Bhakti Vriksha Lessons for Members

http://www.kvisoft.com/pdf-merger/

Bhakti Vriksha

Lessons for Members

Srila Prabhupada Ashraya

Bhakti Vriksha Lessons for Members - Srila Prabhupada Ashraya

51 | P a g e I S K C O N N e w R a j a p u r J a g a n n a t h a D h a m , B e n g a l u r u

Contents Lessons ..................................................................................................................................................... 52

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................................. 55

38. Need for a guru ....................................................................................................................................................................... 56

39. Genuine guru .......................................................................................................................................................................... 58

40. Srila Prabhupada ..................................................................................................................................................................... 60

41. Disciplic succession ................................................................................................................................................................ 63

42. Most fortunate soul ................................................................................................................................................................ 65

43. How to approach a guru? ....................................................................................................................................................... 67

44. Diksha ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 69

Handout on performing arati ....................................................................................................................................................... 71

Version 3.0



The Transcendental Gardeners

Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu says to all the people of the world

ekalä mäläkära ämi kähäì kähäì yäba ekalä vä kata phala päòiyä viläba (CC Adi lila 9.34)

ataeva ämi äjïä diluì sabäkäre yähäì tähäì prema-phala deha’ yäre täre (CC Adi lila 9.36)

ataeva saba phala deha’ yäre täre khäiyä ha-uk loka ajara amare (CC Adi lila 9.39)

“I am the only gardener. How many places can I go? How many fruits can I pick and distribute? Therefore I order every man within this universe to accept this Kåñëa consciousness movement and distribute it everywhere. Distribute this Kåñëa consciousness movement all over the world. Let people eat these fruits and ultimately become free from old age and death.”

Suno suno Nityananda, suno haridasa, Sarvatra amara ajna koroha prakasa, Prati ghare ghare giya koro ei bhiksa,

Bolo Krsna, bhaja Krsna, koro Krsna siksa (Caitanya Bhagavata Madhya-lila 13.8-9)

“O hear Me, hear Me Nityananda! Hear Me Haridasa! Simply disseminate My order everywhere. Go from house to house and beg the residents as follows: Speak about Krsna, worship Krsna and teach others about Krsna.” In Sri Godruma-Kalpatavi, Bhakti Vinoda Thakura, one of the pioneering acaryas of our parampara, describes the structure of the Nama Hatta. The spirit of his endeavor exactly matched the mood of Lord Nityananda, who was personally ordered by Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Thakura established over five-hundred Nama Hatta sangas (associations).

Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Sarasvati instructed his disciples to broadcast the glories of Sridham Mayapur and Navadvip parikrama, to print books and establish Nama Hatta. Of these three activities, brhad mridanga, or the massive distribution of books has been considered the primary method of expansion. But nowadays with ninety-eight percent or more of our devotees being congregational members, Nama Hatta is more relevant to ISKCON today than it was at the beginning of our movement.

In a letter Srila Prabhupada appreciates home preaching, “Your home to home preaching is very good. The important thing is to make arrangements that they hear and chant. That will make your preaching successful. Once they begin chanting then automatically they will want to follow the rules and regulations, attend arati, take prasadam, etc.” (Letter to Tusta Krsna Maharaja, 9th January, 1976)

In the introduction to the translation of Sri Godruma Kalpatavi HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaja says that, “In this modern age it is most practical to apply the Nama Hatta form of preaching - cultivating people through small groups formed of the congregation. Nama Hatta groups can begin anywhere, without restrictions, whereas in a temple there are so many restrictions, not only spiritual but also material, in the sense that so many expenses must be met.

Today we have different kinds of Nama Hatta programs, such as counsellor groups, Bhakti Vrikshas and various other groups, all of which are included in the broad category of the Nama Hatta.”



Implementation of Nama hatta for the present time in the form of Bhakti Vriksha was introduced by HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaja. The Bhakti Vriksha program’s structure follows the same format as Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s Nama Hatta organization, adapted for the current times.

Inspired by Srila Prabhupada and HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaja a team of devotees in ISKCON New Rajapur Jagannatha Dham (NRJD), Bengaluru have made an insignificant attempt in compiling these lessons for the benefit of the devotee community.

These lessons have been compiled to help the Bhakti Vriksha sevaks to help their members to systematically advance spiritually.

Devotees who have any queries, suggestions or would like to seek any clarification on this Bhakti Vriksha Lessons for Members or congregational preaching may reach out to us on [email protected].

Your servants,

Caitanya Avatari Das and Rasamayi Devi Dasi

(On behalf of the Editorial team, ISKCON - NRJD, Bengaluru)

P.S.: If you are interested in successfully implementing Bhakti Vriksha in your Yatra / area please contact the Congregational Development Ministry (phone: +91 (3472) 245619, email: [email protected])



Preface

In the introduction to the Bhagavad Gita As It Is, Srila Prabhupada writes

tasmat sarveshu kaleshu mam anusmara yudhya ca mayy arpita-mano-buddhir mam evaishyasy asamsayah

“Therefore, Arjuna, you should always think of Me in the form of Krsna and at the same time carry out your prescribed duty of fighting. With your activities dedicated to Me and your mind and intelligence fixed on Me, you will attain Me without doubt.” (BG 8.7)

“He (Krsna) does not advise Arjuna simply to remember Him and give up his occupation. No, the Lord never suggests anything impractical. In this material world, in order to maintain the body one has to work. Human society is divided, according to work, into four divisions of social order – brahmana, kshatriya, vaishya and sudra. The brahmana class or intelligent class is working in one way, the kshatriya or administrative class is working in another way, and the mercantile class and the laborers are all tending to their specific duties. In the human society, whether one is a laborer, merchant, administrator or farmer, or even if one belongs to the highest class and is a literary man, a scientist or a theologian, he has to work in order to maintain his existence. The Lord therefore tells Arjuna that he need not give up his occupation, but while he is engaged in his occupation he should remember Krsna (mam anusmara) (BG 8.7). If he doesn’t practice remembering Krsna while he is struggling for existence, then it will not be possible for him to remember Krsna at the time of death. Lord Caitanya also advises this. Therefore we have to practice remembering the Lord always, twenty four hours a day, by chanting His names and moulding our life’s activities in such a way that we can remember Him always.”

The commitment level to practice Krsna consciousness varies depending upon the involvement of the practioner and also the help/guidance given by the Bhakti Vriksha sevak /Bhakti Vriksha sector sevak. Whatever may be the level of commitment Krsna Himself promises in the Bhagavad Gita, “There is no loss or diminution in this endeavor and even a little advancement on this path can protect one from the most fearful type of danger.” (BG 2.40)

In order to encourage the members to systematically advance spiritually, different shiksha-levels of commitment and standards of devotional service are recognized by ISKCON. These standards are prescribed for the devotees who are practicing Krsna consciousness from home. The shiksha program helps the congregational devotees to consolidate and increase their spiritual practises.

