Quotes for

Maṅgala-ärati

A collection from the teachings of

His Divine Grace

A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
(Founder-Acharya: International Society for Kṛṣṇa Consciousness)
 January
1
Maìgala-ärati
The example is: just like you have got a green mango. So the green mango
is not so tasteful, but when it is ripe, it is tasteful. The mango is not
different. The same mango. You wait. You wait for the time when it is
ripened, you will taste it, nice. Similarly, in the beginning, in the neophyte
stage, when we say, "You must rise early in the morning, you offer maìgala-
ärati, you do this, you take your bath," these things, because we are not
ripened, in the neophyte stage, these things appear to be botheration, not
tasteful. But you have to do it under the order of the spiritual master and
the order of the çästras. Because unless you practice, how you can...?.... But
when it is ripened by practicing, when one is accustomed... Say by
practicing he develops love for God. Then, when he's in love for God, he
cannot do without it. Automatically he will rise early in the morning,
automatically he'll do everything. It is simply the question of time to arrive
to that ripened stage.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – August 17, 1971, London)
(Unedited original quote)
Just like... The example is: just like you have got a green mango. Green mango.
So the green mango is not so tasteful, but when it is ripe, it is tasteful. The
mango is not different. The same mango. You wait. You wait for the time when
it is ripened, you will taste it, nice. Similarly, in the beginning, in the neophyte
stage, when we say, "You must rise early in the morning, you offer maìgala-
ärati, you do this, you take your bath," these things, because we are not ripened,
in the neophyte stage, these things appear to be botheration, not tasteful. But
you have to do it under the order of the spiritual master and the order of the
çästras. Because unless you practice, how you can... But when it is ripened by
practicing, practicing, when one is accustomed... Say by practicing he develops
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love for God. Then, when he's in love for God, he cannot do without it.
Automatically he will rise early in the morning, automatically he'll do
everything. It is simply the question of time to arrive to that ripened stage.

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2
Deity
Bhagavän Çré Kåñëa is present in the temple Deity, and even if a child comes
to offer his respects, he is counted as a devotee. A small child may not know
anything, but simply by seeing the Deity, chanting and dancing, he is
benefited. Temples are meant to give everyone a chance to advance in Kåñëa
consciousness one step at a time.
(Teachings of Lord Kapila – Verse 14)

3
Guru Issue
Spiritual master is not self-made. It is not that someone can come before
you and bluff that “I have attained spiritual perfection, and I have realized
something by some method.” No. The spiritual master means he has to
receive the power from authority. Otherwise it is useless. It is not that one
can become spiritual master overnight. He has to take the power from his
spiritual master. Therefore, it is called präptasya. Präptasya means one who
has obtained…. one who has got the merciful blessings of his spiritual
master.
(Śrī-Śrī-Gurv-astakam Purport – January 2, 1969, Los Angeles)

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4
Holy Name
Hare Kåñëa mantra will give you relief from all sinful activities, provided
you don’t commit it again. Otherwise, it will be like hasti-snäna, the
example of the elephant, and it will be a great offense. If on the strength of
chanting Hare Kåñëa mantra we continue to commit sinful activities that is
great offense.
(The Nectar of Devotion Lecture – November 7, 1972, Vṛndāvana)
(Unedited original quote)
Hare Kåñëa mantra will give you… give you relief from all sinful activities,
provided you don’t commit it again. Otherwise, it will be like hasti-snäna, the
example of the elephant, and it will be a great offense. If on the strength of
chanting Hare Kåñëa mantra we continue to commit sinful activities that is
great offense.

5
Vaiñëava-aparädha
The conclusion is that if Kåñëa consciousness is covered by material sins,
one can eliminate the sins simply by chanting the Hare Kåñëa mantra, but
if one pollutes his Kåñëa consciousness by offending a brähmaëa or a
Vaiñëava, one cannot revive it until one properly atones for the sin by
pleasing the offended Vaiñëava or brähmaëa.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 4.26.24)

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6
Surrender
The more we struggle for advancing our Kåñëa consciousness movement,
the more we become advanced on the path. Really, devotional service means
that we have to employ our energies for the purpose of Kåñëa consciousness,
and it does not matter what is the volume of such energy, because different
persons have got different types of energies, but the best means is that one
has to apply his energy as far as possible, that is the secret of success in
Kåñëa consciousness. It does not mean that one has to acquire the energy
of an elephant or one has to become very learned or intelligent man, simply
one has to become sincere and employ whatever energy he has in his
possession in the service of the Lord. That is the secret of success in Kåñëa
consciousness.
(Letter to Aniruddha – August 24, 1968, Montreal)

7
Sadhana Bhakti
From this we can understand how we have to be very cautious in executing
our spiritual duties by observing the rules and regulations and regularly
chanting the Hare Kåñëa mahä-mantra. If we neglect doing this, we will
eventually fall down. We must rise early in the morning, bathe, attend
maìgala-ärati, worship the Deities, chant the Hare Kåñëa mantra, study the
Vedic literatures and follow all the rules prescribed by the äcäryas and the
spiritual master. If we deviate from this process, we may fall down, even
though we may be very highly advanced.
(Purport on Srimad Bhagavatam 5.8.8)

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8
Becoming free from maya
When we remember always to have unflinching faith in the spiritual master
and the message of Krishna then automatically we become free from the
attacking Maya. In the material concept also, everyone is trying to avoid the
onslaughts of Maya but with no success. To the sincere devotee, however,
this ocean of maya is easily crossed by the cool breeze of Krishna's Grace.
So this is our business, to submit to Krishna's desire to have us back with
Him in the eternal sky of Krishna Loka. And when we are determined in
this way, we become transcendental to the so-called hardships of place and
circumstance.
(Letter to Syamasundara - Los Angeles, 24 November 1968)

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9
Enthusiasm, Patience & Determination
Utsähät means you must be very much enthusiastic that “In this human
form of life, I must complete my spiritual consciousness, or God
consciousness, so that in the next life I may not have this material body.
That is called Utsähät. Utsähät means very much enthusiastic. Just like a
man is very much enthusiastic that “In this life I must accumulate ten
million dollars in the bank,” and he does work with great enthusiasm;
similarly, we must also have enthusiasm that “In this very human form of
life, I must make my spiritual life perfect so that after leaving this body I
may not come again to this material world.” That is called utsähä,
enthusiasm.
(Bhagavad-gītā Lecture – March 28, 1966, New York)
(Unedited original quote)
Utsähät means you must be very much enthusiastic that "In this life, in this
human form of life, I must complete my spiritual consciousness, or God
consciousness, so that in the next life I may not have this material body. That
is called utsähät. Utsähät means very much enthusiastic. Just like a man is
very much enthusiastic that "In this life I must accumulate ten millions
dollars in the bank," and he does work with great enthusiasm; similarly, we
must have also similar enthusiasm that "In this very life, in this very human
form of life, I must make my spiritual life perfect so that after leaving this
body I may not come again to this material world." That is called utsähä,
enthusiasm.

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10
Holy Name
The modern civilization is so corrupt with full of sinful activities, Hence,
people will be forced to face more troubles, by nature's order. Our business,
however, is simply to take shelter of the Hare Kåñëa Mahämantra and pray
to the Holy Name to give us protection. We shall then be unaffected by all
that will happen. Be assured of this, that the devotees will be protected by
the Holy Name. Others will have to suffer in the days that are coming.
(Letter to Kurusrestha – July 23, 1973, Bhaktivedanta Manor)

11
Guru Issue
Guru cannot be self-made. No. There is no such single instance throughout
the whole Vedic literature. And nowadays, so many rascals, they are
becoming guru without any authority. That is not guru. You must be
authorized. evaà paramparä-präptam [Bhagavad-gītā. 4.2]. As soon as the
paramparä is lost, sa käleneha mahatä yogo nañöaù parantapa, immediately
finished. The spiritual potency is finished. You can dress like a guru, you
can talk big, big words, but it will never be effective.
(Çrémad-Bhägavatam Lecture – February 27, 1977, Mäyäpur)
(Unedited original quote)
“Guru cannot be self-made. No. There is no such single instance throughout the whole
Vedic literature. And nowadays, so many rascals, they are becoming guru without any
authority. That is not guru. You must be authorized. Evaṁ paramparā-prāptam imaṁ
rā... [Bhagavad-gītā. 4.2]. As soon as the paramparā is lost, sa kālena yoga naṣṭo
parantapa, immediately finished. The spiritual potency finished. You can dress like
a guru, you can talk big, big words, but it will never be effective.”

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12
Vaiñëava-aparädha
This Kåñëa consciousness movement is a transcendental science, and there
is no room for jealousy. As soon as one becomes envious, he falls from the
platform of paramahaàsa. If we consider the bodily defects of a Vaiñëava,
we should understand that we are committing an offense at the lotus feet of
the Vaiñëava, which is very serious. For a neophyte especially, considering
a pure devotee from a material point of view is very injurious. One should
try to see the internal features and understand how he is engaged in the
transcendental loving service of the Lord. Those who think that Kåñëa
consciousness is limited to a certain section of people or devotees are
generally prone to see the external features of the devotee. It is also an
offense to consider the empowered Vaiñëava an object of disciplinary
action. It is offensive to give him advice or try to correct him.
(Nectar of Instruction Purport Verse 6)

13
Chanting Quality
There are three stages in chanting the holy name of the Lord. In the first
stage, one commits ten kinds of offenses while chanting. In the next stage,
nämäbhäsa, the offenses have almost stopped, and one is coming to the
platform of pure chanting. In the third stage, when one chants the Hare
Kåñëa mantra without offenses, his dormant love for Kåñëa immediately
awakens. This is the perfection.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 5.24.20)

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14
Maìgala-ärati
Only by his implication in material activities has the spirit soul become
miserable, temporary and full of ignorance. This is due to vikarma.
Therefore, we must practice sädhana-bhakti which means to offer maìgala-
ärati (Deity worship) in the morning, to refrain from certain material
activities, to offer obeisances to the spiritual master and to follow many
other rules and regulations. These practices will help one become cured of
madness. As a man's mental disease is cured by the directions of a
psychiatrist, so this sädhana-bhakti cures the conditioned soul of his
madness under the spell of mäyä, material illusion.
(Nectar of Devotion – The First Stages of Devotion)

15
Vapu & Väëé
Physical presence is immaterial; presence of the transcendental sound
received from the spiritual master should be the guidance of life. That will
make our spiritual life successful. If you feel very strongly about my
absence, you may place my pictures on my sitting places and this will be
source of inspiration for you.
(Letter to Brahmananda – January 19, 1967, San Francisco)

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16
Enthusiasm, Patience & Determination
One thing is, our process of Kåñëa Consciousness, if it is followed with
determination and enthusiasm, then automatically it has the effect of fixing
us… the body, mind and soul to the Lotus Feet of Lord Kåñëa, so that all
sorts of fluctuations of the material nature, and all sorts of difficulties and
discrepancies of life are easily withstood. But first you have to agree to
understand the process and follow it scrupulously. That is wanting.
(Letter to Bhagavatananda – July 8, 1972, New York)
(Unedited original quote)
One thing is, our process of Kåñëa Consciousness, if it is followed with
determination and enthusiasm, automatically it has the effect of fixing us, body,
mind and soul, to the Lotus Feet of Lord Kåñëa, so that all sorts of fluctuations
of the material nature, all sorts of difficulties and discrepancies of life are easily
withstood. But first you have to agree to understand the process and follow it
scrupulously. That is wanting.

17
Following spiritual master
I am successful in my teaching work because I have not deviated one inch
from my Spiritual Master's instruction, this is my only qualification. So if
you simply remain pure, your preaching will have effect.
(Letter to Brhaspati – November 17, 1971, Delhi)

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18
Deity
The transcendental form of the Lord is the Vedas. Anyone who engages in
the worship of the Deity, or the form of the Lord in the temple, is
understood to be studying all the Vedas twenty-four hours a day. Simply by
decorating the Deities of the Lord, Rädhä and Kåñëa, in the temple, one very
minutely studies the injunctions of the Vedas. Even a neophyte devotee
who simply engages in the worship of the Deity is understood to be in direct
touch with the purport of Vedic knowledge. As confirmed in Bhagavad-gétä
(15.15), vedaiç ca sarvair aham eva vedyaù the purport of the Vedas is to
understand Him, Kåñëa. One who worships and serves Kåñëa directly has
understood the truths of the Vedas.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 4.7.46)

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19
Reading
All Vedic literature is summarized in the Vedänta-sütra, and for future
guidance Vyäsadeva gave a natural commentation on the Vedänta-sütra,
called Çrémad-Bhägavatam. We must always engage our minds in reading
these Vedic literatures. Just as materialists engage their minds in reading
newspapers, magazines and so many materialistic literatures, we must
transfer our reading to these literatures which are given to us by Vyäsadeva;
in that way it will be possible for us to remember the Supreme Lord at the
time of death. That is the only way suggested by the Lord, and He
guarantees the result: "There is no doubt."
(Introduction to Bhagavad-gītā)
(Unedited original quote)
All Vedic literature is summarized in the Vedänta-sütra, and for future guidance
he (Vyäsadeva) gave a natural commentation on the Vedänta-sütra, called
Çrémad-Bhägavatam. We must always engage our minds in reading these Vedic
literatures. Just as materialists engage their minds in reading newspapers,
magazines and so many materialistic literatures, we must transfer our reading
to these literatures which are given to us by Vyäsadeva; in that way it will be
possible for us to remember the Supreme Lord at the time of death. That is the
only way suggested by the Lord, and He guarantees the result: "There is no
doubt."

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20
Enthusiasm, Patience & Determination
One should accept this opportunity to return home, back to Godhead, very
enthusiastically. Without enthusiasm, one cannot be successful. Even in the
material world one has to be very enthusiastic in his particular field of
activity in order to become successful. A student, businessman, artist or
anyone else who wants success in his line must be enthusiastic. Similarly,
one has to be very enthusiastic in devotional service. Enthusiasm means
action, but action for whom? The answer is that one should always act for
Kåñëa-kåñëärthäkhila-ceñöä.
(Nectar of Instruction Purport Verse 3)

21
Deity
Only attention engaged in the service of the Lord, especially in dressing and
decorating the temple, accompanied by musical kértana and spiritual
instructions from scriptures, can save the common man from the hellish
cinema attractions and rubbish sex-songs broadcast everywhere by radios.
If one is unable to maintain a temple at home, he should go to another's
temple where all the above performances are regularly executed. Visiting
the temple of a devotee and looking at the profusely decorated forms of the
Lord well dressed in a well-decorated, sanctified temple naturally infuse the
mundane mind with spiritual inspiration. People should visit holy places
like Vṛndāvana where such temples and worship of the Deity are specifically
maintained.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 2.3.22)

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22
Cultivation of Bhakti
Bhakti is not sentiment; it is a great science, and we have to learn it
scientifically. It is not that we have to wait for another life to cultivate
devotional service. We can read The Nectar of Devotion, live with devotees,
rise early in the morning to attend mangala-arati, study Vedic literature,
take prasada and preach Krsna consciousness.
(Teachings of Lord Kapila Verses 25 & 26)

23
Reading
Anybody seriously reading our book, he’ll be liberated. There is no doubt.
tyaktvä dehaà punar janma naiti mäm eti. That’s a fact. If not all books,
simply Kåñëa book, if one reads carefully, daily, he is liberated undoubtedly.
(Room Conversation – April 13, 1977, Bombay)
(Unedited Original Quote)
“Anybody seriously reading our book, he'll be liberated. There is no doubt.
Tyaktvä dehaà punar janma naiti mäm eti [Bhagavad-gītā 4.9]. That's a fact.
If not all books, simply Kåñëa book, if one reads carefully, daily, he is liberated
undoubtedly.”

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24
Deity
There are many çästric injunctions which give instructions for carving
forms of the Lord. These forms are not material. If God is all-pervading,
then He is also in the material elements. There is no doubt about it. But the
atheists think otherwise. Although they preach that everything is God,
when they go to the temple and see the form of the Lord, they deny that He
is God. According to their own theory, everything is God. Then why is the
Deity not God? Actually, they have no conception of God. The devotees'
vision, however, is different; their vision is smeared with love of God. As
soon as they see the Lord in His different forms, the devotees become
saturated with love, for they do not find any difference between the Lord
and His form in the temple, as do the atheists. The smiling face of the Deity
in the temple is beheld by the devotees as transcendental and spiritual, and
the decoration of the body of the Lord is very much appreciated by the
devotees.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 3.25.35)

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25
Guru Issue
Self-made guru cannot be guru, he must be authorized by the bona fide
guru. Then he’s guru. This is the fact. Nobody can be self-made. A medical
practitioner cannot be self-made. He cannot say that “I have studied all the
medical books in my home.” No. "Have you ever gone to the medical college
and taken instruction from the bona fide teachers? Then, if you have got
the certificate, then you are medical practitioner”. Similarly, bona fide guru
means he must be authorized by the superior guru.
(Nectar of Devotion Lecture – October 31, 1972, Vrindavana)
(Unedited original quote)
Self-made guru cannot be guru. He must be authorized by the bona fide guru.
Then he's guru. This is the fact. Here... Nobody can be self-made anything. A
medical practitioner, he cannot become self-made, that "I have studied all the
medical books in my home." No. "Have you ever gone to the medical college and
taken instruction from the bona fide teachers?" Then, if you have got the
certificate, then you are medical practitioner. Similarly, bona fide guru means
he must be authorized by the superior guru.

26
Reading
I am so glad to learn that you are reading my Bhagavad-gītā As It Is with
great interest, and I hope, if you kindly read my books carefully that all your
spiritual desires will be fulfilled.
(Letter to Hrisikesa – March 18, 1969, Hawaii)

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27
Nature of Krishna’s service
If you engage yourself in the service of Kåñëa, you'll find newer and newer
encouragement. That is spiritual. If you find it hackneyed, then you must
know that you are not yet serving spiritually, you are serving materially for
formality. But if you feel new and new energy, then you know that you are
serving spiritually. This is the test. Your enthusiasm will increase, not
decrease. So the test is within our hand. If during maìgala-ärati we feel
laziness that means I'm not yet spiritually advanced. And if one feels
enthused, "Now it is time for maìgala-ärati, let me stand up, let me do this,"
then it is spiritual. Anyone can test.
(Bhagavad-gītā Lecture – August 26, 1973, London)
(Unedited original quote)
if you engage yourself in the service of Kåñëa, you'll find new and new
encouragement. That is spiritual. If you find it hackneyed, then you must
know that you are not yet serving spiritually, you are serving materially.
Formality, stereotype. But if you feel new and new energy, then you know
that you are serving spiritually. This is the test. Your enthusiasm will
increase, not decrease. So the test is within our hand. If during maìgala-
ärati we feel laziness, that means I'm not yet spiritually advanced. And if
one feels enthused, "Now it is time for maìgala-ärati, let me stand up, let
me do this," then it is spiritual. Anyone can test.

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28
Chanting
All of us must chant at least 16 rounds daily to keep us fit on the Kåñëa
Consciousness transcendental platform. Amongst all our duties surely we
must not forget to complete our sixteen rounds. We should not be carried
away simply by the Kåñëa duties which is also regarded as good as chanting,
but in all circumstances we shall not forget this duty.
(Letter to Ranadhira – January 24, 1970, Los Angeles)

29
Overcoming dualities of the material world
Haridäsa Öhäkura was beaten with cane in twenty-two bazaars, but he was
never disturbed; instead, he smilingly tolerated the beating. Despite the
disturbing dualities of the material world, devotees are not disturbed at all.
Because they fix their minds on the lotus feet of the Lord and concentrate
on the holy name of the Lord, they do not feel the so-called pains and
pleasures caused by the dualities of this material world.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 6.17.29)

30
Importance of staying in temple and reading books
A temple is a place where by one is given the opportunity to render direct
devotional service to the Supreme Lord Śrī Kåñëa. In conjunction with this
you should always read my books daily and all your questions will be
answered and you will have a firm basis of Kåñëa Consciousness. In this
way your life will be perfect.
(Letter to Hugo Salemon – September 22, 1974, Bombay)

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31
Result of following sadhana
If our students strictly follow the chalked out plan; namely chanting 16
rounds daily, following the restrictive regulations and reading at least one
chapter from our books, then automatically they become ordained
ministers. One might be examined by anyone, outsider, and he will never
fail the test. Try to see that things are exacted according to the above plan.
Then they are saved materially and spiritually both.
(Letter to Brahmananda – January 22, 1970, Los Angeles)

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 February
1
Management
Well, preaching, you cannot manufacture preaching. You must do
preaching according to the principles ordered by your spiritual master. You
cannot manufacture your own way of preaching. That is required. There
must be some leader. Under the leadership. Yasya prasādād bhagavat
prasado... Why is it said? Everywhere, in the office, there is some immediate
boss. So you have to please him. That is service. Suppose in office, in a
department there is office superintendent. And if you do in your own way,
"Yes, I'm doing my business," and the office superintendent is not pleased,
do you think that kind of service is nice? No. Similarly, we have got,
everywhere we have got immediate boss. So we must work. That is
systematic. If everyone manufactures, invents his own way of life, then
there must be chaos.
Now we are a world organization. There is spiritual side, and there is
material side also. That is not material side. That is also spiritual side, means
systematic management. Otherwise how it will be done?
(Unedited original quote)
“Prabhupäda: Yes. Well, preaching, you cannot manufacture preaching. You
must do preaching according to the principles ordered by your spiritual master.
You cannot manufacture your own way of preaching. That is required. There
must be some leader. Under the leadership. Yasya prasädäd bhagavat... Why it
is said? Everywhere, in the office, there is some immediate boss. So you have to
please him. That is service. Suppose in office, in a department there is office
superintendent. And if you do in your own way, "Yes, I'm doing my business,"
and the office superintendent is not pleased, do you think that kind of service is
nice? No. Similarly, we have got, everywhere we have got immediate boss. So

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we must work. That is systematic. If everyone manufactures, invents his own
way of life, then there must be chaos.
Sudämä: Yeah, that's true.
Prabhupäda: Yes. Now we are world organization. There is spiritual side, and
there is material side also. That is not material side. That is also spiritual side,
means systematic management. Otherwise how it will be done? Just like
Gaurasundara sold the house, and there is no trace of the money. What is this?
He did not ask him, anyone. He sold the house, and where is the money, there
is no trace. [break] Ah, Hare Kåñëa. What is that badge? Tennis?”

