spiritual master?
holds special significance for me. Hence I eagerly wait for his divine
RÄDHÄÑÖAMÉ IS THE MOST The purport to Bhagavad-gétä appearance day—which holds the
significant because She bestows us (15.15) says: “The Supreme Lord is most significance for me in
with pure devotional service to so full that for the deliverance of Vaiñëava calendar.
Lord Kåñëa. Nityänanda Trayodaçi the conditioned soul He is the sup- Vraja Vijaya Devé Däsé, Mumbai
is significant, because He is the de- plier and digester of foodstuff, the
liverer of the fallen (patita-pävana). witness of his activity, and the giver
Vyäsa-püjä of my gurudev is very of knowledge in the form of Vedas
dear to my heart. I was traveling and as the Supreme Personality of IN YOUR OWN WORDS
though 84 million species trying to Godhead, Çré Kåñëa, the teacher of QUESTIONS FOR THE
gratify senses and I was miserable. the Bhagavad-gétä. He is FORTHCOMING ISSUES
worshipable by the conditioned
soul.” Which Kåñëa pastime inspires
Thus the all-good, all-merciful, you the most, and why?
worshipable and imperishable Lord Answers will be published
Himself is appearing and coming to in April and May
meet His devotees in person on the
day of Ratha-yäträ festival in His What will be the world like if
adorned ratha along with His everyone is a Hare Kåñëa
brother Çré Baladeva and His sister devotee?
Çrématé Subhadrä with the sole aim Answers will be published
of transiting the conditioned soul in June
into the spiritual world. Have we
heard of any other festival in any Word limit: 150 words
place under the sun where the E-mail: ed.btgindia@pamho.net
Çréla Bhaktivinoda Öhäkura Godhead offers Himself to come to

MADHVA LEADER HONORS TEMPLE COMING UP
ISKCON SANNYÄSÉ Sedona, Arizona: A new project is coming up that
3 January Udupi, Karnataka: On the occasion of includes an authentic temple, performing arts center,
the fifty-second Vyäsa-püjä of His Holiness Bhakti natural food restaurant, library, museum and 70 guest
house suites. It will also contain an educational center
which teaches Vedic music, dance, astrology, science,
arts, medicine, yoga, and meditation.
NEW TEMPLE OPENS

IN ARAVADE
7 February, Aravade, Maharashtra: Çré Çré Rädhä-
Gopäla temple was
opened on the aus-
picious occasion
of Çré Nityänanda
Trayodaçé.
Aravade is the
birth place of His
H o l i n e s s
L o k a n ä t h a
Vikäsa Swami, His Holiness Suguëendra Swami.
Tértha Swaméjé, head of Puthige Maöha,
Kåñëa Maöha, Udupi honored him at a
function held at Udupi. Puthige Maöha,
one of the eight main maöhas at Udupi
(established by Çrépäda Madhväcärya
himself) is currently in charge of the
worship (called paryäya) of Lord Kåñëa
at Udupi. In his welcome address,
Suguëendra Tértha Swaméjé said that
Kåñëa means “attractive” and so He at-
tracts devotees and devotees in turn at-
tract Him. Swaméjé glorified Bhakti
Vikäsa Swami by mentioning that he has
attracted so many devotees and brought
them to the holy place.