The different shiksha-levels of commitment and standards prescribed are:

Shraddhavan Krsna / Gauranga Sevak Krsna / Gauranga Sadhak Srila Prabhupada Ashraya Sri Guru Charana Ashraya Diksha



Lessons

Introduction

The lessons along with ‘Sri Namamrta’ and ‘Preaching is the essence’ for Bhakti Vriksha sessions 38 to 45 are provided in this Chapter. The relevant lessons along with the ‘Sri Namamrta’ and ‘Preaching is the essence’ should be printed every week and shared with the participants during the weekly session. It is suggested that all the participants read through the lesson during the weekly program. Subsequent discussions and questions will be centered on the lesson. The Bhakti Vriksha sevak should moderate the discussions based on his advanced preparation and the lesson for the week.



38. Need for a guru

om ajnana-timirandhasya / jnananjana-salakaya caksur unmilitam yena / tasmai sri-gurave namah "I was born in the darkest ignorance, and my guru, my spiritualmaster, opened my eyes with the torch of knowledge. I offer myrespectful obeisances unto him."

The word ajnana means "ignorance" or "darkness." If all the lightsin this room immediately went out, we would not be able to tell where weor others are sitting. Everything would become confused. Similarly, weare all in darkness in this material world, which is a world of tamas.Tamas or timira means "darkness." This material world is dark, andtherefore it needs sunlight or moonlight for illumination. However, there is another world, a spiritual world, which is beyond this darkness.That world is described by Sri Krsna in the Bhagavad-gita (15.6):

na tad bhasayate suryo / na sasanko na pavakah yad gatva na nivartante / tad dhama paramam mama

"That abode of Mine is not illumined by the sun or moon, nor byelectricity. One who reaches it never returns to this material world."

The guru's business is to bring his disciples from darkness tolight. At present everyone is suffering due to ignorance, just as onecontracts a disease out of ignorance. If one does not know hygienicprinciples, he will not know what will contaminate him. Therefore due toignorance there is infection, and we suffer from disease. A criminal maysay, "I did not know the law," but he will not be excused if he commitsa crime. Ignorance is no excuse. Similarly, a child, not knowing thatfire will burn, will touch the fire. The fire does not think, "This is achild, and he does not know I will burn." No, there is no excuse. Justas there are state laws, there are also stringent laws of nature, andthese laws will act despite our ignorance of them. If we do somethingwrong out of ignorance, we must suffer. This is the law. Whether the lawis a state law or a law of nature, we risk suffering if we break it.

The guru's business is to see that no human being suffers in thismaterial world. No one can claim that he is not suffering. That is notpossible. In this material world, there are three kinds of suffering:adhyatmika, adhibhautika, and adhidaivika. These are miseries arising from the material body and mind, from other living entities, and fromthe forces of nature. We may suffer mental anguish, or we may suffer from other living entities--from ants or mosquitoes or flies--or we maysuffer due to some superior power. There may be no rain, or there may beflood. There may be excessive heat or excessive cold. So many types of suffering are imposed by nature. Thus there are three types of miseries within the material world, and everyone is suffering from one, two, orthree of them. No one can say that he is completely free from suffering.We may then ask why the living entity is suffering. The answer is:out of ignorance. He does not think, "I am committing mistakes and am leading a sinful life; that is why I am suffering." Therefore the guru'sfirst business is to rescue his disciple from this ignorance. We sendour children to school to save them from suffering. If our children do not receive an education, we fear that they will suffer in the future.The guru sees that suffering is due to ignorance, which is compared todarkness. How can one in darkness be saved? By light. The guru takes the torchlight of knowledge and presents it before the living entity enveloped in darkness. That knowledge relieves him from the sufferingsof the darkness of ignorance

One may ask whether the guru is absolutely necessary. The Vedas inform us that he is:

tad-vijnanartham sa gurum evabhigacchet samit-panih srotriyam brahma-nistham (Mundaka Upanisad 1.2.12)

The Vedas enjoin us to seek out a guru; actually, they say to seekout the guru, not just a guru. The guru is one because he comes in disciplic succession. What Vyasadeva and Krsna taught five thousand years ago is also being taught now. There is no difference between the two instructions. Although hundreds and thousands of acaryas have come and gone, the message is one. The real guru cannot be two, for the real guru does not speak differently from his predecessors. Some spiritualteachers say, "In my opinion you should do this," but this is not



aguru. Such so-called gurus are simply rascals. The genuine guru has only one opinion, and that is the opinion expressed by Krsna, Vyasadeva,Narada, Arjuna, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, and the Gosvamis. Five thousandyears ago Lord Sri Krsna spoke the Bhagavad-gita, and Vyasadeva recordedit. Srila Vyasadeva did not say, "This is my opinion." Rather, he wrote,sri-bhagavan uvaca, that is, "The Supreme Personality of Godhead says."Whatever Vyasadeva wrote was originally spoken by the SupremePersonality of Godhead. Srila Vyasadeva did not give his own opinion.

Consequently, Srila Vyasadeva is a guru. He does not misinterpretthe words of Krsna, but transmits them exactly as they were spoken. Ifwe send a telegram, the person who delivers the telegram does not have to correct it, edit it, or add to it. He simply presents it. That is theguru's business. The guru may be this person or that, but the message isthe same; therefore it is said that guru is one. (Adapted from Science of Self Realisation, Chapter 2)

Discovery

1. What do you mean by ajnana? 2. What is the nature of the material world &the spiritual world?

Understanding

1. Is ignorance of law excusable? Substantiate. 2. Is there any hope of getting out of our ignorant position? 3. How do we know that the message that we receive from the guru is bonafide?

Application

Now that you know the necessity of a guru, do you perceive it? What steps do you plan to take to seek out a guru?

SRI NAMAMRTA

A disciple who lacks faith in his spiritual master or who acts independently from him cannot attain success in chanting Hare Kåñëa:

It appears from the talks of Lord Caitanya that a person who cannot keep his faith in the words of the spiritual master and who acts independently cannot attain the desired success in chanting Hare Kåñëa. In the Vedic literatures it is stated that the import of all transcendental literature is revealed to one who has unflinching faith in the Supreme Lord and his spiritual master. Lord Caitanya firmly believed in the statements of His spiritual master, and He never neglected the instructions of His spiritual master by stopping His saìkértana movement. Thus the transcendental potency of the holy name encouraged Him more and more in chanting Hare Kåñëa, the mahä-mantra.Teachings of Lord Caitanya – Chapter 19

PREACHING IS THE ESSENCE

Lord Caitanya advised His followers to preach:

Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu advised His followers to increase the numbers of Vaiñëavas.... It is Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu's wish that everyone should become a Vaiñëava and guru. Following the instructions of Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu and His disciplic succession, one can become a spiritual master, for the process is very easy. One can go everywhere and anywhere to preach the instructions of Kåñëa. Bhagavad-gita is Kåñëa's instructions; therefore the duty of every Vaiñëava is to travel and preach Bhagavad-gita, either in his country or a foreign country.

Cc. Madhya 24.277



39. Genuine guru

Reporter: What about the person who seriously wants to find spirituallife but who happens to finish up with the wrong guru?

Srila Prabhupada: If you simply want an ordinary education, you have todevote so much time, labor, and understanding to it. Similarly, if youare going to take to spiritual life, you must become serious. How is itthat simply by some wonderful mantras, someone can become God in sixmonths? Why do people want something like that? This means that theywant to be cheated.