2
Holy Name
The essence of all Vedic knowledge-comprehending the three kinds of
Vedic activity [karma-käëòa, jïäna-käëòa and upäsanä-käëòa], Vedic
hymns, and the processes for satisfying the demigods-is included in the
eight syllables Hare Kåñëa, Hare Kåñëa. This is the reality of all Vedänta. The
chanting of the holy name is the only means to cross the ocean of nescience.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Ädi-lélä Purport 7.76)

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3
Chanting Quality
A devotee always has a taste for chanting Hare Kåñëa: "Oh, very nice. Hare
Kåñëa, Hare Kåñëa, Kåñëa Kåñëa, Hare Hare/ Hare Räma, Hare Räma, Räma
Räma, Hare Hare." This is taste. Of course, this takes time to awaken, but
when Rüpa Gosvämé was chanting he was thinking, "I have only one tongue
and two ears. What can I appreciate of chanting? If I could have millions of
tongues and trillions of ears, then I could relish something by chanting and
hearing." Of course, we should not imitate him, but the devotees of the
Kåñëa consciousness movement must at least be very careful to complete
their sixteen rounds, their minimum amount of prescribed chanting. Nama-
gäne sadä ruciù: we have to increase our taste for singing and chanting Hare
Kåñëa.
(Teachings of Queen Kunté Verse 20)

4
Maìgala-ärati
The Brahma-muhürta takes place about one and a half hours before sunrise.
It is recommended that one should rise from bed at that time and, after
finishing daily ablutions, take to spiritual activities by performing maìgala-
ärati and chanting the Hare Kåñëa mantra. This period is very convenient
for the execution of spiritual activities.
(Kåñëa Book Chapter 33)

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5
Chanting
If one cannot complete the fixed number of rounds he is assigned, he should
be considered to be in a diseased condition of spiritual life. Çréla Haridäsa
Öhäkura is called nämäcärya. Of course, we cannot imitate Haridäsa
Öhäkura, but everyone must chant a prescribed number of rounds. In our
Kåñëa consciousness movement we have fixed sixteen rounds as the
minimum so that we will not feel burdened. These sixteen rounds must be
chanted loudly, so that one can hear himself and others
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Antya -līlā Purport 11.23)

6
Qualification of a spiritual master
How can everyone become a spiritual master? A spiritual master must have
sufficient knowledge, so many other qualifications. Without any
qualifications how can one become a spiritual master. Now the process is,
Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu says, ämära äjïäya: "On My order." That is the
crucial point. One does not become spiritual master by his own whims. That
is not spiritual master. He must be ordered by superior authority. Then he's
spiritual master. Just like in our case. Our superior authority, our spiritual
master, he ordered me that "You just try to preach this gospel, whatever
you have learned from me, in English." So we have tried it. That's all. It is
not that I am very much qualified. The only qualification is that I have tried
to execute the order of superior authority. That's all. This is the secret of
success
(Bhagavad-gétä Lecture – August 3, 1973, London)

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Surrender
I can see how you are advancing in Kåñëa consciousness by the feelings
expressed therein, and I am so glad you are feeling such transcendental
pleasure in serving the Lord. This transcendental pleasure is unlimited and
increases as we increase our desire to give more and more voluntary service.
To surrender to Kåñëa all at once is not generally possible, but as we serve
Kåñëa more and more, we gradually become more and more surrendered at
His lotus feet. So you please continue to serve Kåñëa in these ways you have
mentioned, and do not feel that your service is any less valuable than that
of others. In the transcendental loving service of the Lord, it doesn't matter
whether we are working, cooking, painting, writing, chanting or whatever,
they are all the same. There are no such distinctions of higher and lower on
the transcendental platform. The important thing is that we are engaging
our time and energy in the service of the Lord. After all, we are so tiny, what
can we do? Kåñëa sees simply that this time is being spent in His service.
Please continue to help Gargamuni in his efforts to spread Kåñëa
consciousness, and chant and continue your duties and in this way you will
be happy and successful in Kåñëa consciousness. I am happy to hear you
are so much anxious in helping to start a new temple. Your enthusiasm is
very encouraging to me. There is great need for spreading of Kåñëa
consciousness and we need so many enthusiastic boys and girls for carrying
on this great mission of Çré Caitanya Mahāprabhu. My Guru Maharaja
wanted that this Kåñëa consciousness be spread all over the Western
countries especially, and now in my old age, I am leaving this great
responsibility in the hands of all of you, my students.
(Letter to Karunamayi – February 25, 1968, Los Angeles)

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Guru Issue

You are right about Çrédhara Mahäräja’s genuineness. But in my opinion he is the best
of the lot. He is my old friend, at least he executes the regulative principles of
devotional service. I do not wish to discuss about activities of my Godbrothers but it
is a fact they have no life for preaching work. All are satisfied with a place for residence
in the name of a temple, they engage disciples to get foodstuff by transcendental
devices and eat and sleep. They have no idea or brain how to broadcast the cult of Çré
Caitanya Mahäprabhu. My Guru Mahäräja used to lament many times for this reason
and he thought if one man at least had understood the principle of preaching then his
mission would achieve success. In the latter days of my Guru Mahäräja he was very
disgusted. Actually, he left this world earlier, otherwise he would have continued to
live for more years. Still he requested his disciples to form a strong Governing body
for preaching the cult of Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu. He never recommended anyone to
be äcärya of the Gauòéya Math. But Çrédhara Mahäräja is responsible for disobeying
this order of Guru Mahäräja, and he and others who are already dead unnecessarily
thought that there must be one ācārya. If Guru Mahäräja could have seen someone
who was qualified at that time to be ācārya he would have mentioned. Because on the
night before he passed away he talked of so many things, but never mentioned an
ācārya. His idea was ācārya was not to be nominated amongst the governing body.
He said openly you make a GBC and conduct the mission. So his idea was amongst
the members of GBC who would come out successful and self-effulgent ācārya would
be automatically selected. So Çrédhara Mahäräja and his two associate gentlemen
unauthorizedly selected one ācārya and later it proved a failure. The result is now
everyone is claiming to be ācārya even though they may be kaniñöha-adhikäré with no
ability to preach. In some of the camps the ācārya is being changed three times a year.
Therefore we may not commit the same mistake in our ISKCON camp. Actually
amongst my Godbrothers no one is qualified to become ācārya. So it is better not to
mix with my Godbrothers very intimately because instead of inspiring our students
and disciples they may sometimes pollute them. This attempt was made previously by
them, especially Mädhava Mahäräja and Tértha Mahäräja and Bon Mahäräja, but
somehow or other I saved the situation. This is going on. We shall be very careful
about them and not mix with them. This is my instruction to you all. They cannot
help us in our movement, but they are very competent to harm our natural progress.
So we must be very careful about them.
(Letter to Rupanuga – April 28, 1974, Tirupati)
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Following rules and regulation of Sadhana Bhakti
Chanting japa should be done early in the morning with full concentration
preferably during the brähma-muhürta time. Concentrate fully on the sound
vibration of the mantra, pronouncing each name distinctly and gradually
your speed in chanting will increase naturally. Do not worry so much about
chanting fast, most important is the hearing. A devotee should always be
grave and silent which means that he only discusses topics relating to Kåñëa
Consciousness. Yes, spend your time chanting and reading and taking
Kåñëa prasädam and automatically your tongue will come under control. If
you sincerely engage 24 hours daily in devotional service according to the
instructions of the spiritual master, chant daily 16 rounds, attend the aräti
ceremony of Lord Kåñëa, associate with the devotees and adhere strictly to
the regulative principles then Kåñëa will reveal Himself personally to you.
(Letter to Radhavallabha – January 6, 1972, Bombay)

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Chanting Quality
Rüpa Gosvämé says, “How shall I chant with one tongue, and how shall I
hear with two ears? Had it been millions of tongue and trillions of ears, then
I could enjoy it.” This is quality. Quality is not so cheap. May be after many
births we may get it. For the time being you go on following the rules and
regulations and it is being done by force. When you are not forced, but
automatically you desire, that is quality.
(Morning Walk – November 2, 1975, Nairobi)
(Original unedited quote)
Rüpa Gosvämé says that "How shall I chant with one tongue, and how shall
I hear, two ears? Had it been millions of tongue and trillions of ear, then I
could enjoy it." This is quality. Quality is not so cheap. Maybe after many
births. For the time being you go on following the rules and regulations. It
is being done by force. Where is the quality? So you wanted to understand
quality. This is the quality. You'll not be forced, but automatically you'll
desire. That is quality

11
Holy Name
All activities in Kåñëa consciousness must be accompanied with chanting of
the Holy Name regularly. Actually chanting of the Holy Name regularly is
our life and soul, and on the basis of such activities all other devotional
services will sustain.
(Letter to Ekayani – February 10, 1970, Los Angeles)

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12
Faith in Guru and Krishna – The secret of success
"Only unto those great souls who have implicit faith in both the Lord and
the spiritual master are all the imports of Vedic knowledge automatically
revealed." This Vedic injunction is very important, and Çré Caitanya
Mahäprabhu supported it by His personal behavior. Believing in the words
of His spiritual master, He introduced the Saìkértana movement, just as
the present Kåñëa consciousness movement was started with belief in the
words of our spiritual master. He wanted to preach, we believed in his
words and tried somehow or other to fulfill them, and now this movement
has become successful all over the world. Therefore faith in the words of
the spiritual master and in the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the
secret of success. Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu never disobeyed the orders of
His spiritual master and stopped propagating the Saìkértana movement.
Çré Bhaktisiddhänta Sarasvaté Gosvämé, at the time of his passing away,
ordered all his disciples to work conjointly to preach the mission of
Caitanya Mahäprabhu all over the world. Later, however, some self-
interested, foolish disciples disobeyed his orders. Each one of them
wanted to become head of the mission, and they fought in the courts,
neglecting the order of the spiritual master, and the entire mission was
defeated. We are not proud of this; however, the truth must be explained.
We believed in the words of our spiritual master and started in a humble
way-in a helpless way—but due to the spiritual force of the order of the
supreme authority, this movement has become successful.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Ädi-lélä purport 7.95-7.96)

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Deity
It is recommended that the neophyte meditate on the Deity daily. He should
begin by meditating on the lotus feet, and then when he is practiced, he
should turn his gaze toward Kåñëa's smiling face. The neophyte should also
read and hear Bhagavad-gétä and Çrémad-Bhägavatam. If we simply try to see
and don't listen, the results will not be permanent. In some temples there
are Deities but no discussion about Kåñëa. People attend for some time, but
after a while they lose interest. Thus there must be two activities. The
Deities must be worshiped, and this is called päïcarätriké-vidhi. There must
also be bhägavata-vidhi, reading Çrémad Bhagavad-gétä and Çrémad-
Bhägavatam. Päïcarätriké-vidhi and bhägavata-vidhi go hand in hand. By
participating in these two processes, the neophyte can gradually attain the
intermediate stage.
(Teachings of Queen Kunté Verse 36)

14
Importance of attending temple program
Yes, reading my books will help you, philosophy must be there, also
participate in all temple affairs like rising early, attending maṅgalārati,
performing devotional service, simply learning the philosophy will have no
effect.
(Letter to Dayananda – July 7, 1972, New York)

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15
Chanting Quality
Just like Haridäsa Öhäkura, he was not forced to chant. Even Caitanya
Mahäprabhu requested him, “Now you are old enough. You can reduce the
number of rounds.” But Haridäsa Öhäkura refused, “No. Up to the end of
my life I shall go on chanting.” That is quality. Have you got such tendency
that you will go on chanting and do nothing? Now you are forced to do. So
there is no question of quality. This is a chance given so that one day you
may come to the stage of quality.
(Morning Walk – November 2, 1975, Nairobi)
(Original unedited quote)
Just like Haridäsa Öhäkura was doing. He was not forced to do. Even
Caitanya Mahäprabhu, He requested, "Now you are old enough. You can
reduce." So he refused, "No. Up to the end of my life I shall go on." That is
quality. Have you got such tendency that you will go on chanting and
nothing to do? That is quality. Now you are forced to do. Where is the
question of quality? That is given a chance so that one day you may come
to the quality, not that you have come to the quality.

16
Foolwing the regulative principles
If we deviate from the strict following of the regulative principles Maya is
always ready to inject doubts to shake our faith in Kåñëa. So you can see the
great necessity of following the prescribed duties of chanting regularly and
following strictly the instructions of the spiritual master and the regulative
principles.
(Letter to Madhusudana – January 30, 1970, Los Angeles)

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A word of caution – Maya’s influence
We should always remember that we are in the kingdom of Maya and her
influence is very strong. So, unless we are very, very careful in our dealings,
there is always chance of falling down. Please therefore chant regularly the
sixteen rounds beads and follow the regulative principles; and teach the
new boys by practical example, and try to preach Saìkértana as far as
possible.
(Letter to Harer Nama – February 23, 1970, Los Angeles)

18
Sädhana bhakti
Sädhana-bhakti is devotional service in practice. The result of sädhana-
bhakti must be ecstatic love, attachment for the Supreme Personality of
Godhead, which is also called prema-bhakti. In the neophyte stage, sädhana-
bhakti includes faith, association with devotees, and practicing devotional
service. Thus one is freed from all unwanted things. One then becomes
fixed in devotional service and increases his desire to act in devotional
service.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Madhya-līlā Purport 8.68)

19
How not to fall down in material entanglement?
If you chant always Hare Kåñëa, read my books, and preach this philosophy
sincerely, then Kåñëa will provide you with all facility, and you will not fall
down into material entanglement.
(Letter to devotees – March 30, 1967, San-Francisco)

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Steady advancement in Krishna Consciousness
To take shelter of the Spiritual Master means to follow his instructions. So,
you should be very careful to not deviate even a little bit from the order of
your Guru. You should be very careful to chant 16 rounds daily and read
all of the books carefully. You should attend mangala arati and classes. And
you should follow the four regulative principles without deviation. If you
do these simple things, you will make steady advancement in Krishna
Consciousness and there will be no fall downs.
(Letter to Sivani – Tehran, 14th March, 1975)

21
Affection for the spiritual master
You should understand that when you sat at the fire sacrifice upon your
initiation, you made a vow to the Spiritual Master at that time. So, you
should not break these vows. You say that you appreciate the association of
devotees but how will you withstand the material attraction? If you are not
chanting Hare Krishna offenselessly and regularly? Affection for the
spiritual master and following the instructions of the Spiritual Master is the
same. My instruction is that all of my disciples must attend the mangala
arati and chant 16 rounds daily. This life is very flickering. At any moment
you may die so we must cling very close to the instruction of higher
authorities, the spiritual master and Lord Krishna in Bhagavad-gita. So I
think that you can follow the instructions.
(Letter to Radha-Kanta – August 20, 1974, Vrindavan)

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Succes in preaching
The devotees who are preaching the message of Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu
should very seriously follow strictly in His footsteps. If they follow the rules
and regulations and chant sixteen rounds daily, their endeavor to preach
the cult of Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu will certainly be successful.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Madhya-lila Purport 7.82)

23
Be an example
If our preaching work is neglected, or if we fall down in following the
regulative principles such as rising before four, chanting 16 rounds, like
that, if these things are not strictly observed then maya will enter and spoil
everything. So my best advice to you is to strictly observe these things
yourself and be the example so that all others may follow. We should not
criticize each other, as Vaisnavas, because there is fault in everyone and we
may be ourselves subject to criticism. Best thing is to be above suspicion
ourselves, then if we see discrepancies and make suggestion the others will
automatically respect and take action to rectify the matters. That is
cooperation.
(Letter to Madhumangala - 18 November, 1972, Hyderabad)

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Deity
Mäyävädés and atheists accept the forms of the Deities in the temple of the
Lord as idols, but devotees do not worship idols. They directly worship the
Personality of Godhead in His arcä incarnation. Arcä refers to the form
which we can worship in our present condition. Actually, in our present
state it is not possible to see God in His spiritual form because our material
eyes and senses cannot conceive of a spiritual form. We cannot even see the
spiritual form of the individual soul. When a man dies we cannot see how
the spiritual form leaves the body. That is the defect of our material senses.
In order to be seen by our material senses, the Supreme Personality of
Godhead accepts a favorable form which is called arcä-vigraha. This arcä-
vigraha, sometimes called the arcä incarnation, is not different from Him.
Just as the Supreme Personality of Godhead accepts various incarnations,
He takes on forms made out of matter-clay, wood, metal and jewels.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 3.25.35)

25
Respecting Vaiñëavas
The Lord says that although He is the predominating factor of the internal
energy and although the material world is sanctified just by the water that
has washed His feet, He has the greatest respect for the brähmaëa and the
Vaiñëava. When the Lord Himself offers so much respect to the Vaiñëava
and the brähmaëa, how can one deny such respect to such personalities?
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 3.16.9)

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Enthusiasm, Patience & Determination
That is the only requirement for successfully completing the perfection of
the living condition, that you should always be enthusiastic to perform
services unto the Lotus Feet of the Lord despite all obstacles, and then you
can be assured that all of the other qualities or necessities for pure
devotional service will be met, such as patience, determination, etc. and
then without doubt you shall be delivered to the realm of unlimited bliss,
freed from all anxieties.
(Letter to: Hamsaduta - 20 January, 1972, Jaipur)

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Importance of reading and chanting
You cannot get returned back, even a moment of your life by payment of
millions of dollars, if that moment is wasted, just how much money you
have lost, you consider. How much you have lost! Therefore, not a single
moment should be lost in human life. It should be utilized simply by
chanting, simply by reading Çrémad-Bhägavatam. We are publishing so
many books. We have to read; we have to chant. Then life will be successful.
Véta-räga-bhaya-krodha [Bg. 4.10]. Then we shall be free from this
attachment, ahaà mameti [SB 5.5.8], käma-lobhädayaç ca ye. So the process
is that nityaà bhägavata-sevayä. Daily we should devote our time for
understanding Çrémad-Bhägavatam
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – November 16, 1974, Bombay)
(Unedited original quote)
If you cannot get returned back even a moment of your life by payment of
millions of dollars, if that moment is wasted, just how much you have lost
money, you consider. How much you have lost! Therefore not a single
moment should be lost, human life. It should be utilized. Simply by chanting,
simply by reading Çrémad-Bhägavatam.We are publishing so many books.
We have to read; we have to chant. Then life will successful. Véta-räga-
bhaya-krodha [Bg. 4.10]. Then we shall be free from this attachment, ahaà
mameti [SB 5.5.8], käma-lobhädayaç ca ye.
So the process is that nityaà bhägavata-sevayä. Daily we should devote our
time for understanding Çrémad-Bhägavatam

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Effect of chanting the Holy Name
The fact is that if one comes to Kåñëa consciousness, although he may have
many material desires, he becomes increasingly attracted to the lotus feet of
Kåñëa through associating with the Supreme Lord by chanting His holy name.
The Supreme Lord and His holy name are identical. Thus he becomes
uninterested in attachment to material enjoyment. The perfection of life is to
be uninterested in material enjoyment and interested in Kåñëa.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 6.16.39)

29
Reading
Sudämä: A devotee wants to know that: should they just have the chanting
without reading your books?
Prabhupäda: But that chanting must be pure. Your guru is writing books. If
you think, "There is no necessity of reading books," that is guror avajïä. Do
you mean to say I am writing these books whole night for selling and making
money? Why do you think like that?
Woman Devotee: So there should just be chanting and reading of the books.
Prabhupäda: Yes.
(Bhagavad-gita Lecture– July 4, 1974, Honolulu)
(Original Unedited Quote)
“Sudämä: She wants to know actually that should they just have the chanting without
reading your books or without instruction or following the program.
Prabhupäda: But that chanting must be pure. Your guru is writing books. If you think,
"There is no necessity of reading books," that is guror avajïä. Do you means to say I
am writing these books whole night for selling and making money? What do you think
like that?
Woman Devotee: So there should just be chanting and reading of the books.
Prabhupäda: Yes.”
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 March
1
Vaiñëava-aparädha
Viçvanätha Cakravarté Öhäkura remarks that Saubhari Muni had fallen from
his austerity because of a Vaiñëava-aparädha. The history is that when
Garuòa wanted to eat fish, Saubhari Muni unnecessarily gave the fish shelter
under his care. Because Garuòa's plans for eating were disappointed,
Saubhari Muni certainly committed a great offense to a Vaiñëava. Because
of this Vaiñëava-aparädha, an offense at the lotus feet of a Vaiñëava,
Saubhari Muni fell from his exalted position of mystic tapasya. One should
not, therefore, impede the activities of a Vaiñëava. This is the lesson we
must learn from this incident concerning Saubhari Muni.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 9.6.49)

2
Guru Issue
The spiritual master must never be carried away by an accumulation of
wealth or a large number of followers. A bona fide spiritual master will
never become like that. But sometimes, if a spiritual master is not properly
authorized and only on his own initiative becomes a spiritual master, he
may be carried away by an accumulation of wealth and large numbers of
disciples. His is not a very high grade of devotional service. If a person is
carried away by such achievements, then his devotional service becomes
slackened. One should therefore strictly adhere to the principles of disciplic
succession.
(Nectar of Devotion 14: Devotional Qualifications)

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3
Sädhana
Character building is the groundwork for seating Kåñëa Consciousness and
the Vedic injunction is that one can advance in spiritual life by following
the rules of austerity and celibacy. We do not bluff our students that he has
liberty to do all sorts of nonsense, and at the same time advance in spiritual
understanding. And because we are a little bit strict in this matter, we do
not have a very large number of followers, neither do we want any large
number of nonsense followers. We want only one moon at night, and we
do not care for millions of stars.
(Letter to Jaya Mazo – January 18, 1968, Los Angeles)

4
Reading
So I am requesting all of my students to read my books very seriously every
day without fail. In this way, if your mind becomes absorbed at least one or
two hours daily in the transcendental subject matter of Çrémad-Bhägavatam,
Bhagavad-gétä, and other books then very easily you will make your
advancement in Kåñëa Consciousness.
(Letter to Bhargava – June 13, 1972, Los-Angeles)

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5
Enthusiasm, Patience & Determination
In this material world, the more you'll work, you'll feel tired. And the
spiritual world, the more you work, you'll feel enthused. That is called
anandämbudhi-vardhanam. That is the test. If our workers are feeling tired,
then that means he's working materially. And if he's feeling enthused, more
and more, then he's working spiritually. Änandämbudhi-vardhanam. That is
the spiritual test.
(The Nectar of Devotion Lecture – January 10, 1973, Bombay)
(Original Unedited Quote)
In this material world, the more you'll work, you'll feel tired. And the
spiritual world, the more you work, you'll feel enthused. That is called
anandämbudhi-vardhanam. That is the test. If our workers are feeling tired,
then that means he's working materially. And if he's feeling enthused, more
and more, that is his, he's working spiritually. Änandämbudhi-vardhanam.
That is the spiritual test.

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Deity
The Lord accepts the form of arcä-vigraha (worshipable Deity) just to
accept service from His different incapable devotees. By the mercy of the
arcä-vigraha, the form of the Lord in material elements, the devotees who
are in the material world can easily approach the Lord, although He is not
conceivable by the material senses. The arcä-vigraha is therefore an all-
spiritual form of the Lord to be perceived by the material devotees; such an
arcä-vigraha of the Lord is never to be considered material. There is no
difference between matter and spirit for the Lord, although there is a gulf
of difference between the two in the case of the conditioned living being.
For the Lord there is nothing but spiritual existence, and similarly there is
nothing except spiritual existence for the pure devotee of the Lord in his
intimate relation with the Lord.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 1.12.9)

7
Chanting Quality
It is essential, however, that everyone fulfill a specific vow to chant the Hare
Kåñëa mantra. Therefore we have prescribed in our Society that all our
students must chant at least sixteen rounds daily. Such chanting must be
offenseless in order to be of high quality. Mechanical chanting is not as
powerful as chanting of the holy name without offenses.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Ädi-līlā Purport 10.43)

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Enthusiasm, Patience & Determination
One must perform devotional service with great patience. One should not
give up the execution of devotional service because one or two attempts
have not been successful. One must continue. Çré Rüpa Gosvämé also
confirms that one should be very enthusiastic and execute devotional
service with patience and confidence. Patience is necessary for developing
the confidence that "Kåñëa will certainly accept me because I am engaging
in devotional service." One has only to execute service according to the
rules and regulations to insure success.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 3.29.16)

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Vapu & Väëé
This is called vyavasäyätmikä buddhiù. ‘I may be quite incomplete. It
doesn't matter. But if I try to follow the words of my Guru Mahäräja, then I
become complete’. This is the secret. Yasya deve parä bhaktir yathä deve
tathä gurau [ÇU 6.23]. If one has strong faith in the Supreme Personality of
Godhead and as much faith in the guru, then the revealed scriptures become
manifest. It is not the education. It is not the scholarship. It is faith in Kåñëa
and guru. Therefore Caitanya-caritämåta says guru-Kåñëa-kåpäya päya
bhakti-latä-béja
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – Dec 8, 1973, LA)
(Original Unedited Quote)
This is called vyavasäyätmikä buddhiù. I may be quite incomplete. It doesn't
matter. But if I try to follow the words of my Guru Mahäräja, then I become
complete.
This is the secret. Yasya deve parä bhaktir yathä deve tathä gurau [ÇU 6.23].
If one has strong faith in the Supreme Personality of Godhead and as much
faith in the guru, yathä deve tathä gurau, then the revealed scriptures
become manifest. It is not the education. It is not the scholarship. It is faith
in Kåñëa and guru. Therefore Caitanya-caritämåta says guru-kåñëa-kåpäya
päya bhakti-latä-béja

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Vapu & Väëé
We have only to execute the order of the spiritual master, preach Kåñëa
consciousness and follow in the path of the Vaiñëavas. The spiritual master
represents both Lord Kåñëa and the Vaiñëavas; therefore by following the
instructions of the spiritual master and by chanting Hare Kåñëa, everything
will be all right.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 4.23.7)

11
Vaiñëava-aparädha
Karmés may consider the body of a devotee material, but factually it is not,
for a devotee has no conception of material enjoyment. If one thinks that
the body of a pure devotee is material, he is an offender, for that is a
Vaiñëava-aparädha.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Antya-līlā Purport 4.194)

12
Sädhana
This is the duty of all my initiated disciples, everyone is expected to follow
the devotional practices. Two times daily everyone must attend the classes.
During the morning and evening times there should be no business, simply
kértana, chant, dance, and be purified. Do not be paramahaàsa that ‘Now I
haven't got to hear Çrémad-Bhägavatam and Bhagavad-gétä’. Don't be a better
paramahaàsa than your Guru Mahäräja. Everyone can become a first class
speaker. Simply cram the purports of my books. The references are there,
the philosophy is there. Everything is there. So if you do it, everyone will
be pleased with your speaking.
(Letter to Gopijanavallabha – September 19, 1974, Vrindavan)
45 | P a g e
13
Guru Issue
As bell metal can turn to gold when mixed with mercury in a chemical
process, so, by the bona fide dékñä, or initiation method, anyone can become
a Vaiñëava. One should take initiation from a bona fide spiritual master
coming in the disciplic succession, who is authorized by his predecessor
spiritual master. This is called dékñä-vidhäna.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 4.8.54)