About 6000 devotees attended the three day festival CARING FOR ANIMALS
with many senior ISKCON leaders gracing the occa- 19-21 January, Guwahati, Assam: Hrémati Devé Däsé
sion. was invited to represent ISKCON Mäyäpur and MAP
(Mäyäpur Animal protection team) to present a pa-
RATHA-YÄTRÄ per on ISKCON’S Elephant Management Practices
Penang, Malaysia: 4,000 people participated dur- in Mäyäpur at the “National Symposium for Elephant
ing the Ratha-yäträ here. There were also a kollatam Health care and Management Practices”, held at
(stick dancing) performance, a lion dance, and In- Guwhati. It was organized and sponsored by the Di-
dian cultural dances at the procession. A fireworks rectorate of Project Elephant, Ministry of Environ-
display finished off the evening. ment and Forests, Government of India, New Delhi.
Klang, Malaysia: The Ratha-yäträ carts were ac- The paper was extremely well received. Mr. A. N.
companied by two other chariots carrying Deities of Prasad, IGF and Director of “Project Elephant of In-
Rädhä-Kåñëa and billboards of Kåñëa ten incarnations. dia” said that the author had presented a new approach
to elephant care, by quoting the Bhagavad-gétä and
pointing out that that we are all spiritual souls inside
different bodies, and thus elephants need to be treated
with respect and cared for with love. “This is our In-
dian culture” he said, “and we have forgotten it and
now a German lady goes up on the stage and reminds
us about our forgotten culture.”
ISKCON MÄYÄPUR HOSTS

URI GLOBAL ASSEMBLY
December: ISKCON Mäyäpur hosted URI (United
Religions Initiative), a part of United Nation’s peace-
work program. The event brought together in one
Ratha-yäträ in Batala (above) and Malaysia (below)
unprecedented grassroots global gathering some 200
global interfaith leaders and around 100 interfaith
Cultural programs included a special program by a youth delegates representing diverse religions from 44
group of thirty children. There are more than twenty
countries.
Ratha-yäträ processions celebrated throughout Malay-
Reports by by Bäsu Ghoça Däsa, Nisha Chopada,
sia.
Jeyanthy Pillai, and Änanda Vardhana Däsa
Ratha-yäträs were also held in Chennai, Belgaum,
and Batala, Punjab in India.
PRISON PREACHING
18 December, New Delhi: One thousand
prisoners, aged between fourteen and twenty-
five, attended the program organized by
ISKCON New Delhi at Tihar Jail, the largest
jail in South Asia.
4 January, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal: Devo-
tees of ISKCON Siliguri, West Bengal orga-
nized a program in Central Jail, Jalpaiguri.
About one thousand prisoners participated.
The district Judge, The President of Bar Asso-
ciation, and other Senior Officers were also
present. Copies of Bhagavad-gétä were distrib-
uted to the prisoners and officers of both the
jails, and some were kept in jail’s library. Devotees serving prasädam to URI members