Reporter: How can a person tell he has a genuine guru?

Srila Prabhupada: Can any of my students answer this question?

Disciple: Once I remember John Lennon asked you, "How will I know who isthe genuine guru?" And you answered, "Just find out the one who is mostaddicted to Krsna. He is genuine."

Srila Prabhupada: Yes. The genuine guru is God's representative, and hespeaks about God and nothing else. The genuine guru is he who has nointerest in materialistic life. He is after God, and God only. That isone of the tests of a genuine guru: brahma-nistham. He is absorbed inthe Absolute Truth. In the Mundaka Upanisad it is stated, srotriyambrahma-nistham: "The genuine guru is well versed in the scriptures andVedic knowledge, and he is completely dependent on Brahman." He shouldknow what Brahman [spirit] is and how to become situated in Brahman.These signs are given in the Vedic literature. As I said before, thereal guru is God's representative. He represents the Supreme Lord, justas a viceroy represents a king. The real guru will not manufactureanything. Everything he says is in accordance with the scriptures andthe previous acaryas. He will not give you a mantra and tell you thatyou will become God in six months. This is not a guru's business. Aguru's business is to canvass everyone to become a devotee of God. Thatis the sum and substance of a real guru's business. Indeed, he has noother business. He tells whomever he sees, "Please become Godconscious." If he canvasses somehow or other on behalf of God and triesto get everyone to become a devotee of God, he is a genuine guru.

Reporter: What about a Christian priest?

Srila Prabhupada: Christian, Muhammadan, Hindu--it doesn't matter. If heis simply speaking on behalf of God, he is a guru. Lord Jesus Christ,for instance. He canvassed people, saying, "Just try to love God."Anyone--it doesn't matter who--be he Hindu, Muslim, or Christian, is aguru if he convinces people to love God. That is the test. The gurunever says, "I am God," or "I will make you God." The real guru says, "Iam a servant of God, and I will make you a servant of God also." Itdoesn't matter how the guru is dressed. As Caitanya Mahaprabhu said,"Whoever can impart knowledge about Krsna is a spiritual master." Agenuine spiritual master simply tries to get people to become devoteesof Krsna, or God. He has no other business.

Reporter: But the bad gurus...

Srila Prabhupada: And what is a "bad" guru?

Reporter: A bad guru just wants some money or some fame.

Srila Prabhupada: Well, if he is bad, how can he become a guru?[Laughter.] How can iron become gold? Actually, a guru cannot be bad,for if someone is bad, he cannot be a guru. You cannot say "bad guru."That is a contradiction. What you have to do is simply try to understandwhat a genuine guru is. The definition of a genuine guru is that he issimply talking about God--that's all. If he's talking about some othernonsense, then he is not a guru. A guru cannot be bad. There is noquestion of a bad guru, any more than a red guru or a white guru. Gurumeans "genuine guru." All we have to know is that the genuine guru issimply talking about God and trying to get people to become God'sdevotees. If he does this, he is genuine.

(From Science of Self Realisation Chapter 2)

Discovery

1. Why do people get cheated? 2. What is the real guru’s business? Or what is the quality of a genuine guru?



Understanding

1. Who according to Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu is a spiritual master? 2. Who is a ‘bad guru’?

Application

Can you share your experiences of meeting a guru? What were your convictions about him? SRI NAMAMRTA

The true äcärya presents Krsna to everyone by preaching the holy name throughout the world

One cannot become an äcärya simply by mental speculation. The true äcärya presents Krsnato everyone by preaching the holy name of the Lord throughout the world. Thus the conditioned souls, purified by chanting the holy name, are liberated from the blazing fire of material existence. In this way, spiritual benefit grows increasingly full, like the waxing moon in the sky.... Since he is understood to be the most advanced devotee, he is called paramahaàsa-öhäkura. Öhäkura is a title of honor offered to the paramahaàsa. Therefore one who acts as an äcärya, directly presenting Lord Krsnaby spreading His name & fame, is also to be called paramahaàsa-öhäkura.

Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Antya-lélä 7.12

"Only unto those great souls who have implicit faith in both the Lord and the spiritual master are all the imports of Vedic knowledge automatically revealed."


Regardless of one's material designations, if he understands the science of Kåñëa, he can spread Krsna Consciousness.

kibä vipra, kibä nyäsé, çüdra kene naya / yei kåñëa-tattva-vettä, sei 'guru' haya [Cc. Madhya 8.128]

"Whether one is a brähmaëa, a sannyäsi or a südra—regardless of what he is—he can become a spiritual master if he knows the science of Kåñëa."

To spread Krsna Consciousness, one need only be cognizant of the science of the spirit soul. It does not matter whether one is a brähmaëa, kñatriya, vaiçya, çüdra, sannyäsé, gåhastha or whatever. If one simply understands this science, he can become a spiritual master.... There are two kinds of Vaiñëavas—bhajanänandé and goñthy-änandé. A bhajanänandé is not interested in preaching work, but a goñöhy-änandé is interested in spreading Krsnaconsciousness to benefit the people and increase the number of Vaiñëavas.... Unless we accept this principle enunciated by Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu, this Krsna Consciousness movement cannot spread all over the world. According to Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu's intentions: påthivéte äche yata nagarädi gräma sarvatra pracära haibe mora näma. Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu's cult must be preached all over the world. This does not mean that people should take to His teachings and remain çüdras or caëòälas. As soon as one is trained as a pure vaiñëava, he must be accepted as a bona fide brähmaëa. This is the essence of Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu's instructions in this verse.

(CC. Madhya 8.128)



40. Srila Prabhupada

SRILA PRABHUPADA’S PERFECT GIFT TO THE WORLD

We are all so fortunate to have Srila Prabhupada as our guide and shelter. Srila Prabhupada is the direct initiating and instructing spiritual master for his disciples, and for their disciples, he is their grandfather spiritual master or parama-guru. In addition, Srila Prabhupada as the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON, is the primary instructing spiritual master and shelter for all ISKCON members. In 1994, the GBC tried to define Srila Prabhupada’s position as Founder-Acharya of ISKCON.

To fulfill the previous acaryas’ desire for a united worldwide preaching organization to expand Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhus mission, Srila Prabhupada founded the International Society for Krsna Consciousness as a distinct branch of the Brahma Madhva Gaudiya Vaishnava sampradaya. Therefore he is the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON.

a Srila Prabhupada is the foundational shiksha guru for all ISKCON devotees because he has realized and presented the teachings of the previous acharyas of the Brahma Madhva Gaudiya sampradaya appropriately for the modern age.

b Srila Prabhupada’s instructions are the essential teachings for every ISKCON devotee.

c Srila Prabhupada’s books are the embodiment of his teachings and should be accepted as the standard by all future generations of ISKCON.

d Srila Prabhupada should be worshipped daily by every ISKCON member.

e Every ISKCON spiritual master is responsible to guide his disciples to follow Srila Prabhupada’s instructions.

f As Founder-Acharya, Srila Prabhupada gave directions for management, principles of co-operation, and other practical guidelines which form the basis and inspiration for ISKCON’s policies.

g Srila Prabhupada established the Governing Body Commission to execute his will, following the order of the previous acharyas.