14
Hearing
Kåñëa is very kind and any sincere devotee is always taken care of by His
Lordship in all respects. Please regularly chant Hare Kåñëa, read Śrīmad-
Bhagavatam, and very soon you will get other books also, like Bhagavad-
gītā As It Is, Teachings of Lord Caitanya, and always read and talk about
Kåñëa between yourselves and always remember that this life is but a flash
only. We have to seek after our eternal life in Kåñëa consciousness and be
transferred to the spiritual world in the association of Kåñëa. Continue to
keep your present attitude and certainly even within this life, you will be
successful in attaining perfection of Kåñëa consciousness."
(Letter to Dayananda – July 7, 1968, Montreal)

46 | P a g e
15
Vapuù & Väëé
Personal service to the spiritual master means to follow his instructions. My
request is the same for everyone: that they follow strictly the regulative
principles and chant at least sixteen rounds daily. And as much time as they
are able should be devoted for preaching according to our books.
(Letter to Rajarsi - March 12th 1977, Mayapur)

16
Vaiñëava-aparädha
One should be very careful about committing offenses at the feet of a
Vaiñëava. The most grievous type of Vaiñëava-aparädha is called gurv-
aparädha, which refers to offenses at the lotus feet of the spiritual master.
In the chanting of the holy name of the Supreme Personality of Godhead,
this gurv-aparädha is considered the most grievous offense. Guror avajïä
çruti-çästra-nindanam
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 4.21.37)

17
47 | P a g e
Vaiñëava-aparädha
Of all sinful activities, an offense to a pure devotee, or Vaiñëava, is the most
severe. An offense at the lotus feet of a Vaiñëava is so disastrous that Çré
Caitanya Mahäprabhu has compared it to a mad elephant that enters a
garden and causes great havoc by uprooting many plants and trees. If one
is an offender at the lotus feet of a brähmaëa or Vaiñëava, his offenses uproot
all his auspicious activities. One should therefore very carefully guard
against committing Vaiñëava-aparädha, or offenses at the lotus feet of a
Vaiñëava.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 7.4.28)

18
Maìgala-ärati
48 | P a g e
One should therefore be brought to sattva-guëa by the establishment of
varëäçrama-dharma and should develop the brahminical qualifications of
being very neat and clean, rising early in the morning and seeing Maìgala-
ärätrika, and so on. In this way, one should stay in sattva-guëa, and then
one cannot be influenced by tamo-guëa and rajo-guëa.
tadä rajas-tamo-bhäväù
käma-lobhädayaç ca ye
ceta etair anäviddhaà
sthitaà sattve prasédati
(SB 1.2.19)
The opportunity for this purification is the special feature of human life; in
other lives, this is not possible. Such purification can be achieved very easily
by rädhä-kåñëa-bhajana, devotional service rendered to Rädhä and Kåñëa,
and therefore Narottama däsa Öhäkura sings, hari hari viphale janama
goìäinu, indicating that unless one worships Rädhä-Kåñëa, one's human
form of life is wasted. Väsudeve bhagavati bhakti-yogaù prayojitaù/ janayaty
äçu vairägyam (SB 1.2.7). By engagement in the service of Väsudeva, one
very quickly renounces material life. The members of the Kåñëa
consciousness movement, for example, being engaged in Väsudeva-bhakti,
very quickly come to the stage of being nice Vaiñëavas, so much so that
people are surprised that mlecchas and yavanas are able to come to this
stage. This is possible by Väsudeva-bhakti. But if we do not come to the
stage of sattva-guëa in this human life, then, as Narottama däsa Öhäkura
sings, hari hari viphale janama goìäinu—there is no profit in gaining this
human form of life.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport10.13.53)

19
Sädhana

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Simply execute your duties in Kåñëa's service, chant sincerely, and follow
the regulative principles faithfully. If you carry out this simple order of life,
all your uncertainties will come to nothing by the grace of the Lord and the
whole matter will become clear.
(Letter to Stephen – January 4, 1971, Bombay)

20
Reading
One who reads Brahma-saàhitä very carefully & scrutinizingly can
understand everything of Kåñëa without any fault. I recommend, therefore
that all my students read Brahma-saàhitä very carefully-especially because
it was translated personally by my spiritual master Çrémad Bhaktisiddhänta
Sarasvaté Goswami Mahäräja.
(Letter to Pradyumna – October 17, 1967, Calcutta)

21
Reading
By reading regularly Çrémad-Bhägavatam, one becomes gradually freed from
the influence of passion and ignorance, and thus becomes situated in
goodness. In such platform one can engage oneself in serious devotional
service, and thus one becomes illuminated with the transcendental
knowledge of Kåñëa. This stage is called liberated stage, and at this time one
becomes freed from all doubts and material bondage, and thus his life
becomes successful.
(Letter to Harivilasa – June 10, 1968, Montreal)

22
Vapu & Väëé

50 | P a g e
There are two conceptions: the physical conception and the vibration
conception. So physical conception is temporary. The vibration conception
is eternal. Just like we are enjoying or we are relishing the vibration of
Kåñëa’s teachings. So by vibration He is present. As soon as we chant Hare
Kåñëa or chant Bhagavad-gétä or Bhägavata, so He is present immediately by
His vibration. He’s absolute. Therefore try to remember His words of
instruction; you’ll not feel separation. You’ll feel that He is with you. So we
should associate by the vibration, and not by the physical presence. That is
real association. Just like we are touching Kåñëa immediately by sound.
Sound vibration. So we should give more stress on the sound vibration,
either of Kåñëa or of the spiritual master. Then we’ll feel happy and no
separation. So whenever we shall feel separation, the best thing is to
remember the teachings. Then it will be very nice.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – Aug 18, 1968, Montreal)

23
Maìgala-ärati
Our activities are aräti, kértana, classes. Everything is done in conformity to
a regular standard. For example, all the temple members, without exception
must rise and attend mangala aräti. Everyone living in the temple must
agree to the standard by proper understanding of the philosophy of tapasya.
There should be a regular daily schedule of events and it should be followed
closely. So you should set the example and also see that the others are
following. Our buildings are not for our sleeping and eating like hotels, but
whoever wants to join us should understand the philosophy of regulated
devotional service.
(Letter to Mukunda – January 12, 1974, Los Angeles)

24
Chanting Quality

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Devotee (1): When in the Bhagavad-gétä it says that the mahä-mantra
cleanses the heart and soul, does that mean that when you just say the
words, just the sound, will that cleanse your heart? Or should you try and
remember Kåñëa with every word and every sound?
Prabhupäda: No. By simply chanting your heart will be cleansed. Yes. Go
on chanting. Therefore we give regulative principle that one must chant at
least sixteen rounds.
Devotee : Should we try to go fast in order to get them done….. in order to
get the rounds done?
Prabhupäda: The first thing is that you should chant without any offense.
In the beginning there may be so many offenses, but the chanting will be
perfect when you are free from ten kinds of offenses.
(Bhagavad-gétä Lecture – January 14, 1969, Los Angeles)
(Original Unedited Quote)
Female devotee (1): When in the Bhagavad-gétä it says that the mahä-
mantra cleanses the heart and soul, does that mean that when you just, like
automatically say the word it says that the mahä-mantra cleanses the heart
and soul, does that mean that when you just, like automatically say the
words, just the sound, will that cleanse your heart? Or should you try and
remember Kåñëa with every word and every sound?
Prabhupäda: No. By simply chanting your heart will be cleansed. Yes. Go on
chanting. Therefore we give regulative principle that one must chant at least
sixteen rounds.
Female devotee (1): Should we try to go fast in order to get them done, in
order to get the rounds done?
Prabhupäda: The first thing is that you should chant without any offense.
You see? In the beginning there may be so many offenses, but the chanting
will be perfect when you are free from ten kinds of offenses.

25
Reading
52 | P a g e
We cannot live for a moment without being questioned or without giving
answers. Because the Çrémad-Bhägavatam deals with questions and answers
that are related to Kåñëa, we can derive the highest satisfaction only by
reading and hearing this transcendental literature. One should learn the
Çrémad-Bhägavatam and make an all-around solution to all problems
pertaining to social, political or religious matters. Çrémad-Bhägavatam and
Kåñëa are the sum total of all things.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 1.2.5)

26
Deity
Only for us, who cannot experience anything beyond matter in our present
conditioned state, do the dhamas and the Lord Himself, in His arca form,
and appear before us resembling matter to give us the facility to see spirit
with material eyes. In the beginning this may be difficult for a neophyte to
understand, but in due course, when one is advanced in devotional service,
it will be easier, and he will appreciate the Lord’s presence in these tangible
forms.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Adi-līlā Purport 5.20)

27
Maìgala-ärati

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This sleeping is the mäyä’s influence. It is stated Yä devé sarva-bhüteñu
nidra-rüpeëa saàsthitaù. This material energy, Devi, has captured
everyone, and the more one sleeps, that means he's under the control of
mäyä. And the more he is not sleeping, he's free from mäyä. Nidrähära-
vihärakädi-vijitau. The Goswämés, they conquered over three things: nidrä,
sleeping; ähära, eating; and mating. These things are the clutches of mäyä.
The more we conquer over it, we are free. Whether I am in the clutches of
mäyä or not can be tested – whether I am sleeping more, whether I am
eating more. One can test himself. And bhakti means vairägya-vidyä, to
conquer over these three things. So practice this. To rise early in the
morning and attend maìgala-ärati is compulsory. It is part of this
education, spiritual education.
(Evening Conversation – January 25, 1977, Puri)
(Unedited original quote)
This sleeping is the mäyä's influence. It is stated in the... Yä devé sarva-
bhüteñu nidra-rüpeëa saàsthitaù.(?) The Devé, this material energy, has
captured everyone, and she is there... The more one sleeps, that means he's
under the control of mäyä. And the more he is not sleeping, he's free from
mäyä. Nidrähära-vihärakädi-vijitau **. The Gosvämés, they conquered over
three things: nidrä, sleeping; ähära, eating; and mating. These things are the
clutches of mäyä. More we have sex, more we have eating, more we have
sleeping, that means I am entangled. The more we conquer over it, we are
free. That we have to try. Whether I am in the clutches of mäyä or not can
be tested—whether I am sleeping more, whether I am eating more, whether
I am more sexually inclined. He can test himself. And bhakti means vairägya-
vidyä, to conquer over these three things. So practice this. They are... To rise
early in the morning and attend maìgala-ärati is compulsory. It is part of
this education, spiritual education.

28
Deity

54 | P a g e
When we see the Deity of Kåñëa in the temple, we should think that the
Deity is Kåñëa. In this way Kåñëa has agreed to be seen by us and even
dressed by us. However, if we think of Kåñëa's viräö-rüpa, His universal
form, what can we do? How can we dress the viräö-rüpa? His many heads
cover the sky, and we cannot even conceive of Him. Kåñëa can become
bigger than the biggest and smaller than the smallest. Therefore this verse
states: bhaktyä pumäï jäta-viräga aindriyät. The more we serve Kåñëa, give
Him things to eat and dress Him nicely, the less we become interested in
our own bodies. In the material world everyone is very busy dressing
himself very nicely in order to be sexually attractive, but if we try to dress
Kåñëa nicely, we will forget our own material dress. If we feed Kåñëa nice
food, we will forget to satisfy our own tongue by going to this or that
restaurant.
(Teachings of Queen Kunté Verses 25-26)

29
Holy Name
A brahmacäré hears only words concerning Kåñëa consciousness; hearing is
the basic principle for understanding, and therefore the pure brahmacäré
engages fully in harer nämänukértanam-chanting and hearing the glories of
the Lord.
(Bhagavad-gītā Purport)

30
Enthusiasm, Patience & Determination

55 | P a g e
This enthusiasm is very good sign, and if you continue to become more and
more enthusiastic to be always strictly engaged in devotional service while
observing carefully the rules and regulations,
Kåñëa will surely bestow upon you full success in Kåñëa Consciousness and
thus your life will be happy and successful.
(Letter to Ekayani – May 3, 1970, Los Angeles)

31
Deity
Kåñëa is always Kåñëa, but because we cannot see anything beyond material
elements like wood, stone, and metal, He appears in a form made of these
elements. But He is neither wood, metal, nor stone. When we associate with
the Deity, we associate with Kåñëa personally. Because Kåñëa is invisible,
He very kindly takes a form that is visible to us. This is Kåñëa's mercy. Do
not think, "Oh, here is a stone Kåñëa." Kåñëa is everything, and therefore
Kåñëa is stone also, but He is not the kind of stone that cannot act. Even in
the form of stone or metal, Kåñëa can act as Kåñëa, and one who worships
the Deity will perceive that. svayam eva sphuraty adaù. The Deity, although
apparently stone, may speak with a devotee.
(Teachings of Queen Kunti verse 4)

April
56 | P a g e
1
Enthusiasm, Patience & Determination
Do not be disturbed. There is no cause for anxiety. You are doing your best
to serve Kåñëa, that is very much appreciated, so do not lose enthusiasm
out of frustration; that will spoil everything. Kåñëa Consciousness means
we should always be satisfied and happy, not that we must work something
impossible, become overburdened, and then because we are unhappy by so
much trouble we lose enthusiasm altogether and give up all hope. No. If too
much endeavour is there, that is to be avoided.
(Letter to Tejiyas – December 19, 1972, Delhi)

2
Sädhana
If you actually want to become free from the contamination of this material
world, then you should always be engaged in chanting, Saìkértanam. Not
only the holy name, but reading the Kåñëa book, The Nectar of Devotion,
Teachings of Lord Caitanya. If you feel tired chanting, you read these books.
We have got so many books. If you feel tired reading this book, then transfer
your attention to another book, or another book, or chant. Simply do not
to waste a single moment. Caitanya Mahäprabhu says Kértanéyaù sadä hariù
[Cc. Ädi 17.31]. Sadä means always. So we have got materials for engaging
ourself always in Kåñëa consciousness.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – February 14, 1971, Gorakhpur)
(Original unedited quote)
If you actually want to become free from the contamination of this material
world, then you should always be engaged in chanting, Saìkértanam. Not
only the holy name, but reading the Kåñëa book, The Nectar of Devotion,
Teachings of Lord Caitanya. If you feel tired chanting, you read these books.
57 | P a g e
Sometimes there is psychology, transfer. You are reading some book, you
want to read another book. So we have got so many books. If you feel tired
this book, then transfer your attention to another book, or another book,
or chant. Find out. Simply, not to waste a single moment. Kértanéyaù sadä
hariù [Cc. Ädi 17.31]. Caitanya Mahäprabhu says sadä. Sadä means always.
So we have got materials for engaging ourself always in Kåñëa
consciousness.

3
Holy Name
Since no one is more powerful than or equal to the energy of the Supreme
Lord, no one’s name can be as powerful as that of the Lord. By chanting the
Lord’s holy name, one can derive all the stipulated energy synchronized
from all sources.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 2.1.12)

4
Vapu & Väëé
In the absolute world there is no distinction as me, or he, and I. Kåñëa and
His representative are the same. Just like Kåñëa can be present
simultaneously in millions of places. Similarly, the Spiritual Master also can
be present wherever the disciple wants. Spiritual Master is the principle, not
the body. Just like a television can be seen in thousands of places by the
principle of relay monitoring.
(Letter to Malati – May 28, 1968, Allston)

5
Vaiñëava-aparädha

58 | P a g e
One should always think of oneself as a servant of the servant of the äcäryas,
and thinking this, one should live in the society of Vaiñëava. However, if
one thinks that he has become very mature and can live separate from the
association of Vaiñëava and thus gives up all the regulative principles due
to offending a Vaiñëava, one's position becomes very dangerous. Giving up
the regulative principles and living according to one's whims is compared
to a mad elephant, which by force uproots the bhakti-latä and breaks it to
pieces. In this way the bhakti-latä shrivels up. Such an offense is especially
created when one disobeys the instructions of the spiritual master. This is
called guru-avajïä. The devotee must therefore be very careful not to
commit offenses against the spiritual master by disobeying his instructions.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Madhya-līlā Purport 19.156)

6
Enthusiasm, Patience & Determination
One should chant the holy name of the Lord with faith, enthusiasm and
firm conviction on the statement of Lord Caitanya that simply by chanting
the mahä-mantra, one can be gradually elevated to the highest platform.
(Letter to Kanupriya, January 15, 1969, Los Angeles)

(Original unedited quote)

“What one should do is chant the Holy Name of the Lord with faith,
enthusiasm, and firm conviction on the statement of Lord Caitanya that
simply by chanting the Maha Mantra one can be gradually elevated to the
highest platform of spiritual perfection.”

7
Reading

59 | P a g e
Indian Man: We like your company very much and we feel like talking to
you so much, but we don’t have so much time to talk with you.
Prabhupäda: So in my absence you read the books. What I talk, I have
written in the books. That’s all.
Indian Man: Personally, we think the association is greater.
Prabhupäda: That’s all right. But still, you can associate with me by reading
my books.
(Morning Walk – August 7, 1975, Toronto)
(Original unedited quote)
Indian Man (2): ...like your company very much in Toronto and we feel like
talk you so much, but we don't have so much time to talk with you. You have
so much mercy, so we have not... know so much about Kåñëa from you.
Prabhupäda: So in my absence you read the books. What I talk, I have
written in the books. That's all.
Indian Man (2): Personally, we think more greater.
Prabhupäda: That's all right. But still, you can associate with me by reading
my books.

8
Holy Name
If you always chant Hare Kåñëa, that means you remember Kåñëa always. So
there is chance, ninety-nine percent chance that at the time of your death
60 | P a g e
you will think of Kåñëa and your life is successful. Very simple method.
Make always your mind absorbed in Kåñëa. Naturally at the time of death
you will think of Kåñëa.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – December 31, 1973, Los Angeles)

(Original unedited quote)

“If you always chant Hare Kåñëa, Hare Kåñëa, Kåñëa Kåñëa, Hare Hare/
Hare Räma, Hare Räma, Räma Räma, Hare Hare, that means you remember
Kåñëa always. So there is chance, ninety-nine percent chance that at the time
of your death you will think of Kåñëa and your life is successful. Very simple
method. Make always your mind absorbed in Kåñëa. Naturally at the time of
death you will think of Kåñëa.

9
Chanting Quality

61 | P a g e
Indian man: Prabhupäda, when we do our chanting, the chanting beads
contain 108 beads. Why is this, and why do we chant sixteen rounds?
Prabhupäda: Not sixteen rounds. You can chant unlimitedly. Minimum 16
rounds because they cannot chant more than that. Otherwise kértanéyaù
sadä hariù [Cc. Ädi 17.31]. So you must have a fixed amount of kértana.
That is called tapasya, that "We must finish at least this much, if not more."
Saìkhyä-pürvaka-näma-gäna-natibhiù. Saìkhyä-pürvaka. By numerical
strength one should chant. That is called vow. This is the idea. We cannot
imitate Haridäsa Öhäkura, who was chanting 300,000 times. One name is
sufficient. If you can chant one name only, that is sufficient. But that is not
possible. So to understand the value of name at least we must have some
numerical strength. All the Gosvämés used to do that. We follow their
footprints.
(Bhagavad-gétä Lecture – October 28, 1975, Nairobi)
(Original unedited quote)
“Indian man (8): Prabhupäda, when we do our chanting, the chanting beads
contain 108 beads. Why is this, and why do we chant sixteen rounds?
Prabhupäda: Not sixteen rounds. You can chant unlimitedly.
Indian man (8): No, minimum
Prabhupäda: Minimum because they cannot chant more than that, therefore
minimum. Otherwise kértanéyaù sadä hariù [Cc. Ädi 17.31]. So you must
have a fixed amount of kértana. That is called tapasya, that "We must finish
at least this much, if not more." Saìkhyä-pürvaka-näma-gäna-natibhiù.
Saìkhyä-pürvaka. By numerical strength one should chant. That is called
vow. This is the idea. So these Europeans, Americans, they cannot imitate
Haridäsa Öhäkura, who was chanting 300,000 times. So we do not advise to
imitate. Really do something. One name is sufficient. If you can chant one
name only, that is sufficient. But that is not possible. So to understand the
value of name at least we must have some numerical strength. All the
Gosvämés used to do that. We follow their footprints.”

62 | P a g e
10
Deity
The common man, who is expected to become at least a third-class devotee,
is advised herein to visit the temple of the Lord and bow down before the
Deity, even though he may be a very rich man or even a king with a silk
turban or crown. The Lord is the Lord of everyone, including the great kings
and emperors, and men who are rich in the estimation of mundane people
must therefore make it a point to visit the temple of Lord Çré Kåñëa and
regularly bow down before the Deity. The Lord in the temple in the
worshipable form is never to be considered to be made of stone or wood,
for the Lord in His arcä incarnation as the Deity in the temple shows
immense favor to the fallen souls by His auspicious presence.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 2.3.21)

11
Chanting Quality
In our preaching work, we deal with so much property and money and so
many books bought and sold, but because these dealings all pertain to the
Kåñëa consciousness movement, they should never be considered material.
That one is absorbed in thoughts of such management does not mean that
he is outside of Kåñëa consciousness. If one rigidly observes the regulative
principle of chanting sixteen rounds of the mahä-mantra every day, his
dealings with the material world for the sake of spreading the Kåñëa
consciousness movement are not different from the spiritual cultivation of
Kåñëa consciousness.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 5.16.3)

12
63 | P a g e
Vaiñëava-aparädha
The Lord says in Çrémad-Bhägavatam that offering respect to His devotee is
more valuable than offering respect to Him. Devotees do not identify with
the body, so offering respect to a Vaiñëava means offering respect to Viñëu.
It is stated also that as a matter of etiquette as soon as one sees a Vaiñëava
one must immediately offer him respect, indicating the Supersoul sitting
within. A Vaiñëava sees the body as a temple of Viñëu.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 4.3.22)

13
Guru Issue
One who is not self-controlled, specifically in sex life, can become neither
a disciple nor a spiritual master. One must have disciplinary training in
controlling speaking, anger, the tongue, the mind, the belly and the
genitals. One who has controlled the particular senses mentioned above is
called a gosvami. Without becoming a gosvami one can become neither a
disciple nor a spiritual master. The so-called spiritual master without sense
control is certainly the cheater, and the disciple of such a so-called spiritual
master is the cheated.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 2.9.43)

14
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Vapu & Väëé
There are two kinds of service to the Spiritual Master One is called väëé-
seva and the other is called vapu-seva. Väëé-seva means executing the
instructions, and vapu-seva means physically or personally rendering
service. So in the absence of physical presentation of the Spiritual Master
the väëé-seva is more important. My Spiritual Master, Sarasvati Gosvami
Ṭhākur, may appear to be physically not present, but still because I try to
serve His instruction I never feel separated from Him. I expect that all of
you should follow these instructions.
(Letter to Karandhara – August 22, 1970, Tokyo)

15
Guru Issue
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Why did this Gauòéya Maöha fail? Because they tried to become more than
guru. Before passing away Bhaktisiddhänta Saraswati Öhäkura gave all
directions but never said that ‘This man should be the next äcärya.’ But after
his passing away these people began to fight that who shall be äcärya. That
is the failure. They never thought, ‘Why Guru Mahäräja gave us instruction
on so many things but did not say that this man should be äcärya?’ They
wanted to artificially create somebody äcärya and hence everything failed.
They did not consider even with common sense that if Guru Mahäräja
wanted to appoint somebody as äcärya, why did he not say? He said so
many things, and how could he miss this real point? They declared some
unfit person to become äcärya. Then another man came, then another,
äcärya, another äcärya. So better remain a foolish person perpetually to be
directed by Guru Mahäräja. That is perfection.
(Room Conversation – August 16, 1976, Bombay)
(Unedited original quote)
Why this Gauòéya Maöha failed? Because they tried to become more than
guru. He, before passing away, he gave all direction and never said that
"This man should be the next äcärya." But these people, just after his passing
away they began to fight, who shall be äcärya. That is the failure. They never
thought, "Why Guru Mahäräja gave us instruction so many things, why he
did not say that this man should be äcärya?" They wanted to create
artificially somebody äcärya and everything failed. They did not consider
even with common sense that if Guru Mahäräja wanted to appoint somebody
as äcärya, why did he not say? He said so many things, and this point he
missed? The real point? And they insist upon it. They declared some unfit
person to become äcärya. Then another man came, then another, äcärya,
another äcärya. So better remain a foolish person perpetually to be directed
by Guru Mahäräja. That is perfection.

