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Chapter 2 SummaryChapter 2 Summary Suta Gosvami Begins Answers the Sages Suta Gosvami Begins Answers the Sages

QuestionsQuestions Text 1-5 Stua Gosvami Reply Begins with Text 1-5 Stua Gosvami Reply Begins with

ObeisancesObeisances Text 6-7 Suta Gosvami Answer Questions 1 Text 6-7 Suta Gosvami Answer Questions 1

and 2and 2 Text 8-15 Only Bhakti Is to Be Gained Text 8-15 Only Bhakti Is to Be Gained

Through the performance of One’s Work Through the performance of One’s Work (Suta’s elaboration on questions 1 and 2)(Suta’s elaboration on questions 1 and 2)

Text 16-22 Bhakti Progresses (14 Stages up Text 16-22 Bhakti Progresses (14 Stages up until face to face darshan of the Lord)until face to face darshan of the Lord)

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Text 23-25 The Worship of Brahma, Vishnu, Text 23-25 The Worship of Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva and the Superlative Position of and Siva and the Superlative Position of VishnuVishnu

Text 26-27 Worship of other DemigodsText 26-27 Worship of other Demigods Text 28-29 Vasudeva is the Actual Object of Text 28-29 Vasudeva is the Actual Object of

WorshipWorship Text 30-34 Vasudeva Krishna Manifests the Text 30-34 Vasudeva Krishna Manifests the

Material Worlds in His three Vishnu Features Material Worlds in His three Vishnu Features (This is the Answer to question 3 and 4(This is the Answer to question 3 and 4

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Blessings: A Must for Spiritual SuccessBlessings: A Must for Spiritual Success Before Answering the Sages questions, Suta Before Answering the Sages questions, Suta

Gosvami first invokes the descending mercy of Gosvami first invokes the descending mercy of his spiritual master (Text 2-3)his spiritual master (Text 2-3)

Suta then invokes the blessings of superior Suta then invokes the blessings of superior persons, senior vaisnavas (Text 4)persons, senior vaisnavas (Text 4)

Suta then invokes the mercy of the assembled Suta then invokes the mercy of the assembled vaisnavas (text 5)vaisnavas (text 5)

After invoking the blessings, Suta begins to After invoking the blessings, Suta begins to Answer each of the six questions one by one.Answer each of the six questions one by one.

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““Śrīla Sūta Gosvāmī shows the way of Śrīla Sūta Gosvāmī shows the way of chanting the Purānas. This may be followed by chanting the Purānas. This may be followed by persons who aspire to be preachers of the persons who aspire to be preachers of the Vedic literatures and the Purānas.”Vedic literatures and the Purānas.”

““All the Vedic literatures and the Purānas are All the Vedic literatures and the Purānas are meant for conquering the darkest region of meant for conquering the darkest region of material existence.”material existence.”

What’s the darkest region of material What’s the darkest region of material existence? existence?

“…“…forgetfulness of his relation with God due forgetfulness of his relation with God due to his being overly attracted to material sense to his being overly attracted to material sense gratification from time immemorial.” gratification from time immemorial.”

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Sastra (means scripture and also weapon [refer Sastra (means scripture and also weapon [refer to BG 15.4-5)to BG 15.4-5)

Inquires are like a powerful armyInquires are like a powerful army Sastra is the weaponSastra is the weapon Just as a powerful army and weapons are Just as a powerful army and weapons are

required for conquering so also the powerful required for conquering so also the powerful army of sincere inquires back by the weapon army of sincere inquires back by the weapon of sastra revealed by the mercy of guru and of sastra revealed by the mercy of guru and sadhu is required for conquering material sadhu is required for conquering material existence!existence!

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1. What is the Ultimate Good for 1. What is the Ultimate Good for Everyone? Everyone?

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Activities that Bring About Love of God Activities that Bring About Love of God is for Everyone’s Ultimate Good!is for Everyone’s Ultimate Good!

““The supreme occupation [dharma] for all The supreme occupation [dharma] for all humanity is that by which men can attain to humanity is that by which men can attain to loving devotional service unto the loving devotional service unto the transcendent Lord. Such devotional service transcendent Lord. Such devotional service must be unmotivated and uninterrupted to must be unmotivated and uninterrupted to completely satisfy the self.” (1.2.6) completely satisfy the self.” (1.2.6)

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The greatest good is practical; it’s something that you The greatest good is practical; it’s something that you do!do!

““We have purposely denoted dharma as occupation We have purposely denoted dharma as occupation because the root meaning of the word dharma is "that because the root meaning of the word dharma is "that which sustains one's existence." A living being's which sustains one's existence." A living being's sustenance of existence is to coordinate his activities sustenance of existence is to coordinate his activities with his eternal relation with the Supreme Lord Krsna.”with his eternal relation with the Supreme Lord Krsna.”

““The Vedas prescribe two different types of occupation The Vedas prescribe two different types of occupation for the human being. One is called the pravrtti-mārga, for the human being. One is called the pravrtti-mārga, or the path of sense enjoyment, and the other is called or the path of sense enjoyment, and the other is called the nivrtti-mārga, or the path of renunciation. The path the nivrtti-mārga, or the path of renunciation. The path of enjoyment is inferior, and the path of sacrifice for the of enjoyment is inferior, and the path of sacrifice for the supreme cause is superior.” supreme cause is superior.”

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““Material existence is temporary, illusory and full of Material existence is temporary, illusory and full of miseries. There is no happiness at all. There is just the miseries. There is no happiness at all. There is just the futile attempt to get rid of the miseries, and temporary futile attempt to get rid of the miseries, and temporary cessation of misery is falsely called happiness. cessation of misery is falsely called happiness. Therefore, the path of progressive material Therefore, the path of progressive material enjoyment…is inferior.”enjoyment…is inferior.”

““But devotional service to the Supreme Lord, which But devotional service to the Supreme Lord, which leads one to eternal, blissful and all-cognizant life, is leads one to eternal, blissful and all-cognizant life, is called the superior quality of occupation.”called the superior quality of occupation.”

““This is sometimes polluted when mixed with the This is sometimes polluted when mixed with the inferior quality…devotional service to the Lord must inferior quality…devotional service to the Lord must be pure in quality, i.e., without the least desire for be pure in quality, i.e., without the least desire for material enjoyment [to completely satisfy the self].” material enjoyment [to completely satisfy the self].”