Srila Prabhupada, after realizing the teachings of the previous acharyas gave his followers the completely balanced and authorized system for practicing Krsna consciousness- the system that is timeless and eternal as well as appropriate for today’s world! Srila Prabhupada knew the needs of his followers as well as the needs of the people of the world. His gift of Krsna consciousness is the perfect and priceless gift for us and for the world. By assisting Srila Prabhupada and his representatives in disseminating the sankirtana movement of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, one becomes blessed and the fallen souls of the world get the inconceivable mercy of Krsna consciousness! Everyone should very carefully study the books, and teachings of His Divine Grace Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada so that they can continue the great legacy of Krsna consciousness that Srila Prabhupada has given to the world.

The personality of Kali is certainly extremely upset by Srila Prabhupada’s implanting and spreading Krsna consciousness all over the world. King Kali will try to do anything in his power to put obstacles in front of the Krsna consciousness movement’s progress. Individually we will be tested in all varieties of ways. Collectively the tests will also come in the form of various attempts to block our progress or deviate us from Srila Prabhupada’s path. We should remain firmly under the shelter of Srila Prabhupada and in that way cling strongly to the lotus feet of Their Lords Sri Sri Nitai-Gaura!!!

Discovery:

1. What is the position of Srila Prabhupada as per the GBC?



2. What does ‘GBC’ stand for? Who established the GBC and why? 3. When should one worship Srila Prabhupada? 4. What forms the basis and inspiration for ISKCON’s policies?

Understanding:

1. Which sampradaya does ISKCON belong to? 2. What is the role of a Guru in ISKCON? 3. How can we perceive ISKCON (Srila Prabhupada) as a perfect gift to the world?

Application:

1. How would you like to express your gratitude to Srila Prabhupada? 2. Is Krsna consciousness a perfect gift in your life? How would you like to reciprocate?

SRI NAMAMRTA

Following in the footsteps of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Srila Prabhupada distributed the maha−mantra freely in the West

Among His own associates, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu laughingly said, "I came here to sell My emotional ecstatic love. Although I came to Varanasi to sell My goods, there were nocustomers, and it appeared necessary for Me to carry them back to My own country. All ofyou were feeling unhappy that no one was purchasing My goods and that I would have to carry them away. Therefore, by your will only, I have distributed them without charging."

When we began distributing the message of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu in the Westerncountries, a similar thing happened. In the beginning we were very disappointed for at leastone year because no one came forth to help this movement, but by the grace of Sri CaitanyaMahaprabhu, some young boys joined this movement in 1966. Of course we distributed SriCaitanya Mahaprabhu's message of the Hare Krsna maha−mantra without bargaining or selling. As a result, this movement has spread all over the world, with the assistance ofEuropean and American boys and girls. We therefore pray for all the blessings of SriCaitanya Mahaprabhu upon all the devotees in the Western world who are spreading thismovement. ¯(CC Madhya−lila 25.168−70)


Lord Caitanya's prediction that Kåñëa consciousness will spread all over the world is being realized

When people came to Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu to discuss the principles of various scriptures, the Lord defeated their false conclusions and established the predominance of devotional service to the Lord. With logic and argument He very politely changed their minds.

We have been spreading this saìkértana movement in the Western countries, and in our recent tour of European cities like Rome, Geneva, Paris and Frankfurt, many learned Christian scholars, priests, philosophers and yogés came to see us, and by the grace of Kåñëa they agreed that this Kåñëa consciousness movement, the bhakti cult, offers the topmost conclusion. Following in the footsteps of Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu, we are trying to convince everyone that the devotional service of the Lord is enjoined in every scripture.... It is not a question of being Christian, Mohammedan or Hindu. One should be purely religious and freed from all these material designations.... This argument appeals to all intelligent men, and consequently this Kåñëa consciousness movement is gaining ground throughout the world. Due to our solid logic and scientific presentation, Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu's prediction that Kåñëa consciousness will spread in every town and village throughout the world is gradually being realized.

(CC. Madhya 25.20)



Handout for Lesson 40 – Statement of the GBC on the position of Srila Prabhupada

Statement of the GBC of the ISKCON adopted March 9, 2013 As the Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and the preeminent teacher and ultimate authority within our society, Srila Prabhupada has a unique relationship with every ISKCON devotee.

Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is the original guru whose Divine Grace descends through the medium of the Guru Parampara. As such, a devotee is ultimately delivered by Sri Krishna acting through a combination of various manifestations of His mercy. These include, but are not limited to, the chaitya guru, Srila Prabhupada, the Guru Parampara, one’s diksha guru, other siksha gurus, the Holy Name, sastra, and the nine processes of devotional service.

Within these cooperative elements, Srila Prabhupada, as the Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, is the preeminent guru for all members of ISKCON. All members of ISKCON, for all generations, are encouraged to seek shelter of Srila Prabhupada. All members of ISKCON are entitled and encouraged to have a personal relationship with Srila Prabhupada through his books, teachings, service, and his ISKCON society. All members accepting leadership roles within ISKCON, including diksha gurus and siksha gurus, have the duty of serving together under ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission (GBC) to fulfill Srila Prabhupada’s instructions as he has given in his books, lectures, and personal communications.

Overall, the primary duty of all diksha gurus, siksha gurus and others in leadership positions is to assist Srila Prabhupada in his service to his Guru Maharaja Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur, and our Brahma Madhva Gaudiya Sampradaya.

Those who accept the service of diksha guru or siksha guru in ISKCON are required to be exemplary in representing Srila Prabhupada’s teaching in their words and personal behavior. The siksha guru gives spiritual instruction and inspiration on behalf of Srila Prabhupada and our Guru Parampara. The diksha guru gives spiritual instruction, inspiration, formal initiation, a spiritual name, and later imparts the sacred Gayatri mantras to a qualified disciple as a service to Srila Prabhupada and our Guru Parampara.

Srila Prabhupada has clearly explained that devotees who are strictly following the Krishna Conscious principles are acting on the liberated platform, and, as such, are pure devotees, even though they may actually not yet be liberated. (Such unalloyed devotional service is not necessarily determined by one’s role or position of service, but by one’s realization.)

Those who accept the service of diksha or siksha guru within ISKCON are mandated to be strict followers of the instructions of Srila Prabhupada, and, as long as they follow, they are acting on the liberated platform. Thus they may serve, as Srila Prabhupada ordered, as bonafide representatives of the Lord and the Guru Parampara and be a via medium of Their mercy. Yet it should be clearly understood that if such diksha or siksha gurus deviate from strictly following, they may fall down from their position.

Thus, to act as a diksha guru in ISKCON means to serve under the GBC and in cooperation with other ISKCON authorities by functioning as a “regular guru” as Srila Prabhupada has directed. This statement, while conclusive, is not exhaustive in its discussion of these principles. The GBC may authorize additional statements and papers in the future to further explain the preeminent position of our Founder-Acharya Srila Prabhupada, the role and responsibilities of those who serve as gurus in our society, and the related duties of ISKCON members and initiates.