16
Guru Issue

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“This is the process of initiation. The disciple must admit that he will no
longer commit sinful activity [...] He promises to execute the order of the
spiritual master. Then the spiritual master takes care of him and elevates
him to spiritual emancipation.”
(Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta Madhya-lélä Purport 24.256)
(Original unedited quote)
“This is the process of initiation. The disciple must vow that he will no longer
commit sinful activity–namely illicit sex, meat-eating, gambling and
intoxication. He promises to execute the order of the spiritual master. Then
the spiritual master takes care of him and elevates him to spiritual
emancipation.”

17
Vaiñëava-aparädha
An offense at the lotus feet of a Vaiñëava is the greatest offense in this world.
When one serves a Vaiñëava unknowingly, one still gets the good result,
and if one unknowingly insults a Vaiñëava, one suffers the bad result.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 4.9.23)

18
Vapu & Väëé

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There are two conceptions of presence-the physical conception and the
vibrational conception. The physical conception is temporary, whereas the
vibrational conception is eternal. When we enjoy or relish the vibration of
Kåñëa’s teachings in Bhagavad-gétä, or when we chant Hare Kåñëa, we
should know that by those vibrations He is immediately present. He is
absolute, and because of this His vibration is just as important as His
physical presence. When we feel separation from Kåñëa or the spiritual
master, we should just try to remember their words of instructions, and we
will no longer feel that separation. Such association with Kåñëa and the
spiritual master should be association by vibration, not physical presence.
That is real association.
(Elevation to Kåñëa Consciousness- Chapter 4)

19
Guru
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Nityananda is the principle of the guru. So, the Gurudeva is the incarnation
of Nityananda. Anyone strictly following the instruction of the guru is
following Nityananda. The price one has to pay if he wants to become Krsna
conscious is that he must dedicate himself to following the order of the
spiritual master, mahat-seva. If the spiritual master is pleased with the
disciple, then the blessings of guru will be there. That is the best way to
become Krsna conscious, and Krsna is non-different from Nityananda. You
may pray to Lord Nityananda to help you become dedicated in the service
of your guru. Krsna consciousness cannot be achieved artificially. You
should approach Nityananda Prabhu through your spiritual master.
(Letter to Makhanlal dasa - 24th October, 1976, Vrindavan)

20
Sädhana
Go on preaching for now, we shall see the money matters later. Preaching
is our life. Follow strictly the principles, read, chant,-then there is success.
And if you don't do this, spiritual strength is reduced. A snake is very
powerful so long he has got poison. If it has no poison, nobody cares for it.
Similarly, this chanting, reading, and following the principles is our
spiritual strength.
(Letter to Gargamuni – June 8, 1975, Honolulu)

21
Determination
That is kevalä bhakti. If sometimes it appears that he has deviated out of
past habit, that is excused. Api cet suduräcäro bhajate mäm ananya-bhäk,
sädhur eva sa mantavyaù [Bg. 9.30]. But not intentional. We should not fall
down and deviate from our path of devotional service intentionally. That is
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very great criminality. We must try our best, kevalayä bhaktyä. Kecit means
this determination is very difficult. Therefore it has been said here, Kecit,
"somebody," not all. Not all can get that determination. But everyone can
get determination, provided he likes. It is not determination is monopolized
by a certain man. Anyone who determines that "I shall simply serve Kåñëa,"
that simple determination will save him
(Original unedited quote)
That is kevalä bhakti. If sometimes it appears that he has deviated out of
past habit, that is excused. Api cet suduräcäro bhajate mäm ananya-bhäk,
sädhur eva sa mantavyaù [Bg. 9.30]. But not intentional. We should not fall
down and deviate from our path of devotional service intentionally. That will
not... That is very great criminality. We must try our best, kevalayä bhaktyä.
So Kecit. Kecit means this determination is very difficult. Therefore it has
been said here, Kecit, "somebody," not all. Not all can get that
determination. But everyone can get determination, provided he likes. It is
not determination is monopolized by a certain man. Anyone who determines
that "I shall simply serve Kåñëa," that simple determination will save him.

22
Enthusiasm, Patience & Determination
Rüpa Gosvämé says that to advance in spiritual life, the first principle is
utsäha. Utsäha means enthusiasm. “Yes, Kåñëa says, sarvadharmän
parityajya mäm ekaà çaraëaà vraja. I will accept it and work
enthusiastically.” Kåñëa says, man-manä bhava mad-bhakto mad-yäjé mäà
namaskuru, and we have to execute it enthusiastically, “Yes, I shall always
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think of Kåñëa.” Kåñëa says directly, “You just become My devotee.” So we
have to be enthusiastic, “Yes, I shall become Kåñëa’s devotee.” Kåñëa says,
“Worship Me,” so we should be very much enthusiastic to worship Kåñëa,
offer Maìgala-ärätrika, rise early in the morning. Those who are not
enthusiastic, lazy, lethargic, they cannot advance in spiritual life. One must
be very, very enthusiastic and positive.
(Çrémad-Bhägavatam Lecture – January 7, 1975, Bombay)
(Original unedited quote)
“Therefore Rüpa Gosvämé says that spiritual life can be advanced, the first
principle is utsäha. Utsähät. Utsäha means enthusiasm: "Yes, Kåñëa says,
sarva-dharmän parityajya mäm ekaà çaraëaà vraja [Bg. 18.66]. I will
accept it and work enthusiastically on the principle, as Kåñëa says." Kåñëa
says, man-manä bhava mad-bhakto mad-yäjé mäà namaskuru [Bg. 18.65],
and we have to do it, execute it enthusiastically: "Yes, I shall always think of
Kåñëa." Man-manäù. Kåñëa says directly. Man-manä bhava mad-bhaktaù,
"You just become My devotee." So we have to be enthusiastic, "Yes, I shall
become Kåñëa's devotee." Man-manä bhava mad-bhakto mad-yäjé. Kåñëa
says, "Worship Me," so we should be very much enthusiastic to worship
Kåñëa, offer Maìgala-ärätrika, rise early in the morning. These are all
enthusiasm, utsäha. Those who are not enthusiastic, lazy, lethargic, they
cannot advance in spiritual life. Simply sleeping, they cannot make. One
must be very, very enthusiastic, positive.”

23
Chanting Quality
I am so glad to learn that you are now getting the fruit of chanting Hare
Kåñëa. Hare Kåñëa is so nice that it clears the dirty things from the mind of
the devotee and the more one is used to chant the Holy Name offenselessly,
the more one develops love of God, forgetting the whole material nonsense.

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It is my duty to deliver you the right thing in right earnestness and it is the
duty of the receiver to act in the standard spiritual regulation.
(Letter to Umapati – November 23, 1967, Calcutta)

24
Sadhana
I am very much anxious that at the same time as you carry out all these
outside activities, you are maintaining a strict schedule of temple activities.
Such regular activities like attendance of arati, chanting of rounds, study of
literatures in the class will keep you fit for effective preaching work in the
outer field. Our standard of purity must be kept, otherwise there will be
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loss of spiritual strength, and subsequent fall down. Everyone of you should
be thoroughly convinced of the power of the Hare Krsna mantra to protect
you in all circumstances and chant accordingly at all times without offence.
Then advancement will be swift and you will gradually come to see
everything clearly so that you may act for the pleasure of the Lord without
uncertainty. When one is spontaneously engaged in this way, always in the
service of the Lord and anxious to avoid all mundane activities, he is
actually experiencing the taste of bliss in Krsna consciousness.
(Letter to Damodara - January 10, 1971, Allahabad)

25
Reading
You are happy because you are chanting, dancing, reading Çrémad-
Bhägavatam and all the books. If you do these things regularly, then your
life is a success. Anyone who chants and follows the rules and regulations,
where is there room for anxiety for him?
(Letter to Revatinandana – November 7, 1975, Bombay)

26
Holy Name
The powerful hari-nama is so strong that even if one unconsciously or
consciously chants, say they have no intention to chant the holy name of
Kåñëa, but they imitate or criticize, “Hare Kåñëa.” That also has effect.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – January 10, 1971, Calcutta)
(Original unedited quote)
“The powerful hari-näma is so strong that even one unconsciously or
conscious... Sometimes they imitate: "Hare Kåñëa." They have no intention
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to chant the holy name of Kåñëa, but they imitate or criticize, "Hare Kåñëa."
That has also effect.”

27
Vapu & Väëé
One should have complete faith in the guru, who helps the disciple make
progress in spiritual life. As soon as the disciple thinks independently, not
caring for the instructions of the spiritual master, he is a failure
(yasyäprasädän na gatiù kuto 'pi).
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 8.17.1)

28
Maìgala-ärati
The training is, according to çästra and the instruction of the spiritual
master, that: rise early in the morning. There are thousands and millions of
men at the present moment who have got attachment for the family and rise
at four o’clock and prepare himself to take this trouble of going so many
miles away for office. Why he is taking so much trouble? Family
attachment. Not that he has no attachment. But the same four o' clock,
rising early in the morning, for Kåñëa's maìgala-ärati is a better diversion.
But he'll not agree. When he has got to go to office for earning his
livelihood, he will automatically rise up and go to the office, because the
attachment is strong. But in the temple, the rule is that you must get up
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before four and prepare yourself. So this has to be practiced. This has to be
practiced if you want to divert your attention. Because we have no
attachment for Kåñëa, we have to be forced. Never mind. Still we have to
continue this, to increase attachment for Kåñëa, mayy äsakta manäù pärtha.
We have to train our mind how to become attached to Kåñëa. This is bhakti
process. The business is the same, but we have to be trained up for
increasing our attachment for Kåñëa. Not that we have to bring a separate
attachment. It has to be cleansed.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – December 10, 1975, Vṛndāvana)
(Original unedited quote)
“The training is, according to çästra and the instruction of the spiritual
master, that (indistinct): rise early in the morning. Just like a man... Not one
man, there are thousands and millions of men at the present moment,
because he has got attachment for the family he rises at four o'clock and
prepares himself to catch the train at six o'clock to reach Calcutta, Bombay
at ten o'clock and attend the office. So from four o'clock to ten o'clock, he has
taken so much changing. I have seen in New York also, they are coming in
from the other island and waiting for the bus, waiting for the ferry steamer,
and so many hours wasted to reach the office. And he works in the office for
four or five hours, then again he takes this trouble of going so many miles
away. Why he is taking so much trouble? Family attachment. Family
attachment. So the people are... Not that he has no attachment. He has got
attachment, but this attachment, the same four o' clock, rising early in the
morning, for Kåñëa's maìgala-ärati. This is diversion, a better. But he'll not
agree. When he has got to go to office for earning his livelihood, he will
automatically rise up and go to the office, because the attachment is strong.
But in the temple, the rule is that you must get up before four and prepare
yourself, and we have to ring the bells three hundred times, and still you are
sleeping. Just see.
So this has to be practiced. This has to be practiced if you want to divert your
attention. The same process. But because we have no attachment for Kåñëa,

75 | P a g e
we have to be forced. Never mind. Still we have to continue this, mayy
äsakta..., to increase attachment for Kåñëa, mayy äsakta manäù pärtha. We
have to train our mind how to become attached to Kåñëa. This is bhakti
process. The business is the same, but we have to be trained up for increasing
our attachment for Kåñëa. Not that we have to bring a separate attachment.
It has to be cleansed.”

29
Enthusiasm, Patience & Determination
The first thing is enthusiasm, that "I must see Kåñëa." You are seeing Kåñëa.
The Deity of Kåñëa and Kåñëa is not different. But even personally you can
see. Simply we have to continue the enthusiasm. Enthusiasm means to take
things very seriously, utsähäd dhairyät, and patiently. Although we are
determined to go back to home, back to Godhead, so we should patiently
follow the rules and regulations. So these are the six principles:
endeavour..., mean, enthusiasm, and firm determination, and patience, and
executing the regulative principles, tat-tat-karma-pravartanät, and sato
våtteù, means behaviour must be very honest, no duplicity, and... Utsähäd
dhairyät niçcayät tat-tat-karma-pravartanät, and sato våtteù, dealing must be
very honestly, no hypocrisy, tat-tat-karma-pravartanät, sädhu-saìga, and in
the association of devotees. If you follow these six principles, namely
enthusiasm, determination, patience, and executing the regulative principle
and keep yourself honest and in the association of devotee, if you follow
these six principle, then your success is sure.
(Departure Lecture – February 25, 1975, Caracas)

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30
Kṛṣṇa is the supreme controller.

īśvaraḥ paramaḥ Kṛṣṇaḥ

sac-cid-ānanda-vigrahaḥ
anādir ādir govindaḥ
sarva-kāraṇa-kāraṇam
(Bs. 5.1)
He's the supreme controller, but He is controlled by His devotee, Śrīmatī
Rādhārāṇī. He is controlled. So it is not to be easily understood what the
pastimes between...is But Kṛṣṇa is willingly agreed to be controlled by His
devotee. That is Kṛṣṇa nature. Just like Mother Yaśodā. Mother Yaśodā is
controlling Kṛṣṇa, binding Him: "You are very naughty? I will bind you."
Mother Yaśodā has a stick, and Kṛṣṇa is crying. Kṛṣṇa is crying. These
things you study. It is stated in the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Kunti's prayer,
how she is appreciating "My dear Kṛṣṇa, You are the Supreme. But when
under the stick of Mother Yaśodā you are crying, that scene I want to see."
So Kṛṣṇa is so bhakta-vatsala that He is the supreme controller. But a
devotee like Mother Yaśodā, a devotee like Rādhārāṇī, devotees like gopīs,
devotees like the cowherd boy, they can control Kṛṣṇa. That is Vṛndāvana
life.

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 May

1
Maìgala-ärati
Without tapasya you cannot be purified. That little tapasya we have
prescribed, that "Rise early in the morning at half past three," but they are
so downtrodden, they cannot do it. "Let me sleep five minutes more. I'll
enjoy." Just see how much we are fallen. We cannot sacrifice, say, fifteen
minutes or half an hour's sleep. We consider, "Sleeping is very good
enjoyment." "I have slept so much. That is my life's success." The rascal
does not know that he is becoming implicated for the next birth. If you are
sleeping too much, then you become owl. Nature is prepared to give you
facilities. The owl can sleep for the whole day.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – September 20, 1975, Vṛndāvana)
(Original unedited quote)
Without tapasya you cannot be purified. That little tapasya we have
prescribed, that "Rise early in the morning at half past three," but they are
so downtrodden, they cannot do it. "Let me sleep five minutes more. I'll
enjoy." You see? Such downtrodden. They were performing austerities,
standing in the water in winter season, and we are recommending, "Please

78 | P a g e
rise early in the morning at half past three. Be prepared for maìgala-ärati,"
it is very difficult job. Just see how much we are fallen. We cannot sacrifice,
say, fifteen minutes or half an hour's sleep. We consider, "Sleeping is very
good enjoyment." I have seen in the Western countries, they want to sleep so
much. That is enjoyment. Up to twelve o'clock in daytime. There are many
Indians also, they sleep up to twelve o'clock, and then they prepare for going
to the office, big man. He goes to the office at four o'clock when the office is
going to be closed. That is their enjoyment. "I have slept so much. That is my
life's success. I have eaten so much. That is my enjoyment. I have enjoyed
sex life so much. That is enjoyment." He does not know... The rascal does
not know that he is becoming implicated for the next birth. If you are too
much sleeping, then you become owl.You know? The whole day they can
sleep, the owl. If you want to be naked, all right, you become a tree. Stand
five thousand years naked. If you want sex, all right, become a hog or a
monkey. Nature is prepared to give you facilities.

2
Chanting Quality
One must strictly chant the Hare Kåñëa mahä-mantra twenty-four hours
daily. One may have other duties to perform under the direction of the
spiritual master, but he must first abide by the spiritual master’s order to
chant a certain number of rounds. In our Kåñëa consciousness movement,
we have recommended that the neophyte chant at least sixteen rounds. This
chanting of sixteen rounds is absolutely necessary if one wants to remember
Kåñëa and not forget Him. Of all the regulative principles, the spiritual
master’s order to chant at least sixteen rounds is most essential.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Madhya-līlā Purport 22.113)

3
Vaiñëava-aparädha

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Everyone wants that "I am very honorable man, prestigious man. And you
should respect me." That is our material disease. "I do not want to respect
you, but you should offer me respect." This is the position. Therefore our
system is to call another Vaiñëava as prabhu. But if we call prabhu, but think,
"No, you are not prabhu; I am prabhu. You are servant", that cheating
process will not help us. Actually, we should believe that he is prabhu. "He
is servant of Kåñëa; therefore he is my prabhu." This is Vaiñëava mentality.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – October 23, 1976, Vṛndāvana)

(Original unedited quote)

“Everyone wants that "I am very honourable man, prestigious man. And you
should respect me." That is our material disease. "I do not want to respect
you, but you should offer me respect." This is the position. Therefore our
system is to call another Vaiñëava as prabhu. "Sir, you are prabhu, you are
master." But we call prabhu, but I think, "No, you are not prabhu; I am
prabhu. You are servant." This cheating process will not help us. Actually,
we should believe that he is prabhu. "He is servant of Kåñëa; therefore he is
my prabhu." This is Vaiñëava mentality.”

4
Vapu & Väëé
Reporter: Who will succeed you when you die?
Çréla Prabhupäda: I will never die!
Devotees: Jaya! Haribol!
Çréla Prabhupäda: I will live forever from my books and you will utilize.
(Press conference – July 16, 1975, San Francisco)

5
Reading

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"The instruction given in my books is supposed to be personal instruction.
When we read the Bhagavad-gétä As It Is, it is understood that we are
receiving personal instructions of Kåñëa. No physical barrier is there in the
case of spiritual affairs."
(Letter to Dhåñöaketu – October 14, 1973, Bombay)

6
Deity
When we are advanced in spiritual consciousness, then we can see God
everywhere. mayä tatam idaà sarvaà jagad avyakta-mürtinä. The Lord is
everywhere, and He is not everywhere also. Just like you have got this post
box. When you put your letter. It will go to the destination because it is
authorized. Similarly, the Deity established in a temple is authorized.
(Bhagavad-gītā Lecture – November 24, 1966, New York)

(Original unedited quote)

“When we are advanced in spiritual consciousness, then we can see God
everywhere. Mayä tatam idaà sarvaà jagad avyakta-mürtinä [Bg. 9.4]. So
He is everywhere, and He is not everywhere also. Just like you have got this
post box. The post box means the Post Office. You put your letter. It will go
to the destination because it is authorized. Similarly, the authorized Deity,
established in a temple.”

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7
Vaiñëava-aparädha
Kåñëa will never tolerate insult on a devotee. He will never tolerate. The
devotee may excuse, tåëäd api sunécena taror api sahiñëunä. Just like
Prahläda Mahäräja, he was suffering. His father was torturing him. But
Kåñëa never tolerates. Even if you insult Kåñëa, He will tolerate. But if you
insult His devotee, He will never tolerate. Then you are finished. Just like a
big man. If you insult him, he may think "All right, let him." But if you
insult or do some harm to his child, he will never tolerate. Similarly, a
devotee who is dependent on Kåñëa in everything, and if somebody does
harm to him or insults him, Kåñëa will never tolerate. That is explained in
the Caitanya-caritämåta. Tära madhye Vaiñëava-aparädha häti matta. So we
should be very careful not to offend Vaiñëava devotees. This is greatest
offense. Therefore it is said vipra-çäpa-vimüòhänäà. vimüòhänäà. Those
who are rascal, fools, they will want to try to insult real brähmaëa, Vaiñëava.
Then they are finished. A Vaiñëava never curses but tolerates. But Viñëu
never tolerates.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – December 2, 1973, Los Angeles)

(Original unedited quote)

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“Kåñëa will never tolerate insult on a devotee. He will never tolerate. The
devotee may excuse, tåëäd api sunécena taror api sahiñëunä. He may suffer.
Just like Prahläda Mahäräja, he was suffering. His father was torturing him.
He was suffering, "All right." But Kåñëa never tolerated. "Oh, you have done
so much. Now it is the time to kill him." This is the process. Kåñëa will
tolerate. Even you insult Kåñëa, He will tolerate. But if you insult His
devotee, He will never tolerate. Then you are finished. Then you are finished.
Just like a big man. If you insult him, he may think "All right, let him." But
if you insult or do something harm to his child, he will never tolerate. He will
never tolerate. Similarly, a devotee who is dependent on Kåñëa in everything,
and if somebody does harm to him, insults him, Kåñëa will never tolerate.
That is explained in the Caitanya-caritämåta, vaiñëava-aparädha. Tära
madhye vaiñëava-aparädha häti matta. So we should be very careful not to
offend Vaiñëava devotees. Not to offend. This is greatest offense. Therefore
it is said vipra-çäpa-vimüòhänäm. Vimüòhänäm. Those who are rascal,
fools, they will want to try to insult real brähmaëa, Vaiñëava. Then they are
finished. Of course, a Vaiñëava never curses. Tolerates. Tåëäd api sunécena
taror... Vaiñëava tolerates, but Viñëu never tolerates.”

8
Sädhana
As soon as one discontinues his staunch following of the regulative
principles such as no meat eating, no illicit sex, no intoxication, no
gambling, rising early before 4 AM coming to mangala aräti, chanting at
least 16 rounds, etc., then his spiritual life is hampered and there is a chance
that at any time he may become a victim of mäyä.
(Letter to Revatinandana – December 15, 1974, Bombay)

9
Chanting Quality

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You must practice how to love Kåñëa. First you have to rise early in the
morning. You may not like to do that, but you think, "I will rise early to
satisfy Kåñëa." This is the beginning. Then, "I have to chant sixteen rounds
of the Hare Kåñëa mantra on my beads." You may be lazy, you may not want
to do it, but if you want to love Kåñëa you must do it. You must do it. In the
beginning you have to learn how to love Kåñëa, but when you actually come
to the state of love of God there is no question of "have to." You will
spontaneously follow the regulative principles.
(TQE 7a: The Yoga of Pure Attachment)

(Original unedited quote)

“You must practice how to love Kåñëa. First you have to rise early in the
morning. You don't like to, but you think, "I will rise early to satisfy Kåñëa."
This is the beginning. Then, "I have to chant sixteen rounds of the Hare
Kåñëa mantra on my beads." You may be lazy, you may not want to do it,
but if you want to love Kåñëa you must do it. You must do it. In the beginning
you have to learn how to love Kåñëa, but when you actually come to the state
of love of God there is no question of "have to." You will spontaneously follow
the regulative principles, because love is there.”

10
Guru Issue
An äcärya must always be eager to deliver the fallen souls. A person who
establishes a temple or maöha to take advantage of people’s sentiments by
using for his livelihood what people contribute for the worship of the Deity
cannot be called a Gosvämé or äcärya. One who knows the conclusion of
the çästras, follows in the footsteps of his predecessors and endeavors to
preach the bhakti cult all over the world is to be considered an äcärya. The
role of an äcärya is not to earn his livelihood through the income of the
temple. Çréla Bhaktisiddhänta Sarasvaté Öhäkura used to say that if one earns
his livelihood by displaying the Deity in the temple, he is not an äcärya or

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Gosvämé. It would be better for him to accept service even as a sweeper in
the street, for that is a more honorable means of earning one’s living.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Antya-līlā Purport 3.223)

11
Holy Name
The basic principle of advancement in our Kåñëa consciousness is stressed
by Caitanya Mahāprabhu that if one simply chants the Hare Kåñëa
Mahämantra without offense and has firm faith in Kåñëa and Spiritual
Master then he will advance and he only can understand the deep import
of Kåñëa consciousness.
(Letter to Stephen – January 4, 1971, Bombay)

12
Holy Name
One who is engaged in Lord Kåñëa's devotional service lives in a direct
relationship with the Supreme Lord, so there is no doubt that his position
is transcendental from the very beginning. A devotee does not live on the
material plane-he lives in Kåñëa. The holy name of the Lord and the Lord
are non-different; therefore when a devotee chants Hare Kåñëa, Kåñëa and
His internal potency are dancing on the tongue of the devotee.
(Bhagavad-gītā Purport 12.8)

13
Deity
Even the third-class devotee-who is not advanced in knowledge of the
Absolute Truth but simply offers obeisances with great devotion, thinks of
the Lord, sees the Lord in the temple and brings forth flowers and fruits to
offer to the Deity-becomes imperceptibly liberated. Çraddhayänvitäù: with
great devotion the devotees offer worshipful respects and paraphernalia to
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the Deity. The Deities of Rädhä and Kåñëa, Lakñmé and Näräyaëa, and Räma
and Sétä are very attractive to devotees, so much so that when they see the
statue decorated in the temple of the Lord they become fully absorbed in
thought of the Lord. That is the state of liberation.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 3.25.36)

14
Maìgala-ärati
Äpani äcari prabhu jéveri çikñäya. That is Caitanya Mahäprabhu's movement.
He teaches others by behaving Himself. "Example is better than precept." If
you cannot rise early in the morning, then how can you ask others to rise
early in the morning? What is the effect? We have got business early in the
morning, to attend maìgala ärati. And if you sleep yourself and teach
others, so who will take it?
(Morning Walk – April 23, 1974, Hyderabad)

(Original unedited quote)

Äpani äcari prabhu jéveri çikñäya. That is Caitanya Mahäprabhu's
movement. He teaches others by behaving Himself. "Example is better than
precept." If you cannot rise early in the morning, then how can you ask
others to rise early in the morning? What is the effect? There is no effect.
We have got business early in the morning, to attend maìgala ärati. And if
you sleep yourself and teach others, so who will take it?