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““The flow of the Ganges water cannot be stopped by The flow of the Ganges water cannot be stopped by any condition; similarly, a pure devotee's attraction any condition; similarly, a pure devotee's attraction for the transcendental name, form and pastimes of the for the transcendental name, form and pastimes of the Supreme Godhead cannot be stopped by any material Supreme Godhead cannot be stopped by any material condition. The word avicchinnā, "without condition. The word avicchinnā, "without interruptions," is very important in this connection. interruptions," is very important in this connection. No material condition can stop the flow of the No material condition can stop the flow of the devotional service of a pure devotee.” purport devotional service of a pure devotee.” purport 3.29.11-123.29.11-12

““The word ahaitukī means "without reason." A pure The word ahaitukī means "without reason." A pure devotee does not render loving service to the devotee does not render loving service to the Personality of Godhead for any cause or for any Personality of Godhead for any cause or for any benefit, material or spiritual.” 3.29.11-12 benefit, material or spiritual.” 3.29.11-12

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The Greatest good Involves RelationshipsThe Greatest good Involves Relationships ““The relation is one of the servant and the served. It is The relation is one of the servant and the served. It is

transcendental and is completely distinct from our transcendental and is completely distinct from our experience in material existence. This relation of servant experience in material existence. This relation of servant and the served is the most congenial form of intimacy. and the served is the most congenial form of intimacy. One can realize it as devotional service progresses. One can realize it as devotional service progresses. Everyone should engage himself in that transcendental Everyone should engage himself in that transcendental loving service of the Lord, even in the present conditional loving service of the Lord, even in the present conditional state of material existence. That will gradually give one state of material existence. That will gradually give one the clue to actual life and please him to complete the clue to actual life and please him to complete satisfaction.” purport 1.2.6satisfaction.” purport 1.2.6

People desire intimacy, but because they are self-People desire intimacy, but because they are self-centered, which ultimately places them in the position of centered, which ultimately places them in the position of exploiter, their attempts to find intimacy on the physical, exploiter, their attempts to find intimacy on the physical, emotional, or intellectual levels actually push true emotional, or intellectual levels actually push true intimacy away.intimacy away.

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2. What is the Essential 2. What is the Essential Recommendation of All Scriptures?Recommendation of All Scriptures?

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DO Loving Devotional ServiceDO Loving Devotional Service

““By rendering devotional service unto the By rendering devotional service unto the Personality of Godhead, Śrī Krsna, one Personality of Godhead, Śrī Krsna, one immediately acquires causeless knowledge and immediately acquires causeless knowledge and detachment from the world.” 1.2.7detachment from the world.” 1.2.7

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Suta Gosvami’s answer is in essence the Suta Gosvami’s answer is in essence the sastras’ message is to perform bhakti-yoga in sastras’ message is to perform bhakti-yoga in relationship with Sri Krishna.relationship with Sri Krishna.

No process other then bhakti is required.No process other then bhakti is required. One may think “I will take to bhakti after I One may think “I will take to bhakti after I

realize that I am not my body but a spirit realize that I am not my body but a spirit soul.”soul.”

Suta Gosvami’s answer to this is very clear; by Suta Gosvami’s answer to this is very clear; by performing devotional service, knowledge and performing devotional service, knowledge and detachment-the fruits of other practices-detachment-the fruits of other practices-manifest automatically.manifest automatically.

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““The principles of knowledge and detachment The principles of knowledge and detachment are two important factors on the path of are two important factors on the path of transcendental realization. The whole spiritual transcendental realization. The whole spiritual process leads to perfect knowledge of process leads to perfect knowledge of everything material and spiritual, and the everything material and spiritual, and the results of such perfect knowledge are that one results of such perfect knowledge are that one becomes detached from material affection and becomes detached from material affection and becomes attached to spiritual activities.”becomes attached to spiritual activities.”

Jnana therefore doesn’t refer to just Jnana therefore doesn’t refer to just philosophizing, but rather, refers to the philosophizing, but rather, refers to the knowledge of the sweetness of the Lord’s knowledge of the sweetness of the Lord’s attributes. The positive spiritual knowledge attributes. The positive spiritual knowledge lead to positive spiritual actions. lead to positive spiritual actions.

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Positive Spiritual Engagement: A MustPositive Spiritual Engagement: A Must ““Negation does not mean negation of the positive. Negation does not mean negation of the positive.

Negation of the nonessentials does not meant Negation of the nonessentials does not meant negation of the essential. Similarly, detachment from negation of the essential. Similarly, detachment from material forms does not mean nullifying the positive material forms does not mean nullifying the positive form. The bhakti cult is meant for realization of the form. The bhakti cult is meant for realization of the positive form. When the positive form is realized, the positive form. When the positive form is realized, the negative forms are automatically eliminated. negative forms are automatically eliminated. Therefore, with the development of the bhakti cult, Therefore, with the development of the bhakti cult, with the application of positive service to the positive with the application of positive service to the positive form, one naturally becomes detached from inferior form, one naturally becomes detached from inferior things, and he becomes attached to superior things.” things, and he becomes attached to superior things.”

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ONLY Bhakti is to Be Gained ONLY Bhakti is to Be Gained Through the Performance of Through the Performance of

One’s WorkOne’s Work(Text 8-15)(Text 8-15)

Suta’s details the same truth he spoke in text Suta’s details the same truth he spoke in text 6-7 to add emphasis to his assertion of the 6-7 to add emphasis to his assertion of the

importance of bhakti.importance of bhakti.

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What if I do Activities that Do What if I do Activities that Do Not Bring About Love of God?Not Bring About Love of God?

““The occupational activities a man performs The occupational activities a man performs according to his own position are only so according to his own position are only so much useless labor if they do not provoke much useless labor if they do not provoke attraction for the message of the Personality of attraction for the message of the Personality of Godhead.” (1.2.8)Godhead.” (1.2.8)

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““There are different occupational activities in terms There are different occupational activities in terms of man's different conceptions of life.”of man's different conceptions of life.”

One conception is “I am this body”: “To the gross One conception is “I am this body”: “To the gross materialist who cannot see anything beyond the gross materialist who cannot see anything beyond the gross material body, there is nothing beyond the senses. material body, there is nothing beyond the senses. Therefore his occupational activities are limited to Therefore his occupational activities are limited to concentrated and extended selfishness. Concentrated concentrated and extended selfishness. Concentrated selfishness centers around the personal body — this is selfishness centers around the personal body — this is generally seen amongst the lower animals. Extended generally seen amongst the lower animals. Extended selfishness is manifested in human society and selfishness is manifested in human society and centers around the family, society, community, nation centers around the family, society, community, nation and world with a view to gross bodily comfort.” and world with a view to gross bodily comfort.”

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Another conception is “I am mind”: “Above Another conception is “I am mind”: “Above these gross materialists are the mental these gross materialists are the mental speculators who hover aloft in the mental speculators who hover aloft in the mental spheres, and their occupational duties involve spheres, and their occupational duties involve making poetry and philosophy or propagating making poetry and philosophy or propagating some ism with the same aim of selfishness some ism with the same aim of selfishness limited to the body and the mind. limited to the body and the mind.

Best “conception” is “I am spirit soul”: “But Best “conception” is “I am spirit soul”: “But above the body and mind is the dormant spirit above the body and mind is the dormant spirit soul whose absence from the body makes the soul whose absence from the body makes the whole range of bodily and mental selfishness whole range of bodily and mental selfishness completely null and void. But less intelligent completely null and void. But less intelligent people have no information of the needs of the people have no information of the needs of the spirit soul.” spirit soul.”

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““Because foolish people have no information Because foolish people have no information of the soul and how it is beyond the purview of of the soul and how it is beyond the purview of the body and mind, they are not satisfied in the the body and mind, they are not satisfied in the performance of their occupational duties…The performance of their occupational duties…The self is beyond the gross body and subtle self is beyond the gross body and subtle mind…Without knowing the need of the mind…Without knowing the need of the dormant soul, one cannot be happy simply dormant soul, one cannot be happy simply with emolument of the body and mind. The with emolument of the body and mind. The body and the mind are but superfluous outer body and the mind are but superfluous outer coverings of the spirit soul. The spirit soul's coverings of the spirit soul. The spirit soul's needs must be fulfilled. Simply by cleansing needs must be fulfilled. Simply by cleansing the cage of the bird, one does not satisfy the the cage of the bird, one does not satisfy the bird. One must actually know the needs of the bird. One must actually know the needs of the bird himself.” bird himself.”