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness
Correct
CENTRES IN INDIA
Founder-Acarya: His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivendanta Swami Prabhupada
as of
28 Feb.
2009
Agartala, Tripura — Assam-Agartala Rd., Banamalipur, Mahadev Nagar, Bhimgoda, 249401/ Tel. (01334) 260818/
799 001/ Tel. (0381) 22-7053/ Fax: (0381) 22-4780/ Mobile: 9411371870.
premadata@rediffmail.com Hyderabad, AP — Nampally Station Rd., 500 001/
Ahmedabad, Gujarat — Satellite Rd., Gandhinagar Tel. (040) 2474-4969 or 2460-7089
Highway Crossing, 380 054. Tel. (079) 2686-1945, 1645, vedantacaitanya@pamho.net.
or 2350/ jasomatinandan.acbsp@pamho.net Imphal, Manipur — Airport Rd., 795 001/
Allahabad, UP — 161, Kashi Raj Nagar, Baluagath Tel. (0385) 221587.
211 003/ Tel. (0532) 2416718. iskcon.allahabad@pamho.net Indore, Madhya Pradesh — 101 Chetak Arch, 7 M.G. Road.
Amritsar, Punjab — Chowk Moni Bazar, Laxmansar, Tel. (0731) 4972665
143 001. Tel. (0183) 2540177. Jagatsinghpur, Orissa — Gadei Giri, Balikuda, Tel. (06724)
Bangalore, Karnataka — 1 ‘R’ Block, Chord Rd., Rajaji 238112, E-mail: srigopalccd@yahoo.co.in
Nagar 560 010/ Tel. (080) 23471956/ Fax: (080) 3578625/ Jaipur, Rajasthan — ISKCON Rd., Opp. Vijay Path,
3) ard@iskconbangalore.org Mansarovar, Jaipur 302 020 (Mail: 84/230, Sant Namdev
Bangalore, Karnataka — Sri Jagannath Mandir, 5, 1st Marg, Opp. K.V. No. 5, Mansarovar, Jaipur 302 020)/ Tel.
Main Road, Sripuram, Seshadripuram, Bangalore 560 (0414) 2782765 or 2781860/ jaipur@pamho.net
020/ Tel: (080) 2356-5708/ Mobile 9844-234-108/ Jammu, J&K — C/o Shankar Charitable Trust, Shakti
vibhav.krishna.jps@pamho.net Nagar, Near A.G. Office/ Tel. (0191) 2582306
Baroda, Gujarat — Gotri Rd., 390 021. Tel. (0265) 231- Jhansi, U.P. — Inside Saiyar Gate, Near Kali Badi/
0630, 233-1012 or 235-0885/basu.ghosh.acbsp@pamho.net Tel. (0510)2443602.
Belgaum, Karnataka — Shukravar Peth, Tilak Wadi, 590 Kanpur, U.P. — Sri Sri Radha Madhav Mandir, Maimawati
006/ Tel. (0831) 243-6267 or 240-0108 Marg, Bithur road, Nawabganj, 208002/ Tel. 09307188117,
Bharatpur, Rajasthan — C/o Jeevan Nirman Sansthan, E-mail: iskcon.kanpur@pamho.net
1 Gol Bagh Road, 321 001/ Tel. (05644) 22044. Katra, J&K — Sri Kalika Mata Mandir, Katra
Bhubaneswar, Orissa — N.H. No. 5, IRC Village, 751 (Vaishnodevi), 182 101/ Tel. (01991) 233047