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15
Holy Name
Caitanya Mahäprabhu recommends, kértanéyaù sadä hariù, always chant.
That is the principle. But we cannot do that because we are so much
overwhelmed by the influence of Kali. So we have to chant at least sixteen
rounds. Don’t miss this.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – January 23, 1974, Hawaii)
(Original unedited quote)
Caitanya Mahäprabhu recommends, kértanéyaù sadä hariù [Cc. Ädi 17.31],
always chant. That is the principle. But we cannot do that because we are so
much overwhelmed by the influence of Kali. So at least sixteen rounds. Don't
miss this.

16
Reading

Try to always study our books and see our philosophy from different lights
of directions, become convinced yourself of this knowledge and without a
doubt all of your difficulties of mind will disappear forever and you will see
Kåñëa face-to-face.
(Letter to Bhagavatananda – July 8, 1972, New York)

17
Surrender
I have received also one letter from Upendra today and I am so glad he is
released within 10 days. That was my expectation when he came to see me,
that he couldn't be incarcerated for more than a week. This instance of
suffering by a devotee should be carefully noted. As Upendra was in the
beginning incarcerated for 3 months, it was reduced to one week. Similarly,
when a devotee is seen in trouble, it should be accepted as Gods mercy. Just
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like Upendra's suffering was destined for 3 months by the law, but by the
mercy of God the suffering is reduced to one week only. So a devotee always
accepts his distress as minimized by God's mercy, although he would have
to suffer many more times the suffering. Anyone who accepts this
philosophy of God's mercy in suffering conditions, and still makes progress
in Kåñëa consciousness, it is said that he is sure to go back to home, back
to Godhead.
(Letter to Gurudasa – February 13, 1968, Los Angeles)

18
Deity
The Viñëu forms of worship in great temples of India are not, therefore,
arrangements of idol worship, as they are wrongly interpreted to be by a
class of men with a poor fund of knowledge; rather, they are different
spiritual centers of meditation on the transcendental limbs of the body of
Viñëu. The worshipable Deity in the temple of Viñëu is identical with Lord
Viñëu by the inconceivable potency of the Lord. Therefore, a neophyte's
concentration or meditation upon the limbs of Viñëu in the temple, as
contemplated in the revealed scriptures, is an easy opportunity for
meditation for persons who are unable to sit down tightly at one place and
then concentrate upon praëava oàkära or the limbs of the body of Viñëu,
as recommended herein by Çukadeva Gosvämé, the great authority. The
common man can benefit more by meditating on the form of Viñëu in the
temple than on the oàkära, the spiritual combination of a-u-m as explained
before. There is no difference between oàkära and the forms of Viñëu, but
persons unacquainted with the science of Absolute Truth try to create
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dissension by differentiating between the forms of Viñëu and that of
oàkära. Here it is indicated that the Viñëu form is the ultimate goal of
meditation, and as such it is better to concentrate upon the forms of Viñëu
than on impersonal oàkära. The latter process is also more difficult than
the former.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 2.1.19)

19
Chanting Quality
Everyone begins his devotional life from the neophyte stage, but if one
properly finishes chanting the prescribed number of rounds of hari-näma,
he is elevated step by step to the highest platform, uttama-adhikäré.
(The Nectar of Instruction Text 5)

20
Enthusiasm, Patience & Determination
A living entity cannot stop acting. So when he is forbidden to become
enthusiastic about material achievements, he should at once be encouraged
to be enthusiastic about spiritual achievements. Enthusiasm is a symptom
of the living entity; it cannot be stopped. It is just like a powerful engine: if
you utilize it properly, it will give immense production. Therefore
enthusiasm should be purified. Instead of employing enthusiasm for
attaining material goals, one should be enthusiastic about achieving the
perfectional stage of devotional service. Indeed, enthusing His devotees in
devotional service is the purpose for which Kåñëa descends to this material
world.
(Närada-bhakti-sütra Text 5)

21
Vaiñëava-aparädha
When one thus criticizes a pure devotee, he commits an offense (Vaiñëava-
aparädha) that is very obstructive and dangerous for those who desire to
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advance in Kåñëa consciousness. A person cannot derive any spiritual
benefit when he offends the lotus feet of a Vaiñëava. Everyone should
therefore be very careful not to be jealous of an empowered Vaiñëava, or a
çuddha-Vaiñëava. It is also an offense to consider an empowered Vaiñëava
an object of disciplinary action. It is offensive to try to give him advice or
to correct him.
(Nectar of Instruction Text 6)

22
Sadhana
If the regulative principles are strictly followed there is no chance of maya's
dangerous influence to come in and cause some havoc. Maya is always
peeping, ready to take advantage of our any lapse from devotional standard,
so everyone should be continuously engaged in either chanting, studying
or working or preaching. This full schedule will save you from engagement
elsewhere. Maya and Krsna are always side by side. Either one is serving
Krsna or he is serving maya.
(Letter to Rsabhadeva, November 16th, 1970)

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23
Vapu & Väëé

Today, Sunday, November 10, 1974 ... we have now finished the English
translation of Śrī Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī's Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta in
accordance with the authorized order of His Divine Grace
Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura Gosvāmī Mahārāja, my beloved
spiritual master, guide and friend. Although according to material vision
His Divine Grace Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura Prabhupāda
passed away from this material world on the last day of December, 1936, I
still consider His Divine Grace to be always present with me by his vāṇī,
his words.... I think that His Divine Grace Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī
Ṭhākura is always seeing my activities and guiding me within my heart by
his words. As it is said in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, tene brahma hṛdā ya ādi-
kavaye [SB 1.1.1]. Spiritual inspiration comes from within the heart,
wherein the Supreme Personality of Godhead, in His Paramātmā feature,
is always sitting with all His devotees and associates. It is to be admitted
that whatever translation work I have done is through the inspiration of
my spiritual master because personally I am most insignificant and
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incompetent to do this materially impossible work. I do not think myself a
very learned scholar, but I have full faith in the service of my spiritual
master, His Divine Grace Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura. If there
is any credit to my activities of translating, it is all due to His Divine
Grace.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta ANTYA Concluding Words)

(Original unedited quote)

Today, Sunday, November 10, 1974–corresponding to the 10th of Kärtika,
Caitanya Era 488, the eleventh day of the dark fortnight, the Räma-
ekädaçé-we have now finished the English translation of Çré Kåñëadäsa
Kaviräja Gosvämé’s Çré Caitanya-caritämåta in accordance with the
authorized order of His Divine Grace Bhaktisiddhänta Sarasvaté Öhäkura
Gosvämé Mahäräja, my beloved eternal spiritual master, guide and friend.
Although according to material vision His Divine Grace Çréla
Bhaktisiddhänta Sarasvaté Öhäkura Prabhupäda passed away from this
material world on the last day of December, 1936, I still consider His
Divine Grace to be always present with me by his väëé, his words.

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 ṛṣṇ

24
Deity
If you become anxious how to worship Deity, how to dress Kåñëa nicely,
that will develop your anxiety for Kåñëa. Therefore Deity worship is
essential. Exactly in time to get up, to offer mangala-aräti, to dress, this
anxiety is the beginning of Kåñëa anxiety. Then, when you become perfect,
you'll always be anxious for Kåñëa. And that is perfectional stage. Therefore,
by the injunction of the çästra, it is a way of creating that anxiety. So we
must follow it. Then we'll come to the real anxiety.
(Morning Walk – April 26, 1976, Melbourne)
(Original unedited quote)
If you become anxious how to worship Deity, how to dress Kåñëa nicely, how
to do, if you remain, that will develop your anxiety for Kåñëa. Therefore
Deity worship essential. Exactly in time to get up, to offer maìgala-ärati, to
dress, this anxiety is the beginning of Kåñëa anxiety. Then, when you become
perfect, you'll always be anxious for Kåñëa. And that is perfectional stage.
Therefore, by the injunction of the çästra, regulative, it is a way of creating
that anxiety. So we must follow. Then we'll come to the real anxiety.

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25
Enthusiasm, Patience & Determination
The devotee should patiently follow the rules and regulations of devotional
service so that the day will come when he will achieve, all of a sudden, all
the perfection of devotional service. He should not lament for any loss or
any reverse in his advancement in spiritual life. This patience (dhairyä) is
the third positive item for advancing in devotional service.
(Närada-bhakti-sütra Text 5)

26
Deity
Demons are very much disturbed when devotees worship the Lord in the
prescribed ways recommended in the scriptures. In the Vedic scriptures,
the neophyte devotees are advised to engage in nine kinds of devotional
service, such as to hear and chant the holy name of God, to remember Him
always, to chant on beads Hare Kåñëa, Hare Kåñëa, Kåñëa Kåñëa, Hare Hare/
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare, to worship the Lord in the
form of His Deity incarnation in the temples, and to engage in various
activities of Kåñëa consciousness to increase the number of godly persons
for perfect peace in the world. Demons do not like such activity. They are
always envious of God and His devotees. Their propaganda not to worship
in the temple or church but simply to make material advancement for
satisfaction of the senses is always current.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 3.18.5)

27
Vaiñëava-aparädha

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Vaiñëava-aparädha is never tolerated by Kåñëa. Just like the Päëòavas, they
were Vaiñëavas, and the Duryodhana and company, actually they were not
Vaiñëava. So they insulted. They put them to trouble in so many ways. They
banished them in the jungle. They insulted their wife and so many ways by
clique. So Kåñëa could not tolerate that. So therefore the Battle of Kurukñetra
took place. So Vaiñëava is kind. Arjuna, he said, "My dear Kåñëa, whatever
they have done, that doesn't matter. I cannot kill my family men. Please
excuse." So just see. Arjuna is kind because he is Vaiñëava. But Kåñëa cannot
tolerate. Kåñëa said, "You must kill them. That is My order. You must kill
them."
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – December 2, 1973, Los Angeles)

(Original unedited quote)

Vaiñëava-aparädha is never tolerated by Kåñëa. Just like the Päëòavas, they
were Vaiñëavas, and the Duryodhana and company, they were so-called
Vaiñëava. Actually they were not Vaiñëava. So they insulted. They put to
trouble so many ways. They banished them in the jungle. They insulted their
wife and so many ways by clique. So Kåñëa could not tolerate that. So
therefore the Battle of Kurukñetra.
So Vaiñëava is kind. Arjuna, he said, "My dear Kåñëa, whatever they have
done, that doesn't matter. I cannot kill my family men. Please excuse." So
just see. Arjuna is kind because he is Vaiñëava. But Kåñëa cannot tolerate.
Kåñëa said, "You must kill them. That is My order. You must kill them."

28
Chanting Quality
Devotee: When chanting our sixteen rounds, we are not sure if these rounds
are sincere. How can we make the quality the best?
Prabhupäda: You will understand quality when you first of all come to the
quality. Without having quality, how will you understand the quality? You
follow the instruction of your spiritual master and çästra. That is your duty.
Quality or no quality-that is not your position to understand. When the
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quality comes there is no force. You will have a taste for chanting. You will
desire at that time, “Why sixteen rounds? Why not sixteen thousand
rounds?” That is quality.
(Morning Walk – November 2, 1975, Nairobi)

(Original unedited quote)

Devotee (8): When chanting our sixteen rounds, we are not sure if these
rounds are sincere...
Prabhupäda: You should be sure.
Devotee (8): How can we be sure?
Prabhupäda: There is beads.
Brahmänanda: No, he's saying that when we chant our rounds, how can we
be sure that when we chant the round that the round is a perfect, attentive
round, sincere?
Prabhupäda: Therefore it is çästra, "You must." There is no question of
understanding.
Brahmänanda: The quality of the chanting he's asking. How can we make
the quality the best?
Prabhupäda: Quality, you'll understand first of all come to the quality.
Without having quality, how he'll understand the quality? You follow the
instruction of your spiritual master, of the çästra. That is your duty. Quality,
no quality—it is not your position to understand. When the quality comes
there is no force. You will have a taste for chanting. You will desire at that
time, "Why sixteen round? Why not sixteen thousand rounds?" That is
quality.

29
Vaiñëava-aparädha
A devotee must therefore be completely free from envy, especially of other
devotees. To envy other devotees is a great offense, a Vaiñëava-aparädha. A
devotee who constantly engages in hearing and chanting (çravaëa-kértana)

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is certainly freed from the disease of envy, and thus he becomes eligible to
go back home, back to Godhead.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 9.11.23)

30
Sädhana
Keep yourselves strong in Kåñëa Consciousness by following all of my basic
principles. That is of the utmost importance. Do not fail to chant 16 rounds
daily, rise early, come to maìgala-ärati, come to classes and follow the 4
regulative principles. In this way your life will become free from all
anxieties.
(Letter to Sons – December 28, 1974, Bombay)

31
Maìgala-ärati
Everyone can become first-class sura. They have to be trained. Therefore it
is said that pravåttià ca nivåttià ca janä na vidur äsuräù [Bhagavad-gītā.
16.7]. The fault is, asuras, they do not know how to live a very happy and
clean life. Na çaucaà näpi cäcäraù. They have no cleanliness and good
behavior. So therefore we are teaching cleanliness. So he rises early in the
morning, takes his bath, immediately becomes cleansed. These are the
qualification of brähmaëa or the suras. Therefore we are training, "Rise early
in the morning. Chant Hare Kåñëa. Have maìgala-ärati." This is äcära. By

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practicing this, you can see the distinction between ordinary men or our
men.
(Bhagavad-gītā Lecture – January 27, 1975, Tokyo)

(Original unedited quote)

“Everyone can become first-class sura. They have to be trained. The asuras,
they... Therefore it is said that pravåttià ca nivåttià ca janä na vidur äsuräù
[Bg. 16.7]. Asuras, the fault is, asuras, they do not know how to live a very
happy and clean life. They do not know. Äcära. Na çaucaà näpi cäcäraù.
They have not cleanliness and good behavior.
So therefore we are teaching cleanliness. "You rise early in the morning.
Take your bath." He must be clean immediately. He rises early in the
morning, evacuating. He takes his bath. Immediately becomes cleansed,
çaucam. Sattvaà çaucaà çamo damas titikñä. These are the qualification of
brähmaëa or the suras. But they do not know it. Therefore we are training,
"Rise early in the morning. Chant Hare Kåñëa. Have maìgala-ärati." This is
äcära. This is äcära. By practicing this, you can see the distinction between
ordinary men or our men.”

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 June
1
Surrender
I am happy to hear that you continued to chant despite so many doubts and
skepticism. That is the process. Even there may be doubts and skepticism,
but if one continues the chanting process, the doubts will all disappear, and
real knowledge will be revealed by the grace of Kåñëa. There is an example
given of the jaundice patient. He is suffering from disease, and when given
sugar candy, which is the cure, he finds it very bitter and distasteful. But
that does not mean the sugar candy is not very sweet and delicious, it is
simply due to his diseased condition that it seems bitter. In order to be
cured from his disease, he must take the medicine of sugar candy, despite
the apparently bitter taste, and as he will become cured, the real sweet taste
of the candy is gradually revealed. Similarly, we are diseased, and only if we
take to this chanting process may we be cured. Maya may put so many
doubts and worthless arguments into our minds, but if we continue the
chanting, the curing process will go on, never mind the doubts, and
gradually we will get a taste of that sweet nectar of Kåñëa nama-sankirtana.

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That is the process, and you may explain it to all your friends, so they may
understand the nature of their doubts and skepticism and be benefited.
(Letter to Terry and associates – March 22, 1968, San Francisco)

2
Vaiñëava-aparädha
Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu has said that by offending a Vaiñëava, one finishes
all his spiritual activities. Offending a Vaiñëava is considered the mad
elephant offense. A mad elephant can destroy an entire garden which has
been developed with great labor. One may attain the topmost platform of
devotional service, but somehow or other if he offends a Vaiñëava, the
whole structure collapses. Unconsciously, King Rahügaëa offended Jaòa
Bharata, but due to his good sense, he asked to be excused. This is the
process by which one can be relieved from a Vaiñëava-aparadha. Kåñëa is
always very simple and by nature merciful. When one commits an offense
at the feet of a Vaiñëava, one must immediately apologize to such a
personality so that his spiritual advancement may not be hampered.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 5.10.24)

3
Maìgala-ärati
In this Kåñëa consciousness movement we require everyone to rise early in
the morning, by four A.M., and attend maìgala-ärati, or morning worship,
then read Çrémad-Bhägavatam, perform kértana, and so forth. Thus we hold

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continuous activities in devotional service twenty-four hours daily. This is
called sato våtti, or following in the footsteps of the previous äcäryas who
expertly filled every moment of time with Kåñëa conscious activities.
(Nectar of Instruction Text 3)

4
Enthusiasm, Patience & Determination
One should not be impatient in Kåñëa Consciousness. Indeed, this Kåñëa
Consciousness movement was started single-handedly, and in the
beginning there was no response, but because we continued to execute our
devotional activities with patience, people gradually began to understand
the importance of this movement, and now they are eagerly participating.
One should not be impatient in discharging devotional service, but should
take instructions from the spiritual master and execute them with patience,
depending on the mercy of guru and Kåñëa.
(Morning Walk Conversation – December 5, 1976, Hyderabad)

5
Vaiñëava-aparädha
Pure consciousness can be revived by the process of sacrifice, charity, pious
activities, etc., but when one pollutes his Kåñëa consciousness by offending
a brähmaëa or a Vaiñëava, it is very difficult to revive. Çré Caitanya
Mahäprabhu has described the Vaiñëava-aparädha, or offense to a Vaiñëava,
as "the mad elephant offense." One should be very careful not to offend a
Vaiñëava or a brähmaëa. Even the great yogé Durväsä was harassed by the
Sudarçana cakra when he offended the Vaiñëava Mahäräja Ambaréña, who
was neither a brähmaëa nor a sannyäsé but an ordinary householder.
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Mahäräja Ambaréña was a Vaiñëava, and consequently Durväsä Muni was
chastised.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 4.26.24)

6
Guru Issue
One should not be eager to become a spiritual master cheaply for the sake
of profit and fame. The Lord never tolerates the impertinence of maryädä-
vyatikrama. One should never pass over the honor due to an elderly
spiritual master in the interests of one's own personal gain and fame.
Impertinence on the part of the pseudo spiritual master is very risky to
progressive spiritual realization.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 3.4.26)

7
Vapu & Väëé
The spiritual master is as good as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and
therefore one who is very serious about spiritual advancement must regard
the spiritual master in this way. Even a slight deviation from this
understanding can create disaster in the disciple's Vedic studies and
austerities.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 7.15.27)

8
Sädhana
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It is most important that our activities be regular or, in other words, on a
schedule. Everyone should chant on his beads sixteen rounds daily without
fail and follow the regulative principles strictly. These basic Kåñëa
Conscious duties are essential to be performed regularly, and they will give
you the necessary strength of spirit to keep always fixed up in devotional
service.
(Letter to Sucandra – 19 February, 1970, Los Angeles)

9
Vaiñëava-aparädha
Even if one is a very learned and intelligent scholar, he cannot understand
the activities of a Vaiñëava. A Vaiñëava accepts anything favorable for
executing his mission. But foolish persons, not knowing the purpose of
such exalted Vaiñëavas, indulge in criticizing them. That is forbidden. Since
no one can understand what a Vaiñëava does for the purpose of executing
his mission, to criticize such a Vaiñëava is the offense called sädhu-nindä.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Ädi-līlā Purport 15.22)

10
Chanting Quality

Here, in this material world, there are three qualities, sattva-guṇa, rajo-guṇa,
tamo-guṇa. So none of these guṇas are pure. There is a mixture. And because
there is mixture, therefore we see so many varieties. But we have to come
to the platform of sattva-guṇa. And that process is hearing. This is the best
process. Śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ Kṛṣṇaḥ puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ (Śrīmad-
Bhāgavatam 1.2.17). If you hear regularly Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam... We are
therefore stressing: "Always hear, always read, always hear." Nityaṁ
bhāgavata-sevayā (Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.2.18). Nitya. If you can
constantly, twenty-four hours, if you hear and chant Hear means somebody
chants or you chant yourself or hear, or some of your colleague may chant,
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you hear. Or he may hear, you may chant. This process must go on. This is
śrāvaṇaṁ kīrtanaṁ viṣṇoḥ. Viṣṇoḥ (Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 7.5.23). That is
Bhāgavata. Not any other nonsense talks, gossiping. Simply hear and chant.
Then śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ Kṛṣṇa. If you seriously hear and chant, seriously-
"Yes, this life I shall engage only for increasing my love of Vāsudeva"-if you
are determined, it can be done. There is no difficulty. And as soon as you
do this, you increase fully your love for Vasudeva, then there is no more
chance of contacting material body.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – October 28, 1976, Vrindavan)

11
Vapu & Väëé
"This body is perishable." Nityasyoktäù çarériëaù: "But the proprietor of the
body, that is eternal." vapu means the physical body, and Väëé means the
vibration. So we are not concerned about the physical body. Not concerned
means... We are concerned, of course, because the spiritual master, those
who are äcäryas, their body is not considered as material. Arcye çilä-dhér
guruñu nara-matir. Guruñu means those who are äcäryas, to accept their
body as ordinary man's body, this is denied in the çästras. So although a
physical body is not present, the vibration should be accepted as the
presence of the spiritual master, vibration. What we have heard from the
spiritual master that is living.
(Lecture Excerpt – January 13, 1969, Los Angeles)

(Original unedited quote)

"This body is perishable." Nityasyoktäù çarériëaù: "But the proprietor of the
body, that is eternal." [break] ...väëé and vapu, and vapu means the physical
body, and väëé means the vibration. So we are not concerned about the
physical body. Not concerned means... We are concerned, of course, because
the spiritual master, those who are äcäryas, their body is not considered as
materiel. Arcye çilä-dhér guruñu nara-matir. Just like the statue of Kåñëa, to
consider that "This is a stone..." Similarly, arcye çilä-dhér guruñu na...
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Guruñu means those who are äcäryas, to accept their body as ordinary man's
body, this is denied in the çästras. So although a physical body is not present,
the vibration should be accepted as the presence of the spiritual master,
vibration. What we have heard from the spiritual master that is living.”

12
Maìgala-ärati
That is the test. Yes. One who cannot rise early in the morning, he is not
spiritually serious. That is test. This hour Brahma-muhürta (one hour before
sunrise), is very auspicious moment.
(Room Conversation – December 13, 1970, Indore)

(Unedited original quote)

That is the test. Yes. One who cannot rise early in the morning, he is not
spiritually serious. That is test. Brähma-muhürta, this hour, one hour before
sunrise, is very auspicious moment.

13
Enthusiasm, Patience & Determination
Enthusiasm, "Yes, we must do it." That is wanted, not theoretically on the
armchair of devotional service. That will not be successful. Armchair theory
will not help you. You must be practical and there must be enthusiasm.
Then it will be successful. You are sitting in the same position and you are
thinking that you are making progress. That will fail. You have to come out
with enthusiasm. Then it will be successful. That is required.
(Room Conversation with Yoga Student – March 14, 1975, Iran)
(Unedited original quote)

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There is enthusiasm: "Yes, we must do it." That is wanted, not theoretically
on the armchair of devotional service. That will not be successful. Armchair
theory will not help you. You must be practical and there must be
enthusiasm. Then it will be successful. You are sitting in the same position
and you are thinking that you are making progress. That will fail. You have
to come out with enthusiasm. Then it will be successful. That is required.