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The Need of the SoulThe Need of the Soul ““The need of the spirit soul is that he wants to get out of the The need of the spirit soul is that he wants to get out of the

limited sphere of material bondage and fulfill his desire for limited sphere of material bondage and fulfill his desire for complete freedom. He wants to get out of the covered walls of complete freedom. He wants to get out of the covered walls of the greater universe. He wants to see the free light and the the greater universe. He wants to see the free light and the spirit. That complete freedom is achieved when he meets the spirit. That complete freedom is achieved when he meets the complete spirit, the Personality of Godhead. There is a complete spirit, the Personality of Godhead. There is a dormant affection for God within everyone; spiritual existence dormant affection for God within everyone; spiritual existence is manifested through the gross body and mind in the form of is manifested through the gross body and mind in the form of perverted affection for gross and subtle matter. Therefore we perverted affection for gross and subtle matter. Therefore we have to engage ourselves in occupational engagements that have to engage ourselves in occupational engagements that will evoke our divine consciousness. This is possible only by will evoke our divine consciousness. This is possible only by hearing and chanting the divine activities of the Supreme hearing and chanting the divine activities of the Supreme Lord, and any occupational activity which does not help one to Lord, and any occupational activity which does not help one to achieve attachment for hearing and chanting the achieve attachment for hearing and chanting the transcendental message of Godhead is said herein to be simply transcendental message of Godhead is said herein to be simply a waste of time.” a waste of time.”

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But, Isn’t the first Objective of my Work to But, Isn’t the first Objective of my Work to Provide an income to ensure security and Provide an income to ensure security and

comfort of me and my family?comfort of me and my family?

““All occupational engagements are certainly All occupational engagements are certainly meant for ultimate liberation. They should meant for ultimate liberation. They should never be performed for material gain. never be performed for material gain. Furthermore, according to sages, one who is Furthermore, according to sages, one who is engaged in the ultimate occupational service engaged in the ultimate occupational service should never use material gain to cultivate should never use material gain to cultivate sense gratification.” 1.2.9 sense gratification.” 1.2.9

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““[T]here are others who consider that all kinds [T]here are others who consider that all kinds of different occupational engagements, of different occupational engagements, including those of religion, are meant for including those of religion, are meant for material gain.”material gain.”

““The general tendency of any ordinary man in The general tendency of any ordinary man in any part of the world is to gain some material any part of the world is to gain some material profit in exchange for religious or any other profit in exchange for religious or any other occupational service…Because material gain occupational service…Because material gain can enable one to fulfill desires, which in turn can enable one to fulfill desires, which in turn satisfy sense gratification.”satisfy sense gratification.”

““Sense gratification is the general way for all Sense gratification is the general way for all sorts of fully occupied men.” sorts of fully occupied men.”

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““One should not engage himself in any sort of One should not engage himself in any sort of occupational service for material gain only.”occupational service for material gain only.”

““Nor should material gain be utilized for sense Nor should material gain be utilized for sense gratification.”gratification.”

““How material gain should be utilized is How material gain should be utilized is described as follows.” described as follows.”

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What then should we desire while What then should we desire while living in the material world?living in the material world?

““Life's desires should never be directed toward Life's desires should never be directed toward sense gratification. One should desire only a sense gratification. One should desire only a healthy life, or self-preservation, since a healthy life, or self-preservation, since a human being is meant for inquiry about the human being is meant for inquiry about the Absolute Truth. Nothing else should be the Absolute Truth. Nothing else should be the goal of one's works.” (1.2.10) goal of one's works.” (1.2.10)

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This means that one should desire only enough This means that one should desire only enough wealth to maintain one’s life.wealth to maintain one’s life.

People’s needs differ, but one’s heart desire People’s needs differ, but one’s heart desire should be fixed on knowing the Absolute should be fixed on knowing the Absolute Truth.Truth.

““Seekers of the Absolute Truth are never Seekers of the Absolute Truth are never allured by unnecessary engagements in sense allured by unnecessary engagements in sense gratification because the serious students gratification because the serious students seeking the Absolute Truth are always seeking the Absolute Truth are always overwhelmed with the work of researching the overwhelmed with the work of researching the Truth.” Truth.”

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What is the Absolute Truth?What is the Absolute Truth?

““Learned transcendentalists who know the Learned transcendentalists who know the Absolute Truth call this nondual substance Absolute Truth call this nondual substance Brahman, Paramātmā or Bhagavān.” (1.2.11)Brahman, Paramātmā or Bhagavān.” (1.2.11)

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Absolute Truth is the nondual substance (jnanam-Absolute Truth is the nondual substance (jnanam-advayam) comprising the totality of existence.advayam) comprising the totality of existence.

““The same substance is realized as impersonal The same substance is realized as impersonal Brahman by the students of the Upanisads, as Brahman by the students of the Upanisads, as localized Paramātmā by the Hiranyagarbhas or the localized Paramātmā by the Hiranyagarbhas or the yogīs, and as Bhagavān by the devotees. In other yogīs, and as Bhagavān by the devotees. In other words, Bhagavān, or the Personality of Godhead, is words, Bhagavān, or the Personality of Godhead, is the last word of the Absolute Truth. Paramātmā is the the last word of the Absolute Truth. Paramātmā is the partial representation of the Personality of Godhead, partial representation of the Personality of Godhead, and impersonal Brahman is the glowing effulgence of and impersonal Brahman is the glowing effulgence of the Personality of Godhead, as the sun rays are to the the Personality of Godhead, as the sun rays are to the sun-god. Less intelligent students of either of the sun-god. Less intelligent students of either of the above schools sometimes argue in favor of their own above schools sometimes argue in favor of their own respective realization, but those who are perfect seers respective realization, but those who are perfect seers of the Absolute Truth know well that the above three of the Absolute Truth know well that the above three features of the one Absolute Truth are different features of the one Absolute Truth are different perspective views seen from different angles of perspective views seen from different angles of vision.” vision.”

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Bhagavan is the Ultimate FeatureBhagavan is the Ultimate Feature The Train ExampleThe Train Example Bhagavan is the source of Paramatma and Bhagavan is the source of Paramatma and

Brahman (BG 15.15 and 14.25 respectively)Brahman (BG 15.15 and 14.25 respectively) Although the three realization are non-Although the three realization are non-

different, practices that lead to realization of different, practices that lead to realization of the paramatma and brahman features are the paramatma and brahman features are deprecated in Bhagavata theology for such deprecated in Bhagavata theology for such realization lack transcendental devotional realization lack transcendental devotional service (the need of the soul mention in 1.2.6) service (the need of the soul mention in 1.2.6) and thus will not give ultimate freedom for the and thus will not give ultimate freedom for the soul.soul.

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How can we realize that Absolute How can we realize that Absolute Truth in full?Truth in full?

