The Essence of

Sri Prema Bhakti Candrika

by Bhagavat Acharya

Prabhupada Sri Premgopal Goswami

Volume One

Bhakti Books

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Published by Bhakti Books @ Kartik 2017
On behalf of Sri Sri Hari Bhakti Procarini Sobha
ISBN 978-0-9560757-9-6

Other publications of Bhakti Books:

Śrī Ślokāmritam – The sublime nectar of Vaisnava verses
Śrī Ślokāmritam Bindu – A pocket version of Śrī Ślokāmritam
Srimad Bhagavad Gita - The Beautiful Song of God
Bhakti Yoga Basics – A Beginners Guide to Bhakti
Vaisnava Etiquette – A Handbook of rules for Vaisnava conduct
Vedic Sonic Sound – The Benefits of Chanting Hare Krishna
Love Yourself, Love Krishna – 72 Affirmations for Self-compassion
The Sweetness of Divine Love – Talks by BV Sadhu Maharaja (One & Two)
A Sweet Taste of Bhakti – Words from the Heart of Srila Premgopal Goswami
Living Raganuga Bhakti – Srila Prabhupada Premgopal Goswami
Sadhana Samput – The Treasure of Sadhana (Part One)
Sri Kirtanamritam – The Song Book of Sadhana Samput

For inspiration visit Prabhupada Srila Premgopal Goswami Facebook page

For further information & eBooks visit amazon.com/Dau Dayal (Dauji)
das/Bhakti Books

Acknowledgements:
Sudevi (Sukanya) for transcribing, Dauji for editing and sloka research,
Madhavi for cover design, Govardhan for coordinating and all the many
other devotees for their encouragement and support.

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Introduction
Sri Prema Bhakti-candrika is known as Sri Rupanuga-gita as it contains the
essence of all the teachings of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Prema Bhakti-
candrika literally means ‘The moonrays of loving devotion’. Srila Narottam
Das Thakura Mahasaya (great teacher) has captured the ocean of pure
bhakti in a jar and presents it in simple language we can all easily
understand and relish.

The speaker of these five lectures is Srila Prabhupada Premgopal Goswami

of the Nityananda Vamsha (family line descending directly from Lord
Nityananda). He is a pure devotee and a beautifully compelling speaker. His
deep realizations give his audience a real taste of the sweetness of pure
bhakti and transport us into the transcendental realm of pure love.

These five lectures took place in Prague 2015 and constitute the
introductory volume to Srila Premgopal Goswami’s explanations of and
commentaries on Prema Bhakti-candrika. A second volume consisting of
twelve lectures from Srila Premgopal Goswami’s European tour 2017 will
follow and expand the subject matter. Our hope is that the present
publication will inspire our readers to deepen their bhakti and strengthen
their bhajan and their realizations. We humbly request our readers to
overlook any shortcomings and mistakes. May our efforts be successful by
the mercy and blessings of Sri Guru, Sri Nitai-Gauranga and Sri Radha
Madan-mohan.

The editor

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 Mangalacarana - Auspicious Invocation
jayatāṁ suratau paṅgor mama manda-mater gatī
mat-sarvasva-padāmbhojau rādhā-madana-mohanau (2)
All glory to the supremely merciful Sri Radha Madana-mohana! Although I
am lame and foolish, They are my refuge and Their lotus feet are everything
to me.
gurave gauracandraya radhikayai tadalaye
krishnaya krishna-bhaktaya tad-bhaktaya namo namah
I offer my obeisances unto Sri Gurudeva, Sri Gauranga, Srimati Radhika and
her associates, unto Sri Krishna and His devotees, and unto the devotees of
His devotees.
ajñāna-timirāndhasya jñānāñjana-śalākayā
cakṣur unmīlitaṁ yena tasmai śrī-gurave namaḥ
I was born in the darkest ignorance, and my spiritual master opened my
eyes with the torch of knowledge. I offer my respectful obeisances unto
him.
väïchä-kalpa-tarubhyaç ca kåpä-sindhubhya eva ca
patitänäà pävanebhyo vaiñëavebhyo namo namaù
I offer my humble obeisances to all the Vaisnavas, who are the saviours of
all and who are like oceans of mercy and wish-fulfilling desire trees.

śrī-kṛṣṇa-caitanya prabhu-nityānanda
śrī-advaita gadādhara śrīvāsādi-gaura-bhakta-vṛnda
I offer my obeisances to Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya (Gauranga), Prabhu Nityānanda,
Śrī Advaita, Gadādhara, Śrīvāsa and all the devotees of Gauranga.

hare kṛṣṇa hare kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇa hare hare

hare rāma hare rāma rāma rāma hare hare
O Radha, O Krishna, I am calling Your names in the great hope that You will
be merciful to me and allow me to engage in Your loving devotional service,
serving You in Your confidential amorous pastimes in the kunjas of Vraja.

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 The Essence of Sri Prema Bhakti Candrika

Commentaries by Sri Prabhupada Premgopal

Goswami

1. Sadhana Begins by Taking Shelter of Sri Guru

(Giridhari Ashram, Prague, October 2015)
Srila Prabhupada Premgopal Goswami (PG): Today we will hear something
about Prema Bhakti Candrika by Srila Narottam Das Thakur. This scripture is
very important for all the sadhakas (practitioners of bhakti). Because what is
mentioned in all the scriptures, Srila Thakur Mahashaya, has explained the
essence of it here in Prema Bhakti Candrika. How we can realize this, how
we can get this knowledge, the deeper meaning of all scriptures. What is the
importance of this scripture? He has shown and given us guidance about the
most appropriate way of practicing sadhana. And at the same time with the
scriptural quotes and with all the previous acharyas’ quotes, he has shown
us the path for this life, both our material life and our spiritual life. He
made samskara (impression) for the purification of our knowledge,
purification of our thoughts, purification of our intelligence. It is almost
impossible that we can get all the knowledge of bhakti in one life time.
That´s why, we know so many things, from here, from there, from book,
from the acharyas, we know so many things. But all these things also are not
really complete knowledge. Maybe we have realized fifty percent and the
rest of it is just mental speculation. But in the path of sadhana bhakti there
is no room for speculation. We have to follow exactly what is mentioned in
the scriptures. If we want to get the blessings, if we want to get the mercy
from Bhagavan, then we have to follow the scriptures, strictly. Because
Bhagavan is moving according to the flow of the scriptures.
Shastra asks, “Oh Prabhu, which way will you come to me?” Then Bhagavan
answers, “I will come to you in accordance with the scriptures.”

sthane sthitah shruti-gatam tanu-van-manobhih (SB 10.14.3)

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(Regardless of one's condition of life, if he or she practices bhakti-yoga,
which begins with hearing (shruti-gatam) the transcendental harikatha of
the Lord through the mouths of pure devotees, he or she gradually conquers
the otherwise unconquerable Krishna).
Shruti means the scriptures. We must be firm in following the scriptures. In
whichever way, the direction is shown in the scriptures that path I will
follow and I will reach you. That must be our firm conviction. But, most of
the time, we are unable to follow exactly. Sometimes we are speculating,
why we should do that? Why it has to be done? But we should not doubt
scriptural rules but just follow if we really want to get the mercy, to get the
prema from Svayam Bhagavan. Shruti is the partial essence of the Veda and
were revealed by the Rishis (ancient sages). Veda is known as ‘apaurusheya’.
Dauji (DD): Not man-made!
PG: Not man-made! That´s why the scriptures are known as ‘apaurusheya’.
Why? Because it has directly manifested from Svayam Bhagavan. He said
this. It is not compiled by any man of this world. The Rishis, what did they
do? They made divisions of the Vedas. Initially, the Veda was only one but
Maharshi Vedavyas (the literary incarnation of Bhagavan) divided the Veda
into four parts. The Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda.
He (Vedavyas) simplified everything to accommodate the general people.
Then, he again simplified it further through the Puranas. Our nature is that
we do not like to take bitter medicine, is it not? If the medicine is sweet
tasting then we will take the medicine happily. That’s why in the Puranas, he
has given us the same knowledge that is described in the Veda. He gave this
same knowledge in the Puranas, with all the stories. Simply by reading the
stories one can gain all the knowledge of the Vedas.
DD: Purana literary means ancient histories.
PG: Yes, histories, His stories. Stories of Svayam Bhagavan and His avatars,
and all His pastimes. Then at the end what did Vyasadev do? He explained
and described Srimad Bhagavatam! Why at the end? Because Bhagavatam is
the essence. That´s why Sriman Mahaprabhu, he always says this, that
Shrimad Bhagavatam is our bhashya (language), which means that for all of
us Shrimad Bhagavatam is the root source of our knowledge.
madhyastha sri-bhagavata purana -‘Being absorbed in Srimad Bhagavatam’.
(Dhana Mor Nityananda, Prarthana, Narottam das Thakura)

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We are not rootless because we can find our roots in Srimad Bhagavatam.
DD: Spiritual roots.
PG: Yes. We can find our identity in Srimad Bhagavatam. We can get all the
knowledge we need from Shrimad Bhagavatam of how we can perform all
our duties (dharma) and conduct our life here in the material world.
Srila Narottam Das Thakur simplified everything in Prema Bhakti Candrika.
That is the greatness of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s mercy. He started to
advise us, from this world. First, who is qualified to perform sadhana, a
human, is it not? Only in a human form can one perform sadhana; that´s
why this human form is the supreme. With this human body, human form,
you can do sadhana. In no other form can one perform sadhana. Not even
the Demigods (the Devatas) like Indra, Chandra, Varun. Even Brahma dev,
who holds the highest position in this planetary system, he also is not
eligible for performing sadhana.
DD: Really?
PG: Yes!
DD: Yet he is the head of our sampradaya?
PG: Yes!
DD: So, how can we reconcile this?
PG: Yes, he can shower mercy, he can give blessings, but he cannot perform
his own sadhana.
DD: His own?
PG: No, not in his form as Brahma dev, only in this form of a human you can
perform sadhana. That’s why in Shrimad Bhagavat there is an explanation
about the advantage of this human form:

labdhva sudurlabham idam bahu-sambhavante

manusyam arthadam anityam apiha dhirah
turnam yateta na pated anumrtyu yavan
nihsreyasaya visayah khalu sarvatah syat
["After many, many births and deaths one achieves the rare human form of
life, which, although temporary, affords one the opportunity to attain the
highest perfection. Thus a sober human being should quickly endeavor for
the ultimate perfection of life as long as his body, which is always subject to
death, has not fallen down and died. After all, sense gratification is available

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even in the most abominable species of life, whereas Krsna consciousness is
possible only for a human being" (Srimad Bhagavatam 11.9.29).]
This form is sudurlabham, it means very rare, very important. Why? Because
only in this human form one can perform sadhana. No one else. That´s why
even the Demigods are envious of this human form. "Oh you are so
fortunate; you have got this form to serve Mukunda." They are really
envious of this human form. Yes, this material world, this planetary system,
you can say this is Maya! Maya! Full of Maya (the deluding material potency
of Krishna). All this is illusion. In scriptures so many negative descriptions are
given about this world.
DD: Mrityuloka (the world of death).
PG: Mrityuloka, maya maya jagat, just like illusion. Shankaracarya said this,
that:
dena pravuksami yaduktam grantha kotibhir (This is the world of maya, of
repeated creation and annihilation)
This is explained in many scriptures. [See also Bhagavad Gita 8.15 -
duhkhalayam ashashvatam – This world is temporary and full of miseries]. I
am explaining all these things that are said in millions of scriptures.
Brahma satyam jagat mithya: “Brahman (spirit) is real and the material
world is false.”
aham brahma ‘smi – I am Brahman (spirit).
Brahma is the only truth and this Jagat (world) is an illusion. Shankaracharya
just rejects everything else, it is nothing. All human beings, they are the
forms of Brahma. The Jiva is also Brahma, Brahma is Brahma. Everything!
sarvam khalv idam brahma - “Indeed, everything is Brahman” (Chandogya
Upanisad 3.14.1).
What you are seeing, everything is Brahma. You are also Brahma, what you
are seeing, everything is Brahma. The rest of what you are seeing, all these
houses and all of material creation is simply illusion.
DD: We do not accept that!
PG: There is a reason why we do not accept this because without this
planetary system, without this planet, this mrityuloka, maya maya jagat,
you cannot perform your sadhana anywhere. Only in this planet you can do
that. That´s why Krishna said:

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 abrahma-bhuvanal lokah punar avartino 'rjuna
mam upetya tu kaunteya punar janma na vidyate (BG 8.16)

(From the highest planet in the material world (Brahma loka) down to the
lowest, all are places of misery wherein repeated birth and death take place.
But one who attains to My abode, O son of Kunti, never takes birth again).

Oh Arjuna, everyone has to come back here, in this world, in this material
world! You know why? Because, all jivas will go, by their activities, by
their sadhana to different places in this planetary system but then they will
realize, “Oh! This is not the supreme destination!” Then they have to finish
all the results of their pious activities in the heavenly planet till all
their punya (pious credit) is exhausted and then they have to come back
here again and again.
DD: Pious credit
PG: Yes, their pious credit will be exhausted one day and they will have to
come back here again.
DD: Ten thousand years (in the heavenly planets of the demigods).
PG: Ten thousand, maybe five thousand, maybe more, but you have to
come back here, to be free from this planetary system. Fourteen planetary
system or these six chakras.
DD: Why Brahma cannot perform sadhana?
PG: No!!
DD: Because he has no time? Why?
PG: No, not because of time! He has no form of a human. Now he is
enjoying the result of his pious credits. Because Brahma did that kind of
great sadhana to acquire pious credits, but it was not in bhakti marga, in the
path of bhakti. He already performed his sadhana, hundred lifetimes he
performed this varna-ashrama dharma. You know what is varna-
ashrama dharma?
There are four varnas (classes of human beings) and four ashramas (stages
in life). Ok? And every varna and every ashrama has specific rules and
regulations. Brahma did hundred lifetimes continuously! Unbroken hundred
life times this varna-ashrama dharma, with hundred percent dedication.
That´s why he got this position, as Brahma, but this is also not the supreme

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position. The supreme position is you have to go to Goloka Vrindavan. That
is your eternal place. We are now situated in the middle position between
the upper and lower planetary systems. The highest planet in the upper
seven planetary systems is Satyaloka. In the fourteen planetary systems we
are in the middle. The seven lokas are, Bhu Bhuva Svaha Maha Jana Tapa
Satya. PPGG: We are in the middle and there is seven above and seven
lower.
DD: Seven planetary systems
PG: Seven planetary systems are the upper planetary systems, and there are
also lower seven planetary systems: Atal Vital Sutal Talatal Rashatal
Mahatal Patal. All who are living in these planetary systems will have to
come back here (to practice bhakti and attain Goloka Vrindavan).
Devotee: What about the Rishis in Deva loka?
PG: They also!
DD: But they are performing some activities like sadhana.
PG: No they are not performing bhakti sadhana, only they are meditating.
They will not get any result. Furthermore, they are not staying in Deva loka,
heavenly planet. The two lokas for the Rishis are Maha and Jana. But you
know why they are there? They are waiting to get the next birth. They are
waiting there to get their next life on planet Earth.
But everyone has to come back here. Who will get free from all this? Srimad
Bhagavata explains this. How everyone has to come back and how we can
achieve this stage in bhakti. Narottam Das Thakur, he explained all this here.
How as a human we can start our sadhana. How we can purify our mind, our
heart, our intelligence and our vritti, that means our tendencies. Then we
can achieve these stages of prema. That’s why Prema Bhakti Candrika is the
most important grantha (scripture) for all sadhakas (sincere practitioners of
bhakti). Not only for Vaishnavas, or the Shivites, but for all, for everyone
because all sadhakas have to follow these stages. That’s why Narottam Das
Thakur started our sadhana with Guru Vandana, with Sri Guru charana
padma kevala bhakati sadhma vando mui sava dana mate. He explained the
truth about Guru tattva (the principle) of Sri Gurudeva. Why do we need
Guru in our life? Is it only to get some mantra? But we can find all these
mantras in the scriptures. All the mantras we get upon initiation by Sri
Gurudeva we can get from the books. Then why should we take shelter of

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the lotus feet of Sri Gurudeva? Devarshi Narada explains this point in
Narada Pancaratra. Tritia ratra, in the third ratra , Seventh Chapter, he
explains very nice things there. First he started with the qualities of guru.
Then he explains why you should take shelter. He said that, no one can get
bhakti if they are not taking shelter of a sat guru (genuine guru).
tasmad gurum prapadyeta
jijnasuh shreya uttamam
shabde pare ca nishnatam
brahmany upashamashrayam
(Srimad Bhagavatam 11.3.21)
"Any person who is seriously desirous of achieving real happiness must seek
out a bona fide spiritual master and take shelter of him by initiation. The
qualification of a spiritual master is that he must have realized the
conclusion of the scriptures by deliberation and arguments and thus be able
to convince others of these conclusions. Such great personalities, who have
taken complete shelter of the Supreme Lord, leaving aside all material
considerations, are to be understood to be bona fide spiritual masters."

prathamam tu gurum pujyam tatash caiva mamarcanam

kurvan siddhim avapnoti hy anyatha nishphalam bhavet
(Hari-bhakti-vilasa 4.344)
[(Krishna says:) By worshipping the spiritual master first and then Myself
one will attain perfection; otherwise one’s worship will be fruitless].
PG: Prapancha, do you know what is prapancha?
DD: Prapancha?
PG: Yes. All this planetary systems, what we are seeing, what we are
realizing, what we are thinking, everything is prapancha (the total material
creation made of five material elements)!!
DD: Perception?
PG: Total mental perception.
DD: The perceivable world?
PG: Yes, prapancha. And prapancha also has another meaning - it means
Maya.
DD: The world of the five material elements! Material existence.