14
Deity
In the material world, the Lord is always worshiped as the arcä-vigraha, or
Deity in the temple. There is no difference between the arcä-vigraha and
the original person, and therefore those who are engaged in worshiping the
Deity in the temple in full opulence, even on this planet, should be
understood to be directly in touch with the Supreme Personality of
Godhead without a doubt.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 5.17.14)

15
Vaiñëava-aparädha
When one is advanced, he can see the importance of devotees. Advanced
devotees never disobey or disrespect another devotee. Disrespect to another
devotee is a great offense. Vaiñëava-aparädha is a very serious offense.
Therefore we teach to address amongst the devotees, "Prabhu", "Prabhu",
and “Such and such Prabhu." This should not be simply spoken by the lips.
It should be realized. Everyone should think other devotee as his prabhu,
master. Not he should try to become master.
(Nectar of Devotion Lecture – October 23, 1972, Vrindavan)

(Original unedited quote)

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So when one is advanced, he can see the importance of devotees.
Advanced devotee never disobey or disrespect another devotee. Disrespect to
another devotee is a great offense. Vaiñëava aparädha. Vaiñëava aparädha
is very serious offense. Therefore we teach to address amongst the devotees,
"Prabhu", "Prabhu", "Such and such Prabhu." This should not be simply
spoken by the lips. It should be realized. Everyone should think other devotee
as his prabhu, master. Not he should try to become master.

16
Vapu & Väëé
If a disciple is very serious to execute the mission of the spiritual master, he
immediately associates with the Supreme Personality of Godhead by Väëé
or Väëé. This is the only secret of success in seeing the Supreme Personality
of Godhead. Instead of being eager to see the Lord in some bush in
Vṛndāvana while at the same time engaging in sense gratification, if one
instead sticks to the principle of following the words of the spiritual master,
he will see the Supreme Lord without difficulty.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 4.28.51)

17
Enthusiasm, Patience & Determination
Utsäha, that enthusiasm is the real beginning of determination. Unless you
are enthusiastic, how your determination can continue? So determination,
your enthusiasm, patience, working in the regulative principle. These are
the different function of determination. Determination means one word of
all these things, enthusiasm, patience, working hard, with confidence.
These are different features of determination.
(Bhagavad-gétä Lecture – February 17, 1969, Los Angeles)

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18
This material body; how it can become purified? Yes, it can be: the example
is just like you take an iron rod and put it in the fire and get it warm, it
becomes warm, warm, warmer and at last it becomes red hot. At that time,
it is no longer iron rod, it is fire. You touch anywhere it will burn, similarly
if you chant Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra regularly according to the principles then
gradually your whole body becomes spiritualised. Then it is apāpa-vidham,
no more sin. So you have to make your life completely pure, then you will
be admitted into the kingdom of God, back to Godhead, back to home.
(Lecture on Gaura-Pürëimä festival - February 29, 1972, Mäyäpur)
(Original unedited quote)
“This material body how it can become purified? Yes it can be, the example
is just like you take an iron rod and put it in the fire and get it warm, it
becomes warm, warm, warmer and at last it becomes red hot. At that time it
is no longer iron rod, it is fire. You touch anywhere it will burn, similarly if
you chant Hare Kåñëa mantra regularly according to the principles then
gradually the your whole body becomes spiritualised. Then it is apäpa-
vidham no more skin. So you have to make your life completely pure then
you will be admitted into the kingdom of God, back to Godhead, back to
home.”

19
Guru Issue
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Regarding Bon Maharaja, I am actually authority accepted by authority. In
the Caitanya-caritamrta it is said: Kåñëa-sakti vina nahe tara pravartana. So,
now the Hare Kåñëa movement is world-known, and learned scholars, etc.,
give plaudits to me as Professor Judas has. So then why I am not authority?
Nobody says Bon Swami has done it, or Vivekananda, or any other svami.
There are so many yogis and svamis coming, but nobody is giving credit to
them; they are giving the credit to me. So why I am not authority? If Kåñëa
accepts me as authority, then who can deny it?
(Letter to Satsvarupa – June 4, 1975, Honolulu)

20
Chanting Quality
Öhäkura Haridäsa was the living example of how to follow the regulative
principles. Similarly, Raghunätha däsa Gosvämé was also such a living
example. In the Ñaò-gosvämy-añöaka it is stated: saìkhyä-pürvaka-näma-
gäna-natibhiù kälävasänékåtau. The Gosvämés, especially Raghunätha däsa
Gosvämé, strictly followed all the regulative principles. The first regulative
principle is that one must chant the Hare Kåñëa mahä-mantra loudly enough
so that he can hear himself, and one must vow to chant a fixed number of
rounds.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Antya-lélä Purport 11.24)

21
Maìgala-ärati
The first teaching is a brahmacäré should rise early in the morning. That is
the general education. It doesn't require that you have to learn some book
immediately. First of all build your character. Otherwise what is the use of
taking degrees if you have no character? Yasyästi bhaktir bhagavaty akiïcanä
sarvair guëair tatra samäsate suräù [Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 5.18.12]. Just like
in our institution they are being trained up as devotee, he has to rise early
in the morning for offering maìgala-äratika, and you have got our order
that everyone must attend the maìgala-ärati.

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(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – April 13, 1976, Bombay)

(Original unedited quote)

“So the first teaching is brahmacäré should rise early in the morning.
Brahmacäré... That is the general education–. It doesn't require that you
have to learn some book immediately. No. First of all build your character.
Otherwise what is the use of taking degrees if you have no character?
Yasyästi bhaktir bhagavaty akiïcanä sarvair guëair tatra samäsate suräù
[SB 5.18.12]. If you become a devotee of Kåñëa... Just like in our institution
they are being trained up as devotee, so to rise early in the morning is
automatically there. There is no separate training. Because he is devotee, he
has to rise early in the morning for offering maìgala-äratika, and you have
got our order that everyone must attend the maìgala-ärati.”

22
Holy Name
If there is an arrangement for the constant chanting of the holy names,
qualities, etc., of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, there is no chance at
all for the personality of Kali to enter. That is the technique of driving away
the personality of Kali from the world.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 1.18.6)

23
Sädhana
My advice is always chant 16 rounds minimum and follow the four
regulative principles. All of my disciples must agree on this point otherwise
they are not my disciples. Let one live anywhere, but stick to the principles.
My disciples must follow these principles living either in heaven or hell.
(Letter to Raja Laksmi – February 17, 1976, Mäyäpur)

(Unedited quote)

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My advice is always chant 16 rounds minimum and follow the four regulative
principles. All of my disciples must agree on this point otherwise they are not
my disciples. Let one live anywhere, but stick to the principles.
Disagreements will continue in this material world. So one may live in a
suitable place, but one must follow these five principles. My disciples must
follow these principles living either in heaven or hell.

24
Chanting Quality
I thank all of you very much for accepting me as your spiritual master, and
I promise that I will take you back to home, back to Godhead. I ask you all
to promise me to always chant at least 16 rounds, follow the regulative
principles, read our books and try to preach this Kåñëa Consciousness
Movement all over the world.
(Letter to Nityananda – November 12, 1971, Delhi)

25
Holy Name
Simply by chanting the holy name of Kåñëa-Hare Kåñëa, Hare Kåñëa, Kåñëa
Kåñëa, Hare Hare/ Hare Räma, Hare Räma, Räma Räma, Hare Hare-a devotee
of the Lord can approach the supreme destination easily and happily, but
this destination cannot be approached by any other process of religion
(Bhagavad-gītā Purport 12.6-7)

26
Reading
I am very much stressing nowadays that my students shall increase their
reading of my books and try to understand them from different angles of
vision. Each çloka can be seen from many, many angles of vision, so become
111 | P a g e
practiced in seeing things like this. If we are selling the books but we do
not know what is inside the book that will be a farce.
(Letter to Tribhuvanatha – June 16, 1972, Los Angeles)

27
Vapu & Väëé
Never think that I am absent from you. Physical presence is not essential;
presence by message (or hearing) is real touch. Lord Kåñëa is present by His
message which was delivered 5,000 years ago. We always feel the presence
of our past äcäryas simply by their immutable instructions.
(Letter to Students – August 2 1967, Vrindavan)

28
Holy Name
A person who is chanting the holy name, although born of a low family
like that of a caëòäla [dog-eater], is situated on the highest platform of self-
realization. Such a person must have performed all kinds of penances and
sacrifices according to Vedic rituals and studied the Vedic literatures many,
many times after taking his bath in all the holy places of pilgrimage. Such a
person is considered to be the best of the Äryan family.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 3.33.7)

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29
Maìgala-ärati
If one practices the rules then that is sufficient examination. One of the
items is that he has to rise early in the morning. So if one is doing all these
practical things, rising early in the morning, attending the mangala-aräti,
sitting in the class and reading Bhagavad-gétä, chanting Hare Kåñëa, there is
no need of examination. If he is doing, then he has passed the examination.
(Roof Conversation – January 5, 1977, Bombay)
(Unedited original quote)
Examination or no examination, if you, they practice the rules, that is
sufficient examination. Suppose one of the items, that one has to rise early
in the morning... So if one is rising early in the morning, then what is the
examination? That is already examined. If one has to rise early in the
morning, attend the maìgala-ärati, sitting in the class and reading
Bhagavad-gétä, chanting Hare Kåñëa... These are all practical. There is no
need of examination. If he is doing, then it is examination passed.

30
Vaiñëava-aparädha
A Vaiñëava should be ready to give respect to anyone, all living entities,
because all living entities are part and parcel of Kåñëa. They should offer
respect to everyone. Just like this finger is a part and parcel of my body. If
you respect my body and cut my finger, shall I be happy? No. Therefore
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Vaiñëava knows this, that "Even a small ant, he is the part and parcel of
Kåñëa. So if I kill this ant, Kåñëa will be unhappy."
(Bhagavad-gétä Lecture – June 30, 1973, Calcutta)

(Original unedited quote)

“A Vaiñëava should be ready to give respect to anyone, all living entities,
because all living entities are part and parcel of Kåñëa. They should offer respect
to everyone. Just like this finger is my part and parcel of the body. If you respect
my body and kill my, cut my finger, shall I be happy? No. Therefore Vaiñëava
knows this, that "Even a small ant, he is the part and parcel of Kåñëa. So if I
kill this ant, Kåñëa will be unhappy. Kåñëa will be unhappy."

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 July
1
Chanting Quality
We have to make a regulated program that we must chant Hare Kåñëa so
many times because we are not offenseless. Otherwise one chanting of
Kåñëa is sufficient to make you liberated. Just like Ajämila. Once he chanted
Näräyaëa. He became immediately liberated because he was offenseless. But
since we cannot do that we have to make a prescription.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – January 16, 1971, Allahabad)

(Original unedited quote)

“We have to make a regulated program that we must chant Hare Kåñëa so many
times. Otherwise one chanting of Kåñëa is sufficient to make you liberated, one
chant, "Kåñëa," "Räma," once, that's all, sufficient. Just like this Ajämila. Once
he chanted Näräyaëa. He became immediately liberated because he was
offenseless. But because we cannot do that, therefore we have to make a
prescription.”

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2
Vaiñëava-aparädha
Everyone should offer respect to a Vaiñëava without considering his source
of birth. Vaiñëave jäti-buddhiù. No one should consider a Vaiñëava in terms
of birth. The Vaiñëava is always the best of the brähmaëas, and as such one
should offer all respects to a Vaiñëava, not only as a brähmaëa but as the
best of the brähmaëas.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 4.22.12)

3
Vapu & Väëé
The disciple and spiritual master are never separated, because the spiritual
master always keeps company with the disciple as long as the disciple
follows strictly the instructions of the spiritual master. This is called the
association of väëé (words). Physical presence is called vapuù. As long as
the spiritual master is physically present, the disciple should serve the
physical body of the spiritual master, and when the spiritual master is no
longer physically existing, the disciple should serve the instructions of the
spiritual master.
(Purport Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 4.28.47)

4
Maìgala-ärati
When a boy goes to school, he has to follow the rules and regulations, but
after a while he becomes accustomed to them and does not have to be
taught. In other words, he learns automatically to come to school at a
certain time, take his seat and study nicely. Similarly, in this Kåñëa
consciousness movement, we have certain rules and regulations. We must
rise early in the morning for maìgala-ärati, chant sixteen rounds of Hare
Kåñëa daily, and execute all the functions of bhakti-yoga. In this way, we

116 | P a g e
become attached to rendering service to Kåñëa, and we become practiced in
this science. When we attain this stage, we immediately become self-
realized.
(Teachings of Queen Kunté Verse 17)

5
Deity
If the devotee knows perfectly that the arcä-vigraha, or Deity form of Lord
Kåñëa in the temple, is exactly the same sac-cid-änanda-vigrahaù as Lord
Kåñëa Himself, then his service to the temple Deity becomes direct service
to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Similarly, the temple itself, the
temple paraphernalia and the food offered to the Deity are also not separate
from Kåñëa. One has to follow the rules and regulations prescribed by the
äcärya, and thus, under superior guidance, Kåñëa realization is fully
possible, even in this material existence.
(Kṛṣṇa Book Chapter 82)

6
Reading
I have already answered the most important question. “How to please
Kåñëa?”-by following all the regulative principle that I have given you,
chanting 16 rounds and reading my books scrutinizingly. Everyone must
do these things, otherwise they cannot understand Kåñëa Consciousness.
(Letter to Adi-kesava – January 16, 1975, Bombay)

7
Holy Name
One who is not self-controlled and whose mind is not undisturbed cannot
practice meditation. Therefore, in the Båhan-näradéya Puräëa it is said that
in Kali-yuga (the present yuga, or age), when people in general are short-
lived, slow in spiritual realization and always disturbed by various anxieties,
117 | P a g e
the best means of spiritual realization is chanting the holy name of the Lord.
"In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy the only means of deliverance is
chanting the holy name of the Lord. There is no other way. There is no
other way. There is no other way."
(Bhagavad-gītā 6.11-12)

8
Sädhana
Simply if you will rigidly follow the regulative principles and chant 16
rounds of beads daily without fail and engage whole-heartedly in devotional
service, your rapid advancement in Kåñëa Consciousness will be certain.
(Letter to Gurukrpa – March 30, 1971, Bombay)

9
Vapu& Väëé
A devoted disciple of the spiritual master would rather die with the spiritual
master than fail to execute the spiritual master's mission. As the Supreme
Personality of Godhead comes down upon this earth to re-establish the
principles of religion, so His representative, the spiritual master, also comes
to re-establish religious principles. It is the duty of the disciples to take
charge of the mission of the spiritual master and execute it properly.
Otherwise the disciple should decide to die along with the spiritual master.
In other words, to execute the will of the spiritual master, the disciple
should be prepared to lay down his life and abandon all personal
considerations.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 4.28.50)

10
Deity
Ms. Nixon: One of the most difficult aspects of Kåñëa consciousness for an
outsider to accept is the Deity in the temple-how it represents Kåñëa. Could
118 | P a g e
you talk a little bit about that?
Çréla Prabhupäda: Yes. At the present moment, because you have not been
trained to see Kåñëa, He kindly appears before you so you can see Him. You
can see wood and stone, but you cannot see what is spiritual. Suppose your
father is in the hospital, and he dies. You are crying by his bedside, "Now
my father is gone!" But why do you say he is gone? What is that thing which
is gone?
Ms. Nixon: Well, his spirit is gone.
Çréla Prabhupäda: And have you seen that spirit?
Ms. Nixon: No.
"Çréla Prabhupäda: So you cannot see spirit, and God is the Supreme Spirit.
Actually, He is everything-spirit and matter-but you cannot see Him in His
spiritual identity. Therefore, to show kindness toward you, He appears out
of His unbounded mercy in the form of a wooden or stone Deity so that you
can see Him.
(Science of Self Realization Chapter 1b)

11
Vapu & Väëé
Revaté-nandana: Sometimes this question comes up, with the devotees
especially, that sometimes the spiritual master is far away. He may be in Los
Angeles and somebody may be in Hamburg temple. So he thinks, “How will
the spiritual master be pleased?”
Prabhupäda: Just follow his order. Spiritual master is along with you by his
words. Just like my spiritual master is not physically present, but I am
associating with him by his words.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – August 18, 1971, London)

(Original unedited quote)

Revaté-nandana: There'll be temporary changes due to Lord Caitanya's
appearance. Right? Sometimes this question comes up, with the devotees
especially, that it says the devotee makes advancement when the spiritual
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master is pleased. Right? So sometimes the spiritual master is far, far away. He
may be in Los Angeles. Somebody is coming to Hamburg temple. He thinks,
"How will the spiritual master be pleased?"
Prabhupäda: Just follow his order. Spiritual master is along with you by his
words. Just like my spiritual master is not physically present, but I am
associating with him by his words.

12
Maìgala-ärati
Unless there is vairägya, there is no question of happiness. But we cannot
attain vairägya immediately; therefore the vidhi-märga, to rise early in the
morning, to attend maìgala ärati, to offer flowers, fruits to the Deity and in
this way we shall be engaged twenty-four hours. Then vairägya-vidyä will
gradually develop. Anarthopaçamaà säkñäd bhakti-yogam adhokñaje
[Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.7.6]. We do not say that you starve, don't eat
anything, don't sleep at all. It should be regulated. Anäsaktasya viñayän
yathärtham upayuïjataù. Don't be attached to eating, sleeping. That is not
good. But you must eat, you must sleep as little as possible, and try to
conquer over it. My mind is dictating, "Sleep seventeen hours." But ‘No’.
Tapasä brahmacaryeëa [Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 6.1.13]. Why shall you sleep
more than four hours or five hours, or utmost six hours? That is vairägya-
vidyä. We have to learn it. That is devotional service.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – November 28, 1976, Vṛndāvana)

(Original unedited quote)

So unless there is vairägya, there is no question of happiness. But we cannot
attain vairägya immediately; therefore the vidhi-märga, vidhi-märga-bhakti, to
rise early in the morning, to attend maìgala ärati, to offer Deity flowers, fruits,
and in this way we shall be engaged twenty-four hours. Then vairägya-vidyä
will gradually develop. Anarthopaçamaà säkñäd bhakti-yogam adhokñaje [SB
1.7.6]. Then the anartha... This material life is simply anartha, has no meaning,
because we are creating another life. Without any spiritual knowledge, if we
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simply give ourself to the action and reaction of material nature, then we are
making progress on the path of måtyu-saàsära vartmani [Bg. 9.3]. And if we
attain Kåñëa, then mäm upetya kaunteya duùkhälayam açäçvatam, näpnuvanti
[Bg. 8.15]. The two ways.
So our request is that you have taken to this vairägya-vidyä. So vairägya-vidyä,
we do not say that you starve, don't eat anything, don't sleep at all. No. It should
be regulated. Anäsaktasya viñayän yathärtham upayuïjataù. Don't be attached
to eating, sleeping. That is not good. But you must eat, you must sleep as little
as possible, and try to conquer over it. My mind dictating, "Sleep seventeen
hours." No. That is tapasya. Tapasä brahmacaryeëa [SB 6.1.13]. Why shall
you sleep more than four hours or five hours, or utmost six hours? That's all,
not more than that. That is vairägya-vidyä. We have to learn it. That is
devotional service.

13
Deity
If someone becomes attached to the Çré-mürti, or Deity of Kåñëa, then he
will forget his relationships of so-called friendship, love and society. One
must see the form of Govinda if one at all wants to forget the nonsense of
material friendship, love and society.
(Nectar of Devotion Text 13)

14
Enthusiasm, Patience & Determination
The practice of yoga, especially bhakti-yoga in Kåñëa Consciousness, may
appear to be a very difficult job. But if anyone follows the principles with

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great determination, the Lord will surely help, for God helps those who
help themselves.
(Bhagavad-gétä Purport 6.24)

15
Sädhana
As the temple is growing more and more, so can your service expend also.
So stay strong in Kåñëa's service by strictly following the regulative
principles, chanting 16 rounds daily, without fail, reading all our
literatures, and engaging whole-heartedly in devotional service, 24 hours.
Then you will be happy and Kåñëa will be pleased.
(Letter to Anandini – March 30, 1971, Bombay)

16
Reading
If you want to study, there is much time in the day for studying, but you
must go also on Saìkértana party, that is the result or practice of your
studying. Simply studying is dry and useless without chanting.
(Letter to Sankarasana – July 23, 1972, Paris)

17
Holy Name
If you always chant Hare Kåñëa mantra & be in touch with Kåñëa, then you
are secure. Mäyä will not be able to touch you. And if we can somehow or
other pass our days then at the time of death we remember Kåñëa, then the
whole life is successful.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – April 19, 1973, New York)

(Original unedited quote)

So always chant Hare Kåñëa mantra, be in touch with Kåñëa in so many ways,
then you are secure. Mäyä will not be able to touch you. And if we can somehow

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or other pass our days and at the time of death we remember Kåñëa, then the
whole life is successful.

18
Vaiñëava-aparädha
There are two kinds of impediments to devotional service. The first is an
offense at the lotus feet of a Vaiñëava. This is called Vaiñëava-aparädha. Çré
Caitanya Mahäprabhu warned His devotees not to commit Vaiñëava-
aparädha, which He described as the mad elephant offense. When a mad
elephant enters a beautiful garden, it destroys everything, leaving a barren
field. Similarly, the power of Vaiñëava-aparädha is so great that even an
advanced devotee becomes almost devoid of his spiritual assets if he
commits it. Since Kåñëa consciousness is eternal, it cannot be destroyed
altogether, but advancement may be checked for the time being. Thus
Vaiñëava-aparädha is one kind of impediment to devotional service.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 5.1.5)

19
Guru Issue
To approach a bona fide guru, or spiritual master, is essential. The bona fide
spiritual master is he who has received the mercy of his guru, who in turn
is bona fide because he has received the mercy of his guru. This is called the
paramparä system. Unless one follows this paramparä system, the mantra
one receives will be chanted for no purpose.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 8.16.24)

20
Chanting Quality
Brahmänanda: I think sometimes we recommend the devotees to chant their
rounds in the temple rather than walk in other places.
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Prabhupäda: Why should one walk to other places? Who has said that you
go out? I never said. You should chant in the temple. Unless one has got
some important business for the temple, why should he go outside? There
is no need. That is the chance of falling down. I have explained, chanting
outside the temple and chanting in the temple, it increases the value
thousand times.
(Morning walk – November 2, 1975, Nairobi)

(Original unedited quote)

Brahmänanda: I think sometimes we recommend the devotees to chant their
rounds in the temple rather than walk in other places.
Prabhupäda: Why one should walk other places? Who has said that you go out,
walk other places? Never said.
Devotee (7): It may not really be necessary.
Prabhupäda: No. You should chant in the temple. Why should you go to other
place?
Devotee (7): So there is no difference someone chanting out of the temple, in the
temple.
Prabhupäda: Why you should go outside? Who has allowed him to go outside?
Unless he has got some important business for the temple, why one should go to
outside? There is no need. That is the chance of falling down. Why you should
go outside?
(Morning walk – November 2, 1975, Nairobi)
Prabhupäda: Yes. [break] And this night I have explained, chanting outside the
temple and chanting in the temple, it increases the value thousand times. That I
have explained, this evening, this last night.
(Morning Walk - April 15, 1976, Bombay)

21
Vapu & Väëé
Whenever the äcärya comes, following the superior orders of the Supreme
Personality of Godhead or His representative, he establishes the principles
of religion. Unfortunately, when the äcärya disappears, rogues and non-
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devotees take advantage and immediately begin to introduce unauthorized
principles. The äcärya, the authorized representative of the Supreme Lord,
establishes the principles of religion, but when he disappears, things once
again become disordered. The perfect disciples of the äcärya try to relieve
the situation by sincerely following the instructions of the spiritual master.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam purport 4.28.48)

22
Holy Name
Simply our prayer should be, ‘My dear Kåñëa, please remind me to always
chant Your Holy Name, please do not put me into forgetfulness. You are
sitting within me as Supersoul, so you can put me into forgetfulness or into
remembering You. So please do not put me into forgetfulness. Please always
remind me to chant, even You send me into the hell, it doesn't matter, just
so long as I can always chant Hare Kåñëa’.
(Letter to Devananda – November 23, 1968, Los Angeles)

23
Missionaries Qualities
Suppose you are engineer. You are doing duty very nicely. Or a medical
man, or a business man, or anyone-everyone has to do something. You
cannot sit down idly and you'll get your livelihood. Even if you are a lion

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you have to work. Na hi suptasya siṁhasya praviśanti mukhe mṛgāḥ. This
is... The material world is like that. Even if you are as powerful as a lion,
you cannot sleep. If you think, "I am lion, I am the king of the forest. Let
me sleep, and the animal will come and enter in my mouth." No, that is not
possible. Even if you are animal, you have to catch up an animal. Then
you'll be able to eat. Otherwise you'll have to starve. Therefore Kṛṣṇa says,
niyataṁ kuru karma tvaṁ karma jyāyo hy akarmaṇaḥ (Bhagavad-gītā 3.8).
"You must do your duty." Śarīra-yātrāpi ca te na prasiddhyed akarmaṇaḥ.
Don't think... The rascal says that "Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is
teaching people to escape. They've become..." No, that is not Kṛṣṇa's
instruction. We do not allow any lazy man. He must be engaged. That is
Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. That is Kṛṣṇa's order. Niyataṁ kuru
karma. Arjuna was refusing to fight. He was trying to be nonviolent
gentleman. Kṛṣṇa did not allow him. "No, no, you cannot do that. That is
your weakness." Kutas tvā kaśmalam idaṁ viṣame samupasthitam
(Bhagavad-gītā 2.2): "You are proving yourself rascal. It is anārya-juṣṭam.
This kind of proposal is for the anārya, uncivilized man. Don't do that."
That is Kṛṣṇa's... So don't think that Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, those
who are Kṛṣṇa conscious, they'll become lazy and imitate Haridāsa
Ṭhākura. That is not Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Kṛṣṇa consciousness means, as
Kṛṣṇa instructs, you must be very, very busy, twenty-four hours. That is
Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Not to become a lazy fellow, eat and sleep. No.