““The seriously inquisitive student or sage, well The seriously inquisitive student or sage, well equipped with knowledge and detachment, equipped with knowledge and detachment, realizes that Absolute Truth by rendering realizes that Absolute Truth by rendering devotional service in terms of what he has devotional service in terms of what he has heard from the Vedānta-śruti.” (1.2.12)heard from the Vedānta-śruti.” (1.2.12)

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““Devotional service, which is based on the Devotional service, which is based on the foreground of full knowledge combined with foreground of full knowledge combined with detachment from material association and detachment from material association and which is fixed by the aural reception of the which is fixed by the aural reception of the Vedānta-śruti, is the only perfect method by Vedānta-śruti, is the only perfect method by which the seriously inquisitive student can which the seriously inquisitive student can realize the Absolute Truth.” realize the Absolute Truth.”

The student must be seriously inquisitive. The student must be seriously inquisitive. ““One has to raise himself at least to the stage One has to raise himself at least to the stage

of a second-class devotee and thus become of a second-class devotee and thus become eligible to know the Absolute Truth.” eligible to know the Absolute Truth.”

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““A sincere devotee must, therefore, be prepared to A sincere devotee must, therefore, be prepared to hear the Vedic…left by the previous authorities or hear the Vedic…left by the previous authorities or Gosvāmīs, for the benefit of [one’s] progress.”Gosvāmīs, for the benefit of [one’s] progress.”

““A neophyte devotee has very little taste for hearing A neophyte devotee has very little taste for hearing from the authorities. Such a neophyte devotee makes from the authorities. Such a neophyte devotee makes a show of hearing from the professional man to a show of hearing from the professional man to satisfy his senses. This sort of hearing and chanting satisfy his senses. This sort of hearing and chanting has spoiled the whole thing, so one should be very has spoiled the whole thing, so one should be very careful about the faulty process. The holy messages careful about the faulty process. The holy messages of Godhead, as inculcated in the Bhagavad-gītā or in of Godhead, as inculcated in the Bhagavad-gītā or in the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, are undoubtedly the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, are undoubtedly transcendental subjects, but even though they are so, transcendental subjects, but even though they are so, such transcendental matters are not to be received such transcendental matters are not to be received from the professional man, who spoils them as the from the professional man, who spoils them as the serpent spoils milk simply by the touch of his serpent spoils milk simply by the touch of his tongue.” tongue.”

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““Without hearing such literatures [from the Without hearing such literatures [from the proper sources], one cannot make actual proper sources], one cannot make actual progress. And without hearing and following progress. And without hearing and following the instructions, the show of devotional service the instructions, the show of devotional service becomes worthless.”becomes worthless.”

Realization of the Absolute Truth comes for Realization of the Absolute Truth comes for the serious person who practices devotional the serious person who practices devotional service according to what one has heard from service according to what one has heard from the proper sources.the proper sources.

3 principles: Performance of devotional 3 principles: Performance of devotional service; hearing from proper sources; service; hearing from proper sources; application of the spiritual instructionsapplication of the spiritual instructions

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Krishna’s Pleasure: The Ultimate Krishna’s Pleasure: The Ultimate Good For AllGood For All

““O best among the twice-born, it is therefore O best among the twice-born, it is therefore concluded that the highest perfection one can concluded that the highest perfection one can achieve by discharging the duties prescribed achieve by discharging the duties prescribed for one's own occupation according to caste for one's own occupation according to caste divisions and orders of life is to please the divisions and orders of life is to please the Personality of Godhead.” (1.2.13)Personality of Godhead.” (1.2.13)

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““Human society all over the world is divided into Human society all over the world is divided into four castes and four orders of life. The four castes are four castes and four orders of life. The four castes are the intelligent caste, the martial caste, the productive the intelligent caste, the martial caste, the productive caste and the laborer caste.”caste and the laborer caste.”

““These castes are classified in terms of one's work These castes are classified in terms of one's work and qualification and not by birth.” and qualification and not by birth.”

““Then again there are four orders of life, namely the Then again there are four orders of life, namely the student life, the householder's life, the retired and the student life, the householder's life, the retired and the devotional life.”devotional life.”

““[I]n each and every one of the above mentioned [I]n each and every one of the above mentioned divisions of life, the aim must be to please the divisions of life, the aim must be to please the supreme authority of the Personality of Godhead.” supreme authority of the Personality of Godhead.”

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What are those specific duties that What are those specific duties that should be performed?should be performed?

““Therefore, with one-pointed attention, one Therefore, with one-pointed attention, one should constantly hear about, glorify, should constantly hear about, glorify, remember and worship the Personality of remember and worship the Personality of Godhead, who is the protector of the Godhead, who is the protector of the devotees.” (1.2.14) devotees.” (1.2.14)

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““The tendency to glorify others or hear others must The tendency to glorify others or hear others must be turned to the real object of glorification — the be turned to the real object of glorification — the Supreme Being. And that will bring happiness.”Supreme Being. And that will bring happiness.”

““[A]ll activities are more or less dependent on [A]ll activities are more or less dependent on hearing and glorifying. Any man from any social hearing and glorifying. Any man from any social status becomes a well-known man in human society status becomes a well-known man in human society within a very short time if he is simply glorified truly within a very short time if he is simply glorified truly or falsely in the daily newspapers. Sometimes or falsely in the daily newspapers. Sometimes political leaders of a particular party are also political leaders of a particular party are also advertised by newspaper propaganda, and by such a advertised by newspaper propaganda, and by such a method of glorification an insignificant man becomes method of glorification an insignificant man becomes an important man — within no time. But such an important man — within no time. But such propaganda by false glorification of an unqualified propaganda by false glorification of an unqualified person cannot bring about any good, either for the person cannot bring about any good, either for the particular man or for the society. There may be some particular man or for the society. There may be some temporary reactions to such propaganda, but there are temporary reactions to such propaganda, but there are no permanent effects. Therefore such activities are a no permanent effects. Therefore such activities are a waste of time.” waste of time.”

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But, my karma makes me value things other But, my karma makes me value things other then Krsna. Even if I except the preeminence then Krsna. Even if I except the preeminence

of Bhakti, it is still very difficult for me to of Bhakti, it is still very difficult for me to remove these karmic reaction which makes me remove these karmic reaction which makes me attracted to this material world. What to Do?attracted to this material world. What to Do?

““With sword in hand, intelligent men cut With sword in hand, intelligent men cut through the binding knots of reactionary work through the binding knots of reactionary work [karma] by remembering the Personality of [karma] by remembering the Personality of Godhead. Therefore, who will not pay Godhead. Therefore, who will not pay attention to His message?” (1.2.15)attention to His message?” (1.2.15)

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Our karma-as well as our tendencies that spring from Our karma-as well as our tendencies that spring from that karma-is born of actions performed in this and that karma-is born of actions performed in this and previous lives.previous lives.

Karma is thus compared to a tangle of knots that bind Karma is thus compared to a tangle of knots that bind us to this world.us to this world.

The sharp sword of remembering Krsna slashes The sharp sword of remembering Krsna slashes through these knots and thus cuts through our through these knots and thus cuts through our material existence. material existence.

Everyone becomes attracted to objects and activities Everyone becomes attracted to objects and activities by hearing about their capacity to deliver enjoyment by hearing about their capacity to deliver enjoyment or remove difficulty. or remove difficulty.