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PG: Yes, this is prapancha. When you are here, in this maya maya jagat,
through Sri Gurudev, you can get what is here and also realize something
from Vaikuntha and Goloka Vrindavan . That’s why of all different precepts
the most important part of our life is to take shelter of Gurudev, by taking
initiation.
prapanca pratiti yahe vina isvara – Being bound by maya, one cannot attain
Ishvara (Bhagavan).
And what is diksha? Is it just some mantras that Guru will say in our ear?
Only that is diksha? You have to realize this. You have to realize, who is
Guru. You have to realize what he will give you. What he is giving you. You
have to keep faith, strong faith in Guru first. Then you will get the blessings
from Bhagavan. Then you can go further. When you will get this strong faith
in him, then this diksha, this procedure of diksha will be completed,
otherwise not. That’s why, after initiation, when Guru will give us mantra,
through the words of the mantra, he will infuse in us the power (to realize
Krishna). Which power he will give us? Does he produce this power? Is this
power manifested by him? No! He will give you this power, such power,
which he is carrying. Gurus are the carriers (the vehicles or media) of the
supernatural power of Svayam Bhagavan. Svayam Bhagavan first gave this
power to Brahma.
PG to DD: Do you remember Dauji, we have talked about this?
DD: Yes, last year, the topic came up, but not in so much detail.
PG: First Svayam Bhagavan, he gave this power to Brahma. He gave this
initiation, and he started Guru parampara for this material world. You know
which day? Which day, he gave this initiation to Brahma? On Guru Purnima
day. Guru Purnima is not the birthday of Gurudev. But you can say that this
is the birthday of Sri Guru Tattva. On that day Svayam Bhagavan gave this
initiation first to Brahma. And with this he gave (invested) this power. You
know which mantra he gave to Brahma? By which mantra he established
Guru Tattva in this material world? The 18 syllable Gopal mantra (klim
krsnaya govindaya, etc). By the power of this mantra He imparted His power
to Brahma, because Brahma has to manifest all of this creation. In Srimad
Bhagavatam - which canto you are reading now?
DD: First canto!
PG: OK, it will come later!

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In the Srimad Bhagavatam, Sukadev Goswami, explains ten parts (subject
matters) in twelve Cantos (books). This Sarga (primary creation) and Visarga
(secondary creation) the first two parts are about the creation. Srishti, the
Sarga is what Svayam Bhagavan directly created. And Visarga, is how he
impregnated all the seeds into all the planetary systems. But he empowered
Brahma with the responsibility of creation. So, Brahma created this human
form, all the trees and plants, and all other living entities. This part is known
as Visarga. Without Svayam Bhagavan, just the power of Brahma cannot do
this. That’s why he said that you first do sadhana or just chant this mantra
(Gopal mantra). Then you´ll get siddhi, what is siddhi?
DD: Perfection!
PG: Yes, Perfection! Then by this power you have to manifest all these
things. That’s why this mantra is very powerful ashta dasaskar (eighteen
syllable) mantra, Gopal mantra. That’s why this mantra is known as Mantra
Raja. The King of all mantras. And then the mantra which Brahma receives
from Svayam Bhagavan, he transfers the power of this mantra to Narada
because Bhagavan gave the instruction to establish the Guru varga in this
material world, then from Narada to Vyasadev, then all
other sampradayas (different lines of gurus) started manifesting in this
world. In this way all the gurus are carrying this power. Guru is the carrier of
this power which Svayam Bhagavan gave first to Brahma. That is why you
have to take shelter of a sat guru. You have to accept the lotus feet of Sri
Guru. You have to receive this power from him. Otherwise you will find
mantras, this Gopal mantra also in the scriptures, in the books. People who
just think, that yes, Guru will advise me to chant certain number of times or
certain rounds every day. I can chant more than this. Maybe ten thousand,
maybe one lakh (one hundred thousand) every day. But I will not take
shelter under Guru. I will not bow down to anyone. I will not surrender to
anyone. Yes, they can chant, not only thousand times or million times a day.
They can chant year after year, life after life, but they will not get any result
(without first taking shelter of Sri Guru).
guru-diksha vihinasya na siddhim na sad-gatim
tasmat sarva-prayatnena guruna dikshitam bhavet
[Without proper diksha from Sri Guru, no one can attain perfection or the
supreme destination. Therefore, with utmost care and attention one should
accept diksha initiation from Sri Guru].

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Without guru’s blessings, without receiving this power from Guru, no one
can get this perfection in their life only by chanting. That´s why Thakur
Mahashaya, his first advice in Prema Bhakti Candrika is that, you have to
take shelter of the lotus feet of Sri Gurudeva. The feet of Sri Gurudev are
not ordinary feet. His feet are the lotus feet from where you will get the cool
air, from where you will get the nice aroma, like lotus, and from where you
will get pure prema, pure bhakti in your life, in your heart. Because the lotus
feet of Sri Gurudev is the abode of pure bhakti, sadma.
sri guru charana padma, kevala bhakti sadma
(Prem Bhakti Candrika, invocation prayer)
The lotus feet of the spiritual master are the abode of pure devotional
service.
Kevala bhakti means the highest stage of bhakti. Pure bhakti is kevala
bhakti. The lotus feet of Sri Gurudev are the store house, sadma. He is the
home of pure devotion, pure bhakti, kevala bhakti.
bando mui savadana mate [I bow down to his lotus feet with great care].
You have to pray to him very, very carefully, why? Why do you have to be
very careful with Gurudev? Because he looks like an ordinary man (but is
not).
DD: He appears to be ordinary, but…
PG: Yes. He looks like an ordinary man. That’s why bando mui savadana
mate. Very carefully you have to think about Gurudev. Yes, he looks like me.
He has two hands, two legs, two eyes, two ears. Maybe I am more beautiful
than Gurudev. But if you just think in that way, then you will lose
your bhajan. Guru is not a man, guru is a truth, tattva. That’s why in Srimad
Bhagavata, Sri Krishna said this to Sridam, “You should not think that your
Guru is from this material world.” You have to think your Guru is non-
different than Krishna.
acaryam mam vijaniyan navanmanyeta karhicit
na martya-buddhyasuyeta sarva-deva-mayo guru
[“One should know the acharya (guru) to be Myself, and never disrespect
him in any way. One should not envy him, thinking him an ordinary man, for
he is the sum total of all the demigods.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.17.27)]
In other words, “You have to know your Guru as Me”, Krishna says.
DD: The guru is the asharya Bhagavan, non different from Krishna.

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PG: Yes! “(Krishna says) In front of you My second form is Sri Gurudev!”
guru krishna rupa hana shastrera pramane
guru-rupe krishna kripa karena bhakta-gane

[According to shastra (the revealed scriptures), the [diksha] guru is directly

the outward form of the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna (krishna-rupa). It is in the
form of Sri Guru that Sri Krishna bestows His mercy upon the devotees. (Sri
Caitanya-caritamrita Adi-lila 1.45)]
“(Krishna says:) You should not think he is from this material world. No! He
is My second form in front of you. You have to respect what is inside this
person in front of you. He is not from this world.”
DD: He is the sum total of all the demigods.
PG: Yes! But there is also one question, Krishna said Guru is non-different
from Me. That means Guru is also Krishna, Guru is also Siva, Guru is also
Shakti, everything. But then if we will worship Guru like Krishna, then we
will commit aparadh (offence). We should not offer Tulsi or bilva patra (bale
leaves) to the lotus feet of Guru. You are not allowed to do this. Yes, we
have to give the same respect to Guru as we give to Krishna, but we do not
worship Guru like Krishna, because at the same time we have to know that
the Guru is also a sadhaka (a practitioner of bhakti).
DD: A Servant. Servitor Bhagavan.
PG: Yes! Guru is also servant of Svayam Bhagavan. You have to give the
same respect to him like Krishna. You have to pray for everything to your
Guru, because through Guru, Krishna will give blessings to you. Through
Guru, Krishna will accept everything from you. But if you will worship Guru
like Krishna, same like Krishna, then you will do offence against Krishna and
Guru also. That’s why in Kali Santarana Upanishad, there is a very nice,
important instruction. In Kali Santarana Upanishad, there are some points
about this matter.
guravo bahavah santi sisya-vittapaharakah
durlabhah sad-gurur devi shishya-santapaharakah
[Lord Siva to Parvati:] Many false ‘Gurus’ take advantage of their disciples
and plunder them. They exploit their disciples emotionally and sexually and
use them to amass wealth, whereas a genuine Guru who can liberate his

15
disciples from birth and death and remove their material miseries is very
rare. (Kali Santarana Upanisad)

yo vyaktir nyaya-rahitam anyayena shrinoti yah

tav ubhau narakam ghoram vrajatah kalam akshayam
(HBV 1.101)
One who poses as an acarya, but speaks against the conclusions of Srimad
Bhagavatam and other scriptures or performs kirtan opposed to the proper
glorification of Sri Krishna, certainly goes to hell for countless lifetimes along
with his disciples and whoever else hears such false talks and kirtan!
PG: Yes, Guru will go to hell because of his disciples. Lomaharshan Suta asks:
How? Sukadev Goswami said, “Because some of them worship their Guru as
Me.” (Guru should be respected as Krishna, but not worshiped as Krishna).
You can see it often here in India, in so many places, the misguided disciples
worship guru as Bhagavan and are offering Tulasi leaves and bilva patra to
his lotus feet. The disciples will go to hell and at the same time their guru
will also go to hell. Maybe, you are offering to his picture, to his photo, but
this is also an offence to him. That’s why you have to be very careful about
this. Bando mui savadhana mate.
prabhu kahe,—“eho bahya, age kaha ara”
raya kahe, “krsne karmarpana—sarva-sadhya-sara”
(Cc Madhya 8.59)

[Mahaprabhu said, “This is external. You had better tell Me of some other
means.” Ramananda Raya replied, “To offer the results of one’s activities to
Krishna (through Guru) is the essence of all perfection.”]

Be careful about this. You should not forget that the Guru is also a servant of
Krishna. You have to respect your Gurudev as Krishna, as like Krishna, same
respect, but at the same time you have to know he is also the servant and
the sadhaka of Sri Krishna, Svayam Bhagavan.

sri guru-carana-padma, kevala bhakati-sadma,

vando mui savadhana mate
jāhāra prasāde bhāi, e bhava toriyā jāi,
k a-prāpti hoy jāhā hoite

16
[The lotus feet of Sri Gurudeva are the treasure-house of unalloyed prema-
bhakti for Krishna. I very carefully worship and serve those lotus feet. By his
mercy, O brother, we can cross over material existence and attain Sri
Krishna].
Only by his blessing, you can cross this ocean of samsara. Most devotees in
this planetary system are mainly of two types. One group, they want to be
free from this material world and the other group, they want to get
pleasure. That means eternal ananda (bliss), pure ananda in their life by
serving Krishna. And it will happen, both of these you can get. Both these
blessings you can get from Sri Gurudev. Guru will take you from this world
to Goloka Vrindavan, if you will follow his instructions, his advice from your
heart. But if you will not follow, you will also get blessings from your Guru
and by these blessings you can cross this Samsara Samudra!! Ocean of
Samsara, this material existence. By his blessings, you do not have to come
here again. But you will get another chance to perfect your sadhana, to
achieve this perfection of going to Goloka Vrindavan. Krishna prapti hoi jaha
hoite. By his (guru’s) blessings we can get Sri Krishna.
guru-mukha-padma-vakya, cittete koriya aikya, aro na koriho mane asha
sri guru-carane rati, ei se uttama gati, je prasade pure sarva asha
[Embrace within your heart the words emanating from Sri Gurudeva’s lotus
mouth, desiring nothing else. Attachment for his lotus feet brings one to the
highest goal. By his grace all desires for spiritual perfection are fulfilled].
Whatever advice you get from him, you have to accept without any doubts.
If you have doubts, yes, you can clear these doubts by asking. For instance ,
if he advises you, “Do this!” and at that time you have any doubts such as
“Why I should do this?” You have the right to ask him, to clear your doubts.
Our sadhana is such that there is no chance to get any doubts. All is going
with logic, Krishna bhajan, the path of bhakti, there is everything according
to logic. You will get answer for all your doubts for all your questions there.
There is no way for “Oh I do not know this.” No! Guru has this duty to clear
all the doubts from the mind of his disciples. That is his duty. Maybe not just
once, but million times you can ask him. Guru has to answer. Guru has to
clear all doubts. But if you have doubts in your mind and you do not ask him,
but then you just think that “Oh no I should not follow this, because there
are some doubts.” No! This is offence. If you want to achieve this stage,

17
higher stage, then first you have to clear all your doubts. Then you have to
follow the instruction of Sri Gurudev. Certain things in our bhajan are
difficult to realize. So, some points you have to only just follow. If I will
follow, how prema will come to me? How I can realize that prema has
already come in my heart? You will not get this answer. Because you have to
feel it. You have to realize this. There are some qualities, by these qualities
you have to realize that, yes now prema is coming, bhakti is coming. When
prema and bhakti will come to your heart, then your mind will get clear and
there will be no doubt for anything. Then all these doubts and problems will
be solved by you, through Guru’s blessings. That’s why we have to follow
the words Sri guru mukha padma vakya cittete koriya aikya, āro nā koriho
mane āshā. Words, and instructions about your sadhana. Guru will talk
about things related to this material world and other topics. However, you
have to follow closely the instructions about your sadhana. What is said
about your sadhana. If you follow this instruction you can achieve this stage,
you can get this. You have to follow these words and these lotus words, it´s
very pure. You have to accept all these words about sadhana without any
doubts.
aro na koriho mane asha
That means that you have to leave all other desires. About uttama bhakti in
Bhakti Rasamrta Sindhu, Srila Rupa Goswami, he explained very nice words.
anyabhilashita shunyam jnana-karmady anavritam
anukulyena krsnanushilanam bhaktir uttama
“The cultivation of activities which are meant exclusively for the pleasure of
Sri krishna, or in other words, the uninterrupted flow of service to Sri
Krishna, performed through all endeavors of the body, mind and speech,
and through the expressions of various spiritual sentiments (bhāvas), which
is not covered by jnana (knowledge aimed at impersonal liberation)
and karma (reward-seeking activity), and which is devoid of all desires other
than the aspiration to make Sri Krishna happy, is called uttama-bhakti, pure
devotional service.” (Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu, Parva-vibhaga 1.1.11)
First you have to leave all the other desires from your heart. Only Krishna
will be there. If you just think, “Yes we are in this material world, how it will
be possible, I should leave all the other desire except Krishna?” That is the
point of our faith. Faith of a sadhaka. First a sadhaka has to keep strong faith
in Guru and Krishna. “Yes they will protect! Guru and Krishna will protect

18
me.” Maybe we will get so many problems in our life, we will face so many
things in our life, but anyhow we are protected by Guru and Krishna. We
have to keep this faith in the words of Guru, we have to keep this faith in
their ability. Then you have to leave all these other desires.
aro na koriho mane asha, sri-g r -cara e ra , ei se uttama-gati, je prasade
pure sarva asha
You will get everything by his blessing. Whatever you need in your life, for
both your material life and spiritual life. You will get everything by his
mercy, by his blessing. And the blessings of Sri Gurudev is always causeless
(unconditional), when you will get these blessings
yasya prasadad bhagavat prasado, yasya aprasadan na gati kutopi,
dyayam stuvams tasya yashyas tri sandyam, vandhe guro sri
charanaravindam
[One who pleases the spiritual master, the Supreme Lord is automatically
pleased with him, but for one who displeases the spiritual master there is no
means of success. I therefore meditate upon Sri Gurudeva, offer prayers to
him, and bow down before him three times a day.]
These blessings are not different from Krishna’s. If you get blessings from
your guru, that means Krishna is blessing you. If guru is pleased with you, it
means Krishna is pleased with you. If he is not pleased with you, you will
never get this mercy from Sri Krishna either.
Yesterday you said this line, Dauji, mare krishna rakhe ke, rakhe krishna
mare ke
[If Krishna wants to protect someone, no one can kill him, and if Krishna
wants to kill someone, no one can save him].