41. Disciplic succession

evaà paramparä-präptam / imaà räjarñayo viduù sa käleneha mahatä / yogo nañöaù parantapa (B.G.4.2) TRANSLATION This supreme science was thus received through the chain of disciplic succession, and the saintly kings understood it in that way. But in course of time the succession was broken, and therefore the science as it is appears to be lost. PURPORT It is clearly stated that the Gita was especially meant for the saintly kings because they were to execute its purpose in ruling over the citizens. Certainly Bhagavad-gita was never meant for the demonic persons, who would dissipate its value for no one's benefit and would devise all types of interpretations according to personal whims. As soon as the original purpose was scattered by the motives of the unscrupulous commentators, there arose the need to reestablish the disciplic succession. Five thousand years ago it was detected by the Lord Himself that the disciplic succession was broken, and therefore He declared that the purpose of the Gita appeared to be lost. In the same way, at the present moment also there are so many editions of the Gita (especially in English), but almost all of them are not according to authorized disciplic succession. There are innumerable interpretations rendered by different mundane scholars, but almost all of them do not accept the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kåñëa, although they make a good business on the words of Çré Kåñëa. This spirit is demonic, because demons do not believe in God but simply enjoy the property of the Supreme. Since there is a great need of an edition of the Gita in English, as it is received by the paramparä (disciplic succession) system, an attempt is made herewith to fulfill this great want. Bhagavad-gita—accepted as it is—is a great boon to humanity; but if it is accepted as a treatise of philosophical speculations, it is simply a waste of time.

sa eväyaà mayä te 'dya / yogaù proktaù purätanaù bhakto 'si me sakhä ceti / rahasyaà hy etad uttamam (B.G. 4.3) TRANSLATION That very ancient science of the relationship with the Supreme is today told by Me to you because you are My devotee as well as My friend and can therefore understand the transcendental mystery of this science. PURPORT There are two classes of men, namely the devotee and the demon. The Lord selected Arjuna as the recipient of this great science owing to his being a devotee of the Lord, but for the demon it is not possible to understand this great mysterious science. There are a number of editions of this great book of knowledge. Some of them have commentaries by the devotees, and some of them have commentaries by the demons. Commentation by the devotees is real, whereas that of the demons is useless. Arjuna accepts Çré Krsna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and any commentary on the Gita following in the footsteps of Arjuna is real devotional service to the cause of this great science. The demonic, however, do not accept Lord Krsna as He is. Instead they concoct something about Krsna and mislead general readers from the path of Kåñëa's instructions. Here is a warning about such misleading paths. One should try to follow the disciplic succession from Arjuna, and thus be benefitted by this great science of Srimad Bhagavad-gita.

1. Krsna 7. Narahari 13. Vidyanidhi 19. Lakshmipati 25. Krsnadasa 31.Bhaktisiddhanta

Sarasvati

2. Brahma 8. Madhava 14. Rajendra 20. Madhavendra Puri 26. Narottama

32. A. C. Bhaktivedanta Svami Prabhupada

3. Narada 9. Akshobhya 15. Jayadharma

21. Isvara Puri, (Nityananda, Advaita) 27. Visvanatha

4. Vyasa 10. Jaya Tirtha 16. Purushottama 22. Lord Caitanya 28. (Baladeva) Jagannatha

5. Madhva 11.Jnanasindhu 17. Brahmanya

Tirtha 23. Rupa, (Svarupa, Sanatana) 29.Bhaktivinoda

6. Padmanabha 12. Dayanidhi 18. Vyasa Tirtha

24. Raghunatha, Jiva 30.Gaurakisora

Discovery



1. For whom was this science of Bhagavad-gita meant? 2. Why was there a need to reestablish the disiciplic succession?

Understanding

1. How do we understand that a person is demonic? 2. Why did Krsna select Arjuna as a recipient of this great science? 3. How can we understand which is the right edition of Bhagavad-gita?

Application

Has there been anytransformation in your life after coming in touch with the Bhagavad-gita As It Is? Please share. SRI NAMAMITA

The Holy name must be received from spiritual sources

Since the holy name is spiritual, it must be received from spiritual sources. The holyname−and, ultimately, all spiritual wisdom−is preserved and transmitted by generation aftergeneration of realized souls comprising a disciplic succession of spiritual teachers. Themantra, the holy name, which is the seed of spiritual devotion, is planted within the heart ofthe sincere disciple by the spiritual master at the time of formal spiritual initiation. When uttered in devotion by a fully realized guru, the holy name has great efficacy upon the hearer, who achieves immediate benefit. Having received the holy name from the lips of aspiritual master, the student embarks upon the path of daily chanting, being careful topronounce the mantra clearly and distinctly and to chant loudly enough to hear himself. The chanter must absorb his consciousness deeply within the divine sound of the mantra,vigilantly protecting the mind from the distraction of trivial or directionless thought. (Sri Namamrta – Introduction)


A preacher in Brahmä's party (Brahma-sampradäya) is very dear to the Lord

The creation of the material world is not blind or accidental. The living entities who are ever conditioned, or nitya-baddha, are thus given a chance for liberation under the guidance of His [Kåñëa's] own representative like Brahmä. The Lord instructs Brahmä in Vedic knowledge in order to diffuse this knowledge to the conditioned souls. The conditioned souls are forgetful souls in their relationship with the Lord, and thus a period of creation and the process of dissemination of Vedic knowledge are necessary activities of the Lord. Lord Brahmä has a great responsibility in delivering the conditioned souls, and therefore he is very dear to the Lord.

Brahmä also does his duty very perfectly, not only by generating the living entities but also by spreading his party for reclaiming the fallen souls. The party is called the Brahma-sampradäya, and any member of this party to date is naturally engaged in reclaiming the fallen souls back to Godhead, back home. The Lord is very much anxious to get back His parts and parcels, as stated in the Bhagavad-gita. No one is more dear than the one who takes the task of reclaiming the fallen souls back to Godhead.

Anyone ... preaching the mission of the Lord in the line of the Brahma-sampradäya is always dear to the Lord, and the Lord, being satisfied with such a preacher of the authorized bhakti cult, shakes hands with him in great satisfaction.

(Srimad-Bhägavatam 2.9.19)



42. Most fortunate soul brahmäëòa bhramite kona bhägyavän jéva guru-kåñëa-prasäde päya bhakti-latä-béja (CC Madhya 19.151)

Lord Caitanya explained that of the many thousands and millions of living entities wandering in the material world, one who by the grace of Lord Krsna and the spiritual master gets the seed of devotional service is very rare and fortunate. A pious or religious man is generally inclined to worship deities in various temples, but if by chance, even without his knowledge, he offers his obeisances to Lord Vishnu or receives the favor of a Vaishnava, a devotee of the Lord, he at that time acquires the asset necessary to approach the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This is clearly understood from the life story of the great sage Narada, which is related in Srimad-Bhagavatam. By serving Vaishnavas in his previous life, Narada was favored by the devotees of the Lord and became a great sage. Indeed, amongst sages Narada Muni is considered to be the greatest.