Hearing about Krishna beauty and power can Hearing about Krishna beauty and power can similarly attract. Who would consciously avoid similarly attract. Who would consciously avoid hearing krishna-katha?hearing krishna-katha?

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Why we lack a taste for hearing?Why we lack a taste for hearing?

Four causes, each cause containing four Four causes, each cause containing four division, has been identified for one’s division, has been identified for one’s misfortune of not having a taste for Krishna-misfortune of not having a taste for Krishna-katha (Bhaktivinod-Thakura)katha (Bhaktivinod-Thakura)

Tattva-brahma: philosophical Tattva-brahma: philosophical misunderstanding based on illusion about misunderstanding based on illusion about 1.our identity, 2. illusion about the Supreme 1.our identity, 2. illusion about the Supreme Lord, 3. illusion about sadhana (devotional Lord, 3. illusion about sadhana (devotional practice), 4. illusion about subject unfavorable practice), 4. illusion about subject unfavorable for Krishna Consciousness.for Krishna Consciousness.

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Aparadha: offenses toward 1. name 2. the form Aparadha: offenses toward 1. name 2. the form 3. devotees 4. other living entities3. devotees 4. other living entities

Asat-trsna: thirst for the temporary; desire for Asat-trsna: thirst for the temporary; desire for material objects, heavenly comforts, mystic material objects, heavenly comforts, mystic powers, impersonal liberation (merge into God powers, impersonal liberation (merge into God and become God)and become God)

Hrdaya-daurbalyam: weakness of heart; 1. Hrdaya-daurbalyam: weakness of heart; 1. deceit and envy 2. desire for fame 3. deceit and envy 2. desire for fame 3. attachment to objects unrelated to Krishna 4. attachment to objects unrelated to Krishna 4. fault-finding.fault-finding.

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Overview of First PrinciplesOverview of First Principles Activities the develop love of God is for Activities the develop love of God is for

everybody’s well being and activities that do everybody’s well being and activities that do not help one to develop love of God are not help one to develop love of God are useless.useless.

What about my duties to job, family, status What about my duties to job, family, status quo, etc.?quo, etc.?

Real dharma is meant for liberation not for Real dharma is meant for liberation not for anything material. Material gain should not be anything material. Material gain should not be use for sense enjoyment.use for sense enjoyment.

But I here in the material world, what should I But I here in the material world, what should I do?do?

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Do enough to maintain body and soul together Do enough to maintain body and soul together and use the balance time for understanding the and use the balance time for understanding the Absolute Truth.Absolute Truth.

Who/What is the Absolute Truth?Who/What is the Absolute Truth? Absolute Truth is the non-dual substance Absolute Truth is the non-dual substance

understood as All-pervasive Brahman, understood as All-pervasive Brahman, Localized in the heart, and The Personality of Localized in the heart, and The Personality of Godhead.Godhead.

How do we approach the Absolute Truth?How do we approach the Absolute Truth? Do devotional service according to what is Do devotional service according to what is

heard from authorities (this brings us to Suta’s heard from authorities (this brings us to Suta’s premise in 1.2.6-7). All duties are for please premise in 1.2.6-7). All duties are for please the Supreme Personality of Godhead.the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

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What are the specific duties of Devotional What are the specific duties of Devotional Service?Service?

To hear, chant, remember, and worship the To hear, chant, remember, and worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead.Supreme Personality of Godhead.

But my karma makes me attracted to hear, But my karma makes me attracted to hear, chant, remember, and worship things “non chant, remember, and worship things “non Krsna.” What to do?Krsna.” What to do?

The process of remembering the Lord (a limb The process of remembering the Lord (a limb of devotional service) is so powerful that is cut of devotional service) is so powerful that is cut through one’s karma.through one’s karma.

I have no taste for hearing. What to Do?I have no taste for hearing. What to Do?

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14 Stages of Development in 14 Stages of Development in BhaktiBhakti

Text 16-22 present a progression for Text 16-22 present a progression for the aspiring devotee given by the aspiring devotee given by

Visvanatha Cakravarti ThakuraVisvanatha Cakravarti Thakura

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““O twice-born sages, by serving those O twice-born sages, by serving those devotees who are completely freed from all devotees who are completely freed from all vice, great service is done. By such service, vice, great service is done. By such service, one gains affinity for hearing the messages of one gains affinity for hearing the messages of Vāsudeva.” SB 1.2.16Vāsudeva.” SB 1.2.16

The Most important Verse in the ProgressionThe Most important Verse in the Progression

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““The servants of God come to propagate God The servants of God come to propagate God consciousness, and intelligent people should consciousness, and intelligent people should cooperate with them in every respect. cooperate with them in every respect. By serving the By serving the servant of God, one can please God more than by servant of God, one can please God more than by directly serving the Lord. The Lord is more pleased directly serving the Lord. The Lord is more pleased when He sees that His servants are properly respected when He sees that His servants are properly respected because such servants risk everything for the service because such servants risk everything for the service of the Lord and so are very dear to the Lord.of the Lord and so are very dear to the Lord. The The Lord declares in the Bhagavad-gītā (18.69) that no Lord declares in the Bhagavad-gītā (18.69) that no one is dearer to Him than one who risks everything to one is dearer to Him than one who risks everything to preach His glory. By serving the servants of the Lord, preach His glory. By serving the servants of the Lord, one gradually gets the quality of such servants, and one gradually gets the quality of such servants, and thus one becomes qualified to hear the glories of God. thus one becomes qualified to hear the glories of God. The eagerness to hear about God is the first The eagerness to hear about God is the first qualification of a devotee eligible for entering the qualification of a devotee eligible for entering the kingdom of God.” purport kingdom of God.” purport

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““My Lord, devotees like your good self are My Lord, devotees like your good self are verily holy places personified. Because you verily holy places personified. Because you carry the Personality of Godhead within your carry the Personality of Godhead within your heart, you turn all places into places of heart, you turn all places into places of pilgrimage.” SB 1.13.10pilgrimage.” SB 1.13.10

Devotee are Moving Holy PlacesDevotee are Moving Holy Places

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Krishna Detail Why Preachers are Dear to HimKrishna Detail Why Preachers are Dear to Him

““[T]here aer those who, although not coversant [T]here aer those who, although not coversant in spiritual knowledge, begin to worship the in spiritual knowledge, begin to worship the Supreme Person upon hearing about him from Supreme Person upon hearing about him from others. Because of their tendency to hear from others. Because of their tendency to hear from authorities, they also transcend the path of authorities, they also transcend the path of birth and death.” Gita 13.26birth and death.” Gita 13.26

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““This verse is particularly applicable to modern This verse is particularly applicable to modern society because in modern society there is practically society because in modern society there is practically no education in spiritual matters. Some of the people no education in spiritual matters. Some of the people may appear to be atheistic or agnostic or may appear to be atheistic or agnostic or philosophical, but actually there is no knowledge of philosophical, but actually there is no knowledge of philosophy. As for the common man, if he is a good philosophy. As for the common man, if he is a good soul, then there is a chance for advancement by soul, then there is a chance for advancement by hearing. This hearing process is very important. Lord hearing. This hearing process is very important. Lord Caitanya, who preached Krsna consciousness in the Caitanya, who preached Krsna consciousness in the modern world, gave great stress to hearing because if modern world, gave great stress to hearing because if the common man simply hears from authoritative the common man simply hears from authoritative sources, he can progress, especially, according to sources, he can progress, especially, according to Lord Caitanya, if he hears the transcendental Lord Caitanya, if he hears the transcendental vibration Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare vibration Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.” purport to Gita 13.26 Hare.” purport to Gita 13.26

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Krsna is Please with the Service of PreachersKrsna is Please with the Service of Preachers

Preachers are dear most to Krishna. “There is Preachers are dear most to Krishna. “There is no servant in this world more dear to Me than no servant in this world more dear to Me than he, nor will there ever be one more dear.” Gita he, nor will there ever be one more dear.” Gita 18.6918.69

Preachers are dear to Krishna because they Preachers are dear to Krishna because they renounce their own convenience to tell others renounce their own convenience to tell others of their eternal relationship with Krsna. It is of their eternal relationship with Krsna. It is natural that serving such selfless devotees natural that serving such selfless devotees please Krishna.please Krishna.