But here is another thing:

harau rushte gurus trat gurau rushte na kashchana
tasmat sarva-prayatnen gurum eva prasadayet
[Even if a person incurs the displeasure of the Lord, the spiritual master may
still give him protection, but if the spiritual master is displeased, there is no
one to give him protection. Therefore one should please Sri Gurudeva by all
endeavors of one’s body, mind and words.]
If Krishna is not pleased with you, if Krishna is angry with you, Guru will save
you, Guru will protect you from this anger. But if Guru is angry with you,

19
then Krishna will not protect you because Krishna does not have the ability
to protect from the fire of Guru. That is why you have to worship Guru
carefully.
That’s why we will get everything from Sri Gurudev. Guru is a special
character for our life. Even if you do only a little bit of bhakti, Guru will
never be angry with you. Maybe Krishna will be angry with you but Guru will
not. Guru will always give us his mercy. Guru will always give his blessings,
causeless (unconditional) blessings to us.
DD: Is it possible that the disciple can make you angry? Or is your mercy so
great that you never get angry with the disciple?
PG: That does not depend on me; it depends on guru tattva. Yes disciples,
that means his children can do so many offences.
DD: Mistakes.
PG: Make so many mistakes in their life. But guru has this special character
that he will never be angry with them, just like loving parents.
(Devotees are laughing in relief)
That’s why, in front of us, there is everything (in the form of Sri Guru). If
we´ll worship Guru, then we can please Krishna, Svayam Bhagavan, in a very
easy way. We have not to think about ourselves; if we surrender to him,
then he will do everything for our life; for this material life, for the spiritual
life, everything. He will advise you and he will guide you. Then:
chakshu dana dilo jei janme janme prabhu sei
divya jnana hride prakashito

[He who gives me the gift of transcendental vision and enlightens my heart
with divine knowledge is my master birth after birth]
We have eyes, but here Narottam das Thakur, he said that: Guru will give
you eyes. From whom you will get your eyes (spiritual vision) he is your Guru
life after life, life before life. But which eyes he will give us. Which eyes we
will get from Sri Gurudev? Which eyes he will open? You have two eyes, isn’t
it? But by these eyes we cannot see supernatural things. By these eyes we
cannot see Krishna; by these eyes we cannot see the real truth of Guru.
Guru will open these ‘eyes of knowledge’, gyanachakshu. When these eye
open, then we can see everything. Then everything we see in this world
also, it will not be bad. You will be able to feel everything, the blessings of

20
Guru, the blessings from Krishna. Even here in your house in Prague, you
can feel it. Yes, Krishna is with me here.
agyana timirandhasya, gyananjana shalakaya,
chakshur unmilitam yena, tasmai sri gurave namah
(I offer my most humble obeisances unto Sri Guru who has opened my eyes,
which were blinded by the darkness of ignorance, with the torchlight of
knowledge).
PG: You know, he will open these eyes, gyananjana shalakaya. Anjan you
know what is anjan?
DD: Colliryum, kajal
PG: Kajal, yes. And to put the kajal, they need one stick. But this kajal and
this stick is not material. This is gyananjana, the stick and kajal of eternal
knowledge. When he opens these eyes, then you can realize everything. You
can feel everything, which is coming always. You are not feeling this from
Vaikuntha or from Vrindavan but wherever you will stay, you can feel that
Guru with you, Krishna is with you. You can see Him, you can serve Him, you
can touch Him, and you can do everything. But for this you have to follow
the instructions of Guru. That’s why in our life it is the most essential thing
to take shelter of Guru.
When? When should we take shelter of the lotus feet of Sri Guru? As soon
as we get consciousness in childhood. If we will think that “Oh I am so busy
now, I have no time to do some things for Krishna bhajan or any sadhana. I
will do it when I will be retired from my job or something.” No! Then you
will not start, you cannot start anything. Your sadhana also will start from
your childhood, when you will get this consciousness in this world. That is
the best time, when you will get just consciousness. Maybe now you are
older. No problem, you can start right now. Now is the time to start your
sadhana. Whenever you will get this chance, whenever you will get this
consciousness, you have to start your sadhana. First, take shelter of Sri
Gurudeva. Then we can start our spiritual life as well as our material life.
Without his blessings we will not get this success in material life either.
That’s why it is very important to get this blessing from Sri Gurudeva. Jay Sri
Gurudeva!
Tomorrow we will go to another chapter in Prema Bhakti Candrika ‘How we
have to start our practice of bhakti’. Narottam Das Thakur will explain that it

21
is by Guru’s blessings and then, we need another blessing also. From
whom? He will explain and then we can follow the path of bhakti by his
blessing. And what is bhakti and how we can grow bhakti in our heart. He
will purify our heart. He will purify our knowledge, stage by stage. In the
coming days we will listen to these topics, one after another, not the whole
thing, because if you want to listen to the whole Prema Bhakti Candrika with
these kinds of explanations, then it will take about three months or four
months, or even longer. We will listen to these four stages in Prema Bhakti
Candrika, the main subject matters. And then also he will explain about pure
Krishna bhajan with this gopi mood (gopi bhava).

Jay Nitai!

Devotees: Jay Srila Gurudeva!

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2. Follow the scriptures to attain the highest goal

PG: Prema Bhakti Candrika. Yesterday we also listened to the first part,
which was about guru tattva. Why we should we take shelter of Sri
Gurudev? Now Narottam Das Thakur Mahasaya is saying that, after you will
get this blessings from sri guru, then you have to follow the scriptures. This
is the path, how one can achieve the highest goal. Sri Caitanya and Sri
Nityananda, have also given this advice. Here Thakur Mahashaya, he is
saying that.
bhāgavata-śāstra-marma naba-bidha
bhakti-dharma sadāi kariba s -sebana
anya-devāśraya nāitomāre kahin bhāi
ei bhakti parama-bhajana

(I shall eternally engage in the nine-fold process of devotional service, which

is the essential message of Srimad-Bhagavatam, and I shall not worship the
demigods. O brother, I say to you: Devotional service is the most exalted
kind of worship. (Sri Guru Carana Padma, PBC 2.9)
Why do we have to follow the scriptures? Because in sastra it is said that
only those who follow the scriptures can achieve the highest goal. Those
who do not follow scriptures will not get anything in their life. We cannot
acquire the highest knowledge by our own inadequate physical and mental
effort. We cannot see the light. That’s why we have to follow the scriptures.
Svayam Bhagavan he said:
yaḥ śāstra-vidhim ts jya vartate kāma-kārataḥ
na sa siddhim avāpnoti na s khaṁ na parāṁ gatim (Bg 16.23)
(He who discards scriptural injunctions and acts according to his own whims
attains neither perfection, nor happiness, nor the supreme destination).
All our activities are directed towards trying to find real happiness, ananda.
That is our eternal desire. We want to be eternally happy. We want to
delete all the distress and suffering from our life. That’s why our minds will
always desire for this ananda, bliss. That’s why Krishna says that:
yaḥ śāstra-vidhim ts jya — (Anyone who gives up the regulations of the
scriptures).

23
If someone abandons the path of the scriptures and instead tries in his own
way, that is, by his speculation, then what will he get in his life?
na sa siddhim avāpnoti - (He will not attain perfection)
He will not get siddhi - spiritual perfection, by this sadhana (spiritual
practices) through such activities.
na s khaṁ – (nor happiness)
Nor will he obtain happiness. Nor will the result of his search be
satisfactory. Nor will he get the higher taste in his life. He will be merely
running around in circles.
Such people can try putting their hundred percent efforts, with all they
have, but they will get nothing. That’s why Sriman Mahaprabhu and Sri
Nityananda Prabhu have introduced us to two Bhagavats.
d i bhāi h dayera k āli’ andhakāra
d i bhāgavata-saṅge karāna sāk ātkāra (Cc Adi 1.98)
These two brothers [Sri Caitanya Nityānanda] dissipate the darkness of
ignorance in the inner core of our hearts, and thus They help us meet the
two kinds of Bhagavatas [the person Bhagavat and the book Bhagavat).
Through these two Bhagavatas one can achieve the highest goal. Who are
these two Bhagavats?

eka bhāgavata baḍa—bhāgavata-śāstra

āra bhāgavata—bhakta bhakti-rasa-pātra (Cc Adi 1.99)
One of the Bhagavatas is the great scripture Srimad-Bhagavatam, and the
other is the pure devotee absorbed in mellows of loving devotion. The first
Bhagavat is the scripture Srimad Bhagavatam. And the second Bhagavat is
the pattra, the pot (The person Bhagavat).
DD: The container of sastra.
PG: The container of bhakti who is the bhakta. Only by the blessings of these
two, only by their mercy, we the sadhakas can achieve the highest point,
the ultimate goal in our lives.
That’s why we have to follow the scriptures. While trying to follow the
scriptures, there will be many things that we will not be able to understand
or reconcile. The scriptures are beyond our material intelligence.

24
Nevertheless, we have to follow the scriptures because without this
knowledge, without following this path, no one can get the highest goal.
What will we get from these two Bhagavatas?
We will get to know what real bhakti is. The practices in sadhaka life are the
highest practices in bhakti. There are so many ways (different practices).
And the scriptures instruct us about the perfect way to achieve the goal.
vadanti tat tattva-vidas
tattvaṁ yaj jñānam advayam
brahmeti paramātmeti
bhagavān iti śabdyate
(SB 1.2.11)
Learned transcendentalists who know the Absolute Truth call this non-dual
substance Brahman, Paramatma or Bhagavan.
Scriptures and the Rishis have said that He is Supreme Godhead but the
sadhakas, according to their sadhana, will know him in different ways. Some
perceive Him as Brahman (the impersonal aspect of God), some as
Paramatma (the localized aspect, the Supersoul) and some as Svayam
Bhagavan (God the Supreme Person). He is the Supreme Godhead. So why
do the sadhakas see Him in different ways, having different perspectives in
bhajan?
In scriptures, there is a very nice example about this matter:
ma ir yathā vibhāgena nīla-pītādibhir y taḥ
rūpa-bhedam avāpnoti dhyāna-bhedāt tathācy taḥ
(Cc Madhya 9.156)
When the jewel known as vaidūrya touches various other materials, it
appears to be separated into different colours and consequently different
forms. Similarly, according to the meditational ecstasy of the devotee, the
Lord, who is known as Acyuta (“The Infallible One”) appears in different
forms, although He is essentially One, non-dual Absolute Truth.
Mani is a jewel or a diamond. When sunlight falls on this diamond, it will
reflect rays of different colours in various directions. So people standing
around the jewel will see different colours depending on where they are
standing. Some will see bluish rays, some reddish and yet others will see

25
yellow rays. But the truth is that the jewel is one and the sunrays are also
one.
Only the perspective, how we are seeing, how we are thinking about Him is
different. It depends on our perspective. If you´ll say Brahman is only light,
even to think about this light, it must have a source, isn’t it? There is a very
nice example in
yatholm kād visph liṅgād dhūmād vāpi sva-sambhavāt
apy ātmatvenābhimatād yathāgniḥ p thag lm kāt
(SB 3.28.40)
The blazing fire is different from the flames, from the sparks and from the
smoke, although all are intimately connected because they are born from
the same blazing wood.
That means when you see smoke, there must be a fire, isn’t it? You have to
know that there must be a fire, and then from this fire the smoke is coming
out. That means, when we will see the light, you have to think that behind
this light there is the source of the light. The difference is between all of
them, it´s like our intelligence is not going through such stages. There is also
a very nice story in Srimad Bhagavatam:
One day Devarshi Narada was coming to meet Krishna. And you know, he is
a great saint. He has so much power by his own tapasya, own sadhana. And
he can travel everywhere by the subtle airways, that means by flying, it is
like a viman (celestial plane) capable of travelling by aerial pathways. The
people, although they know Devarshi Narada, but they cannot recognize
him from afar. They saw a big bright light coming. Some people left on
seeing the light not realizing that it was Devarishi Narada. When he came
nearer those who remained realized that, “Oh there is not only the light but
there is some form also, you see? There is one form. Oh, perhaps this light is
coming out from this form.” After knowing this, some other people also left.
When he finally came very near to them they exclaimed, “Oh it´s our
Devarshi Narada, we know him very well!” That is the point of the three
types of sadhakas. Some sadhakas, they will stop only to see the light, “Oh
it´s light! Ok, it´s light”. That is their target, only to see the light then they
will stop their sadhana. “Oh ok, I got my highest point (realization).” But
some will say, “No, no! If there is light, there must be a source.” Then they
will see the form as paramatma. Meeting of paramatma is the highest goal

26
of yoga-marga, the path of yoga. Then they will stop their sadhana, “Ok we
have met paramatma, that’s enough.” But the sadhaka also will leave to see
him to realize him.
When He comes so much nearer, then the devotees who are in bhakti
marga will recognize, “Oh it´s our Prabhu, Svayam Bhagavan!” Then they
can foster their relationship with Him. It will happen only in bhakti path,
because bhakti path sadhaka can go so near, come face to face with Svayam
Bhagavan, they can establish a relationship, sweet relationship.
Not only he is Prabhu and I am servant but He can accept deeper
relationship. He can accept worship as like the child in, parental mood.
Sadhakas can serve as a servant in dasya mood. They can accept Him as
their friend, in sakhya mood. They can have a friendly mood and also they
can accept the Supreme Godhead as their lover. In all these moods the
sadhakas can exchange their love. This is our highest sadhana, when
sadhakas get the ability to exchange love with Supreme Godhead. Hehas
this sweet nature to be able to exchange His love also. In one way he said
that:
yamevai a v te tena labhya (Muṇḍaka Upaniṣad 3.2.3)
God loves a man because the man loves Him.
In one way He said that yes, He can be obtained by those who will
surrender. “To whom I´ll give Myself only they can get me, not any other
person. No one can get Me, no one can realize Me, no one can feel My
everything. Only by My desire, not by their efforts. When I give Myself to
them, then they will realize Me, then they can feel Me, then they can get
Me, otherwise not. But these words from Svayam Bhagavan are for
outsiders, for ordinary and very general sadhakas. This is at His prerogative
He can choose to do this. If it all depends on His desire, then why are we
doing all our sadhana?
“If it depends on His desire, no one can get Him without His desire. Maybe, I
will spend my life to do this sadhana and at the end of my life I will not get
His desire. No I´ll not give myself to prema. Then what will I do? Does that
mean my whole life time was like a big zero?” That is the great point in
bhakti path, that by this bhakti, you can induce Svayam Bhagavan to give
Himself to the sadhaka, to you.
ye yathā māṁ prapadyante

27
 tāṁs tathaiva bhajāmy aham
mama vartmān vartante
man yāḥ pārtha sarvaśaḥ
(Bg 4.11)
As all surrender unto Me, I reward them accordingly. Everyone follows My
path in all respects, O son of Pṛthā.
I give results based on the sadhaka’s desire. And here He is using this
word: bhajamy aham. Not only is the sadhaka worshipping Svayam
Bhagavan, Bhagavan is also worshipping the sadhakas. Because bhakta, the
devotees and Bhagavan they are for each other. Bhagavan is for the bhakta
and the bhakta is for Bhagavan. That’s why Bhagavan also wants to get His
devotees very near to Him. Not in an ordinary or general way. He wants his
devotees with some special mood, like parental mood, I want to play with
them in a friendly mood. I want to get care from them, this parental mood. I
want to get sweet service from them. It is very close servitude mood.
Sadhakas are in this mood as a servant, there is very nice point. Some
servitude points are there. There are so many servants, they have different
qualities. You know some servant they are following the order of their
Prabhu, but not with happiness, they want to drop their work, duties. They
are thinking if I go always in front of my Prabhu, then maybe he will order
again and again. This is one kind of servant. The other kind of servant is, yes
they are following the words of his Prabhu, but not really with happiness:
“Oh, he is giving so much order always. It is nice that I take some rest or
something, not with happiness. But the highest stage of servant is like
a kinkara. Their mood is like “kimkaromyaham” (What can I do for You?
How can I serve You?). They are always waiting to get order from their
Prabhu. When they have no duty, then they will ask: “Oh Prabhu, can I do
anything?” They always want to please their Prabhu. Sadhaka means this
kind of mood for Ishta (one’s worshipable deity). Then Krishna will be happy,
Bhagavan will be happy with this servant. And the highest mood is the sweet
loving mood: Madhura rati (conjugal mood). Bhagavan, he wants his
devotees in this mood. He explains by his words.
aiśvarya-jñānete saba jagat miśrita
aiśvarya-śithila-preme nāhi mora prīta
(Cc Adi 3.16)

28
Knowing My opulences, the whole world looks upon Me with awe and
reverence. But love and devotion weakened by such reverence does not
attract Me.
In all the planetary system they are worshipping me with aisvarya,
opulences. But this worship does not touch my heart. He who offers his
love, his bhakti, to me with some special mood, he will touch my heart. Then
I want to reciprocate with this mood. This is His desire. When sadhaka wants
Svayam Bhagavan with some special mood, then He will run to them. What
did Brahma say to Krishna?
jñāne prayāsam dapāsya namanta eva
jīvanti san-m kharitāṁ bhavadīya-vārtām
sthāne sthitāḥ śr ti-gatāṁ tan -vāṅ-manobhir
ye prāyaśo 'jita jito 'py asi tais tri-lokyām
(SB 10.14.3)
(Brahma prayed), “Those who, even though remaining in their respective
social positions, give up any intellectual efforts to understand the Absolute
Truth and with their body, mind and words offer respects to descriptions of
Your personality and pastimes (harikatha), dedicating their lives to these
narrations (which are chanted by Your pure devotees), certainly control You
by their love and devotion although You are otherwise unconquerable by
anyone within the three worlds.”
In other words, “Give up the desire for knowledge and replace it with the
desire for Bhakti”.
After Brahma realized this truth, he reiterated it to Krishna, Svayam
Bhagavan. “Oh Prabhu, now I got the point.”
Krishna asked: “What point?”
Brahma said: “How one can achieve You. How one can get this highest
stage as Your pure devotee (in madhurya bhava).”
Krishna asked: “Please tell Me how?”
Then Brahma started to explain:
jñāne prayāsam dapāsya
(jñāne—for knowledge; prayāsam—the endeavor; udapāsya—giving up,
discarding resolutely)

29
First, the sadhaka has to leave all other endeavors like gyana (the desire for
knowledge), yoga (the desire for mystic perfections) and karma (fruitive
activities, the desire for material success) and they have to accept the path
of bhakti. Then, they have to take shelter of your pure devotee. They have
to take shelter of the lotus feet of Your devotee as their guru. Then if the
sadhaka very carefully follows the threefold instructions given to him by
guru: By mind, by speech and physically, then such devotees do not have to
go to You, You will run to them, to such sadhakas, Your devotees. The
sadhaka will stay in his own place and particular situation in life and you will
run to them, to this particular kind of sadhakas to give Yourself to them. It is
like an offering. That’s why we need pure bhakti. Without it one cannot
attain Krishna.
Then Krishna asked: “Oh Brahma, what if somebody leaves the path of
bhakti and try to attain You by other paths such as karma, sankhya, gyana or
yoga?”
Brahma said: “Yes they can try, no problem, if they have this desire then
they can try other things, but they will not get anything without bhakti,
because You rest in the hearts of your devotees.
śreyaḥ-s tiṁ bhaktim dasya te vibho
kliśyanti ye kevala-bodha-labdhaye
te ām asa kleśala eva śi yate
nānyad yathā sthūla-t āvaghātinām
“O Lord, devotional service unto You awards the supreme auspiciousness.
Those who give up this path only to cultivate jñāna [knowledge] will simply
undergo hard work, suffer pain and achieve misery, just as the only gain of a
person who beats empty husks is hard work, not rice.” (SB 10.14.4)

Yes, anyone can try with any way, but if they leave this path of bhakti then
at the end of their sadhana they will get a big zero. They can try life after
life, no problem, but they will not get You, they will not achieve You, they
will not realize You. Because where there is bhakti, there are You, you live
there always. You are taking rest in the hearts of Your devotees. Bhakta
hridaya mora satata vishram (I am always residing in the hearts of My
devotees).