Vaishnavas, or devotees, are usually very compassionate upon conditioned souls. Without even being invited, a devotee will go from door to door to enlighten people and to bring them out of the darkness of nescience by injecting knowledge of the living entity's constitutional position as a servant of Lord Krsna. Such devotees are empowered by the Lord to distribute devotional consciousness, or Krsna consciousness, to the people in general. They are known as authorized spiritual masters, and it is by their mercy that a conditioned soul gets the seed of devotional service. The causeless mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is first appreciated when one comes in touch with a bona fide spiritual master who can bring the conditioned soul to the highest position of devotional life. Therefore Lord Caitanya said that by the mercy of the spiritual master one can achieve the causeless mercy of the Lord, and by the mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one can attain the mercy of the bona fide spiritual master.

Thus by the mercy of the spiritual master and Krsna, one receives the seed of devotional service. He has only to sow the seed in the field of his heart, just as a gardener sows the seed of a valuable tree. After sowing this seed, one has to water it in the form of chanting and hearing the holy name of the Supreme Lord or by taking part in discussions about the science of devotional service in a society of pure devotees. When the plant of devotional service sprouts up from the seed of devotion, it begins to grow freely. When it is full grown, it surpasses the length and breadth of this universe and enters into the transcendental atmosphere, where everything is bathed in the effulgence of the brahmajyoti. The plant even penetrates this brahmajyoti and gradually enters the planet known as Goloka Vrindavana. There the plant takes shelter at the lotus feet of Krsna. That is the ultimate goal of devotional service. After attaining this position, the plant produces fruit, which is known as the fruit of love of Godhead. However, it is necessary for the devotee, or transcendental gardener, to pour water on the plant daily by chanting and hearing. Unless one waters the plant by chanting and hearing, there is every chance that it will dry up.(From Teachings of Lord Caitanya, Chapter 1 – Teachings to Rupa Goswami) Discovery 1. What is a pious or religious person generally inclined to do? 2. Who is a rare and fortunate soul? Understanding 1. What do we understand from the life of Narada Muni’s previous life? 2. Why are devotees considered compassionate? 3. What does one attain by the mercy of the spiritual master and Krsna? 4. Describe how the seed of devotion produces the fruit of love of Godhead. 5. How do we water the seed of devotion? Application 1. Discuss the obstacles / difficulties you are facing in chanting 16 rounds of japa. How do you plan to

overcome them? 2. Could you share how you came into Krsna consciousness?



SRI NAMAMRTA

[Lord Caitanya to Sanätana Gosvämé]: "If, by good fortune, a living entity develops faith in Kåñëa, he begins to associate with devotees. When one is encouraged in devotional service by the association of devotees, one becomes free from all unwanted contamination by following the regulative principles and chanting and hearing. When one is freed from all unwanted contamination, he advances with firm faith. When firm faith in devotional service awakens, a taste for hearing and chanting also awakens. After taste is awakened, a deep attachment arises, and from that attachment the seed of love for Krsna grows in the heart. When that ecstatic emotional stage intensifies, it is called love of Godhead. Such love is life's ultimate goal and the reservoir of all pleasure."

(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Madhya-lélä 23.9-13)


A Vaisëava shows compassion toward sinful, suffering entities:

Prahläda Mahäräja is the topmost example of a Vaiñëava who is always compassionate toward sinful persons suffering a hellish life within this material world. Krsna is therefore known as para-duùkha-duùkhé kåpämbudhi, or one who is compassionate toward others' suffering and who is an ocean of mercy. Like Prahläda Mahäräja, all pure devotees of the Lord come to this material world with full compassion to deliver the sinful. They undergo all kinds of tribulations, suffering them with tolerance, because that is another qualification of a Vaiñëava, who tries to deliver all sinful persons from the hellish conditions of material existence.The chief concern of a Vaiñëava is to deliver the fallen souls.

(Srimad-Bhägavatam 4.21.47)



43. How to approach a guru?

Sri Krsna Himself tells us the method of seeking out andapproaching the guru:

tad viddhi pranipatena / pariprasnena sevaya upadeksyanti te jnanam / jnaninas tattva-darsinah (B.G 4.34)

"Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master.Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realizedsoul can impart knowledge unto you because he has seen thetruth."

The first process is that of surrender. We have to find anexalted person and willingly surrender before him. The sastras enjointhat before we take a guru we study him carefully to find out whether wecan surrender to him. We should not accept a guru suddenly, out offanaticism. That is very dangerous. The guru should also study theperson who wants to become a disciple to see if he is fit. That is theway a relationship is established between the guru and disciple.

Everything is provided, but we must take up the process seriously. Thenwe can be trained to become a bona fide disciple. First we must find abona fide guru, establish our relationship with him, and actaccordingly. Then our life will be successful, for the guru canenlighten the sincere disciple who is in darkness.

Everyone is born a rascal and a fool. If we are born learned, whydo we need to go to school? If we do not cultivate knowledge, we are nobetter than animals. An animal may say that there is no need of booksand that he has become a guru, but how can anyone obtain knowledgewithout the study of authoritative books on science and philosophy?Rascal gurus try to avoid these things. We must understand that we areall born rascals and fools and that we have to be enlightened. We haveto receive knowledge to make our lives perfect. If we do not perfect ourlives, we are defeated. What is this defeat? The struggle for existence.We are trying to obtain a better life, to attain a superior position,and for this we are struggling very hard. But we do not know what asuperior position actually is.

Whatever position we have in this material world must be given up.We may have a good position or a bad position; in any case, we cannotremain here. We may earn millions of dollars and think, "Now I am in agood position," but a little dysentery or cholera will finish ourposition. If the bank fails, our position is gone. So actually there isno good position in this material world. It is a farce. Those who try toattain a better position in the material world are ultimately defeated,because there is no better position. The Bhagavad-gita (14.26) says whatthe better position is:

mam ca yo 'vyabhicarena / bhakti-yogena sevate sa gunan samatityaitan / brahma-bhuyaya kaipate (B.G. 14.26)

"One who engages in the spiritual activities of unalloyed devotional service at once transcends the modes of material nature andis elevated to the spiritual platform."

Is there any science that gives us the knowledge by which we may become immortal? Yes, we may become immortal, but not in the materialsense. We cannot receive this knowledge in so-called universities.

However, there is knowledge contained in the Vedic scriptures by whichwe may become immortal. That immortality is our better position. No more birth, no more death, no more old age, no more disease. Thus the guru takes on a very great responsibility. He must guide his disciple and enable him to become an eligible candidate for the perfect position--immortality. The guru must be competent to lead his disciple back home,back to Godhead.(From Science of Self Realisation Chapter 2 – What is a Guru?)

Discovery

1. What good position can we have in this material world? 2. As per the sastras, how do we select a guru? 3. How is a relationship developed between a guru and disciple?

Understanding

1. Why is there a need to cultivate knowledge? 2. How do you think we are defeated in the material world?



3. Is immortality possible? 4. What should be our mood while approaching a guru?

Application

If you have decided or are in the process of deciding to select a guru, how do you plan to render service to him?