(Çrémad-Bhägavatam Lecture – September 21, 1976, Vrndavana)

(Original unedited quote)

You are doing your duty very nicely. Your dharma means your occupational
duty. Suppose you are engineer. You are doing duty very nicely. Or a medical
man, or a business man, or anyone—everyone has to do something. You cannot
sit down idly and you'll get your livelihood. Even if you are a lion you have to
work. Na hi suptasya siàhasya praviçanti mukhe mågäù. This is... The material
world is like that. Even if you are as powerful as a lion, you cannot sleep. If you
think, "I am lion, I am the king of the forest. Let me sleep, and the animal will
126 | P a g e
come and enter in my mouth." No, that is not possible. Even if you are animal,
you have to catch up an animal. Then you'll be able to eat. Otherwise you'll
have to starve. Therefore Kåñëa says, niyataà kuru karma tvaà karma jyäyo
hy akarmaëaù. "You must do your duty." Çaréra-yäträpi ca te na prasiddhyed
akarmaëaù. Don't think... The rascal says that "Kåñëa consciousness movement
is teaching people to escape. They've become..." No, that is not Kåñëa's
instruction. We do not allow any lazy man. He must be engaged. That is Kåñëa
consciousness movement. That is Kåñëa's order. Niyataà kuru karma. Arjuna
was refusing to fight. He was trying to be nonviolent gentleman. Kåñëa did not
allow him. "No, no, you cannot do that. That is your weakness." Kutas tvä
kaçmalam idaà viñame samupasthitam: "You are proving yourself rascal. It is
anärya-juñöam. This kind of proposal is for the anärya, uncivilized man. Don't
do that." That is Kåñëa's... So don't think that Kåñëa consciousness movement,
those who are Kåñëa conscious, they'll become lazy and imitate Haridäsa
Öhäkura. That is not Kåñëa consciousness. Kåñëa consciousness means, as
Kåñëa instructs, you must be very, very busy, twenty-four hours. That is Kåñëa
consciousness. Not to become a lazy fellow, eat and sleep. No.

24
Enthusiasm, Patience & Determination
Please do therefore everything with enthusiasm. That will satisfy me, and
Kåñëa also, and as a result of which you will be satisfied transcendentally,
this is our position.
(Letter to Bali-mardana – May 25, 1970, Los Angeles)

25
Vapu & Väëé
If there is no chance to serve the spiritual master directly, a devotee should
serve him by remembering his instructions. There is no difference between
the spiritual master’s instructions and the spiritual master himself. In his

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absence, therefore, his words of direction should be the pride of the
disciple.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Adi Lila Purport 1.35)

26
Guru Issue
Kåñëa is the spiritual master because He originally gave the Vedic
instructions to Brahmä, and presently He is also instructing the Bhagavad-
gétä to Arjuna; therefore He is the original spiritual master, and any bona
fide spiritual master at the present moment must be a descendant in the line
of disciplic succession stemming from Kåñëa. Without being a
representative of Kåñëa, one cannot become a teacher or spiritual master of
transcendental subject matter.
(Bhagavad-gītā Purport11.43)

27
Reading
In my books the philosophy of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is explained fully, so
if there is anything which you do not understand, then you simply have to
read again and again. By reading daily the knowledge will be revealed to
you....You may please me the most by reading my books and following the
instructions therein.
(Letter to: Bahurupa—Bombay,22 November, 1974)
(Original unedited quote)
In my books the philosophy of Kṛṣṇa Consciousness is explained fully so if there
is anything which you do not understand, then you simply have to read again
and again. By reading daily the knowledge will be revealed to you and by this
process your spiritual life will develop.
You may please me the most by reading my books and following the instructions
therein and by becoming fully Kṛṣṇa Conscious in this life time.

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28
Vaiñëava-aparädha
Just like you have a nice garden and you are watering, giving manure and
protecting and if in that garden a mad elephant enters, then it will destroy
everything, all your labor will go to hell immediately. It will destroy
everything. Similarly, you may do anything very nicely; but if you commit
offense at the feet of a pure Vaiñëava, then all your assets will be
immediately vanquished. Because Kåñëa is very angry. Those who are
envious upon Vaiñëava and Viñëu, the more dangerous position is to be
envious of a Vaiñëava. Viñëu aparädha can be excused, God is very kind.
But He never excuses Vaiñëava-aparädha. That is His vow.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – March 5, 1972, Calcutta)

(Original unedited quote)

Just like you have a nice garden, very good garden, you are watering, you are
giving protection, giving manure, everything. But if in that garden a mad
elephant enters, then it will destroy everything, all your labor will go to hell
immediately. It will destroy everything. Similarly, you may do anything very
nicely; but if you commit offense at the feet of a pure Vaiñëava, then all your
assets will be immediately vanquished. Vaiñëava aparädha. Because Kåñëa is
very angry. Tän ahaà dviñataù krürän kñipämy ajasram yoniñu [Bg. 16.19].
In the Bhagavad-gétä it is said, Kåñëa said, dviñataù krürän. Dviñataù, those
who are envious upon Vaiñëava and Viñëu, the more dangerous position is to be
envious of a Vaiñëava. Viñëu aparädha can be excused, God is very kind. But
He never excuses Vaiñëava aparädha. That is His vow.

29
Enthusiasm, Patience & Determination
The more you engage yourself in the service of the Lord, the more you
become enthusiastic. There is no question of becoming tired. Just like I am
old man. I have come from India. My age is seventy-six years. So still I am
enthusiastic. Still I am going everywhere, all over the world. Why? Kåñëa’s

129 | P a g e
service is so nice. Even an old man like me gets energy to work. And that’s
also without any salary. Kåñëa’s service is so nice that you try to engage
yourself more and more then you’ll get more and more Kåñëa
consciousness, more enthusiasm. And this is spiritual.
(Arrival Lecture – July 29, 1971, Gainesville)

30
Guru Issue
Devotee: Çréla Prabhupäda, if the knowledge was handed down by the
saintly kings, evaà paramparä-präptam, how is it that the knowledge was
lost?
Prabhupäda: It is lost when it is not handed down but simply understood
by speculation or if it is not handed down as it is. Either they might have
made some changes or they did not hand it down. Suppose I handed it down
to you, but if you do not do that, then it is lost. Now the Kåñëa
Consciousness movement is going on in my presence. Now after my
departure, if you do not do this, then it is lost. If you go on as you are doing
it now, then it will go on.
(Room Conversation – May 9, 1975, Perth)
(Unedited original quote)
Gaëeça: Çréla Prabhupäda, if the knowledge was handed down by the saintly
kings, evaà paramparä-präptam [Bg. 4.2], how is it that the knowledge was
lost?
Prabhupäda: When it was not handed down. Simply understood by speculation.
Or if it is not handed down as it is. They might have made some changes. Or
they did not hand it down. Suppose I handed it down to you, but if you do not
do that, then it is lost. Now the Kåñëa consciousness movement is going on in
my presence. Now after my deparature, if you do not do this, then it is lost. If
you go on as you are doing now, then it will go on. But if you stop... (end)

31
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Sädhana
You should try very sincerely to become a pure devotee of Kåñëa by
following all of the four regulative principles and chanting at least 16
rounds daily, as well as rising early, attending mangala aräti, attending
classes, etc. By this simple method, you will be very strongly fixed in
spiritual life and whatever problems you may have will seem insignificant.
(Letter to Pancananda – February 15, 1975, Mexico City)

August
1
Chanting Quality
The spiritual master has given you so many things to do. Do it. First of all
finish that. First of all finish sixteen rounds, observe the regulative
131 | P a g e
principles. First of all finish this duty. And neglecting this duty, what you
can do further? If you cannot finish sixteen rounds chanting, you cannot
observe the regulative principles, then what else you can do? First of all
finish this duty. Be expert in finishing, executing these duties. Then ask for
another duty. And if you finish these duties, automatically Kåñëa will give
you intelligence.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – February 22, 1973, Auckland)
(Original unedited quote)
The spiritual master has given you so many things to do. Do it. First of all
finish that. First of all finish sixteen rounds, observe the regulative
principles. First of all... First of all finish this duty. And neglecting this duty,
what you can do further? If you cannot finish sixteen rounds chanting, you
cannot observe the regulative principles, then what else you can do? First of
all finish this duty. Be expert in finishing, executing these duties. Then ask
for another duty. And if you finish these duties, automatically Kåñëa will give
you intelligence.

2
Enthusiasm, Patience & Determination
We must be enthusiastic that “I shall engage myself very nicely in Kåñëa
Consciousness movement.” That is first qualification, enthusiasm. Dullness
will not help you. You must be very enthusiastic. My Guru Mahäräja used
to say, präëa ache yara sei hetu pracära. A person can become a preacher if
he has got life. A dead man cannot become a preacher. So you must be very
enthusiastic that “I shall preach the glories of the Lord to my best capacity.”
It is not that one has to become very learned scholar to become a preacher.
Simply it requires enthusiasm, “My Lord is so great, so kind, so beautiful,
and so wonderful. So I must speak something about my Lord.” This is the
qualification, enthusiasm.
(Nectar of Devotion Lecture – October 20, 1972, Vṛndāvana)
(Original unedited quote)

132 | P a g e
We must be enthusiastic that we... "I shall engage myself very nicely in Kåñëa
consciousness movement." That is first qualification, enthusiastic. Dullness will
not help you. You must be very enthusiastic. My Guru Mahäräja used to say,
präëa ache yara sei hetu pracära. A preacher can, a person can become a
preacher if he has got life. A dead man cannot become a preacher. So you must
be very enthusiastic that "I shall preach the glories of the Lord to my best
capacity." It is not that one has to become very learned scholar to become a
preacher. Simply it requires enthusiasm, "My Lord is so great, so kind, so
beautiful, so wonderful. So I must speak something about my Lord." This is the
qualification, enthusiasm.

3
Holy Name
Highest benefit is derived from the Mahämantra, or Hare Kåñëa Mantra,
because this is said by authorities. Compare what you were before to what
you have become, now challenge any other mantra to produce such effect.
You know it. Now try to realize it yourself and convince others. That is
Kåñëa Consciousness.
(Letter to Madhavananda – April 25, 1972, Tokyo)

4
Deity
I am pleased also that you are decorating your temple nicely. The more you
decorate the temple beautifully the more your heart will be beautiful. The
example is that the more you decorate the original the more the reflection
automatically is decorated. So our heart is the reflection of the Original
Consciousness, Kåñëa, and the more Kåñëa and His paraphernalia are
decorated the more this will be reflected in our heart and we will feel
transcendental bliss.
(Letter to Upendra – October 27, 1969, Tittenhurst)

133 | P a g e
5
Enthusiasm, Patience & Determination
Dhairya means patience. Because you have begun devotional service with
great enthusiasm...you are already on the perfectional platform, but if you
become impatient that "Why I am not becoming perfect? Sometimes why
mäyä is kicking me?" Yes. That is habitual. That will go on. It will stop.
Dhairyät, niçcayät, that "When Kåñëa says, sarva-dharmän parityajya mäm
ekaà çaraëaà vraja [Bg. 18.66], now I have given up everything. I have no
other occupational duties. Simply to serve Kåñëa. So when I have taken to
it, then niçcaya, Kåñëa will surely give me protection." That is called niçcaya.
Don't be disappointed. Kåñëa is not a false speaker.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture, January 7, 1975, Mumbai)

(Original unedited quote)

“Dhairya means patience, not that "Because I have begun devotional service
with great enthusiasm..." So you are already on the perfectional platform, but
if you become impatient that "Why I am not becoming perfect? Sometimes why
mäyä is kicking me?" Yes. That is habitual. That will go on. It will stop.
Niçcayät. Dhairyät, niçcayät, that "When Kåñëa says, sarva-dharmän
parityajya mäm ekaà çaraëaà vraja [Bg. 18.66], now I have given up
everything. I have no other occupational duties. Simply to serve Kåñëa. So when
I have taken to it, then niçcaya, Kåñëa will surely give me protection." That is
called niçcaya. Don't be disappointed. Kåñëa is not a false speaker.”

6
Holy Name
It is not possible for the common man in this age to follow all the rules and
regulations of the Vedic rituals, nor is it possible to study all of the Vedänta
and the Upaniñads thoroughly. It requires much time, energy, knowledge
and resources to execute the purposes of the Vedas. This is hardly possible
in this age. The best purpose of Vedic culture is served, however, by

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chanting the holy name of the Lord, as recommended by Lord Caitanya, the
deliverer of all fallen souls.
(Bhagavad-gītā Purport 2.46)

7
Vapu& Väëé
You are asking me if I am present in my picture and form. The answer is
yes. In form as well as in teachings. To carry out the teachings of guru is
more important than to worship the form, but none of them should be
neglected. Form is called Väëé and teachings is called Väëé. Both should be
worshiped. Väëé is more important than Vapu.
(Letter to Tusta Kåñëa – December 14, 1972, Ahmedabad)

8
Chanting Quality
Our request to all our students is that they daily chant at least sixteen
rounds of this harer näma mahä-mantra offenselessly, following the
regulative principles. Thus their success will be assured without a doubt.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Ädi Lila Purport 17.23)

9
Sädhana
The two stages of executing devotional service are, first, the stage of
practicing devotional service with our present senses under the regulations
of the recognized scriptures, and second, attaining sincere attachment for
serving the particles of the dust of the lotus feet of the Lord. The first stage
is called sädhana-bhakti, or devotional service for the neophyte, which is
rendered under the direction of a pure devotee, and the second stage is
called räga-bhakti, in which the mature devotee automatically takes to the
various services of the Lord out of sincere attachment.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 3.7.14)

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10
Enthusiasm, Patience & Determination
Ordinarily, we have to try our best…. to our best capacity to achieve
something, and by Kåñëa's Grace, all of a sudden we shall see everything is
there. This sort of help from Kåñëa is transcendental happiness. Our
principle should be therefore, that we should work for the mission with
great enthusiasm, with certainty for its success, and patiently follow the
regulative principles, and associate ourselves with pure devotees, and work
being completely in Kåñëa Consciousness, that will make us happy and
successful.
(Letter to Brahmananda – February 20, 1968, Los Angeles)

11
Sädhana
Please follow the regulative principles strictly, and chant daily sixteen
rounds of beads regularly without fail. This is the essential process for
dissolving the clouds of illusion or Maya; and when the cloud of illusion is
removed, then we can understand Kåñëa Consciousness perfectly
(Letter to Nityananda – March 6, 1970, Los Angeles)

12
Reading
Actually these books are the foundation stone of our movement. Whatever
we are is resting on these books. Reading and distributing them-this should
be our only motto.
(Letter to Hådayänanda – October 31, 1974, Bombay)

13
Reading
136 | P a g e
Please continue to read the literature very attentively. Try to understand
very soberly and you will feel ecstasy undoubtedly. The more we
understand the spiritual literatures the more we become engladdened. Lord
Caitanya has written: ananda ambudhi-bardhanam. This means the ocean of
bliss is always increasing. So continue to execute your duties with
enthusiasm and patience, and I am certain Kåñëa will be pleased to make
you successful on all accounts.
(Letter to Aniruddha – December 7, 1969, London)

14
Guru Issue
One should try to cooperate with the Lord in His outward activities for
correcting the fallen souls. By His order only, one should become a spiritual
master and cooperate with the Lord. One should not become a spiritual
master for one's personal benefit, for some material gain or as an avenue of
business or occupation for earning livelihood. Bona fide spiritual masters
who look unto the Supreme Lord to cooperate with Him are actually
qualitatively one with the Lord.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 1.13.48)

15
Maìgala-ärati
When you become fully Kåñëa conscious by worshiping the Deity regularly,
as we have got prescription to rise early in the morning, offer maìgala-ärati,
then kértana, then class, in this way when you practice and become
advanced in Kåñëa consciousness, then your natural tendency will be how
to preach.

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(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – February 11, 1976, Mäyäpur)

16
Deity
The worship of the Deity in the temple is essential to reduce one’s
restlessness due to the contaminations of conditioned life. Thus Närada, in
his päïcarätriké-vidhi, and other great sages have sometimes stressed that
since every conditioned soul has a bodily concept of life aimed at sense
enjoyment, to restrict this sense enjoyment the rules and regulations for
worshiping the Deity in the temple are essential.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Ädi Lila Purport 7.76)

17
Holy Name
The name of Kåñëa is non-different from Kåñëa. Therefore, the name of
Kåñëa is as powerful as Lord Kåñëa Himself. There is no difference at all.
Anyone, therefore, can take advantage of the holy names of Lord Çré Kåñëa
even in the midst of greatest dangers. The transcendental name of Kåñëa,
even though uttered unconsciously or by force of circumstances, can help
one obtain freedom from the hurdle of birth and death.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 1.1.14)

18
Vapu & Väëé
Disciple: Can a Christian in this age, without a spiritual master, but by
reading the Bible and following Jesus’s words, reach the spiritual sky?
Prabhupäda: When you read Bible, you follow spiritual master. How can
you say without spiritual master?
Disciple: I was referring to a living spiritual master.
Çréla Prabhupäda: There is no question of whether the spiritual master is

138 | P a g e
“living.” The spiritual master is eternal.
(General Lecture – October 2, 1968, Seattle)
(Original unedited quote)
Tamäla Kåñëa: Can a Christian in this age, without a spiritual master, but by
reading the Bible and following Jesus's words, reach the...
Prabhupäda: When you read Bible, you follow spiritual master. How can you
say without? As soon as you read Bible, that means you are following the
instruction of Lord Jesus Christ, that means you are following spiritual master.
So where is the opportunity of being without spiritual master?
Madhudviña: I was referring to a living spiritual master.
Prabhupäda: Spiritual master is not the question of... Spiritual master is eternal.
Spiritual master is eternal. So your question is without spiritual master.
Without spiritual master you cannot be, at any stage of your life.

19
Deity
We should follow two important lines, namely the päïcarätriké-vidhi as well
as bhägavata-vidhi. The bhägavata-vidhi is preaching work, and Saìkértana,
and päïcarätriké-vidhi is Temple worship of the Deities. The Temple
worship will keep us sanctified, and when we shall preach in sanctified,
pure heart, the preaching will be immediately effective. So we have to follow
the two parallel lines simultaneously for successful execution of devotional
service.
(Letter to Gurudasa – March 15, 1970, Los Angeles)

20
Guru Issue
Just like Caitanya Mahāprabhu said, āmāra ājñāya guru hañā (Çré
Caitanya-caritämåta Madhya 7.128), and “You become a spiritual master
under My order." So if you carry out the order of Caitanya Mahāprabhu,
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Kṛṣṇa, then you become guru. āmāra ājñāya guru hañā. Unfortunately, we
do not wish to carry out order of the ācāryas. We manufacture our own
ways. We have got practical experience how a great institution was lost by
whimsical ways. Without carrying out the order of the spiritual master, they
manufactured something and the whole thing was lost. Therefore,
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura stresses very much on the words of the
spiritual master. Vyavasāyātmikā buddhir ekeha kuru-nandana (Bhagavad-
gītā 2.41). If you stick to the order of spiritual master, without caring for
your own convenience or inconvenience, then you become perfect.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – October 22, 1972, Vṛndāvana)

21
Sädhana
The highest stage is called prema-bhakti, but this stage is attained by
executing sädhana-bhakti. One should not try to elevate himself artificially
to the stage of prema-bhakti without seriously following the regulative
principles of sädhana-bhakti. Prema-bhakti is the stage of relishing, whereas
sädhana-bhakti is the stage of improving in devotional service.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Adi Lila Purport 13.39)

22
Reading
Çrémad-Bhägavatam is so scientifically presented that any sincere student of
this great science will be able to understand the science of God simply by
reading it with attention or simply by regularly hearing it from the bona
fide speaker.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 2.7.52)

23
Chanting Quality
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Simply be serious in following the rules and regulations and chant 16
rounds. These things will constantly give you strength and spirit and I am
sure that wherever you go in your preaching program there you will be
successful.
(Letter to Danavir – August 24, 1971, London)

24
Sädhana
Be very conscientious and hard-working and Kåñëa will give you the ability
to do everything nicely. There is no difference between chanting Hare Kåñëa
or Saìkértana and doing one's assigned work in Kåñëa Consciousness.
Sometimes we have to do so much managerial or office work, but Lord
Caitanya promises us that because in the Kali-yuga this is required for
carrying on our preaching mission. He gives assurance that we will not
become entangled by such work. When the work has to be done, do it first,
then chant. But you must fulfil at least 16 rounds daily. So if necessary sleep
less but you have to finish your minimum number of rounds.
(Letter to Kirtiraja – January 2, 1972, Bombay)
(Original unedited quote)
“Be very conscientious and hard-working and Kṛṣṇa will give you the ability to
do everything nicely. There is no difference between chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa or
Sankirtana and doing one's assigned work in Kṛṣṇa Consciousness. Sometimes
we have to do so much managerial or office work, but Lord Caitanya promises
us that because in the Kali Yuga this is required for carrying on our preaching
mission. He gives assurance that we will not become entangled by such work.
When the work has to be done, do it first, then chant. But you must fulfill at
least 16 rounds daily. So if necessary sleep less but you have to finish your
minimum number of rounds.”

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25
Holy Name
The sixteen word Mahämantra is nobody's invention. There are authorized
mantras in the different Puranas which are Vedic authorities. Especially in
the Kali Santara Upanisad it is stated that this sixteen word Mahämantra is
the Holy Name of the Supreme Brahma for the deliverance of the fallen
souls. Caitanya Mahāprabhu chanted, Haridasa Ṭhākur chanted 24 hours,
all the Gosvāmīs and Äcäryas chanted, my Guru Mahäräja chanted, and
following all these footsteps we are also chanting. So they are authorized by
disciplic succession, and all of us must chant at least 16 rounds daily to
keep us fit on the Kåñëa Consciousness transcendental platform.
(Letter to Ranadhira – January 24, 1970, Los Angeles)

26
Guru Issue
The words daivera käraëa indicate that by dint of providence, or by God’s
will, the followers of Advaita Äcärya divided into two parties. Such
disagreement among the disciples of one äcärya is also found among the
members of the Gauòéya Maöha. In the beginning, during the presence of
Oà Viñëupäda Paramahaàsa Parivräjakäcärya Añöottara-çata Çré Çrémad
Bhaktisiddhänta Sarasvaté Öhäkura Prabhupäda, all the disciples worked in
agreement; but just after his disappearance, they disagreed. One party
strictly followed the instructions of Bhaktisiddhänta Sarasvaté Öhäkura, but
another group created their own concoction about executing his desires.