015/ Tel. (0674) 255-3517, 253-3475, or 255-4283/ Kolkata — 3C Albert Rd., 700 017/ Tel. (033) 2287 3757/
iskconbhubaneswar@rediffmail.com 6075/8242/ Fax: (033) 247-8515 iskcon.calcutta@pamho.net
Brahmapur, Orissa — Aska Road,Tel. (0680) 2485720 Kurukshetra, Haryana — 369, Gudri Muhalla, Main Ba-
Brahmapur, Orissa — N.H. No. 5, Dist. Ganjam, 760 zaar, 132 118. Tel. (01744) 234806.
008. Tel. (0680) 2209400, 09437179400/ Lucknow, UP — 1 Ashok Nagar, Guru Govind Singh Marg,
panchratna.gkg@pamho.net 226 018/ Tel. (0522) 223556 or 271551
Cachar, Assam — Ambikapatti, Silchar, 788 004/ Tel. Ludhiana, Punjab — Sterling Tower, Vrindavan Rd., Civil
(03842) 34615 Lines, 141 001/ Tel. (161) 2770600 or(161) 3118897 or 98159-
Chandigarh — Sector 36-B, 160 036/ Tel. (0172) 260- 40005/ iskcon.ludhiana@pamho.net
1590 or 260-3232/ bhaktivinode.gkg@pamho.net Madurai, TN — 37 Maninagaram Main Road, 625 001/
Chennai, TN — Hare Krishna Land, Off ECR, Akkarai, Tel. (0452) 274-6472.
Sholinganallur, 119/ Tel. (044) 24530921/23, 32911472 Mangalore, Karnataka — Shivagiri, Above Professional
e-mail:iskconchennai@rediffmail.com Courier, Nandi Gudda Road, Attavar, Mangalore 575 001/
Coimbatore, TN — 100 ft. New Scheme Road, Aero- Tel. (0824) 2423326 or 2442756, 9844325616
drome P.O., Coimbatore 641 011/ Tel. (0422) 262-6509 or Mayapur, WB — Shree Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir,
262-6508/ info@iskcon-coimbatore.org Shree Mayapur Dham, Dist Nadia, 741 313/ Tel. (03472)
Dwarka, Gujarat — Bharatiya Bhavan, Devi Bhavan 245239, 245240 or 245233/ Fax: (03472) 245238/
Rd., 361 335/ Tel. (02892) 34606/ Fax: (02892) 34319 mayapur.chandrodaya@pamho.net
Guntur, AP — Opp. Sivalayam, Peda Kakani, 522 509 Moirang, Manipur — Nongban Ingkhon, Tidim Rd./
Guwahati, Assam — Ulubari Chariali, South Sarania, Tel. 795133
781 007/ Tel. (0361) 254-5963/iskcon.guwahati@pamho.net Mumbai, Maharashtra — Juhu 400 049/ Tel. (022) 2620-
Hanumkonda, AP — Neeladri Rd., Kapuwada, 506 011/ 6860/ Fax: (022) 2620-5214/ iskcon.juhu@pamho.net or
Tel. (08712) 77399 Mumbai, Maharashtra — 7 K. M. Munshi Marg, Near
Haridaspur, West Bengal — P.O. Chhaygharia, Bangaon, Babulnath Temple, Chowpatty, 400 007. Tel. (022) 2366-
24 Parganas, 743 704/ Tel. (03215) 57856. 5500/ Fax: (022) 2366-5555/
Haridwar, Uttaranchal — Gauranga House, Nai Basti, radha-krishna.rns@pamho.net