SRI NAMAMRTA

By chanting sixteen rounds of the maha mantra (etc.) one gets spiritual strength with which to preach Krsna consciousness all over the world:

[Chand Kazi to the devotees of Lord Caitanya]: "For so long you did not follow the regulative principles of the Hindu religion, but now you are following them with great enthusiasm. May I know by whose strength you are doing so?"

It appears that from the aggression of Vaktiyära Khiliji in Bengal until the time of Chand Kazi, Hindus, or the followers of the Vedic principles, were greatly suppressed. Like the Hindus in present-day Pakistan, practically no one could execute the Hindu religious principles freely. Chand Kazi referred to this condition of Hindu society. Formerly the Hindus had not been straightforward in executing their Hindu principles, but now they were freely chanting the Hare Krsna mahä-mantra. Therefore it must have been by the strength of someone else that they were so daring.

Actually, that was the fact. Although the members of the so-called Hindu society had followed the social customs and formulas, they had practically forgotten to execute their religious principles strictly. But with the presence of Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu they actually began following the regulative principles according to His order. That order is still existing, and anywhere and everywhere, in all parts of the world, one can execute it. That order is to become a spiritual master under the direction of Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu by following the regulative principles, chanting daily at least sixteen rounds of the Hare Krsna mahä-mantra, and preaching the cult of Krsna Consciousness all over the world. If we adhere to the order of Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu, we shall get spiritual strength without a doubt, and we shall be free to preach this cult of the Hare Krsna movement and not be hampered by anyone. (Cc Ädi-lélä 17.126)


Regardless of one’s meatieral designations, if he understands the science of Krsna, he can spread Krsna consciousness.

kibä vipra, kibä nyäsé, çüdra kene naya / yei kåñëa-tattva-vettä, sei 'guru' haya [Cc. Madhya 8.128]

"Whether one is a brähmaëa, a sannyäsi or a südra—regardless of what he is—he can become a spiritual master if he knows the science of Kåñëa."

To spread Krsna Consciousness, one need only be cognizant of the science of the spirit soul. It does not matter whether one is a brähmaëa, kñatriya, vaiçya, çüdra, sannyäsé, gåhastha or whatever. If one simply understands this science, he can become a spiritual master.... There are two kinds of Vaiñëavas—bhajanänandé and goñthy-änandé. A bhajanänandé is not interested in preaching work, but a goñöhy-änandé is interested in spreading Krsna Consciousness to benefit the people and increase the number of Vaiñëavas.... Unless we accept this principle enunciated by Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu, this Krsna Consciousness movement cannot spread all over the world. According to Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu's intentions: påthivéte äche yata nagarädi gräma sarvatra pracära haibe mora näma. Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu's cult must be preached all over the world. This does not mean that people should take to His teachings and remain çüdras or caëòälas. As soon as one is trained as a pure Vaiñëava, he must be accepted as a bona fide brähmaëa. This is the essence of Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu's instructions in this verse. (Cc. Madhya 8.128)



44. Diksha

Those who are cultivating spiritual life and executing devotional service are always engaged in activity. Such activity can be performed with the body or with the mind. Thinking, feeling and willing are all activities of the mind, and when we will to do something, the activity comes to be manifest by the gross bodily senses. Thus, in our mental activities we should always try to think of Kåñëa and try to plan how to please Him, following in the footsteps of the great äcäryas and the personal spiritual master.

Similarly, we can offer many services with our bodily activities. But all such activities must be in relationship with Kåñëa. This relationship is established by connecting oneself with the bona fide spiritual master, who is the direct representative of Kåñëa in disciplic succession. Therefore, the execution of Kåñëa conscious activities with the body should be directed by the spiritual master and then performed with faith. The connection with the spiritual master is called initiation. From the date of initiation by the spiritual master, the connection between Kåñëa and a person cultivating Kåñëa consciousness is established.Without initiation by a bona fide spiritual master, the actual connectionwith Kåñëa consciousness is never performed. (From Nectar of Devotion, Introduction)

In this Krsna consciousness movement a chance is given to everyone without discrimination of caste, creed or color. Everyone is invited to join this movement, sit with us, take prasada and hear about Krsna. When we see that someone is actually interested in Krsna consciousness and wants to be initiated, we accept him as a disciple for the chanting of the holy name of the Lord. When a neophyte devotee is actually initiated and engaged in devotional service by the orders of the spiritual master, he should be accepted immediately as a bona fide Vaisnava, and obeisances should be offered unto him. Out of many such Vaisnavas, one may be found to be very seriously engaged in the service of the Lord and strictly following all the regulative principles, chanting the prescribed number of rounds on japa beads and always thinking of how to expand the Krsna consciousness movement. Such a Vaisnava should be accepted as an uttama-adhikari, a highly advanced devotee, and his association should always be sought.

The process by which a devotee becomes attached to Krsna is described in Caitanya-caritamrta (Antya 4.192):

dékñä-käle bhakta kare ätma-samarpaëa

sei-käle kåñëa täre kare ätma-sama

"At the time of initiation, when a devotee fully surrenders to the service of the Lord, Krsna accepts him to be as good as He Himself."

Diksa, or spiritual initiation, is explained in the Bhakti-sandarbha (868) by SrilaJiva Gosvami:

divyaà jïänaà yato dadyät

kuryät päpasya saìkñayam

tasmäd dékñeti sä proktä

deçikais tattva-kovidaiù

“Dékñä is the process by which one can awaken his transcendental knowledge and vanquish all reactions caused by sinful activity. A person expert in the study of the revealed scriptures knows this process as dékñä.”

By diksa one gradually becomes disinterested in material enjoyment and gradually becomes interested in spiritual life.We have seen many practical examples of this, especially in Europe and America. Many students who come to us from rich and respectable families quickly lose all interest in material enjoyment and become very eager to enter into spiritual life. Although they come from very wealthy families, many of them accept living conditions that are not very comfortable. Indeed, for Krsna's sake they are prepared to accept any living condition as long as they can live in the temple and associate with the Vaisnavas. When one becomes so disinterested in material enjoyment, he becomes fit for initiation by the spiritual master. For theadvancement of spiritual life Srimad-Bhagavatam (6.1.13) prescribes: tapasa brahmacaryena samena ca damena ca. When a person is serious about accepting diksa, he must be prepared to practice austerity, celibacy and controlof the mind and body. If one is so prepared and is desirous of receiving spiritual enlightenment (divyam jnanam), he is fit for being initiated. Divyam jnanam is technically called tad-vijnana, or knowledge about the Supreme.



Tadvijnanartham sa gurum evabhigacchet: when one is interested in the transcendental subject matter of the Absolute Truth, he should be initiated. Such a person should approach a spiritual master in order to take diksa. Srimad-Bhagavatam (11.3.21) also prescribes: tasmad gurum prapadyeta jijnasuh sreya uttamam. "When one is actually interested in the transcendental science of theAbsolute Truth, he should approach a spiritual master." One should not accept a spiritual master without following his instructions. Nor should one accept a spiritual master just to make a fashionable show of spiritual life. One must be jijnasu, very much inquisitive to learn from the bonafide spiritual master. The inquiries one makes should strictly pertain to transcendental science (jijnasuh sreya uttamam). The word uttamam refers to that which is above material knowledge. Tama means "the darkness of this material world," and ut means "transcendental." Generally people are very interested in inquiring about mundane subject matters, but when one has lost such interest and is simply interested in transcendental subject matters, he is quite fit for being initiated. (From Nectar of Instruction, Text 5)

Discovery

1. What should we always try to think and plan for? 2. What is the meaning of ‘diksha’? 3. What the meaning of ‘uttamam’?