30
 sādhavo h dayaṁ mahyaṁ sādhūnāṁ h dayaṁ tv aham
mad-anyat te na jānanti nāhaṁ tebhyo manāg api
(SB 9.4.68)
“The pure devotee is always within the core of My heart, and I am always in
the heart of My pure devotee. My devotees do not know anything else but
Me, and I do not recognize anyone besides them as mine.”
You said this, “I am taking rest in the hearts of my devotees. I am not living
in Vaikuntha. I am not living in the heart of the yogis or gyanis.”

nāhaṁ ti ṭhāmi vaik ṭhe yogināṁ h daye vā

mad-bhaktāḥ yatra gāyanti tatra ti ṭhāmi nārada
(Padma Purana)
“O Nārada, I do not dwell in Vaikuṇṭha nor am I in the hearts of the yogīs. I
reside where My devotees glorify My name, form, qualities and
transcendental pastimes.”
“Oh Narada, do you know where I am always living? Where My devotees
are talking about Me, where my devotees want Me, where my devotees are
crying for Me, where My devotees are singing for Me, where My
devotees are waiting for Me, I will always be there.”
We are talking about Krishna; Krishna is also present right here and now.
Only you have to realize this truth, you have to feel this with your heart.
Svayam Bhagavan is here now, because He puts all his senses everywhere, in
every corner of this planetary system.
sarvataḥ pā i-pādaṁ tat sarvato 'k i-śiro-mukham
sarvataḥ śr timal loke sarvam āv tya ti ṭhati
(Bg 13.14)
“Everywhere are His hands and legs, His eyes, heads and faces, and He has
ears everywhere. In this way the Supersoul exists, pervading everything.”
His eyes, His ears, His hands, His lotus feet, He puts everywhere, in all the
corners of this planetary system. Why? Only to reciprocate with His
devotees. He likes to see His devotees, He likes to hear His devotees talking
about Him, to hear what they are saying about Him. He likes to give some
things to His devotees. He likes to accept His devotees on His Lotus feet.

31
That’s why He has put Himself everywhere in this planetary system. Maybe
here, maybe you are here, but here also you can feel. Here also, He put His
eyes, His ears, and His Lotus feet, everything. He is waiting for us. That is his
great mercy, that Bhagavan, Supreme Godhead is waiting for His devotees.
But we are so fallen, that we cannot feel it. You cannot realize why we need
to follow the path of bhakti. How? By which bhakti, can we worship Svayam
Bhagavan? Do we have the qualities to see Him, to hear something from
Him? No. We have this material body, isn’t it? We have this material mind.
Mind is not material, heart is not material, but now we are here, and so
much darkness, so many attachments have come. And we are really
attached to this. We cannot leave these attachments. We do not have the
ability to become detached from this illusion by our own effort. But if we
follow the path of bhakti, by these material senses also we can achieve
Krishna.
ataḥ śrī-k a-nāmādi na bhaved grāhyam indriyaiḥ
sevonm khe hi jihvāda svayam eva sph raty adaḥ
(Padma Purana)
The nāma-rūpa-guṇa-līlā of Śrī Kṛṣṇa can never be perceived by the material
senses and mind of the conditioned soul. Only for one whose mind and
senses have been purified by chanting and serving under the guidance of Śrī
Guru will Kṛṣṇa’s name, form, qualities and pastimes become manifest. Śrī
harināma will manifest on the tongue of such a sevonmukha-
sādhaka naturally by itself.
It will manifest. Not by our own effort, it will manifest by itself. But when?
Only when our mind will go in favour of Krishna, Svayam Bhagavan.
Otherwise, we cannot chant his name, we cannot sing his name, we cannot
think about him by these material senses. Because with these senses we
have so many limitations, isn´t it? So many things happening, but we cannot
see, we cannot realize this because of our limitations. There is limitation in
regards to our seeing and hearing . We need certain frequency, we have
certain limitation to see. You can see until some distance, after that you
cannot see. We can only hear up to a certain frequency, if the frequency will
be more than this, then we cannot hear. If this frequency is higher than
these limits, then we cannot hear. This is also evident even in our feelings.

32
You know skin there are so many things on the skin. If we see through a
magnifying glass , or microscope, then we can see bacteria and many
things moving on the skin .But we cannot feel it because of our limitation.
But by realizing Krishna through bhakti we can destroy this limitation. Only
by bhakti.
sevonm khe hi jihvāda svayam eva sph raty adaḥ
When we are singing Krishna’s name, when we are chanting the name of
Krishna, this Mahamantra, you have to know that , we are not chanting.
Mahamantra is manifesting itself on our tongue. When, we are seeing the
deities of Him, that is not by our effort. Svayam Bhagavan is allowing us to
see His deity, to take darshan of His deity. By our polluted minds we cannot
think about Him. But when He allows us, then we can think about Him. It
will happen, when they will manifest. And when will they manifest? When
our mind will go in favour of Krishna. Otherwise so many hurdles will come,
obstacles will come. Maybe in front of you, there is Krishna deity, you
cannot see, anytime somebody will come in front of you, all the time
something will come in front of you to obstruct your view. If He will not
bless you, if He does not allow you, that will happen. That’s why we need to
grow and establish our connection with Svayam Bhagavan through bhakti.
By what kind of bhakti?
Narottam Das Thakur said: Krishna says, “Not by My mercy.” He comes the
mercy of the near associates of Sri Mahaprabhu, like Srila Rupa Goswami. In
his Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu he said, “Yes you can realize, you can feel
everything by your uttama bhakti. What is uttama bhakti (highest bhakti)?

anyābhilā itā-śūnyaṁ jñāna-karmādy anāv tam

ān kūlyena k ān -śīlanāṁ bhaktir ttamā
(BRS 1.1.11)
“The cultivation of activities that are meant exclusively for the pleasure of
Śrī Kṛṣṇa; the uninterrupted flow of service to Śrī Kṛṣṇa, performed with a
favourable mood through all endeavours of body, mind and speech, as well
as through the expression of various spiritual sentiments (bhāvas); which is
not covered by jñāna (knowledge aimed at impersonal liberation) and
karma (reward-seeking activity) and which is devoid of all desires other than

33
the aspiration to bring happiness to Śrī Kṛṣṇa, is called uttama-bhakti, pure
devotional service.”
If we go by the grammar, if we analyse the Sanskrit words, Srila Rupa
Goswami could have used use the word: Anyabhilas (material desires). But
he uses the word: anyabhilasita. anyabhilasita rather than anyabhilas. The
difference between them is that anyabhilas means those who want
something else except Krishna. It means those who do not have the desire
to get Krishna in their life. “I have this desire to get everything from this
material world and so many other things.” That is Anyabhilas. But the
meaning of anyabhilasita is ‘The tendency of anyabhilas’. You can see this
desire for something else than Krishna in devotees. It is not their tendency
to always be anyabhilas. That means, they are not always searching
exclusively to get Krishna. The pure devotees, sometimes they´ll get
this anyabhilas. That means they want something else. But that is not their
tendency. That’s why Rupa Goswami said that you have to leave the
tendency of anyabhilas. What is anyabhilas for devotees? That means,
when they want something else except Krishna. If something will come,
which is unfavourable to their bhakti, then they will pray to Krishna: “O
Krishna, take away this obstacle.” Maybe they are very sick, and because of
their sickness they cannot worship, they cannot serve. Maybe by their
sickness they cannot do their daily routine, daily activities. At that time they
will pray to Krishna: “O Krishna! Please cure me from the sickness because it
is stopping my bhakti. It is stopping my service to You. It is stopping my daily
sadhana. That is also anyabhilas, but they do not have this tendency:
“Krishna give me so much money, I want to enjoy this world. Krishna give
me this, give me that, give me this.” No! The devotees’ primary desire is to
serve Krishna. They always want things only for Krishna, only to serve Him.
The activities of the devotees are very pure. They are eating, they are
sleeping, they are smiling, they are dressing nicely, decorating themselves. It
is not for them, but for Krishna. Because if you are going in front of Krishna,
when you have decorated yourself very nicely, Krishna will be very happy to
see you. When you are healthy then you can serve Krishna nicely. Maybe
you are serving Krishna, for example that means you are doing arati. But you
did not take so much good rest in the night time then, sleep will come. This
is also like an obstacle for our bhakti. That’s why all the activities of
devotees that, they are doing nicely , is not for themselves, but for Krishna.

34
They do not have this tendency to do things without Krishna. All their
activities are connected with Krishna. That’s why Narottam Das Thakur
quoted Rupa Goswami. First you have to leave the tendencies of getting
something without Krishna. You have to leave this tendency
of anyabhilasita. Then you must know that , your bhakti should not be
covered by gyana and yoga. That is also a very important point. Brahma in
Brahma stuti said that:
jñāne prayāsam dapāsya
You have to leave all other activities like gyana, yoga, sankya like this, isn’t
it?
DD: Give up the desire for knowledge and replace it with bhakti!
PG: Yes. You have to give up all these activities. But Rupa Goswami has said,
that yes, you can accept some parts from the paths of gyana and yoga.
Which part? Which part can you accept? Those parts by which you can
advance in your bhakti. Like you know there are many activities, isn’t it? If
we see our daily life, it is a big process.
For instance, you will find there is tarpana, there is pranayama, there is
annanyas, karanyas, dhyanan. However dhyana, pranayama, tarpana, are
not exactly the path of bhakti.
Dhyana coming from dhyana marga (path or meditation), pranayama is all
coming from yoga marga, tarpana et cetera is coming from karma marga.
But we are practicing in this way (using these practices) because it will help
us to advance in our bhakti. Through meditation, you can fix your mind. By
pranayama you can get the power to control your senses. By this karmas,
activities like tarpana you can follow the way to serve. That’s why, in bhakti
marga all these points came. But at the same time, we are keeping this
awareness that it should not cover your bhakti. You must know that bhakti
is your main path.
jñāna-karmādy anāv tam
(Giving up the paths of jñāna – cultivation of knowledge for impersonal
liberation, and karma – fruitive, reward-seeking endeavours).

Then he says, ”anukulyena” which means ‘favourable’. All our activities

have to be favourable to Krishna. If we say anukulya, the opposite
is pratikulya, isn’t it? Which means unfavourable.

35
DD: Yes, anukulyena means favourable and pratikulyena means
unfavourable.
PG: Unfavourable. When you say favourable, then the thought will come,
maybe there is something unfavourable? If there are any practices which
are unfavourable for Krishna bhakti? Then how will it be practiced? Yes,
there are also unfavourable practices but the way is the same.
If we consider a pure devotee, how can one be a pure devotee . One who is
always thinking about Krishna, isn’t it? Who is always absorbed on
meditating about Krishna. When all his daily activities are also connected
with Krishna, then we are saying “Oh, he is very pure devotee” - isn’t it? But
now I will say some names who had also practiced in this way by always
thinking of Krishna. Kamsa, Sishupal, Dantavakra. They were the enemies of
Krishna. Shatru (enemy), but they also spent their lives, “meditating “on
Krishna. If we just see the life of Kamsa, he used to think about Krishna
always, all the time, every moment. He never lived a moment without
thinking of Krishna. Even when he was eating food, he saw Krishna in the
food. He saw Krishna in the water. But…
DD: His mood was unfavourable
PG: It was not with love, but it was there with hatred, with fear. These
practices are not favourable towards Krishna. All this is pratikulya silanam,
that means unfavourable, totally against. But devotees have to practice in a
favourable mood that means anukulyena. anukul. When devotees get this
quality, they naturally leave the tendency of anyabhilas. When their bhakti
will not be covered by other paths, that means dhyana, and yoga, and
karma, when they will practice bhakti with love, in favour of Krishna, then
they will be known as uttama bhakta (topmost devotees). When one will
practice in this mood then they will get bhakti in their heart. Narottam Das
Thakur said very nice things on how such bhakti is one pointed.
anyabhilasa chadi, jnana-karma parihara
kayamane kariva bhajana
sadhu-sange krsna seva, na pujibo devi-deva,
ei bhakti parama-karana
"Rejecting all other desires and abandoning jnana and karma, in the
company of devotees I will serve Krsna and never worship any demigoddess
or demigod. Devotional service is my all in all."

36
We have to continue our bhajan, we have to continue travelling on the path
of bhakti with the guidance of Sri Gurudev. And then you have to leave all
our worshipping of so many things, which means the other demigods. You
can see so many devotees they are doing puja for Durga, Sarasvati, Laksmi
and, so on. But if you want Krishna in your life as a very near one, then you
have to leave this tendency. We should not run here and there. If you will
run here and there, then one day you will be tired. You will not get anything.
Not the mercy, not the blessings, not the happiness in your mind. That’s
why sadhakas have to fix their mind on one point: On the personality whom
they are worshipping. This is the most important point in bhakti sadhana.
DD: Be one pointed
PG: Be one pointed. If we go here and there, then so much gyana
(knowledge), that means intelligence will come to you. So much vibration
will come to you and you will see so many paths in front of you. Then your
mind, the mind of the sadhakas will not stay at one point. Always their mind
will be comparing as to which one is the greater path. Their mind will be
running in a puzzle. They will not be free from this puzzle. The first duty of
the sadhakas is to fix their minds on one point. They must be one pointed.
Then they can advance. This is one instruction from Narottam Das Thakur.
There are so many points for samskaras (previous impressions) which will
stop our bhakti. We have bhakti, but we are not growing in our bhakti.
Why?
This Srila Narottamn Das Thakur will explain further tomorrow morning.
There are some more things. We have to purify our knowledge which will
then help us to advance in our bhakti; the bhakti of a sadhaka.

Nitai Gaura Haribol!

37
38
3. Giving up our material attachments through sadhu sanga

PG: Now, we are continuing Prema Bhakti Candrika. Narottam Das Thakur,
he is explaining the way of bhakti. Now he is describing the practice and at
the same time he is purifying our knowledge
mahājanera jei patha tate habe anurata
pūrbāpara kariyā bicāra
sādhana-smara a-līlā ihāte na kara helā
kāya mane kariyā s sāra (2)
The essence of sadhana bhakti is to carefully consider and follow the path
outlined by the previous and the present mahajanas (great saintly
personalities). One should not neglect the practice of remembering the
pastimes of the Lord, for devotional service should be performed with the
mind as well as the body.
asat-saṅga sāda tyāga chāḍa anya gita rāga
karmī jñānī parihāri' dūre
kebala bhakata-saṅga prema-kathā-rasa-raṅga
līlā-kathā braja-rasa-pūre (3)
Always reject the association of the impious. Give up attraction to non-
devotional songs. Leave the karmis and gyanis far away. Only associate with
the devotees. Take pleasure in hearing the nectar descriptions of pure love
for Krishna. Become flooded by the nectar of the narrations of the Lord's
pastimes in Vraja.
Here he explains about the practice and the tendency towards material
world. We have very strong attraction to this external world, material world.
We have to be here in this material world, like a water-drop on the lotus
leaf. We will have to accept everything, but we do not have to be attached
with this all. When we are here in this material world, we have to accept
material objects to live but we must not become attached to them because
then we will get problems. Sometimes attachments become addiction. And
addiction is very dangerous for our life. You should not be addicted to
anything. Only one addiction is good: addiction to Krishna, addiction to the
Mahamantra, addiction to harikatha. If you have this addiction, then it will
continue automatically. But, firstly we must ensure to be very careful and
not develop attachment or addiction to material objects.