Nadia, West Bengal — Habibpur, Ranaghat, 741 403/ 2230009
Tel. (03473) 281150 or 281226/ shyamrup.jps@pamho.net Guest House Booking: guesthouse.tirupati@pamho.net
Nagpur, Maharashtra — Bharathwada Road, Near Udhampur, J&K — SrilaPrabhupada Marg, Srila
Gulmohar Nagar, Ramanuja Nagar, Kalmana Market, Prabhupada Nagar/ Tel. (01992) 270298 or 276146
Nagpur- 8/ Tel. (0712) 6994730, 937015638/9371064102/ Ujjain, MP — Bharatpuri, 456010/ Tel. 0734-235000/
9423635311/ iskcon.nagpur@pamho.net Fax: 0734-2536000/ iskcon.ujjain@pamho.net
Nasik, Maharastra — Behind Poornima Bus stop, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat — Opposite Polytechnic,
Vrindavan colony, General Vaidya nagar, Dwarka, Nasik 388 121/ Tel. (02692) 230796 or 233012
422 011/ Tel. (0253) 6450005/ 9850071227/ Varanasi, UP — B 27/80 Durgakund Rd., Near Durgakund
siksastakam.rns@pamho.net Police Station, 221 010/ Tel. (0542) 276422 or 222617
New Delhi — Sant Nagar Main Rd., East of Kailash, Vellore, TN — Chennai Ext. Centre, 10-12, 10th East
110 065/ Tel. (011)26235133,34,35,36,37/ Fax: (011) 2621- Cross Road, Gandhi Nagar, 632006
5421 or 2628-0067/ neel.sunder@pamho.net Vijayawada, AP — Venkatapalem Karakatta Rd.,
Nellore, AP — Hare Krishna Road, 524 004/ Undavalli Village, Tadepalli Mandal, 522 501/
Tel. 0861-2314577/ Mobile: 9215536589/ Tel. (08645) 272513/ mmdasiskconvijayawada@gmail.com
sukadevaswami@gmail.com Vishakapatnam, AP — Sagaranagar, 530045/ Tel. (0891)
New Delhi — 41/77 Punjabi Bagh West, 110 026/ 5537625/ samba.jps@pamho.net
Tel. 25222851, 25227478, 55136200. Vrindavan, UP — Bhaktivedanta Swami Marg, Raman
Noida, UP — B-4, Sector 31, 201 301/ Tel. (095120) 245- Reti, 281 124/ Tel. (0565) 254-0021 (Guesthouse:) 254-
4912 or 245-5015/ vraja.bhakti.vilas.lok@pamho.net 0022/ Fax: (0565) 254-0053/ vrindavan@pamho.net;
Pandharpur, Maharashtra — Hare Krishna Dham (East (Guesthouse:)
bank of Chandrabhaga river), 413 304/ Warangal, AP — Mulugu Rd., Ayappa Pidipally, 506 007/
Tel. (02186) 267242 or 267266/ Mobile: 9423335991/ Tel. (08712) 426182
iskcon.pandharpur@pamho.net
Patna, Bihar — Arya Kumar Rd., Rajendra Nagar, 800
016/ Tel. (0612) 687637 or 685081/ Fax: (0612) 687635/
krishna.kripa.jps@pamho.net Vaiñëava Calendar
Pune, Maharashtra — 4 Tarapur Rd., Camp, 411 001/
Tel. (020) 41033222, 41033223/ iyfpune@vsnl.com
1 March - 15 April 2009
Puri, Orissa — Bhakti Kuti, Swargadwar, 752 001/ Tel.
7 MAR: Fasting for Ämalaké vrata Ekädaçé
(06752) 231440
Raipur, Chhatisgarh — Alopi Nagar, Opp. Maharshi 8 MAR: Break fast (Mumbai) 06:53 am - 10:50 am,
Vidyalaya, Tatibandh, 492 001/ Tel. (0771) 5037555, Çré Mädhavendra Puré – Disappearance
9893276985/ iskconraipur@yahoo.com 11 MAR: Gaura Pürëimä – Appearance of Çré
Salem, TN — Rajaram Nagar, 636 007/ Tel. (0427) Gauräìga Mahäprabhu
2418245/ iskcon.salem@pamho.net
12 MAR: Festival of Jagannätha Miçra
Secunderabad, AP — 27, St. John’s Rd., 500 026/
Tel. (040) 780-5232/ Fax: (040) 814021 19 MAR: Çré Çréväsa Paëòita – Appearance
Siliguri, WB — ISKCON Road, Gitalpara, 734 406/ Tel. 22 MAR: Fasting for Päpamocani Ekädaçé
(0353) 426619, 539046 or 539082/ Fax: (0353) 526130 23 MAR: Break fast (Mumbai) 06:40 am - 10:44
Solapur, Maharashtra — Bhaktivedanta Marg, Old am, Çré Govinda Ghoça – Disappearance
Akalkot Naka, District Solapur, 413005 . Tel.
31 MAR: Çré Rämänujäcärya – Appearance
09371178393
Sri Rangam, TN — 93 Anna Mandapam Rd., A-1 3 APR: Räma Navamé: Appearance of Lord Çré
Caitanya Apartments, 620 006/ Tel. (0431) 433945 Rämacandra (Fasting till sunset)
Surat, Gujarat — Jahangirpura-3, 395 005/ Tel. (0261) 5 APR: Fasting for Kämadä Ekädaçé
2765891 or 2765516/ surat@pamho.net 6 APR: Break fast (Mumbai) 07:02 am - 10:37
Thane, Maharashtra — Srusthi Complex, Opp. Royal am, Damanaka-ropaëa Dvädaçé
College, Mira Road (E), 401 107/ Tel. (022) 2811-7795 or -
9 APR: Çré Balaräma Räsayäträ, Çré Kåñëa
7796/ Fax: (022) 2811-8875/ jagjivan.gkd@pamho.net
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala — T.C. 224/1485, WC Vasanta Räsa, Çré Vamçivadana Öhäkura –
Hospital Rd., Thycaud, 695 014. Tel. (0471) 2328197. Appearance, Çré Çyämänanda Prabhu –
jsdasa@yahoo.co.in Appearance
Tirupati, AP — Sri Sri Radha Govinda Asta Sakhi 4 APR: Beginning of Çälagräma and Tulasé Jala
Girirajji Mandir, Hare Krishna Land, Hare Krishna Road,
Däna
Tirupati - 517 507 Andhra Pradesh. Phone: (0877) 2231760,