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Preaching is for Everybody!Preaching is for Everybody!

The ability to please Krishna by preaching is The ability to please Krishna by preaching is not limited to those who are in the renounce not limited to those who are in the renounce order. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu ordered:order. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu ordered:

““Instruct everyone to follow the orders of Lord Instruct everyone to follow the orders of Lord Krishna and they are given in the Bhagavad-Krishna and they are given in the Bhagavad-Gita and the Srimad-Bhagavatam. In this way Gita and the Srimad-Bhagavatam. In this way become a spiritual master and try to liberate become a spiritual master and try to liberate

everyone in this land.” Cc Madhya 7.128everyone in this land.” Cc Madhya 7.128

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““This is the sublime mission of the This is the sublime mission of the

International Society of Krishna International Society of Krishna Consciousness…The Krishna Consciousness Consciousness…The Krishna Consciousness movement is trying to elevate human society movement is trying to elevate human society to the perfection of human life by pursuing the to the perfection of human life by pursuing the method described by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu method described by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu in his advice to the brahmana Kurma. That is in his advice to the brahmana Kurma. That is one should stay at home, chant the Hare Krsna one should stay at home, chant the Hare Krsna mantra and preach the instructions of Krsna as mantra and preach the instructions of Krsna as given in the Bhagavad-Gita and the Srimad-given in the Bhagavad-Gita and the Srimad-Bhagavatam.” purport Cc Madhya 7.128Bhagavatam.” purport Cc Madhya 7.128

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1.2.16 in Essence1.2.16 in Essence By touching, conversing with, and in other way By touching, conversing with, and in other way

serving the great souls…one develops faith in these serving the great souls…one develops faith in these great souls.great souls.

One will begin to wonder about about the taste these One will begin to wonder about about the taste these great souls experience when they speak about the great souls experience when they speak about the Supreme Lord.Supreme Lord.

This will encourage one to hear about him in order to This will encourage one to hear about him in order to understand it.understand it.

In this way the desire to hear about the Lord is born.In this way the desire to hear about the Lord is born. By hearing about Krsna one becomes attracted to By hearing about Krsna one becomes attracted to

him.him. Thus by hear from great souls, one attains the goal of Thus by hear from great souls, one attains the goal of

life.life.

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14 Step Progression in SB 1.2.16-2214 Step Progression in SB 1.2.16-22 śuśrūsoh śraddadhānasyaśuśrūsoh śraddadhānasya

vāsudeva-kathā-rucihvāsudeva-kathā-rucih syān mahat-sevayā viprāhsyān mahat-sevayā viprāh

punya-tīrtha-nisevanātpunya-tīrtha-nisevanāt ““O twice-born sages, by serving those O twice-born sages, by serving those

devotees who are completely freed from all devotees who are completely freed from all vice, great service is done. By such service, vice, great service is done. By such service, one gains affinity for hearing the messages of one gains affinity for hearing the messages of Vāsudeva.” 1.2.16 Vāsudeva.” 1.2.16

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5 Stages from verse 1.2.165 Stages from verse 1.2.16 1. satam-krpa- the mercy of devotees. Mahat-sevaya 1. satam-krpa- the mercy of devotees. Mahat-sevaya

means by service to the devotees. The opportunity to means by service to the devotees. The opportunity to serve devotees arises from their mercy. Therefore the serve devotees arises from their mercy. Therefore the first stage is mercy.first stage is mercy.

2. mahat-seva-service to the devotees.2. mahat-seva-service to the devotees. 3. sraddha-faith. The word sraddadhanasya means for 3. sraddha-faith. The word sraddadhanasya means for

a man in whom faith has developed by service to a man in whom faith has developed by service to devotees.devotees.

4. Gurupadasraya- seeking shelter at the feet of a 4. Gurupadasraya- seeking shelter at the feet of a guru. Punya-tirtha-nisevant; tirtha also means guru.guru. Punya-tirtha-nisevant; tirtha also means guru.

5. bhajanesu sprha-eagerness to worship. A person 5. bhajanesu sprha-eagerness to worship. A person becomes eager by service to guru will eventually becomes eager by service to guru will eventually develop taste.develop taste.

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After serving devotees, we begin to desire to After serving devotees, we begin to desire to

hear about Krishna. What happens next?hear about Krishna. What happens next? śrnvatām sva-kathāh krsnahśrnvatām sva-kathāh krsnah

punya-śravana-kīrtanahpunya-śravana-kīrtanah hrdy antah stho hy abhadrānihrdy antah stho hy abhadrāni

Vidhunoti suhrt satāmVidhunoti suhrt satām ““Śrī Krsna, the Personality of Godhead, who is the Śrī Krsna, the Personality of Godhead, who is the

Paramātmā [Supersoul] in everyone's heart and the Paramātmā [Supersoul] in everyone's heart and the benefactor of the truthful devotee, cleanses desire for benefactor of the truthful devotee, cleanses desire for material enjoyment from the heart of the devotee who material enjoyment from the heart of the devotee who has developed the urge to hear His messages, which has developed the urge to hear His messages, which are in themselves virtuous when properly heard and are in themselves virtuous when properly heard and chanted.” 1.2.17chanted.” 1.2.17

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““The Lord is reciprocally respondent to His devotees. The Lord is reciprocally respondent to His devotees. When He sees that a devotee is completely sincere in When He sees that a devotee is completely sincere in getting admittance to the transcendental service of the getting admittance to the transcendental service of the Lord and has thus become eager to hear about Him, Lord and has thus become eager to hear about Him, the Lord acts from within the devotee in such a way the Lord acts from within the devotee in such a way that the devotee may easily go back to Him. The Lord that the devotee may easily go back to Him. The Lord is more anxious to take us back into His kingdom is more anxious to take us back into His kingdom than we can desire. Most of us do not desire at all to than we can desire. Most of us do not desire at all to go back to Godhead. Only a very few men want to go go back to Godhead. Only a very few men want to go back to Godhead. But anyone who desires to go back back to Godhead. But anyone who desires to go back to Godhead, Śrī Krsna helps in all respects.” purport to Godhead, Śrī Krsna helps in all respects.” purport

Krishna Helps those who are Eagered to HearKrishna Helps those who are Eagered to Hear

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Krishna is supremely virtuous. Hearing about Krishna is supremely virtuous. Hearing about him manifest virtue in us.him manifest virtue in us.