39
How can we continue our progress on the path of bhajan? Do we have to
find the way ourselves? Narottam Das Thakur says: “No! There is a (safe
and sound) way, and our previous acharyas, have showed us this way. Only
we have to follow in their footsteps with strong dedication. We have to
follow exactly the footsteps of our guru. Sometimes, we are following so
many things at the same time. But if we do that then it will create confusion
in the mind.
DD: Kitchri (a mixture of things).
PG: Kitchri. Then you will not get the taste of any one thing. Maybe you
cooked various kinds of sweet tasting sabjis (vegetable preparations) all
having nice different tastes. But if you mix them all in one bowl, then you´ll
never be able to recognize the taste of the individual sabjis, isn’t it? Same
thing will happen with our sadhana. If we are following so many paths at the
same time we cannot get the real taste of bhakti; the essence of the path
that we have chosen to follow. Therefore we have to be careful about
whose footsteps we are following. Narottam Das Thakur said this:
mahājanera jei patha tate habe an rata
(Follow carefully in the footsteps of the mahajana, the great acaryas, with
deep attachment).
Yes, you have to follow in their footsteps, but very carefully. We should not
lose sight of the footsteps of whom we are following because in this
sadhana path, many previous acaryas achieved their target, with various
kinds of moods. However, Mahaprabhu opened this path of pure bhakti,
which is leading to the nikunja kutir (the confidential amorous pastimes of
Radha and Krishna in the kunjas of Vraja where the manjaris render
personal service to the Divine Couple). But Prabhodananda Prabhu said:
yo mārgo d ra-śūnyo ya iha bata balat-ka ṭako yo’tid rgo
mithyārtha-bhrāmako yaḥ sapadi rasamayānanda-niḥsyandano yaḥ |
sadyaḥ pradyotayaṁs taṁ prakaṭita-mahimā snehavad-dh d-g hāyāṁ
ko’py antardhvānta-hantā sa jayati navadvīpa-dīpyat-pradīpaḥ
(All glories to the splendid lamp of Navadvipa which is shining with the
flame of transcendental love and thus destroys the darkness of ignorance in
the cave of the heart and illuminates the barren, thorn filled, impassable
and treacherously winding path that leads to the swiftly flowing nectar
stream of the bliss of pure love of Krishna. (Sri Caitanya Candramrita 104)

40
This path was there before Sriman Mahaprabhu also. This path was not
really started by Sriman Mahaprabhu. The path of bhakti, with some
realization and relationship with deep attachment with Svayam Bhagavan
was there way before. But it was really a very difficult path to follow before
Sriman Mahaprabhu. It was very difficult to go through this path. It was not
smooth but full of thorns. But He made it simple for all the Kali Yuga people.
He enlightened this path with His own mercy and He made it easy for all the
jivas (spirit souls) to follow this path to the nikunja kutir. After Sriman
Mahaprabhu, many acharyas attained their siddhi (perfection) following this
path. They achieved their goal by their sadhana. We do not have to search in
the scriptures how we can attain this perfection because our acharyas have
described their realizations and experiences for us. Only we have to follow
their footsteps. But we must receive this very carefully. We must use
discretion because we should not miss our own acharya’s (Gurudeva’s)
mood . If we miss his footsteps, then we will go in another direction, with
another mood. Then we will never get taste from our bhajan. That’s why he
said:
pūrbāpara kariyā bicāra
(We should consider the difference between the previous Acaryas – prior to
Mahaprabhu – and the present Acaryas – who follow Him and His mood).
You have to follow them, but very carefully. You have to think about this,
you have to go in this way very carefully. In time, when you follow them,
you will advance and you will achieve your siddhi (the perfection of your
sadhana). And at the same time as you follow their footsteps, you also have
to do your sadhana as meditation, sadhana smarana lila (the practice of
remembering the pastimes). Meditate about the pastimes, meditate about
His glories, meditate about His katha, about His Holy Name. Because by this
meditation, by smarana and by mercy one can see the lilas (pastimes) in
one’s mind. When we get very near to our goal, it will come automatically.
sevonm khe hi jihvāda
svayam eva sph raty adaḥ
“Only when one becomes spiritually saturated by transcendental service to
the Lord are the transcendental name, form, quality and pastimes of the
Lord revealed to him." (Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu 1.2.234)

41
When the sadhakas follow and meditate about this, then they will receive
this blessing and it will manifest automatically. We don’t have to speculate.
It is very important for our bhakti sadhana. That’s why we have to practice,
very carefully. That’s why we are chanting the maha mantra, putting tilak,
accepting kanti mala (neck beads) and chanting the mantras which we have
received from Sri Gurudev. This is like a practice. But when the mercy flows
from him, then the sadhaka will be able do so by themselves. In Srimad
Bhagavatam it was said that:
ātmārāmāś ca m nayo nirgranthā apy r krame
k rvanty ahait kīṁ bhaktim ittham-bhūta-g o hariḥ
All different varieties of atmaramas [those who take pleasure in the ātmā, or
spirit self], especially those established on the path of self-realization,
though freed from all kinds of material bondage, desire to render unalloyed
devotional service unto the Personality of Godhead. This means that the
Lord possesses transcendental qualities and therefore can attract everyone,
including liberated souls. (SB 1.7.10)
When the sadhakas get this perfection called siddhi, they will achieve their
goal automatically. Sadhakas are not doing this, because everything such as
meditating about Prabhu (the Lord), chanting The Holy Name, serving Sri
Krishna, everything will be happening automatically. They do not have to
put their own effort or in other words rely on their imagination or speculate
for themselves. When this stage comes then nothing will touch them, even
not the results from prarabdha (karma from previous births) you know?
DD: Karma?
PG: Yes prarabdha karma …reactions from previous lives. The reactions to
activities from previous lives, prarabdha. I’ll tell you a very nice story from a
siddha mahatma who got this siddhi with harinam and harinam manifested
automatically on his tongue. One day as he was chanting maha mantra
outside his bhajan kutir, he began to get a foul (bad) smell. He wondered
where it was coming from. Nothing was there. Then he realized that
someone was there in front of him and that this foul smell was coming from
either him or her. Then he asked, “Who are you?” Then he got the answer,
“I´m the goddess of chickenpox!” Vishuchika.
DD: Chickenpox?

42
PG: There is a disease known as chickenpox. In Sanskrit it is known
as Vishuchika. Then he asked, “Why are you here? Why have you come to
me?”
She replied, “Because you have one reaction from your previous life as
prarabdha karma that you have to accept me.” Devotees, they are not
afraid to accept diseases. Pure devotees know that very soon they will be
cured by the mercy of Sri Krishna and Srimati Radharani. So he said, “Okay,
if I have this prarabdha karma, just come into my body. Come! You are
welcome always.”
Then she said, “Yes, I tried. But I cannot.”
“But why?” he asked.
“Because you are always chanting the Maha mantra! How can I enter your
body? While you are chanting Mahamantra no one can touch you.”
To which he replied, “Okay, now maybe I´m chanting the Maha mantra, but
when I am sleeping, at that time you can enter in my body.”
“Yes, that time I also tried, but I found that, although you are sleeping, your
tongue is chanting Maha mantra!”
“Okay I’ll give you a chance to enter my body.” Then he held his tongue,
with his fingers and the Vishuchika entered his body for some moments. But
when he freed his tongue, then again she had to leave his body. That is the
power of the Mahamantra! Sadhaka has to get such kinds of perfection, that
their mind always will be absorbed in Krishna and their eyes are always
focused on Krishna. And their hands will always be doing Krishna seva. In
that way devotees, the sadhakas, will get this perfection. When we continue
our practice in that way in smarana lila (remembrance of the pastimes),
then we have to meditate. We have to engage our mind with everything
connected to Krishna, Svayam Bhagavan. Then all the senses will follow our
mind and tongue. You must do this very carefully and diligently. You should
not be lazy to do this.
yaha tana kara hala
That mean, you have to be very mindful of this. Very careful (conscious)
about this.
asat-saṅga sāda tyāga chāḍa anya gita rāga
karmī jñānī parihāri' dūre

43
“Always reject the association of the impious. Give up attraction to non-
devotional songs. Leave the karmis and gyanis far away.”
Now Narottam das Thakur reminds us about sanga. You must leave the
sanga of the asat, that is, those who are against bhakti. You should not
associate with those who are against Krishna. You have to leave their
association and also at the same time avoid the gyanis and the karmis. If we
become too attached with gyanis and karmis then our mind will divert in
that way. Maybe by associating with them we will stop our sadhana at the
stage of perceiving Bhagavan Sri Krishna as only “light.” Maybe it will stop
our sadhana from developing further and we will only end up getting merely
some heavenly pleasure. You should associate only with pure
devotees. Kevala bhakta - Only take the association of exclusive devotees.
By associating with a pure devotee, you will get their mood. When you
always stay in this bhakti vibration which flows from them, then this bhakti
vibration will work with you also. From him you will get this same mood,
only then you can get this. Now Thakur Mahashaya, he starts to clarify
(purify) our knowledge. Which knowledge? We have some knowledge about
the sadhana of how to get something in life, but it is not really complete
knowledge. For instance, knowledge about pilgrimage.
tīrtha-yātrā pariśrama, kevala manera bhrama
(Visiting holy places is simply another type of bewilderment).
Our knowledge is that if you go to the tirthas, pilgrimage places, then you
will get results. But Narottam das Thakur said this surprising thing, that this
is also wasting your time, wasting of effort. Scriptures describe that, if you
go to the tirthas, then you will receive so much punya (pious credit). But
Narottam das Thakur has rejected this as simply a waste of time. Maybe it is
good just to stay at home, and keep your mind focused on Krishna, as in this
way you can get the same result. Otherwise you may do some aparadha,
some offences, when visiting a holy place. Maybe you are going on so many
pilgrimages, isn’t it? Vrindavan, Navadvip, Purusottam ksetra (Jagagath Puri
Dham). But what results are you getting from there? I have met so many
devotees, who after returning from Vrindavan, or Puri Dham, they come to
see me, at my temple. When I asked them if they enjoyed visiting these holy
Dhams, some will say, “Oh you know we had problems with the pandas, and
the Brijbasis they are very tricky!” I was really surprised. I remarked, ”You go

44
to holy places, to take darshan of deities! In Vrindavan you have to see
Srimati Radharani, Sri Krishna, but you only seem to have taken darshan of
the Brijbasis who are very tricky!” “No, no, no! I have also taken darshan of
the deities and the temples.”
It was not really darshan. You can visit many places, many temples, but this
will work only if you go inside your heart. If you want to get a nice rose, then
you have to tolerate the thorns of the rose. Just like that, in the holy places
from where you will get these best things in your life, everywhere you will
find these kinds of thorns. Sadhaka has to be very careful about these
thorns.
There is a very nice story about such tirtha yatra. This nice story is about
Maharaj Rahugana. He was a very famous king, who was very opulent,
which means aishvarya. He was very rich, very scholarly, very powerful and
at the same time he was very popular with the people in his kingdom. After
a long time, one day Maharaj Rahugana had a thought coming in his mind.
“Oh, now I have already passed one third, not one third, three fourths of my
lifetime, but I did not do anything for Paramartha (the supreme goal of
human life). Maybe I have not much time left; what should I do with this
little time, what should do to get something best?” Then he called his
ministers and he asked them this question. They had no answers. So
Rahugana Maharaj, although who was a great scholar in the scriptures
himself, called all the scholars or pundits of scriptures and asked them about
the best way he could obtain perfection in a short time.
The pandits said, “Yes Maharaja, you can go on a pilgrimage, tirtha yatra. By
visiting the holy places you can get perfection. But the Maharaja he wanted
the highest perfection, which is the mercy from Supreme Godhead. But he
did not clearly state this to the pundits. Then Maharaja, without wasting any
time, he started to visit all the holy places.
On one of the visits, he met Jada Bharat, a brahmana living in the forest.
Then Jada Bharat was conscripted as a carrier in the King’s service and had
to carry the King’s palanquin.
But when Maharaja Rahugana found out that this was a brahmana (Jada
Bharat) carrying a kshatriya (a king, Maharaja Rahugana) he started to cry,
thinking that he committed an offence and might lose all benedictions that
he had received from visiting the holy places. Then he apologized to Jada

45
Bharat, “Oh brahman, it was my mistake, my ignorance. I did not know that
you are carrying me on your shoulder.” The King was being carried around in
a palanquin and four carriers were needed to do this. One carrier got sick
and could not do it so Jada Bharat (a brahmana) was forced to be the fourth
carrier. The king did not know that Jada Bharat was a brahmana but in the
Vedic tradition it is an offence for a king, a kshatriya, to be carried by a
brahmana because a brahmana is above the kshatriyas in
the varnashram (socio-economic) system.
Then Rashugana apologized to Jada Bharat and told him that he wants to
visit all the holy places. “Perhaps I do not have so much time left. That’s why
I would like to visit all the holy places before I end my life.”
Then Jada Bharat (who was a self-realized sadhu) asked, “What are you
desiring to receive from these holy places?”
“O brahmana, I want the mercy of God. I want His mercy.”
“You cannot receive the mercy and blessings of God simply by visiting holy
places.”
“Then can I get it by performing austerities, tapasya?” asked the King.
Jada Bharat answered, “No, not by austerities, not by tapasya.”
“Then what if I perform a big fire sacrifice?”
Jada Bharat answered, “Yes you can perform big fire sacrifice but you know
as a result you will only get your skin burnt, because you have to stay there
in front of the fire, for doing fire yagya; nothing more!”
Then Rahugana said “Oh it´s very surprising because the scripture say, if you
do fire sacrifice, then you can get so much pious results. I think it´s not
right. Ok then, what if somebody takes on vanaprastha (partial
renunciation) leaving his family life, going to the forest and doing austerities
there?”
“Oh Rahugana, you will find many animals also in the forest. Do you think
any of them got this mercy? No, not in that way, no one can get this mercy
from God. Not even in the home.”
“Then how about performing very strict sadhana according to Vedas. That
means chanting all kinds of Vedic mantras.”
”O Rahugana! There are rules to chant mantras from the Vedas, you know.
Then only scholars like you can get mercy. Does that mean the unscholarly

46
like me who don’t know how to chant mantras will not get this mercy? No,
no Rahugana, this is not the way to get mercy. And about the sadhana, if
the sadhana that you´re doing is very tough and you feel stressed or
pressured in performing the sadhana, then it will be useless. Don’t do this. O
Rahugana, sadhana must be performed from the heart with pleasure not
pressure otherwise you will not get this supreme perfection. This bhakti
should be performed joyfully from the heart. We have to do our sadhana
joyfully, with pleasure, with ananda. Bhakti must not be performed under
pressure, because Krishna likes the devotees doing things for Him with
pleasure. He likes that, do little - but with love. If you do little but you do it
with love, He will accept it. If you do many things but under pressure, He will
not accept it. You will get some benefits anyway, but very little. By your big
things, you will get little results, very small. He wants very little from us, but
with love. He is searching for the love in all our activities.
DD: patram pushpam phalam toyam (If someone offers me a leaf, a flower,
a fruit or water but offers it with love, I will surely accept it). Do small acts of
offering with big love. Not big projects devoid of love.
PG: Yes. And then Rahugana asked, “But then how can one get this mercy?”
“O Rahugana, you can get Krishna’s mercy, but you need something else to
obtain His mercy. The main point is, until you do your own abhishek, until
you bathe in the dust from the lotus feet of the pure devotees (The
Vaishnavas), you cannot receive any mercy, not even a little bit
of kripa from Krishna.”
rahūga aitat tapasā na yāti
na cejyayā nirvapa ād g hād vā
na cchandasā naiva jalāgni-sūryair
vinā mahat-pāda-rajo-'bhi ekam
"O King Rahugana, the perfectional stage of devotional service, or the
paramahamsa stage of life, cannot be attained unless one is blessed by the
dust of the feet of pure devotees. It is never attained by tapasya [austerity],
the Vedic worshiping process, acceptance of the renounced order of life, the
discharge of the duties of household life, the chanting of the Vedic hymns,
or the performance of penances in the hot sun, within cold water or by
sitting near the blazing fire sacrifice." (SB 5.12.12)

47
PG: Not by water! This abhishek is not done by water but by the dust of the
devotees’ lotus feet. Then you will get everything. Then you get blessings
from the devotees. When you get kripa (mercy) from devotees, then
whatever activities you do, you can get Krishna’s mercy. Otherwise all these
activities will be fruitless. It would be only just a waste of your energy and
efforts.
Likewise, here Narottam das Thakur says, when you have this desire to visit
holy places, then you have to do it with your mind and body. Maybe your
body is visiting the holy places, but your mind is traveling all over the
universe. When your mind and body together are present there, then you
will get benefits from visiting the holy place. Then you will get mercy,
otherwise you will get some punya (pious credit).
DD: Pious credit, but not the mercy of Krishna.
PG: Some pious credit. When only your body is physically present (and not
the consciousness), then you will get pious credit, not mercy. But when your
mind (or consciousness) is filled with the spiritual essence of a place like
Vrindavan, even though you are not physically present there, still you will
get mercy. In Sri Caitanya Caritamrita we also will find this verse:
anyera h daya—mana, mora mana—v ndāvana,
‘mane’ ‘vane’ eka kari’ jāni
tāhāṅ tomāra pada-dvaya, karāha yadi daya,
tabe tomāra pūr a k pā māni

Speaking in the mood of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, Caitanya Mahāprabhu said, “For

most people, the mind and heart are one, but because My mind is never
separated from Vṛndāvana, I consider My mind and Vṛndāvana to be one.
My mind is already Vṛndāvana, and since You like Vṛndāvana, will You please
place Your lotus feet there? I would deem that Your full mercy.”) (Cc
Madhya 13.137)
We have to turn our mind and heart into this holy place (Vrindavan). No
need to visit the holy places if your mind is not present there during the
visit. But if you will make your mind like Vrindavan, like Navadvip, like Puri
Dham - filled with the spiritual essence of these Dhams - then even without
being physically present there you will get the full spiritual benefit available
in such holy places.