EDITORIAL
TEN OBJECTIONS TO INDIA’S

LUNAR MISSION LUNACY
T
here is an old Bengali saying: He is a dwarf but years according to the calculation of the demigods.
he wants to touch the moon. Something similar The demigods’ time is calculated in such a way that
is happening in India’s space program. India’s one day (twelve hours) is equal to six months on this
position today is such that we have convinced our- planet. It is not possible to reach the moon by any
selves that we are backward and need to do something material vehicle like a Sputnik, but persons who are
spectacular so that the whole world, especially the attracted by material enjoyment can go to the moon
West, applauds us. It is indeed by pious activities.
pitiable that all the criteria for 2. There are undoubtedly
so-called advancement are de- different planetary systems
vised by Western scientists and for different persons. As
philosophers, and we are just stated in Bhagavad-gétä
aping them. It’s like the West (14.18), ürdhvaà gacchanti
says “jump” and instead of ask- sattva-sthä: persons in the
ing “Why?” we are asking “How mode of goodness can go to
high?” the upper planets. Those in
The twentieth century was the modes of darkness and
celebrated as the century in passion, however, are not al-
which man conquered outer lowed to enter the higher
space. With the launch of the planets.
Sputnik by the Russians the Indra, King of the higher
entire American nation planetary system, has the
trembled in fear of an imminent power to push down any con-
invasion from outer space. This ditioned soul attempting to go
gave rise to the space race from the lower to the higher
which ultimately bled the Rus- planets without proper quali-
sian economy dry and ended fications. The modern at-
with the demise of the Soviet tempt to go to the moon is also
Union itself. an attempt by inferior men to
Çréla Prabhupäda, on being told that an American go to Svargaloka by artificial, mechanical means. This
astronaut has landed on the moon immediately dis- attempt cannot be successful. It appears that anyone
missed it as humbug, much to the amazement of his attempting to go to the higher planetary systems by
young disciples. He presented many strong arguments mechanical means, which are here called mäyä, is con-
as to why this is not possible. Here are a few of the demned to go the hellish planets in the lower portion
strongest objections: of the universe. To go to the higher planetary system,
1. The moon is considered one of the planets of one needs sufficient good qualities. A sinful person situ-
the heavenly kingdom. One can be promoted to this ated in the mode of ignorance and addicted to drink-
planet by executing different sacrifices recommended ing, meat-eating and illicit sex will never enter the higher
in the Vedic literature, such as pious activities in wor- planets by mechanical means.
shiping the demigods and forefathers with rigidity and 3. The adaptability of organisms in different variet-
vows. But one cannot remain there for a very long ies of planets is described in the Brahma-saàhitä as
time. Life on the moon is said to last ten thousand (please turn to page 24)

03 - BTG Year-2009 March

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C O N T E N T S

Founded 1944. Vol. 6 No. 3 March 2009

FOR PEACE Which day on the EDITORIAL 32

“Eating, sleeping, sex life, and

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by His Divine Grace

Pradyumna (reading): ished perpetually. When one is

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The kaniñöha-adhikäré is just

(Left to right) Kaniñöha adhikäré is

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8 BACK TO GODHEAD MARCH 2009

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by Hari Caitanya Thamnineedi

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By Aruddhä Devé Däsé

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MARCH 2009 BACK TO GODHEAD 11

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12 BACK TO GODHEAD MARCH 2009

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my composure of the name of Lord Buddha (namu

Later we be- the chanting of the Hare Kåñëa

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by Dämodara Paëdita Däsa

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Lord Räma was willing to forgive

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What is the Goal of Life?

Prabhupäda: (translated into Spanish by Hådayänanda

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RUNNING FOR PEACE

by Murari Gupta Dasa