Understanding

1. How are the Krsna conscious activities executed? 2. When does Krsna accept our devotional service? 3. Who is a bonafide vaishnava? How should he be treated? 4. Who is an uttamadhikari? 5. Who is a fit candidate for initiation by the spiritual master?

Application

List out the challenges that you are facing in making further advancement in your spiritual life?

SRI NAMAMRTA

The spiritual master delivers the disciple from maya by initiating him into the chanting of the holy name:

It is the spiritual master who delivers the disciple from the clutches of maya by initiating him into the chanting of the Hare Krsna maha−mantra. In this way a sleeping human being can revive his consciousness by chanting Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. In other words, the spiritual master awakens the sleeping living entity to his original consciousness so that he can worship Lord Visnu. This is the purpose of diksa, or initiation. Initiation means receiving the pure knowledge of spiritual consciousness. (CC Madhya Lila 9.61)


The duty of the disciple is to distribute the transcendental message for others’ welfare, without material motive:

The life of a sincere devotee of the Lord is thus explained in a nutshell by Närada Muni by his personal example. Such a devotee, after his initiation by the Lord or His bona fide representative, takes very seriously chanting of the glories of the Lord and traveling all over the world so that others may also hear the glories of the Lord. Such devotees have no desire for material gain. They are conducted by one single desire: to go back to Godhead. This awaits them in due course on quitting the material body. Because they have the highest aim of life, going back to Godhead, they are never envious of anyone, nor are they proud of being eligible to go back to Godhead. Their only business is to chant and remember the holy name, fame and pastimes of the Lord and, according to personal capacity, to distribute the message for others’ welfare without motive of material gain. ( SB 1.6.26)



Handout on performing arati (Adapted from the ISKCON Deity worship ministry’s website)

Required Paraphernalia

Make sure the following items are present:

For all aratis:

1. a bell on a plate

2. an acamana cup containing fresh water and a spoon

3. a conch (for blowing) with a water-filled lota for purifying it

4. a receptacle to catch the water from rinsing the conch (just outside the deity room, in the temple room).

5. a mat (asana)

In addition, for full arati:

1. an incense holder with an odd number of incense sticks (usually three)

2. a ghee lamp (one or five wicks)

3. a conch for water, with a stand

4. a small container for the water that is offered in the conch

5. a handkerchief

6. flowers on a plate (with Tulasi, if offered to the Lord)

7. a camara (yak-tail whisk)

8. a peacock fan (only in warm weather).

Preliminary Activities for Arati

After performing acamana (if not already done for previous services), offer

obeisances to your spiritual master, requesting to assist him in the worship.

After cleaning the place where the arati paraphernalia will be set up (either on a low table, on the floor, or, if space allows, on

the altar itself), bring the tray with paraphernalia and place them in the order of offering.

You may now light a standing or hanging oil or ghee lamp for lighting incense and arati lamps.

Ringing the bell again, open the deity room doors or curtains on the altar. Then, take the blowing conchshell and lota with water

just outside the deity room (without the bell), blow the conch three times, rinse it off over a receptacle placed outside for that

purpose, and then bring the conch and lota back inside. (You may place the conch horizontally on top of the lota.) Next wash

your hands with water from the acamana cup and open the curtain while ringing the bell.

During the arati ceremony, it is nice if your family members or other devotees perform kirtana. If there is no one to chant,

the pujari performing arati may either sing or have a recording of kirtana played.

Figure 1 - incense holder

Figure 2 - ghee lamp holder with 5 wicks

1

Figure 3 - Conch with stand

Figure 4 - small container for water

Figure 8 - Peacock (feather) fan

Figure 7 - Camara

Figure 6 - Flowers Figure 5 - Handkerchief



Purifying the Items (Upacaras)

Before picking up and offering each item, first purify your right hand and then the item by sprinkling them with water from

the acamana cup. You can purify the item by taking the spoon in your right hand and sprinkle water on the item directly from

the spoon.

Offering Procedure

Arati paraphernalia should be offered gracefully, in a meditative mood. But do not be either too slow or too fast, and do not

perform it in a showy manner, but as a humble servant of your spiritual master and the assembled Vaisnavas. Stand to the left of

the altar (as viewed from the temple room)—not hidden entirely from view but also not distracting others by your presence.

For devotees who are not direct disciples of Srila Prabhupada:

Along with the worship of one’s own spiritual master, devotees in ISKCON worship His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedänta Swami

Prabhupada as both the Founder-Acarya of ISKCON and the siksa-guru for all devotees of ISKCON. In addition to the worship of

Srila Prabhupada in his guru-puja, one should also honor him when performing arati by presenting the arati items to Srila

Prabhupada after presenting them to one’s own spiritual master.

Then, with the consciousness that you are offering it on behalf of your spiritual master and with the blessings of Srila

Prabhupada and guru parampara, offer it with the full number of circles (listed below) to the main deity.

Performing arati

While standing on a mat (asana) and ringing a bell, present the incense first to your spiritual master and the guru parampara.

After offering the incense to the main Deity, offer it as prasada to the Lord’s associates in descending order, and to the guru-

parampara – senior to junior. This may be done with seven or three circles for each personality, depending on time allowance.

Then “offer it” (with one or three circles) to the assembled Vaisnavas as the prasada of the Lord and His associates.

Offer the remaining items in a similar way.

Offered items should not be mixed with unoffered items. You may place offered items back on the plate that was used to bring in

the paraphernalia, provided no unoffered paraphernalia remains on it.

How to Offer Each Item to the deities

Offer all the items, by moving them in clockwise circles around the Lord’s body as detailed below while ringing a bell with your

left hand (hold the bell above waist level while ringing it), fixing your attention on the deities.

Items offered Lotus feet Waist Lotus Face Above the head All over the body

Incense (dhupa) 4 2 3 7

Ghee lamp 4 2 3 7

Water in conch

(warm)

4

Hand-kerchief 4 2 3 7

Flowers 4

Camara 7

Peacock fan 7

Completing the Arati

Full aratis, including fanning and blowing of the conch before and after the arati, may last up to twenty-five minutes; the

duration of short aratis (in which incense, flowers, and camara are offered) is from five to eight minutes.

After completing the arati, blow the conch three times outside the deity room, as at the beginning of the arati. Then distribute

the arghya and flower prasada to the assembled devotees.

Then with joined palms offer pranama prayers softly to your spiritual master and Their Lordships.

Next remove the arati paraphernalia from the deity room, clean the area and articles, and at last offer dandavat-

pranamas (prostrated obeisances) outside the deity room.



Documents

Bhakti Vriksha Lessons for Members