48
DD: I thought the point was that, if you go to the holy places, but do not
associate with the sadhus there, then it is useless, because only by getting
their mercy you can get His mercy.
PG: Yes
DD: Then if you can´t go to the Dham, you can associate with the sadhus
here.
PG: Most importantly, is the consciousness. With which consciousness you
are there. If you have no feelings, no consciousness, then it is good that you
stay at home and not visit these holy places. By ignorance you can do so
many offences there. This is because you have to realize that all the living
entities of holy places are all eternal. You have to think in that way. Without
this consciousness, no one can get this mercy from these holy places. It
depends on our vision, it depends on our thinking, it depends on our
consciousness. Someone when visiting a holy place like Vrindavan might
remark, “Oh Vrindavan is very dirty. Everywhere you will find much…..
DD: Trash and open sewage!
PG: Yes! No cleanliness. But at the same time someone else will say, “Oh
Vrindavan is very nice!” If we just go inside and understand the essence of
Vrindavan, then we will feel that we are in a holy place. It is the same
Vrindavan but two different perceptions. We must approach Vrindavan with
respect and the right (kind of) consciousness.
Narottam das Thakur, he warned us about this, that if you want to go there,
if you want to visit holy places then be careful. Take your mind with your
body! When you enter holy places you must know or be conscious of the
fact that you are entering another world, cinmaya dhama, eternal place.
Then you can enter there. You have to know:
cintāma i-maya bhūmi ratnera bhavana
cintāma i-ga a dāsī-cara a-bhū a a
“Vrindavana-dhama is made of transcendental touchstone. Its entire surface
is the source of all valuable jewels, and the Cintamani stone is used to
decorate the lotus feet of the maidservants of Vrindavana.” (Cc Madhya
14.221)
All the small dust, what you say…..
DD: Particles, dust particles…

49
PG: Yes, dust particles, all the dust particles can change your heart. They are
like Cintamani.
DD: Wish fulfilling gems.
PG: All the trees, they are not ordinary trees!
DD: Kalpa vriksa trees.
PG: They are kalpa vriksa! They can fulfill your desires.
DD: Wish fulfilling trees.
PG: The rivers and the waters from this cinmaya dham is like nectar, toyam
amritam. The Sadhakas have to realize that all the living entities there are
the eternal associates of Krishna. Then we can get mercy from these holy
places. Otherwise it’s all useless. If we do not have this consciousness then it
is good to stay at home, and try to make our heart and mind like Vrindavan,
like Navadvip. Vrindavan is not only a physical place. You cannot measure
Vrindavan by kilometers. It’s also a state of consciousness.
sarvaga, ananta, vibhu—vaik ṭhādi dhāma
k a, k a-avatārera tāhāñi viśrāma
“That Vaikuntha region is all-pervading, infinite and supreme. It is the
residence of Lord Krishna and His incarnations.” (Cc Adi 5.15)
You know, everything is the body of Sri Krishna. What you are seeing, what
you are feeling, everything is the body of Krishna. If Krishna is so big, then
you have to think about His Dham, where He is living. That means this
Vrindavan is like the center point of Vraja mandala. Here in Prague also you
can feel (the presence of) Vrindavan. Vrindavan is very much here also.
DD: Jayho! How is that?
PG: Because everywhere, everything is the body of Krishna, part of Krishna.
All the planets, the Dhama . Krishna is living in Vrindavan and because His
presence permeates this entire planet it means that a place becomes
Vrindavan when you are conscious of Him.
DD: Maybe this place is Vrindavan because someone is here from
Vrindavan?!
PG: Krishna-katha is here! That is why this is Vrindavan! Where is Krishna-
katha, there is Vrindavan, where is Gaura-katha, there is Navadvip!
Only you have to realize this. You have to feel this. Without this feeling
nothing will happen. You have to realize that where Krishna-katha is being

50
given like right here and now it means that Krishna is here. There are not
only the Deities here. Krishna is here and this place is Vrindavan now. You
have to feel this.
DD: What is that sloka, “Wherever my devotees glorify me…”
nāhaṁ vasāmi vaik ṭhe yogināṁ h daye na ca
mad-bhaktā yatra gāyanti tatra ti ṭhāmi nārada
“Krishna says, “I do not live in Vaikuthha, nor in the hearts of the yogis. But I
always reside, O Narada, where My devotees sing and chant My glories.”
((Padma Purana, Uttara-khanda 92.21–22)
PG: “O Narada, where my devotees are glorifying me. Where the devotees
are talking about me, singing about me, I am always staying there.” And
here, we are all doing kirtan, doing Harikatha, offering prasad, taking
prasad, which means that Krishna is here, always here.
sādhavo h dayaṁ mahyaṁ sādhūnāṁ h dayaṁ tv aham
mad-anyat te na jānanti nāhaṁ tebhyo manāg api
“The pure devotee is always within the core of My heart, and I am always in
the heart of the pure devotee. My devotees do not know anything else but
Me, and I do not recognize anyone besides them as mine.” (SB 9.4.68)
PG: Where my devotees are glorifying me I am always there. I am resting in
the heart of my devotee. Not in a luxurious bed. My place of residence is
within the heart of My devotee. Krishna says, ”I am resting inside the heart
of My devotee.” Therefore we don’t have to worry whether He will take
care of us or not. Krishna likes that we should take care of Him. He is taking
care of us - there is no doubt about it, no confusion, but He likes that we
should take care of him. There’s the beginning of (Raganuga) bhakti, the
difference between tadiyata and madiyata. Tadiyata mood towards Krishna
means “I´m yours.” Krishna also receives and accepts this kind of bhakti. But
He likes better madiyata bhakti, “Oh Krishna, you are mine! I will take care
of You, otherwise You will be very naughty!” Krishna likes this. That is why
we have to establish our devotional bhakti, develop a loving relationship
with Krishna. How? How will we get this madiyata bhakti by the association
of a saintly devotee? How should we get this association of a pure devotee?
Narottam das Thakur will explain this tomorrow morning session.
Haribol Joy Nitai!

51
Questions & Answers Session - “Only by love”
Devotee: May I ask a question? How can we make our heart Vrindavan,
because there are so many different descriptions about Vrindavan. In
scriptures you can find so many descriptions of different flowers, different
animals and different areas in Vrindavan.
PG: Yes, yes, yes!
D: How can we make our heart like Vrindavan if we do not know which
description of Vrindavan we have to follow from the scriptures?
PG: No, no, no! Vrindavan is described a lot but the descriptions are not
different descriptions. The descriptions do not differ. . Everywhere the
descriptions of Vrindavan are the same!
D: But here for example, we do not know even the names of the flowers,
that there are in Vrindavan.
PG: No, no! You don’t have to know the names of the flowers. You have to
see the flowers. vrindavanam ramyam yamuna tira kalpa
vriksham (Beautiful, delightful Vrindavan with wish fulfilling trees on the
bank of the Yamuna). You must think in this way, that what is written there
is a dhyana (meditation) mantra of Vrindavan. When you have desire, then
Vrindavan will manifest inside your heart! So think in this way.
D: How can we distinguish what is a speculation and what is real?
PG: No, it is not speculation, because we are following the words and
footsteps of our previous Acaryas. The descriptions of Vrindavan are not
based on their speculation. They have actually seen it and the descriptions
are based on what they had seen and experienced in that way. We have to
only follow this path, their footsteps. Speculation is when we think and
‘create’ Vrindavan in our minds, not based on scriptural evidence as stated
by the Acaryas, who had actually seen it. mahājano yena gataḥ sa panthāḥ -
"Follow the path which your previous Acaryas have followed." When we will
follow their footsteps, then this Vrindavan will manifest for us here.
D: So everybody should read the granthas (scriptures)?
PG: Yes, grantha is very important. But you have to hear it from a sadhu.
bhāgavata-śāstra-marma naba-bidha
“I shall eternally engage in the nine-fold process of devotional service, which
is the essential message of Srimad-Bhagavatam.”

52
You have to read the granthas (scriptures, holy books). Not all
the granthas but specific granthas like Srimad Bhagavatam, like Prema
Bhakti Candrika and also like the granthas of the six Goswamis.
D: What if somebody can´t read.
DD: Then they can hear from guru and sadhus!
PG: Yes they can hear. Then he has to practice his bhajan, his meditation
seriously, then it will come, then it will manifest. Then you can make your
mind Vrindavan, Navadvip.
D: You know I really believe this. Can you give us some descriptions about
Vrindavan?
PG: Yes, but it will take a long time. You cannot describe with just one word.
If I were to describe with one word, I can say that it’s ‘ramya’, “O, it is
sweeter than anything I have ever known!” It’s the sweetest place ever!
There is no comparison of the beauty and sweetness of Vrindavan to any
other place. Such kind of beauty exits only in Vrindavan and nowhere else.
Ramya means very sweet and very nice, very delightful. Haribol!
Jay Nitai has a question?
D: He says that we should do everything with love.
PG: Yes!
D: This is the essence of bhakti. And I see some devotees that they do not
have time to do sadhana. I advise them to chant the name at least just once.
It is better than being under some pressure. If you are not in peace the
energy is not coming to you.
PG: Yes, you are right! That chanting the holy name one time, it will work.
But at the same time it will happen such that you will think that your
sadhana is separate from your daily life. Then you will not get time for your
sadhana. When you are walking, you can mentally chant the holy name.
While driving the car, you can chant the holy name. You have to mix your
daily duties and your sadhana together; find a good strong balance. Then it
will go in a good way. I am also doing this. You have seen in Radha Kunda,
while we are driving we are also chanting the Maha Mantra. In that way you
can continue your sadhana always. If you think that sadhana is separate
work, separate duty from your daily life, then you will not get time.
D: Everything, learn to do with love.

53
PG: Yes.
D: What we do with love has a different energy. What we are doing with
love is of a different nature.
PG: Yes, love produces a different energy, because love is not from this
material world. Love is transcendental always! Haribol!
D: I want to ask you about the offences, somebody said that in Vrindavan,
when you think that this Vrajabasi is tricky then you can make offence. I was
also told that in Navadvip it is not like this. In Navadvip the offence is
annihilated.
PG: Offences will always be deleted when you just once chant the
Mahamantra, because Mahaprabhu is so merciful, he is always deleting our
offences.
D: Maha vadanyaya.
PG: Yes, Maha vadanya (supremely magnanimous).
D: But only in Navadvip or also in Vrindavan?
PG: No, only in Navadvip. Mahaprabhu is removing our offences always. In
Vrindavan you have to be much more careful.
D: So it´s better for people, who are not fixed in their mind, to go to
Navadvip first?
PG: Yes. In Vrindavan you will also find Navadvip. Both Dhams are non-
different. Navadvip and Vrindavan. Navadvip is the hidden Vrindavan.
D: Does it mean, that it´s the place which is under the shelter of
Mahaprabhu? It´s the place like, everywhere I can ask for the shelter of his
lotus feet?
PG: Yes, you can get shelter from anywhere, through Sriman Mahaprabhu.
He appeared here for us Kali yuga people to save us, to take us from this
material world.
D: How should we save the world?
PG: Only by love. Love solves everything. Money in itself cannot save,
cannot help. Even through your best efforts you cannot save the world. Only
love can do this.

Haribol Joy Nitai!

54
 4. Getting purified by associating with pure saintly devotees

PG: We’ll start where we finished yesterday.

tīrtha-jātrā parikrama kevala manera bhrama
sarva-siddhi govinda-cara a
d ḍha-bīśwāsa h de dhāri'mada-matsarja parihāri'
sadā kara ananya bhajana (PBC 2.5)

“The struggle to travel to various holy pilgrimage places is simply the mind's
mistake, because to make spiritual advancement all one actually needs is
the lotus feet of Lord Govinda. Abandoning pride and envy, and with firm
faith in your heart, always worship Lord Govinda without deviation.”

Srila Narottama Das Thakur Mahasaya, while explaining about our bhajan is
at the same time purifying our hearts and purifying our intelligence. First
and foremost you need the kripa (mercy) of the devotees, pure devotees.
Without bhakta kripa no one can achieve Govinda kripa, Bhagavan kripa.
First we need bhakta kripa - then Bhagavan kripa. After getting the blessings
through the mercy of a devotee, then everything will work for you. Then you
will get benefits from all the activities of your sadhana like visiting the holy
places, like chanting the Mahamantra and all other activities. But then also
he said that:
tīrtha-jātrā parikrama kevala manera bhrama
sarva-siddhi govinda-cara a
When we are in the path of bhakti, then we have to focus our mind on all
the holy places of Krishna. There are so many holy places of so many Ishtas
(worshipable Deities). There is Saniksetra, Sivaksetra, Deviksetra. But if you
want to get benefits, real benefits, then at the beginning you should only
visit the holy places (tirthas) of Krishna. And also a tirtha is not only a holy
place because of Sri Krishna. Where a bhakta or a pure devotee resides is
also regarded as a holy place. So when you visit a pure devotee, that means
you are also visiting a tirtha (like Vrindavan). Svayam Bhagavan Sri Krishna
also did this. When he was going to Mithila to meet Srutadeva and
Bahulasya , He ordered all his near associates and devotees who were there

55
with Him at that time like the Saptarishis: Patri, Pulaha, Angira, Kasyapa, etc.
and others like Sukadev Goswami, Devarshi Narad and Maharshi Vedavyas
to go along with Him in His chariot. While riding on the chariot Krishna
instructed Daruka the charioteer to speed up. He said, “I want to be there
very soon.”
Then Devarshi Narad asked Krishna, “Oh Prabhu with this intention where
are you going?”
Krishna replied, ”I am going to visit a Tirtha.”
Devarishi Narad exclaimed, ”Tirtha! Holy place? But You know that all the
places of Your pastimes are tirthas and devotees can visit these places. But
now You are saying that You are going to a Tirtha? Which tirtha is it
Prabhu?”
Krishna answered, ”Now I am going to bhakta tirtha. All the devotees are
visiting My holy places, Bhagavat Tirtha, but Bhagavan, He will visit the holy
places of His bhaktas, bhakta Tirtha. Now I am going to visit My two very
near devotees and where My pure devotees are living, these places are also,
considered to be a tirtha, holy place. The places where I performed My
pastimes, are My tirtha. But you know the power of my devotees is such
that their every footstep is a tirtha. That’s why My devotees are known
as tirthavadam. Where My devotees will go, this place will be a tirtha. If
someone visits these places of My devotees, pure devotees, they will get
the same benefits of visiting My holy places.”
That’s why at the beginning, we can visit any tirthas, no problem, but only
after getting the blessings of Sri Gurudeva and the pure devotees. Then we
will get the benefit of visiting a tirtha.
In the beginning we can only visit the holy places of Sri Bhagavat Tirtha, that
means only Sri Krishna tirtha and tirthas of avatars and the places of His
pure devotees. Not to any other tirtha. Sadhaka has to know that all the
perfections, all his desires will be fulfilled by Krishna, not by any other form
of deities. After the sadhakas are advanced and can feel Krishna
everywhere, then they can visit all the places and all other tirthas .When
sadhakas can feel and realize Krishna on seeing other forms of deities -
demigods and goddesses, then the realization that Krishna is everywhere is
fully in them. Then they can then visit all these places and get the benefit of
becoming free from kama, krodha, lobha, moha, mada and matsarya.

56
DD: lust, anger, greed, illusion, pride and envy – the six enemies.
PG: Yes, the six enemies, the great six enemies. You have to be free from
this. Not exactly free. Narottam das Thakur explains that we can’t free
ourselves from these enemies. But we can defeat them by engaging them in
Krishna’s service, by using them for bhakti. We would have to change or
turn the moods, the tendency of the six enemies. When we succeed in being
free by changing the tendencies of the six enemies, only then can we realize
the mercy. This realization can come from sadhu sanga. Which sanga?
Which association? Bhakta sanga! And how we should associate with
devotees, bhaktas, pure devotees?
k a-bhakta saṅga kari' k a-bhakta aṅga heri'
śraddhānvita śrava a-kīrtana
arcana bandana dhyānanaba-bhakti mahā-jñāna
ei bhakti parama-kāra a (2.6)
“See the devotees of Lord Krishna, associate with the devotees of Lord
Krishna. Faithfully engage in the nine-fold process of devotional service,
which includes hearing about the Lord, chanting His glories, worshiping Him,
offering obeisances to Him, and remembering Him. Following these
activities enlightens the devotees with spiritual knowledge.”

In the scriptures it is written that with just one moment of association with a
pure devotee, you can get all the perfection. Then why we are not getting
this perfection?
sadhu sanga sadhu sanga sarva sastre kaya
lava matra sadhu sange sarva siddhi haya

“All the revealed scriptures declare that even by a moment’s association

with a pure devotee (a sadhu) one can attain complete spiritual perfection.”
[Cc Madhya 22.54]

You know what is a lava? It is one eleventh of a second. If one second is

made of eleven parts, then one eleventh part is known as lava. If we get this
lava of association of devotees, pure devotees, then we will get all the
perfections, all the siddhis. Although we are getting association of devotees,
pure devotees, we are not getting this perfection.