Krishna is suhrt, our dearmost friend, well-Krishna is suhrt, our dearmost friend, well-wisher, and benefactor.wisher, and benefactor.

He removes inauspicious from those eager to He removes inauspicious from those eager to hear about him.hear about him.

Such inauspiciousness is called abhadrani or Such inauspiciousness is called abhadrani or anartha.anartha.

Anarthas cause unsteadiness in devotional Anarthas cause unsteadiness in devotional service.service.

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Anatomy of AnarthasAnatomy of Anarthas Utsaha-mayi- enthusiasm indicating pride. Utsaha-mayi- enthusiasm indicating pride.

Pride in personal achievements causes Pride in personal achievements causes beginning devotees to immaturely think that beginning devotees to immaturely think that they, unlike others, have already mastered they, unlike others, have already mastered everything.everything.

Ghana-tarala-moving unsteadily between Ghana-tarala-moving unsteadily between diligence and negligence. Such a devotee diligence and negligence. Such a devotee chants his rounds one day, the next day is too chants his rounds one day, the next day is too busy. One day read sastra, the next day too busy. One day read sastra, the next day too sleepy.sleepy.

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Anatomy of AnarthasAnatomy of Anarthas Vyudha-vikalpa: flickering determination. “Should I Vyudha-vikalpa: flickering determination. “Should I

remain a householder or become renounced?” remain a householder or become renounced?” “Should I enjoy my youth and thereby fulfill my “Should I enjoy my youth and thereby fulfill my tendency for sense gratification, or should I practice tendency for sense gratification, or should I practice renunciation now?” Those suffering from this anartha renunciation now?” Those suffering from this anartha will offer quotation from sastra to support each one.will offer quotation from sastra to support each one.

Visaya-sangara: an ongoing struggle with sense Visaya-sangara: an ongoing struggle with sense pleasure. Seeing themsleves carried away by the pleasure. Seeing themsleves carried away by the waves of enjoyment, devotee firmly reslove “From waves of enjoyment, devotee firmly reslove “From now on, I’ll take shelter of the holy name.” They ten now on, I’ll take shelter of the holy name.” They ten try to renounce and simply chant, but their practice is try to renounce and simply chant, but their practice is intermittent and they are forced by their own nature intermittent and they are forced by their own nature to enjoy what they have renounced.to enjoy what they have renounced.

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Anatomy of AnarthasAnatomy of Anarthas Niyamaksama-in ability to improve devotional Niyamaksama-in ability to improve devotional

practices. “From today on I will chant 16 practices. “From today on I will chant 16 rounds.” “From today one I will go to temple rounds.” “From today one I will go to temple everyweek.” “From today on I will read everyweek.” “From today on I will read everyday at least half-hour Gita.” Despite everyday at least half-hour Gita.” Despite good intentions, or even vow, devotees cannot good intentions, or even vow, devotees cannot increase or improve their practices.increase or improve their practices.

Taranga-rangini- delighting in the material Taranga-rangini- delighting in the material facilities that bhakti produces. The engaging facilities that bhakti produces. The engaging nature of bhakti attracts position, followers, nature of bhakti attracts position, followers, and wealth. Devotees become enamoured by and wealth. Devotees become enamoured by these small waves in the ocean of bhakti.these small waves in the ocean of bhakti.

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Krishna can easily take away Anarthas.Krishna can easily take away Anarthas. ““But when one is helped by the Lord Himself, the But when one is helped by the Lord Himself, the

whole process becomes as easy as anything by the whole process becomes as easy as anything by the divine grace of the Lord.”divine grace of the Lord.”

““To become restless in the contact of women and To become restless in the contact of women and wealth is not an astonishment, because every living wealth is not an astonishment, because every living being is associated with such things from remote being is associated with such things from remote time, practically immemorial, and it takes time to time, practically immemorial, and it takes time to recover from this foreign nature. But if one is recover from this foreign nature. But if one is engaged in hearing the glories of the Lord, gradually engaged in hearing the glories of the Lord, gradually he realizes his real position. By the grace of God such he realizes his real position. By the grace of God such a devotee gets sufficient strength to defend himself a devotee gets sufficient strength to defend himself from the state of disturbances, and gradually all from the state of disturbances, and gradually all disturbing elements are eliminated from his mind.”disturbing elements are eliminated from his mind.”

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1 stage from verse 1.2.171 stage from verse 1.2.17

Bhajanesu sprha- eagerness to worship Bhajanesu sprha- eagerness to worship indicated by srnvatam sva-katham krsnah/ indicated by srnvatam sva-katham krsnah/ punya sravana kirtanah.punya sravana kirtanah.

From the desire to hear follows the practice of From the desire to hear follows the practice of hearing, chanting, and then remembering.hearing, chanting, and then remembering.

What occurs after we become eager to hear, What occurs after we become eager to hear, which begins the clearing of material desires which begins the clearing of material desires from the heart?from the heart?

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The Potency of the BhagavataThe Potency of the Bhagavata nasta-prāyesv abhadresunasta-prāyesv abhadresu nityam bhāgavata-sevayānityam bhāgavata-sevayā bhagavaty uttama-ślokebhagavaty uttama-śloke bhaktir bhavati naisthikībhaktir bhavati naisthikī

““By regular attendance in classes on the Bhāgavatam By regular attendance in classes on the Bhāgavatam and by rendering of service to the pure devotee, all and by rendering of service to the pure devotee, all that is troublesome to the heart is almost completely that is troublesome to the heart is almost completely destroyed, and loving service unto the Personality of destroyed, and loving service unto the Personality of Godhead, who is praised with transcendental songs, is Godhead, who is praised with transcendental songs, is established as an irrevocable fact.” 1.2.18established as an irrevocable fact.” 1.2.18

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Bhagavatam is the RemedyBhagavatam is the Remedy ““Here is the remedy for eliminating all inauspicious Here is the remedy for eliminating all inauspicious

things within the heart which are considered to be things within the heart which are considered to be obstacles in the path of self-realization. The remedy obstacles in the path of self-realization. The remedy is the association of the Bhāgavatas. There are two is the association of the Bhāgavatas. There are two types of Bhāgavatas, namely the book Bhāgavata and types of Bhāgavatas, namely the book Bhāgavata and the devotee Bhāgavata. Both the Bhāgavatas are the devotee Bhāgavata. Both the Bhāgavatas are competent remedies, and both of them or either of competent remedies, and both of them or either of them can be good enough to eliminate the obstacles. them can be good enough to eliminate the obstacles. A devotee Bhāgavata is as good as the book A devotee Bhāgavata is as good as the book Bhāgavata because the devotee Bhāgavata leads his Bhāgavata because the devotee Bhāgavata leads his life in terms of the book Bhāgavata and the book life in terms of the book Bhāgavata and the book Bhāgavata is full of information about the Personality Bhāgavata is full of information about the Personality of Godhead and His pure devotees, who are also of Godhead and His pure devotees, who are also Bhāgavatas. Bhāgavata book and person are Bhāgavatas. Bhāgavata book and person are identical.” purport identical.” purport

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3 stages in 1.2.183 stages in 1.2.18

6. Bhakti-bhakti. Derived from bhaktir bhavati 6. Bhakti-bhakti. Derived from bhaktir bhavati nasthikinasthiki

7. anarthapagamam- disappearence of 7. anarthapagamam- disappearence of obstacles. The phrase nasta-prayesv abhadresu obstacles. The phrase nasta-prayesv abhadresu means the inauspicious things are almost means the inauspicious things are almost completely destroyed.completely destroyed.