57
Why? The point is, we do not realize with whom we are associating. First we
have to realize this. He is not an ordinary person. First we have to increase
our sraddha (faith) and respect for him. Thakur Mahasaya said,
k a-bhakta saṅga kari' k a-bhakta aṅga heri
We have to associate with the devotees, and ‘see’ the devotee. That is,
understand the greatness of these pure devotees. Narottam das Thakur
says that all beginners are like blind persons. They cannot see or realize the
greatness of these pure devotees. That’s why they are just wasting their
time with this association. They can get so many things from him, from this
pure devotee. They can solve so many problems for their bhajan, for their
life. But they do not have the kind of intelligence to realize this sanga. They
do not have these ‘eyes to see’ a pure devotee. A pure devotee is non-
different from Sri Krishna. When we develop this much
respect, sraddha, which means respect with strong faith, only then we can
see the devotees in front of us and realize that they are not any ordinary
person. Then in front of us there will be the second form of Krishna. When
our gyana caksu, our eyes of knowledge, develop, then we can get hundred
percent benefits from this association. Yes it is true that from bhakta sanga,
association with the devotees, we are always getting benefits. However, our
misfortune is that we are not realizing this benefit. We do not realize how
much mercy we are always getting from devotees. If sadhaka will realize
this, then they will never divert from the bhakti path. Then, when they will
open this gyana caksu, eyes of knowledge, they will be able to realize all the
various instructions of the devotees. Otherwise they will not. Sometimes we
are getting so many instructions from devotees. If we will not get this mercy
then much confusion will come. We must realize that when pure devotees
give us advice, they are doing it for our benefit .They do not gain anything
from parting with their instructions. They are advising us, because of their
causeless mercy for us, because they want to give us this perfection. Then
they will give us instructions about bhajan. Which bhajan? Nava vidha bhakti
(nine-fold bhakti)
śrava aṁ kīrtanaṁ vi oḥ smara aṁ pāda-sevanam
arcanaṁ vandanaṁ dāsyaṁ sakhyam ātma-nivedanam
iti p ṁsārpitā vi a bhaktiś cen nava-lak a ā
kriyeta bhagavaty addhā tan manye 'dhītam ttamam

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(Prahlada Maharaja said: Hearing and chanting about the transcendental
holy name, form, qualities, paraphernalia and pastimes of Lord Visnu,
remembering them, serving the lotus feet of the Lord, offering the Lord
respectful worship with sixteen types of paraphernalia, offering prayers to
the Lord, becoming His servant, considering the Lord one's best friend, and
surrendering everything unto Him (in other words, serving Him with the
body, mind and words)—these nine processes are accepted as pure
devotional service. One who has dedicated his life to the service of Krishna
through these nine methods should be understood to be the most learned
person, for he has acquired complete knowledge. [SB 7.5.23-24]
Arcanam, smarannam, vandanam. This is nava vida bhakti. You have to
meditate about this. The main part of the bhajan is smaran anga, the path of
smarana (remembrance, meditation). There are nine kinds of devotion, nine
kinds of bhakti. The nine ways to practice bhakti:
Sravanam, kirtanam, visnu smaranam, arcanam, vandanam, pada sevanam,
dasyam, sakhyam, atma nivedanam
These nine kinds of bhakti can be performed every day, all of them. Some
time earlier we did the limb of sravanam, hearing Srimad Bhagavatam.
Before sravanam we did the limb of kirtanam. We perform puja, arcanam.
When we are praying, it is vandanam, isn’t it? When we offer pranam to
Krishna, or to Tulasi Maharani, then we are chanting the pranam mantra
isn’t it? This is praying, vandanam. Pada sevanam, offering of food which
then we partake as prasadam. This pada sevanam means taking care of
Thakurji and His devotees. Then this mood will come. Pujanam the mood
will come, dasyam, sakhyam, atma nivedanam. Mood of servitude, friendly
mood, and to surrender everything: atma nivedanam. This nine fold bhakti
also, you can say is external. Parental mood and madhurya mood are not
mentioned. This nine fold bhakti though external, is very important for our
sadhana. If you can do only one part, can you get perfection? Yes. There are
examples that by following even one part, one got the perfection.
śrī-vi oḥ śrava e parīk id abhavad vaiyāsakiḥ kīrtane
prahlādaḥ smara e tad-aṅghri-bhajane lak mīḥ p th ḥ pūjane
akrūras tv abhivandane kapi-patir dāsye ‘tha sakhye ‘rj naḥ
sarva-svātma-nivedane balir abhūt k āptir e āṁ parā

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“Maharaja Pariksit attained the highest perfection, shelter at Lord Krishna’s
lotus feet, simply by hearing about Lord Visnu. Sukadeva Gosvami attained
perfection simply by reciting Srimad-Bhagavatam. Prahlada Maharaja
attained perfection by remembering the Lord. The goddess of fortune,
Laxmi devi, attained perfection by massaging the transcendental legs of
Maha-Visnu. Maharaja Prithu attained perfection by worshiping the Deity,
and Akrura attained perfection by offering prayers unto the Lord. Hanuman
attained perfection by rendering service to Lord Ramacandra, and Arjuna
attained perfection simply by being Krishna’s friend. Bali Maharaja attained
perfection by dedicating everything to the lotus feet of Krisjna.” [Padyavali
53; Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu 1.2.265]
Simply by hearing, by sravanam, Parikshit Maharaj attained perfection.
Simply by doing kirtan (harikatha, glorifying Krishna) Sukadev Goswami got
the perfection. Only by taking care or serving the lotus feet of Her lord
Narayan Lakshmi Devi got the position of Sri Vishnu’s consort. And smaran?
DD: remembering
PG: Prahlad attained perfection through smaran (remembering). Prithu
Maharaja got this perfection by puja, archana. Only one time he did this and
he got the perfection. Then in dasya (servitude) mood?
DD: Hanuman
PG: Hanuman, pavan putra Hanuman. His mood is in servitude. Friendly
mood is seen in Arjuna. Bali Maharaja in the example where by surrendering
everything he got this perfection. But the main part of our bhajan is smaran.
This smaran is not only remembering something but it is done mainly
through meditation. But there are five stages of meditation in smaran anga
(the remembrance limb of bhakti). The first is smaran, then dharana, then
dhyanam, then dhruva smriti, then samadhi. Samadhi is the highest
perfection meditation. What are the five stages? Smaran, is the first stage of
the five stages. Only just think about the svarupa (form) of the deity, for
some moments when we are chanting the pranam mantra, that time maybe
we can meditate on the svarupa. It is for beginners, when our mind is not
able to think more than this. Then we have to continue with this smaran of
meditating on the svarupa of the deities, as we see them.
Then next is dharana. Dharana is little bit deeper than smaran. During
offering pranam so many thoughts will come into our mind at the beginning.

60
That is a very normal thing, because our mind is really all over the place. But
when we get this ability to collect all the parts of the scattered mind in one
point and then meditate about the svarupa of the deities, we will get more
benefit. To get this stage is known as dharana.
Then we have dhyanam. When a sadhaka performs dharana carefully then
after some time in his sadhana, the pastimes, the lila will appear to him
perhaps not all the time but maybe during his chanting of the Maha mantra
in meditation, then the lila will appear. Then when this lila, this dhyana
stage is practiced with full commitment then it moves to the stage of dhruva
smriti (fixed, unwavering rememberance). When this dhyan, dhruva smriti is
perfected then the lilas, the pastimes will continue not for some moments
but for always. That means, when you are fixed in dhruva, then you can
realize that your own svarupa (spiritual form) is there, in the pastimes. You
can see yourself as an active participant in your svarupa during this stage of
dhruva smriti. On continuing this dhruva smriti stage then the highest stage
will come – samadhi (To be in the same consciousness, one at heart with the
object of your worship and meditation).
The stage of samadhi is when you spontaneously meditate about the
pastimes, when the lilas will spontaneously appear in front of you at the
time you start your meditation. The sadhaka has to achieve this stage if they
desire to have the highest perfection. Yes, that is possible in this life also.
Maybe we are in material world, no problem. We have to know that this
place is the best place for sadhana. We have to use this, when we are here.
When we have got this form as a human, then we have to use this chance.
We must seize this opportunity because maybe in a million lifetimes we will
not get this human form. If we waste this human lifetime just being engaged
in a material way, then we will never get this highest perfection. Millions
and millions of lifetime will pass but this perfection will not come. How will
we get this perfection in this life? We have to realize and follow the Acaryas.
mahā-jano yena gataḥ sa panthāḥ
Follow the path which the previous Acaryas have set.
It would be very difficult if we tried to search the path by ourselves, as we
do not possess such kind of intelligence or eyes to see the proper path. Then
so many lifetimes will pass and we would never find it. However our
Acaryas, previous Acaryas like the rishis, especially the six Goswamis, have

61
written down their life experiences. They have explained and described their
sadhana in detail about how one can get this perfection. You only have to
follow this. It´s like a great chance to achieve this perfection very easily as
you can say it is right there in front of us. We don’t have to search endlessly
or do so many things and travel uselessly in a labyrinth. There is a straight
open way which is simply to follow the devotees. Not only to follow their
sadhana (spiritual practice), but also to follow their behaviour, especially
regarding their daily duties, the way they perform their daily purification
processes. The Sadhaka has to get this purification. That’s why we need to
follow sadachar (proper behaviour, literally: Truthful conduct).

k a-bhakta saṅga kari' k a-bhakta aṅga heri'

See the devotees of Lord Krishna, associate with the devotees of Lord
Krishna. (PBC 2.6)

When we get this association, then we have to follow how the devotee does
his sadhana, how he is following the sadachara. You must know
that sadachara is a very important part in getting self-purification.
By sadhachara we can cleanse our inside. We have to purify our external
body and at the same time our internal selves. Only by external purification
no one will be accepted by Him. When will He accept us? When we have
become very pure! That’s why we need to follow sadachara in a very strict
way to get this perfection. We have to realize this.
We have this material body isn’t it? Already it is dirty on many levels. We
have an uncontrolled mind full of unwanted thoughts and bad desires. We
have so many negative urges and tendencies (addictions) that give us
problems and prevent us from doing bhajan. Pitta, vata and kapha
imbalances, these are all problems. Sickness and having to answer the call
of nature are all obstacles to our bhajan. So many bad qualities we have. For
example, if you employ someone to cook for you and serve you, would you
allow this person to do this if he is always unclean? If his clothes are dirty
and he looks untidy and scruffy can you allow him to serve you? No! You will
not allow him, you will say, first go and clean yourself, isn’t it? Same way,
we have to think in that way for Krishna. We have to clean ourselves.

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Bhagavan Krishna is not looking at our outside; Krishna is looking at our
inside. Perhaps externally you are not good-looking, but internally your
heart and your mind are yearning to serve Him. So to Krishna you appear
very beautiful. He is not searching for exhibitions of opulence. He is always
searching for our love. He wants to see how much love you have for his
activities. How strong is your intention, how great a dedication you may
have for all of His activities. Krishna is only searching for this. That’s why we
have to clean ourselves, our mind, our heart and at the same time externally
also. Then Krishna will be happy and Krishna will accept any seva even with
this material form. Otherwise we are not allowed to serve Him. We have to
realize who Krishna is.
He is not from this material world, that’s why we have to be purified. Very,
very carefully we have to purify ourselves. That’s why we need to follow
the sadachar which includes our daily duties such as cleaning ourselves after
going to the toilet. How we should be clean when cooking. We should know
about ucchista (impurity). If you have touched your lips or your mouth, it
means your hands are ucchista (unclean) so you must wash them before
continuing to cook for the deities.
You have to follow very carefully this sadachara. Then you are allowed to
serve Him. Otherwise you will get some benefit, but very little. If you are not
very careful about this sadachar, then perhaps you will make offences.
That’s why he uses this next word:
k a-bhakta aṅga heri'
observe the behaviour of the Krishna devotees.
We have to see how the sadhu is behaving, how he is following his sadhana,
then we can get the benefits of bhakta sanga. Otherwise, we will not. When
we´re following this sadachar, then we will follow the instructions in
performing nava vidha (nine-fold) bhakti. Then our bhakti will come.
ei bhakti parama karana
Such bhakti (following in the footsteps, being under the guidance of the
sadhu) is the supreme cause of success.
By attentively following this nine-fold bhakti according to sadachar, the
sadhaka can get pure bhakti in his heart. When the bhakti comes, then
Krishna will run to us. We do not have to go to Him. We do not have to
search for Krishna, “Where is Krishna?” He will come to us. When devotee

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will get this devotion, the pure bhakti in his heart, Krishna will come to him.
Then he will get Krishna in his own place. He does not have to go to
anywhere else. Narottam das Thakur explains about how we can control
the tendencies of the six enemies. Control the six urges of kama, krodha,
lobha, moha, mada and matsarya, the six great internal enemies. Scriptures
always say that we have to destroy the six enemies. Without destroying
these enemies, no one can get perfection in their life. But is it possible to
destroy them?!
If we destroy them what will happen? Maybe by yoga, by gyana (cultivation
of knowledge) one can get this perfection to destroy all the six internal
enemies. But then nothing will be left to motivate us. No desire! And if you
have no desire, which means kama (passion), then you cannot perform your
sadhana. If you have no lobha (greed) then you will not have feelings or any
attachment for Krishna bhajan either. But how can we utilize the six
enemies to our advantage? Thakur Mahasaya will explain this tomorrow
morning.

Haribol Joy Nitai!

Questions & Answers session

Devotee: Another thing I want to ask you is that, you said that in the
beginning one should visit only Krishna´s tirthas. PG: Yes.
D: Not the tirthas of any other Ishtas (other worshipable deities).
PG: No. D: What does it mean? For example I visited Gomukh in Gangotri. Is
this considered another ishta? PG: This is also Krishna Tirtha. Gomukh and
Gangotri also come as part of Krishna.
D: What place would be considered as other ishta´s tirtha for example?
PG: That means like Kedarnath (the place of Siva), like Vaishno Devi. Vaishno
Devi is also connected with Krishna, but you have to realize this. You know
the story of Vaishno Devi? Vaishno Devi, is actually a form of Katyayani .
Why is she known as Vaishno Devi? This form was the one whom Kamsa
wanted to kill, but she disappeared and she warned him saying, “Your killer
has already been born. He has already taken birth here!” Then she
disappeared from there. She then got this blessing from Krishna who

64
declared, “This place will be your Kshetra (field) in this planetary system, in
this material world!” That’s why this place is known as Vaishno Devi. There
is no murti (deity), there are only some shilas, that means stones. Three
stones are there, representing three forms of Katyayani. Lakshmi, Sarasvati
and Vaishnavi Devi. Only three stones are there. There is no murti. She is
there in these three forms. When we can realize that everywhere is Krishna,
that in Kedarnath it is also Krishna, then no problem, we can go everywhere.
The sadhakas, the Vaishnavas are inner associates of Bhagavan, you know.
That means when we go to Haridwar, it means that this is the door to come
inside. If you go to Kedarnath, it means you are far from the door also. We
are already inside the house. Why we should go to the door? Haridwar
means the door of Hari. But already we are inside, why we should go to the
door? But you can visit everywhere when you can feel that Krishna is there.
Another place is Deva ksetra. But you have to realize this. In the caves of
the Himalayas, inside the very deep forest, you will find so many sadhus
there. This place is not really any holy place, but this total kshetra Himalaya
kshetra is known as deva bhumi. You will get benefit if you do austerities
there, but before that you have to feel that Krishna is present there. Then
you will get the benefits. If you can feel, you can get these benefits here in
Prague also. You do not have to go anywhere.
PG: There are four Dhams. The external four Dhams are known as:
Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Jamunotri. Badrinath also you can say, is a
place of Krishna. Here there is the path by which the Pandavas went to
Svarga; Svarga loka (the heavenly planets). There is Bhimpur at the end, just
at the boundary of India, Bhimpur. There is a sort of bridge, made of one
huge stone. Yes, there was a gap, because the river Saraswati was flowing
that way. All the Pandavas they crossed the river by jumping across but
Draupadi could not. Then Bhima, he took one stone which he put on this
gap. And then Draupadi could walk across. This Bhimpur you can see until
now, this ‘pur’ this bridge, is known as Bihmpur. There are seven Prayags
(rivers). Devaprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Krishnaprayag… Seven
Prayags are there on the way to Kedarneth and Badrinath.
D: The eighth Prayag is here in Prague.
PG: One is here in Prague. Prague is also Prayag…
Question: Is this mantra “apavitrapavitro va…..” like purifying mantra?

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PG: This mantra is known as mantra-snanam (mantra for bathing). If there is
no possibility to take a shower then you can use this mantra to do snanam
(symbolic bathing). You have to sprinkle some water on your head and chant
this mantra.
D: But we should not use it like an excuse to not take daily shower.
PG: Correct. When it is not possible to take a shower you recite this mantra-
snanam. But when there is facility for taking a shower then you must
shower!

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 5. Controlling the senses, the six urges and the six internal
enemies by engaging them in Krishna’s service

PG: In Prema Bhakti Candrika, Srila Narottam Das Thakur, teaches and
advises us on how the sadhakas can control their senses and their
(mundane) tendencies as well as the six great internal enemies.
h īke gobinda-sebāna pūjibo devī-deva
ei tā' ananya-bhakti-kathā
āra jāta palambhabiśe a sakali dambha
dekhite lagaye mane byathā (PBC 2.7)

I shall use these senses to serve Lord Govinda, and I shall decline to worship
the various demigods and demigoddesses. I shall only speak about pure
devotional service. The numberless different philosophies and conceptions
of life are all products of the conditioned soul's pride. Trying to understand
them brings no real benefit but only a pain within the mind.
Our bhajan path, we have to know, is only for our ultimate service for
Krishna and not for demigods and goddesses. If we worship others such as
Shiva, Kali, Durga and so on at the same time with Krishna, it only proves
that you have no faith in anyone. Unfortunately, many people have this
tendency. If we have strong faith in Krishna we will not get this desire to go
to other ishtas (deities), isn’t it? If we have the realization that ‘everything I
want I can get from Krishna’, then we have no need to go anywhere else.
But people have this tendency to go everywhere and pray for the same
things to everyone.
DD: Same thing but from different deities. If you say ‘I love everyone
equally’, it means you don’t love anyone.
PG: Yes! Same things from different Gods and Goddesses because as
material living entities in this material world, we have this desire only
for aishvarya (opulence, wealth), which includes money, wealth and power.
We pray asking for the same things to everyone, to Krishna, to Kali, to Shiva
to Durga and to Ganesha.
In short, to everyone. By doing this, we are proving that we have no faith in
anyone. That is why we have to fix our mind in one point. We have to keep
our faith in one deity and that is Krishna. Yes, we have to respect everyone.

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Through Krishna´s mercy we can fulfill our eternal needs. From others, we
should not pray for the same things, which we are praying to Krishna. From
other deities we can get Krishna bhakti. Our only prayer to them should be,
“Oh Prabhu! Please give me Krishna bhakti.”
DD: Give me Krishna prema.
PG: Yes, I want to get more engaged in Krishna prema. The scriptures give a
very nice example and that is, if we worship Krishna, it means we are
worshipping all the Gods and Goddesses. If we do puja of Krishna, if we
offer naiveidya (food) to Krishna, then all the Demigods and Goddesses will
accept the prasadam of Krishna. There is also another very nice example in
the scriptures:
yathā taror mūla-ni ecanena
t pyanti tat-skandha-bh jopaśākhāḥ
prā opahārāc ca yathendriyā āṁ
tathaiva sarvārha am acy tejyā
"By giving water to the root of a tree one satisfies its branches, twigs and
leaves, and by supplying food to the stomach one satisfies all the senses of
the body. Similarly, by engaging in the transcendental service of the
Supreme Lord one automatically satisfies all the demigods and all other
living entities." [SB 4.31.14]
From trees, we get fruits, flowers and leaves, isn’t it? But we care for the
trees, by placing the nourishment and watering the roots of the trees.
However, we get the produce from the branches, so why are we watering
and placing the nourishment at the roots? Because, the branches are not
able to absorb the water and nourishment but the roots can do that. As a
result the whole tree, the trunk, the branches, the leaves, the flowers and
fruits will get everything from the roots. All the various parts of the tree will
get their pushti or nourishment from the roots. So our body,
prā opahārāc ca yathendriyā āṁ
(prāṇa—the life air; upahārāt—by feeding; ca—and; yathā—as;
indriyāṇām—of the senses;)

Likewise, although we see through our eyes, hear through our ears, walk
using our legs and work with our hands, it is the food that has been digested

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in our stomach that nourishes the organs and all the other senses of the
body. If we try to feed each part of our body separately, they will not get
the food and nothing can be achieved. The same thing applies to our
sadhana. If we do puja to the lotus feet of Sri Krishna, then every one of the
33 million Gods and Goddesses will be happy and satisfied by this Krishna
puja.
tathaiva sarvārha am acy tejyā
(tathā eva—similarly; sarva—of all demigods; arhaṇam—worship; acyuta—
of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; ijyā—worship).