8. tatha nistha-then steadiness is achieved. 8. tatha nistha-then steadiness is achieved. Naisthika means nishta (steady).Naisthika means nishta (steady).

What occurs after a devotee reaches What occurs after a devotee reaches steadiness?steadiness?

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Getting A Higher Taste Getting A Higher Taste tadā rajas-tamo-bhāvāhtadā rajas-tamo-bhāvāh kāma-lobhādayaś ca yekāma-lobhādayaś ca ye ceta etair anāviddhamceta etair anāviddham

sthitam sattve prasīdatisthitam sattve prasīdati ““As soon as irrevocable loving service is As soon as irrevocable loving service is

established in the heart, the effects of nature's established in the heart, the effects of nature's modes of passion and ignorance, such as lust, modes of passion and ignorance, such as lust, desire and hankering, disappear from the heart. desire and hankering, disappear from the heart. Then the devotee is established in goodness, Then the devotee is established in goodness, and he becomes completely happy.” 1.2.19and he becomes completely happy.” 1.2.19

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Freedom for Passion and IgnoranceFreedom for Passion and Ignorance

It is difficult to advance under the grip of It is difficult to advance under the grip of passion and ignorance. From passion (rajas) passion and ignorance. From passion (rajas) comes distraction and from ignorance (tamas) comes distraction and from ignorance (tamas) sleepiness. sleepiness.

Adayah means “and more” negavtive qualities Adayah means “and more” negavtive qualities like anger, greed, envy, and illusion.like anger, greed, envy, and illusion.

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2 stages in 1.2.192 stages in 1.2.19

9. ruci-taste. The heart is not piereced by sense 9. ruci-taste. The heart is not piereced by sense objects. Thus one arrives at actual spiritual objects. Thus one arrives at actual spiritual taste.taste.

10. atha-asakti-then firm attachment. Sthitam 10. atha-asakti-then firm attachment. Sthitam means “fixed” or firmly attached.means “fixed” or firmly attached.

What does a progressive soul experienced after What does a progressive soul experienced after asakti.asakti.

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““The soul's activity becomes adulterated in contact The soul's activity becomes adulterated in contact with matter, and as such the diseased activities are with matter, and as such the diseased activities are expressed in the form of lust, desire, hankering, expressed in the form of lust, desire, hankering, inactivity, foolishness and sleep. The effect of inactivity, foolishness and sleep. The effect of devotional service becomes manifest by complete devotional service becomes manifest by complete elimination of these effects of passion and ignorance. elimination of these effects of passion and ignorance. The devotee is fixed at once in the mode of goodness, The devotee is fixed at once in the mode of goodness, and he makes further progress to rise to the position and he makes further progress to rise to the position of Vāsudeva, or the state of unmixed sattva, or of Vāsudeva, or the state of unmixed sattva, or śuddha-sattva. Only in this śuddha-sattva state can śuddha-sattva. Only in this śuddha-sattva state can one always see Krsna eye to eye by dint of pure one always see Krsna eye to eye by dint of pure affection for the Lord.” purportaffection for the Lord.” purport

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LETS SEE THE LORD LETS SEE THE LORD evam prasanna-manasoevam prasanna-manaso

bhagavad-bhakti-yogatahbhagavad-bhakti-yogatah bhagavat-tattva-vijñānambhagavat-tattva-vijñānam

mukta-sańgasya jāyatemukta-sańgasya jāyate ““Thus established in the mode of unalloyed Thus established in the mode of unalloyed

goodness, the man whose mind has been goodness, the man whose mind has been enlivened by contact with devotional service to enlivened by contact with devotional service to the Lord gains positive scientific knowledge of the Lord gains positive scientific knowledge of the Personality of Godhead in the stage of the Personality of Godhead in the stage of liberation from all material association.” liberation from all material association.” 1.2.201.2.20

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““[A]s soon as one understands that he has [A]s soon as one understands that he has nothing to do with matter, he at once ceases nothing to do with matter, he at once ceases his material hankerings and becomes his material hankerings and becomes enlivened as a spiritual being. This attainment enlivened as a spiritual being. This attainment of success is possible when one is above the of success is possible when one is above the modes of passion and ignorance, or, in other modes of passion and ignorance, or, in other words, when one is actually a brāhmana by words, when one is actually a brāhmana by qualification. A brāhmana is the symbol of qualification. A brāhmana is the symbol of sattva-guna, or the mode of goodness…” sattva-guna, or the mode of goodness…” purport purport

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““One has to surpass the brahminical stage and reach One has to surpass the brahminical stage and reach the vasudeva stage to understand the Personality of the vasudeva stage to understand the Personality of Godhead Krsna. The science of the Personality of Godhead Krsna. The science of the Personality of Godhead is the subject matter for study by the Godhead is the subject matter for study by the postgraduate students in the spiritual line. Foolish postgraduate students in the spiritual line. Foolish men, or men with a poor fund of knowledge, do not men, or men with a poor fund of knowledge, do not understand the Supreme Lord, and they interpret understand the Supreme Lord, and they interpret Krsna according to their respective whims. The fact Krsna according to their respective whims. The fact is, however, that one cannot understand the science of is, however, that one cannot understand the science of the Personality of Godhead unless one is freed from the Personality of Godhead unless one is freed from the contamination of the material modes, even up to the contamination of the material modes, even up to the stage of a brāhmana. When a qualified brāhmana the stage of a brāhmana. When a qualified brāhmana factually becomes a Vaisnava, in the enlivened state factually becomes a Vaisnava, in the enlivened state of liberation he can know what is actually the of liberation he can know what is actually the Personality of Godhead.” purport Personality of Godhead.” purport

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4 stages mention in 1.2.204 stages mention in 1.2.20 11. Ratih- fondness. Indicated by the phrase evam 11. Ratih- fondness. Indicated by the phrase evam

prasanna-manasah. “of one whose fondness has prasanna-manasah. “of one whose fondness has arisen.”arisen.”

12. prema- devotional love. Indicated by phrase 12. prema- devotional love. Indicated by phrase bhagavad-bhakti-yogatah. Engaging in devotion to bhagavad-bhakti-yogatah. Engaging in devotion to Bhagavan is devotional love.Bhagavan is devotional love.

13. atha-darsanam-then vision, audience. Indicated by 13. atha-darsanam-then vision, audience. Indicated by bhagavat-tattva-vijnanam. Vijnanam mean bhagavat-tattva-vijnanam. Vijnanam mean experience. Realization follows prema and refers to experience. Realization follows prema and refers to experiencing Krsna’s form, pastimes, greatness, experiencing Krsna’s form, pastimes, greatness, sweetness, and qualities.sweetness, and qualities.

14. harer madhuryanubhava- direct experience of 14. harer madhuryanubhava- direct experience of Lord Hari’s sweetness.Lord Hari’s sweetness.