If we will try to do their puja separately, we will spend our whole lifetime
trying to get benefits from different Gods and Goddesses every day but the
only result will be to create problems for ourselves. As we cannot do puja
for all we would choose to worship those who we feel we will get benefits
from such as Lakshmi Devi for wealth, Devadideva Mahadev (Siva) for
protection and Ganesha for removing obstacles and also for mystic
perfections (siddhis).
Unfortunately Gods and Goddesses are very much like human beings in that
if a devotee prays to the different deities and then decides to pray to only a
few of them then the rest of them, just like human beings, will assume that
they are not respected and would feel neglected. Problems will arise for the
devotee because the deities are unhappy. This basic mistake would not be
realized by the worshiper who then wonders why he is facing so many
problems.
DD: In Bhagavad Gita Krishna says that those who worship the Demigods
also worship Him indirectly, but in a wrong way.
PG: Yes. What we need to note is “worship Me indirectly.” It means in the
wrong way.
ye 'py anya-devatā-bhaktā yajante śraddhayānvitāḥ
te 'pi mām eva Ka nteya yajanty avidhi-pūrvakam
“Those who are devotees of other gods and who worship them with faith
actually worship only Me, O son of Kunti, but they do so in a wrong way.”
[Bg. 9.23]
Krishna says this to Arjuna, “If anyone worships any Gods and Goddesses,
they are also worshipping me but indirectly and not in the proper, direct

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way. Problems will arise because of this. We should understand and know
that the Demigods are not the adhikaris, the owners of the various
properties, they are only the keepers. Their duties are to take care of the
respective property. That’s why when we pray for wealth to Lakshmi Devi,
or pray for power and protection to Shiva, Durgha, Kali and so forth, they
will in turn pray to Krishna, “Oh Prabhu, one of my sadhakas (practitioner) is
asking for this thing. Only if You allow me then I can give it to him, otherwise
I cannot. I have no right to give such things to him because Krishna, You are
Svayam Bhagavan. You are the owner of Wealth (aishvarya), Power (virya),
Fame (yasha), Beauty (sriya), Knowledge (gyana) and Renunciation
(vairagya)!” Krishna is the sole owner of these opulences, so if you have the
desire to attain these things than you have to pray to Krishna - not to
anyone else.
That’s why Narottam Das Thakura says you should respect everyone, but
you must know your ishta (worshipable deity) is Krishna. If you want
something, you can pray to Krishna, only He can fulfill your desire, not
others. To worship others is a waste of time, waste of energy and waste of
effort if you worship other deities. When you get this strong, one-pointed
dedication to Krishna, Krishna will think about the sadhaka, Krishna will
think about you, because it is His natural duty. He has this duty to fulfill.
He says to Arjuna, ”Oh Arjuna, if somebody decides to take shelter of Me,
than that is My duty, My vrata (vow), my sankalpa (promise) to protect
them in every way and take away all their problems, to give them peace of
mind and give them real bliss - eternal bliss in their mind and heart. These
are not just words but My promise, My vow to protect all my devotees.”
Our duty is to show our dedication, to show our devotion, to show Him our
love. On perceiving our dedication and our love, He will then give us what is
good for us. He will know, what is right for us and give us accordingly. We
don’t need to worry about it. That’s why Sukadev Goswami caran said,
tasmād bhārata sarvātmā bhagavān īśvaro hariḥ
śrotavyaḥ kīrtitavyaś ca smartavyaś cecchatābhayam
"O descendant of King Bharata, one who desires to be free from all miseries
must hear, glorify and also remember the Personality of Godhead who is the
Supersoul, the controller and the savior from all miseries." [SB 2.1.5]

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“Oh Pariksit, the jiva’s (living entity) only duty is to take shelter of Krishna.
They do not have to do anything else.”
And here in Prema Bhakti Candrika, Narottam Das Thakura has also quoted
the verse from Srila Rupa Goswami.
anyābhilā itā śūnyaṁ jñāna-kārmādy anāv tam
ān kūlyena k ān śīlanaṁ bhaktir ttamā
“The cultivation of activities which are meant exclusively for the pleasure of
Sri Krishna, or in other words, the uninterrupted flow of service to Sri
Krishna, performed through all endeavors of the body, mind and speech,
and through the expressions of various spiritual sentiments (bhavas), which
is not covered by gyana (knowledge aimed at impersonal liberation) and
karma (reward-seeking activity), and which is devoid of all desires other
than the aspiration to bring happiness to Sri Krishna, is called uttama-bhakti,
pure devotional service.” (Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu, Purva-vibhaga 1.1.11)
You have to leave all the other desires, external desires, behind. You must
have only one desire and that is (to please) Krishna. And then what is good
for you, Krishna will send to you, that is His duty. That’s why we have to
leave all the other activities, like worshipping other Gods and Goddesses
and only serve Krishna who is Hrishikesha (master of the senses). Bhakti is
also known as serving Hrishikesha Krishna.
sarvopādhi vinirm ktaṁ tat paratvena nirmalam
h īke a h īkeśa-sevanaṁ bhaktir cyate
(Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu, Purva-vibhaga 1.1.10)
“Bhakti is service rendered by the transcendental senses to Sri Krishna, the
Lord of the senses. Such bhakti in which all endeavours are undertaken for
the pleasure of Krishna is free from obstructions arising from the nature of
the body and mind. It is also pure; that is, it is not covered by the creepers
of karma, reward-seeking activity, or gyana, knowledge in pursuit of
impersonal liberation.”
You have to worship the Lord of the senses by your senses. And it does not
mean material senses. We have to prepare ourselves, by controlling our
tendencies. We have to make our six internal enemies, the six strong urges
to be our six friends. We are always driven by these six enemies: kama,
krodha, lobha, moha, mada and matsarya (lust, anger, greed, attachment,
pride and envy). These very strong urges are always pushing us, driving us

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towards other directions which are unfavorable for us. Because of these six
urges our bhajan is going downhill. By allowing theses strong forces to
control us we do not make any advancement in our bhajan. It’s quite
impossible to control them so you would need to divert and drive them, that
is, change their direction, their mood. You have to make these six enemies
your friends. We cannot do this by ourselves without help. The way to curb
them is to make the effort of redirecting their tendencies by the blessings of
Sri Guru and by one-pointed faith in Guru and Govinda. Pray to Guru and
Gauranga, ”Please give me the power to control them so that I can turn
their mood (to be favourable to bhakti).” When they will turn around, then
all blessings, all aspects of bhakti you will get in your life.
kāma k a-karmārpa e krodha bhakta-dweśis-jāne
lobha sādh -saṅge hari-kathā
moha i ta-lablha-bine mada k a-g a-gāne
nij kta kariba jathā tathā (PBC 2.10)

Lust I will engage in offering the fruits of my work to Lord Krishna. Anger I
will direct towards the enemies of the devotees. Greed I will engage by
being greedy to hear the topics of Lord Hari in the association of the saintly
devotees. Bewilderment will be manifested because I cannot immediately
attain my worshipable Lord. Madness will be there when I madly glorify the
transcendental attributes of Lord Krishna. In this way I will engage each of
these in the service of Lord Krishna.
The six enemies are, kama – lust, krodha – anger, lobha – greed, moha –
material affection or attachment, mada – pride and matsarya – envy. When
they turn then one enemy will be deleted from our heart. You know, what is
this? That is envy - matsarya. When your mind and heart will open for
everyone, when your heart will be full of love, then no envy can come inside
your heart. This mood will go out from your heart. Unfortunately, our
natural tendency is that we don’t like to praise others or wish them well,
especially when we are on the same level.
But when your heart is full of love, then it will come automatically. Then
you will hide your own qualities and you will praise others. ”I am
insignificant, I have no qualities.” But others have. In that way, when all
these tendencies will turn, then one enemy - matsarya - will be deleted
from our hearts. So what will happen to the other tendencies?

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 kāma k a-karmārpa e
When lust becomes our friend, then when can use our lust and engage it in
the service Krishna. Our kama we will use always for Krishna …
krodha bhakta-dweśis-jāne
Then our anger we will use against those who are inimical to the devotees.
Anger is used towards those who are against Krishna and sadhus. Our anger
will only be used against them. Not for self-protection or self-satisfaction.
Sometimes we show our anger without any cause and this will result in a
loss of our energy. So we have to turn this.
lobha sādh -saṅge hari-kathā
Then our greed will be used for developing intense desire to hear more and
more Krishna katha from the pure devotees. Because then we can realize
that while we´re hearing harikatha from pure devotees we are also getting
mercy from them.
moha i ta-lablha-bine
Then our attachment, affection, we will engage only for receiving the mercy
of Krishna or achieving the goal, the target, which is the service of Krishna.
mada k a-g a-gāne
With regard to pride, we will take pride in our identity that I am not an
ordinary person. I am the servant of Krishna’s servants. I am the servant of
Sri Gaura´s servants. I am the servant of Sri Nitai´s servants.

nāhaṁ vipro na ca nara-patir nāpi vaiśyo na śūdro

nāhaṁ var ī na ca g ha-patir no vana-stho yatir vā
kintu prodyan nikhila-paramānanda-pūr ām tābdher
gopī-bhart ḥ pada-kamalayor dāsa-dāsān dāsaḥ

"I am not a brāhma a, k atriya, vaiśya or śūdra. I am not a brahmacārī,

g hastha, vānaprastha or sannyāsī. What am I? I am the eternal servant of
the servant of the servants of Lord Kṛṣṇa” (Padyāvalī 63,
Cc. Madhya 13.80]

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We have to follow Mahaprabhu’s words (in Siksataka), we have to be
humble and approach Bhagavan with humility. We have to realize that we
do not have the ability to serve Him directly. But we can serve Him through
the servant of His servants. By serving and pleasing these devotees, we can
please Krishna. Krishna will be happy. Krishna will be happy with those who
are not very close to Him but very close to His devotees. Krishna loves them
more than those nearest to Him. Krishna is attached to those who are
attached to His devotees. For example, the interest that you receive from
your main principal savings is always sweeter than the principal amount
itself. Likewise Krishna likes those who approach Him through His devotees
more than those who try to approach Him directly. In His conversation with
Arjuna He reveals that if He makes a promise, sometimes He may not be
able to fulfill this promise. However if His devotees make the promise that
“If you follow Krishna He will save you” then He says, “I will do My best to
honor these words of promise made by My devotees. I will do My best to
protect their integrity. I will use my highest effort, to uphold the promises of
My devotees.” That’s why even in Kali yuga Sriman Mahaprabhu has not
given any direct advice apart from Siksastaka. Detailed knowledge and other
forms of advice we got from the six Goswamis, His near and dear associates.
During Krishna lila Krishna has hardly given any direct advice. All forms of
advice have come from His devotees who have repeatedly told us about
what we need to do to receive Krishna’s mercy. The only direct advice from
Sri Krishna is about guru-tattva. All other forms of advice on all other
matters, including knowledge about Krishna, we got from His devotees.

DD: Krishna says, kaunteya pratijanīhi na me bhaktaḥ pra aśyati: [Bg. 9.31]
“O son of Kunti, declare it boldly that My devotee never perishes.”
PG: (Krishna says) “My devotees will never be destroyed because they are
always eternally protected by Me. When My devotees make a promise,
there is more credibility in their words than in My promise.” That’s why
Krishna says that we have to say with pride “I´m the servant of the servants
of Krishna. I’m the servant of His servants. This pride is good. This pride will
take you from here to there.
DD: Dasidasianudasi...
PG: Yes. gopī-bhart ḥ pada-kamalayor dāsa-dāsān dāsaḥ.

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I am the eternal servant of the servant of the servants of Sri Krishna, the
lover of the gopis.
Mahaprabhu teaches us that we have to be humble. If we can turn these
tendencies, then our senses will be as ferocious as a lion.
āpani palabe sabaś niya gobinda raba
siṁha-raba jena kari-ga a
sakala vipatti jābe mahānanda s kha pābe
jāra haya ekānta bhajana (PBC 2.13)

When lust and his friends hear the word ’Govinda’ they immediately begin
to flee, as a herd of elephants flees when it hears a lion's roar. If one
engages in single-pointed devotional service to Lord Krishna, then the
worshiper attains transcendental bliss, and all kinds of calamities flee from
him
Ekanta bhajan, you know what is ekanta bhajan?
DD: One pointed bhajan.
PG: Yes, one pointed bhajan. Ekanta bhajan means one who does not care
about any knowledge apart from bhakti, anything other than Krishna. One
who has no feelings (no taste) for anything except Krishna. He does not seek
happiness or pleasure for himself but is always trying to please Krishna. He
wants to make Krishna happy…..very happy. Those who are doing this kind
of bhajan, this kind of sadhana, can make their senses like that of a lion.
When this lion roars, then all the six enemies will run away and turn their
mood. And all the bad qualities will go out of the heart. By this lion-like
roaring all the darkness of ignorance will go out from our hearts. Only in
that way we can make ourselves pure and clean. Otherwise, if you do not try
to control and turn these tendencies into positive qualities, then
the anarthas (unwanted things in the heart) will take hold of us followed by
many obstacles. These obstacles will prevent us from chanting. We will not
be able to fix our mind on bhakti.
During ahanik (chanting one’s diksa mantras) many disturbing thoughts will
come our way. Anarthas will not allow us to do our bhajan, read scriptures,
hear the Bhagavatam, et cetera. We will always find that we have no time
for all this. We will not get this tendency to do some things for Krishna. Then
laziness will come and this laziness is anartha for our bhajan. Only by our

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effort for bhajan, we can destroy this laziness. And when laziness is pushed
out from our hearts, by this lion’s roar, then ananya bhajan (one-pointed
bhajan) will happen. Ananya means only Krishna bhajan. Then no
other ishta (deity) will come into our mind and heart. You can worship Him
in any way. But before that the sadhakas have to develop their minds and
hearts in that way. You should not be lazy with your bhajan. When you fix
your mind, you can get everything. We will have plenty of time for our
bhajan. Many possibilities will open up. Krishna will arrange everything for
you. Then we can continue our bhajan in that way. And how do we control
the many desires within our hearts for material gains such
as labha, puja and pratishtha (profit, adoration and prestige).
For instance, we love to be worshipped, which means to get respect from
other people. This is our tendency. We love to advice others. Even before
we have sufficient knowledge, we always try to advise others. We love to
get much fame in our life. However, what we fail to realize is that if we can
make ourselves pure devotees, then everything will happen automatically.
We should remember the answer of Ramananda Ray. When Sriman
Mahaprabhu asked, ”Oh Raya, can you explain how the jiva can attain the
highest success, how can he get immortality?” Then Ramananda Raya
answered,
‘kīrti-ga a-madhye jīvera kon baḍa kīrti?’
‘k a-bhakta baliyā yāṅhāra haya khyā

kīrti-gaṇa-madhye—among glorious activities; jīvera—of the living entity;

kon—which; baḍa—greatest; kīrti—glory; kṛṣṇa-bhakta—a devotee of Lord
Kṛṣṇa; baliyā—as; yāṅhāra—of whom; haya—there is; khyāti—the
reputation.
“Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu then asked Ramananda Raya, “Out of all glorious
activities, which is the most glorious?” Ramananda Raya replied, “That
person who is reputed to be a devotee of Lord Krishna enjoys the utmost
fame and glory.”
What is the highest success of the jivas? How can they get immortality?
Those who are pure Krishna prema bhaktas are the ones who can achieve
highest success in their lives. They can get everything, even immortality.

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 Kirti yasa sarir neti
By our activities we get immortality, not by the body
Here we must understand that immortality is measured by our activities
and not by the number of years or the length of our life span. In the material
world we are remembered for as long as our legacy remains undestroyed.
For example the Taj Mahal: As long as the Taj Mahal still stands the architect
will remain immortal, everyone will think about him. That means you can
get this immortality by your work, by your activity. Maybe this piece of
work, these activities for this material world, can last for a long time, but
they will not last eternally. This is all temporary. The only way to get this
immortality is if one becomes a very pure Krishna devotee.
Just remember about the devotees, pure devotees such as Shrutadev,
Bahulasya, Sridam. Krishna is for all time. Krishna is eternal. People have in
the past, still are, and will forever continue to chant the name of Krishna.
They will remember the names of the near and dear associates of Krishna
such as Shrutadev, Bahulasya and Sridam. They will be remembered and
they become immortal because of their association with Krishna. When the
sadhaka becomes attached to Him, and can perform true sadhana, then he
will get this immortality as a Krishna Prema bhakta. Next year we shall
further explore Narottam Das Thakura’s Prema Bhakti Candrika and learn
how we can control these desires for labha, puja and pratistha (Wealth,
adoration and prestige).
Prema Bhakti Candrika is the most important grantha (scripture), with the
most important kinds of advice for our life. This invaluable advice is for
everyone, not only for the Vaishnavas but all the sadhakas (those who
practice bhakti). We have to follow this if we want to get bhakti in our life.

Haribol Joy Nitai! Jay Jay Sri Radhe!

Madhurena Samapayet
(All ends well when it ends sweetly)

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