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Bhaktisiddhänta Sarasvaté Öhäkura, at the time of his departure, requested
all his disciples to form a governing body and conduct missionary activities
cooperatively. He did not instruct a particular man to become the next
äcärya. But just after his passing away, his leading secretaries made plans,
without authority, to occupy the post of äcärya, and they split into two
factions over who the next äcärya would be. Consequently, both factions
were asära, or useless, because they had no authority, having disobeyed the
order of the spiritual master. Despite the spiritual master’s order to form a
governing body and execute the missionary activities of the Gauòéya Maöha,
the two unauthorized factions began litigation that is still going on after
forty years with no decision. Therefore, we do not belong to any faction.
But because the two parties, busy dividing the material assets of the Gauòéya
Maöha institution, stopped the preaching work, we took up the mission of
Bhaktisiddhänta Sarasvaté Öhäkura and Bhaktivinoda Öhäkura to preach the
cult of Caitanya Mahäprabhu all over the world, under the protection of all
the predecessor äcäryas, and we find that our humble attempt has been
successful. We followed the principles especially explained by Çréla
Viçvanätha Cakravarté Öhäkura in his commentary on the Bhagavad-gétä
verse beginning vyavasäyätmikä buddhir ekeha kuru-nandana. According to
this instruction of Viçvanätha Cakravarté Öhäkura, it is the duty of a disciple
to follow strictly the orders of his spiritual master. The secret of success in
advancement in spiritual life is the firm faith of the disciple in the orders of
his spiritual master.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Ädi Purport 12.8)

27
Holy Name
The age we live in is called Kali-yuga, the age of forgetting God. It is an age
of misunderstanding and quarrel, and the people’s hearts are filled with
dirty things. But God is so powerful that if we chant His holy name we
become purified, just as my disciples have become purified of their bad

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habits. Our movement is based on this principle of chanting the holy name
of God. We give everyone the opportunity, without any distinction.
(The Science of Self-Realization)

28
Living Entities’ Original Nature
You do not think that only woman is woman. The man is also woman. Don't
think that the woman is condemned; man is not. Woman means enjoyed,
and man means enjoyer. So this feeling, this feeling is condemned. If I see
one woman for enjoyment, so I am man. And if woman also sees another
man for enjoyment, she is also man. Woman means enjoyed and man means
enjoyer. So anyone who has got feeling of enjoyment, he is considered to
be man. So here both sexes meant for... Everyone is planning, "How I shall
enjoy?" Therefore he is puruṣa, artificially. Otherwise, originally, we are all
prakṛti, jīva, either woman or man. This is outward dress.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – September 1, 1975, Vṛndāvana)

29
Vapu & Väëé
We are not separated actually. There are two – väëé or vapu. So vapu is
physical presence and väëé is presence by the vibration, but they are all the
same. So Kåñëa when He was physically present before Arjuna is the same
when He is present before us by His väëé of Bhagavad-gétä. So far I am
concerned, I do not factually feel any separation from my Spiritual Master
because I am trying to serve Him according to His desire. That should be
the motto. If you kindly try to fulfil my mission for which you have been
sent there, that will be our constant association.
(Letter to Hamsaduta – June 22, 1970, Los Angeles)

30
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Reading
Çrémad-Bhägavatam is the transcendental science not only for knowing the
ultimate source of everything but also for knowing our relation with Him
and our duty toward perfection of the human society on the basis of this
perfect knowledge. It is powerful reading matter in the Sanskrit language,
and it is now rendered into English elaborately so that simply by a careful
reading one will know God perfectly well, so much so that the reader will
be sufficiently educated to defend himself from the onslaught of atheists.
Over and above this, the reader will be able to convert others to accepting
God as a concrete principle.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Preface)

31
Sädhana
Your regular chanting of Mahämantra and reading of books will keep you
always fit for pushing on this movement. This formula should be rigidly
followed by everyone of us.
(Letter to Tamala Kåñëa – May 1, 1970, Los Angeles)

September
145 | P a g e
1
Guru Issue
Devotee: How important is formal initiation?
Çréla Prabhupäda: Formal initiation means to accept, officially, to abide by
the orders of Kåñëa and His representative. That is formal initiation.
(Çréla Prabhupäda Lecture – February 22, 1973 Auckland)

2
Vaiñëava-aparädha
You should always be alert to see whether you are committing some offense.
In rendering service to Lord Kåñëa and His representative, the spiritual
master, we should always maintain this fearful attitude, which means
careful attention. This attitude will advance you progressively in Kåñëa
consciousness.
(Letter to Gopäla Kåñëa – April 21, 1970)

3
Deity
Çré-vigraha is the arcä, or suitable worshipable form of the Lord, and the
disciple should be engaged in worshiping the Deity regularly by çåìgära, by
proper decoration and dressing, as also by mandira-märjana, the matter of
cleansing the temple. The spiritual master teaches the neophyte devotee all
these kindly and personally to help him gradually in the realization of the
transcendental name, quality, form, etc., of the Lord.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 2.3.22)

4
Vapu & Väëé
So far personal association with the guru is concerned, I was only with my
Guru Mahäräja four or five times, but I have never left his association, not
146 | P a g e
even for a moment. Because I am following his instructions, I have never
felt any separation. There are some of my Godbrothers here in India who
had constant personal association with Guru Mahäräja, but who are
neglecting his orders. This is just like the bug who is sitting on the lap of
the king. He may be very puffed-up by his position, but all he can succeed
in doing is biting the king. Personal association is not as important as
association through service.
(Letter to Satadhanya – February 20, 1972, Calcutta)

5
Sädhana
As long as the body will be there, there will only be pain. Pleasure is only a
misconception. Do not be sorry if you are in an "unfortunate" situation. It
can also be fortunate if you take advantage by becoming serious to become
Kåñëa consciousness. Follow the regulative principles, chant 16 rounds and
as far as possible render service and study my books. Success is sure.
(Letter to Kåñëa Vilasini – October 25, 1976, Vrindaban)

6
Deity
Clearly, those who have the eyes to see Kåñëa will see Him. When Caitanya
Mahäprabhu entered the temple of Jagannätha, He immediately fainted upon
seeing the Deity. He said, "Oh, here is My Lord! Here is My Lord!" In order
to see, one has to become santaù, and one becomes santaù by culture. When
we develop love of Kåñëa, we will immediately see Kåñëa and faint, saying,
"Oh, here is my Lord!" However, those with no faith, those who are always
trying to deny Kåñëa, will simply say, "Oh, this is an idol. This is simply a
piece of stone."
(Teachings of Queen Kunté Verse 35)

7
Vapu & Väëé
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There are two ways of associating, by väëé and by vapu. Väëé means words
and vapu means physical presence. Physical presence is sometimes
appreciable and sometimes not. Therefore we should take advantage of the
väëé, not the physical presence, because the väëé continues to exist
eternally. Bhagavad-gétä for example is the väëé of Lord Kåñëa. Although
Kåñëa was personally present 5,000 years ago and is no longer present
physically from the materialistic viewpoint, still Bhagavad-gétä continues.
( Letter to Suci – November 4, 1975, Bombay)

8
Chanting Quality
There is no formula of quality. It is to be understood by oneself. Just like if
after eating something you feel refreshed and get strength. You haven't got
to take certificate. You'll understand whether you have eaten or not. That is
quality. When you will feel so much ecstasy in chanting Hare Kåñëa that is
quality. To come to that quality requires time and sincerity. It will be
awakened naturally and not by force.
(Morning Walk – November 2, 1975, Nairobi)

(Original unedited quote)

“So there is no formula of quality. It is to be understood by himself. Just like if
after eating something you feel refreshed and get strength that is quality. You
haven't got to take certificate: "Will you give me a certificate that I have eaten?"
You'll understand whether eaten or not. That is quality. When you will feel so
much ecstasy in chanting Hare Kåñëa that is quality. Not artificially–"Chant.
Chant. Otherwise get out." This is not quality. This is in expectation that
someday you may come to quality. That requires time. That requires sincerity.
But quality is there. Çravanädi çuddha citte karaye... It will be awakened. Not
by force.”

9
Sädhana
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As our devotees become more devotional, the non-devotees also come to
hear. To become advanced in spiritual life of devotional service to Kåñëa
means to acquire spiritual strength, and this spiritual strength is for
impressing devotional service into the hearts of the fallen souls. Also you
must all become expert preachers and show the exemplary life of a devotee
you must keep yourself spiritually fit by observing the regulative principles
strictly.
(Letter to Jananivasa – July 7, 1970, Los Angeles)

10
Enthusiasm, Patience & Determination
Every devotee should be determined that in this life he will be able to satisfy
the Supreme Personality of Godhead and by that process go back home,
back to Godhead. That is the perfection of the highest mission of life.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 4.8.69)

11
Guru Issue
In the mundane world, anyone possessing his master’s power of attorney
can act on behalf of his master. Similarly, a spiritual master empowered by
Kåñëa through his own bona fide spiritual master should be considered as
good as the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself. That is the meaning
of säkñäd-dharitvena.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Madhya Purport 10.136)

12
Chanting Quality

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Païcadraviòa: What if the person cannot chant sixteen rounds a day. He
says, "I can't..."
Prabhupäda: Then he is not even a human being. He is a rascal. That's all.
He is not a human being. He is animal. Don't talk about him if he cannot
chant sixteen rounds.
(Morning Walk – April 20, 1974, Hyderabad)

(Original unedited quote)

“Païcadraviòa: What if the person cannot chant sixteen rounds a day. He says,
"I can't..."
Prabhupäda: Then he is not even a human being. He is a rascal. That's all. He
is not a human being. What to consider of talking...? Don't talk about him if he
cannot chant sixteen rounds. He is not even a human. He is animal.”

13
Holy Name
Vedänta is the last word in Vedic wisdom, and the author and knower of
the Vedänta philosophy is Lord Kåñëa; and the highest Vedäntist is the great
soul who takes pleasure in chanting the holy name of the Lord. That is the
ultimate purpose of all Vedic mysticism.
(Bhagavad-gītā Purport 2.46)

14
Maìgala-ärati
Those who are actually engaged in Kåñëa consciousness, in devotional
service, associate with them. Don't think that at home you will be perfect.
That is not possible. At home there is no such facilities. Here you will get
the facilities. At home you will think, "Oh, what is this early in the
morning? Let me enjoy sleep." So there is no such facilities at home.
Therefore this institution is started. If you are serious about Kåñëa
consciousness, if you are serious about increasing attachment for Kåñëa,

150 | P a g e
then you should come and live with the devotees. Now they are chanting,
they are having maìgala-ärati, they are decorating the Deity, and so many
things.
(Bhagavad-gītā Lecture– London, March 9, 1975)
(Original unedited quote)
Those who are actually engaged in Kåñëa consciousness, in devotional service,
associate with them. Don't think that at home you will be perfect. That is not
possible. At home there is no such facilities. Here you will get the facilities. Here
the devotees, they are actually following the instruction of mad-äçrayaù, one
who has taken the shelter. They are rising early in the morning. And at home
you will think, "Oh, what is early in the morning?" (laughter) "Let me enjoy
sleep."
So there is no such facilities at home. Therefore this institution is started. If you
are serious about Kåñëa consciousness, if you are serious about increasing
attachment for Kåñëa, then you should come and live with the devotees. Ädau
çraddhä tataù sädhu-saìgaù [Cc. Madhya 23.14-15]. And atha bhajana-kriyä.
The sädhu-saìga... [Cc. Madhya 22.83]. Now they are chanting, they are
having maìgala-ärati, they are decorating the Deity, and so many things.

Guru
Only an empowered personality can distribute the holy name of the Lord
and enjoin all fallen souls to worship Kṛṣṇa. By distributing the holy name
of the Lord, he cleanses the hearts of the most fallen people; therefore he
extinguishes the blazing fire of the material world. Not only that, he
broadcasts the shining brightness of Kṛṣṇa's effulgence throughout the
world. Such an ācārya, or spiritual master, should be considered
nondifferent from Kṛṣṇa—that is, he should be considered the incarnation
of Lord Kṛṣṇa's potency. Such a personality is kṛṣṇāliṅgita-vigraha—that is,
he is always embraced by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa. Such
a person is above the considerations of the varṇāśrama institution. He is the
guru, or spiritual master, for the entire world, a devotee on the topmost
platform, the mahā-bhāgavata stage, and a paramahaṁsa-ṭhākura, a
spiritual form only fit to be addressed as paramahaṁsa or ṭhākura.
(Purport to Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Madhya 25.9)

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15
Surrender
Even if Kåñëa is prepared to give us more, we should not accept anything
from Him for our sense gratification. If anything is offered by Him, we
should accept gladly for His service only. For our sense gratification or
personal benefit we shall never ask any favor from Kåñëa, although He is
always willing to deliver such favor to anyone amongst His devotees.
(Letter to Brahmananda – February 20, 1968, Los Angeles)

16
Holy Name
The holy name has to be chanted to please the Supreme Lord, and not for
any sense gratification or professional purpose. If this pure mentality is
there, then even though a person is born of a low family, such as a dog-
eater’s, he is so glorious that not only has he purified himself, but he is quite
competent to deliver others.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 3.33.7)

17
Enthusiasm, Patience & Determination
The standard of devotional practice should be kept very high by strictly
observing the regulative principles and executing devotional activities with
determination and enthusiasm. If the standard practices are followed then
the atmosphere will naturally be joyful and enthusiastic for working
cooperatively for the satisfaction of Kåñëa.
(Letter to Kåñëakanti – November 29, 1970, Bombay)

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18
Sädhana
The devotees have to maintain the devotional practices. This is the secret
to success. Therefore I am stressing it. And, if you also stress it and show
yourself as an ideal Vaishnava, then you are my representative in fullness.
We are not after titles and designations. Lord Caitanya made it a principle
that we must teach by personal example. This is what I have tried to do. So
if all of you my disciples do this, then the future of our movement will be
glorious.
(Letter to Hrdayananda – October 31, 1974, Bombay)

(Original unedited quote)

“I am very glad to note that you are seeing that the devotees are maintaining
the devotional practices. This is the secret to success. Therefore I am stressing
it. And, if you also stress it and show yourself as an ideal Vaishnava, then you
are my representative in fullness. We are not after titles and designations. Lord
Caitanya made it a principle that we must teach by personal example. This is
what I have tried to do. So if all of you my disciples do this, then the future of
our movement will be glorious.”

19
Holy Name
Chanting of the holy name of the Lord should be loudly done, and it should
be performed offenselessly as well, as recommended in the Padma Puräëa.
One can deliver himself from the effects of all sins by surrendering himself
unto the Lord. One can deliver himself from all offenses at the feet of the
Lord by taking shelter of His holy name. But one cannot protect himself if
one commits an offense at the feet of the holy name of the Lord.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 2.1.11)

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20
Maìgala-ärati
How you can avoid karma? Bhakti is also karma. What is this bhakti? Just
like we are engaged in devotional service. That service means karma. So
they're also rising early in the morning at four 'o clock, offering maìgala-
ärati, and then reading books, then chanting Hare Kåñëa mantra, then
taking the class and taking prasädam, then going outside for performing
saìkértana, to distribute books. All day, twenty-four hours karma. So
therefore outsiders, they cannot understand, what is bhakti. They think
bhakti means "Close your eyes and make some murmuring sound that is
good." But bhakti is not like that.
(Room Conversation– July 24, 1973, London)
(Unedited original quote)
How you can avoid karma? Bhakti is also karma. Bhakti is also karma. Bhakti,
what is this bhakti? Just like we are engaged in devotional service. That service
means karma. So they're also rising early in the morning at four 'o clock offering
maìgala-ärati, and then reading books, then chanting Hare Kåñëa mantra, then
taking the class and taking prasädam, then going to outside for performing
Saìkértana, to distributing books. All day, twenty-four hours karma. So
therefore outsiders, they can not understand, that "They're also working like us,
they're also selling books, they're going to the press, they're also eating, they're
riding motorcar, they're typing, what kind of bhakti it is?" They cannot
understand what is bhakti. They think bhakti means, just like "Close your eyes
and make some murmuring sound, that is good." Bhakti is not like that

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21
Reading
The spiritual master prescribes standard literature for the prosecution of
the yoga of devotional service, and he himself speaks only from scriptural
reference. Therefore, reading standard scriptures is necessary for executing
yoga. Practicing yoga without reading the standard literatures is simply a
waste of time.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 3.28.4)

22
Vapu & Väëé
This is the secret of success. After being initiated and receiving the orders
of the spiritual master, the disciple should unhesitatingly think about the
instructions or orders of the spiritual master and should not allow himself
to be disturbed by anything else. This is also the verdict of Çréla Viçvanätha
Cakravarté Öhäkura, who, while explaining a verse of Bhagavad-gétä
(vyavasäyätmikä buddhir ekeha kuru-nandana, Bhagavad-gītā. 2.41), points
out that the order of the spiritual master is the life substance of the disciple.
The disciple should not consider whether he is going back home, back to
Godhead; his first business should be to execute the order of his spiritual
master. Thus a disciple should always meditate on the order of the spiritual
master, and that is perfectional meditation. Not only should he meditate
upon that order, but he should find out the means by which he can perfectly
worship and execute it.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 4.24.15)

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23
Guru Issue
The conclusion is that an empowered spiritual master is authorized by
Kåñëa and his own guru and should therefore be considered as good as the
Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself.

Govinda (a disciple of Srila Éçvara Puré) came from a çüdra family, but
because he was initiated by Éçvara Puré, he was certainly a brähmaëa.
Särvabhauma Bhaööäcärya here asked Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu why Éçvara
Puré accepted a disciple from a çüdra family. According to the småti-çästra,
which gives directions for the management of the varëäçrama institution, a
brähmaëa cannot accept a disciple from the lower castes. In other words, a
kñatriya, vaiçya or çüdra cannot be accepted as a servant. If a spiritual master
accepts such a person, he is contaminated. Särvabhauma Bhaööäcärya
therefore asked why Éçvara Puré accepted a servant or disciple born of a
çüdra family.
In answer to this question, Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu replied that His
spiritual master, Éçvara Puré, was so empowered that he was as good as the
Supreme Personality of Godhead. As such, Éçvara Puré was the spiritual
master of the whole world. He was not a servant of any mundane rule or
regulation. An empowered spiritual master like Éçvara Puré can bestow his
mercy upon anyone, irrespective of caste or creed. The conclusion is that
an empowered spiritual master is authorized by Kåñëa and his own guru
and should therefore be considered as good as the Supreme Personality of
Godhead Himself. That is the verdict of Viçvanätha Cakravarté: säkñäd-
dharitvena. An authorized spiritual master is as good as Hari, the Supreme
Personality of Godhead. As Hari is free to act as He likes, the empowered
spiritual master is also free. As Hari is not subject to mundane rules and
regulations, the spiritual master empowered by Him is also not subject.
According to the Caitanya-caritämåta (Antya-lélä 7.11), kåñëa-çakti vinä
nahe tära pravartana. An authorized spiritual master empowered by Kåñëa
can spread the glories of the holy name of the Lord, for he has power of
156 | P a g e
attorney from the Supreme Personality of Godhead. In the mundane world,
anyone possessing his master’s power of attorney can act on behalf of his
master. Similarly, a spiritual master empowered by Kåñëa through his own
bona fide spiritual master should be considered as good as the Supreme
Personality of Godhead Himself. That is the meaning of säkñäd-dharitvena.
Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu therefore describes the activities of the Supreme
Personality of Godhead and the bona fide spiritual master as follows.
(Caitanya-caritämåta Madhya Purport 10.136)

24
Reading
You must read Bhagavad-gétä at least a few verses every day and think about
them throughout the day. The best thing is to read one chapter daily, but if
you can meditate upon a few verses of Bhagavad-gétä every day, that is better
than reading for simply one hour and then forgetting the topics until the
next reading.
(Letter to Paramananda – July 29, 1969, Los Angeles)

25
Holy Name
In this Age of Kali, most of the population is foolish and not adequately
educated to understand Vedanta philosophy; the best purpose of Vedanta
philosophy is served by inoffensively chanting the holy name of the Lord.
Vedanta is the last word in Vedic wisdom, and the author and knower of
the Vedanta philosophy is Lord Kåñëa; and the highest Vedantist is the great
soul who takes pleasure in chanting the holy name of the Lord. That is the
ultimate purpose of all Vedic mysticism.
(Bhagavad-gītā Purport 2.46)

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26
Vapu & Väëé
Disciple: But how do the disciples know that they are pleasing you?
Çréla Prabhupäda: If you actually follow the words of guru, that means he
is pleased. And if you do not follow, how can he be pleased?
(Morning Walk – July 21, 1975, San Francisco)

(Original unedited quote)

Näräyaëa: But how do they know they're pleasing you, Çréla Prabhupäda?
Prabhupäda: If you actually follow the words of guru, that means he is pleased.
And if you do not follow, how he can be pleased?

27
Enthusiasm, Patience & Determination
Determination means continuing to practice Kåñëa Consciousness with
patience and perseverance. If one does not immediately attain the desired
results, one should not think, “Oh, what is this Kåñëa Consciousness? I will
give it up.” No, we must have determination and faith in Kåñëa’s words.
(Path of Perfection Chapter 5)

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28
Guru Issue
Guest: “When did you begin to become the spiritual leader of Kṛṣṇa
Consciousness?”
Brahmānanda: “He’s asking when you became the spiritual leader of Kṛṣṇa
Consciousness.”
Śrīla Prabhupāda: “When my Guru Maharaja ordered me. This is the guru
paramparā. Try to understand. Don’t go very speedily. A guru can become
guru when he’s ordered by his guru. That’s all. Otherwise nobody can
become guru.”
(Bhagavad-gītā Lecture – October 28, 1975, Nairobi)

(Original unedited quote)

Indian man: When did you become the spiritual leader of Kåñëa consciousness?
Prabhupäda: What is that?
Brahmänanda: He's asking when did you become the spiritual leader of Kåñëa
consciousness?
Prabhupäda: When my Guru Mahäräja ordered me. This is the guru-
paramparä.
Indian: Did it...
Prabhupäda: Try to understand. Don't go very speedily. A guru can become guru
when he's ordered by his guru. That's all. Otherwise nobody can become guru.

29
Reading

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Study my books and reproduce the purports in your own language. We
haven't got to invent something by our fertile brain for preaching.
Everything is there. One who is expert for presenting these things before
the audience so that they can conveniently understand is a successful
preacher. You have to speak only what Kåñëa has said. Then you become a
preacher.
(Letter to Jagadisa – November 9, 1975, Bombay)

(Original unedited quote)

“So study my books and reproduce the purports in your own language. You
should instruct your temple presidents to preach like this. This is preaching. We
haven't got to invent something by our fertile brain for preaching. Everything is
there. One who is expert for presenting these things before the audience so they
can conveniently understand, this is a successful preacher. You have only to
speak what Kṛṣṇa has said. Then you become a preacher.”

30
Vaiñëava-aparädha
A Vaiñëava always feels compassion for others' distress. He is very afflicted
by the miseries of others. When Lord Jesus Christ presented himself, for
instance, he was greatly afflicted by the miserable conditions of the people.
Regardless of which country or sect they belong to, all Vaiñëavas, or
devotees-people who are God conscious or Kåñëa conscious-are thus
compassionate. Therefore, to blaspheme a Vaiñëava, a preacher of God's
glories, is a great offense. Kåñëa, God, is never tolerant of offenses
committed at the lotus feet of a Vaiñëava.
(Science of Self Realization - Chapter 7c)

October
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1
Maìgala-ärati
Just like machine works systematically. The machine of the watch is
working very systematically, correctly. Similarly, every student, every
disciple must work very correctly, like the machine. There is no question,
"Why you did not attend the class?" As machine work, everyone should
attend the class, rise early in the morning, attend maìgala-ärati. This is
called suyantritaù, working like machine, no discrepancy. That is wanted.
(Çrémad-Bhägavatam Lecture – April 14, 1976, Bombay)

(Original unedited quote)

Just like machine works systematically. You have seen. Everyone has seen. The
machine of the watch is working very systematically, correctly. Similarly, every
student, every disciple must work very correctly, like the machine. There is no
question, "Why you did not attend school or the class?" You cannot say that
"This is this. This is this." No. As machine work, everyone should attend the
class, rise early in the morning, attend maìgala-ärati. This is called
suyantritaù, working like machine, no discrepancy. That is wanted.

2
Enthusiasm, Patience & Determination
The sound of the holy name – Hare Kåñëa, Hare Kåñëa, Kåñëa Kåñëa, Hare
Hare, everlastingly increases the enthusiasm of the chanter. If one repeats
monotonous material words, he will feel exhausted, but if he chants Hare
Kåñëa twenty-four hours a day, he will never feel exhausted; rather, he will
feel encouraged to continue chanting more and more.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 3.21.22)

3
Second Initiation

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Somebody, after initiation he promises, "Yes, I shall follow these rules and
regulations. I shall chant sixteen rounds," before the fire, before the Deity,
before the guru, and if he does not follow, then he is a cheater. What to
speak of his becoming a Vaiñëava, he is a cheater. He breaks all his promises.
Therefore after seeing, observing a person is doing everything, then say
second initiation, or then he should not be recommended for second
initiation
(Morning Walk – April 20, 1974, Hyderabad)

(Unedited original Quote)

“Somebody, after initiation he promises, "Yes, I shall follow these rules and
regulations. I shall chant sixteen rounds," before the fire, before the Deity,
before the guru, and if he does not follow, then he is a cheater. What to speak
of his becoming a Vaiñëava, he is a cheater. He breaks all his promises.
Therefore after seeing, observing a person is doing everything, then say
second initiation, or then he should not be recommended for second initiation
unless the president and the other authorities see that he is doing nicely, he
is following. Otherwise he should not be recommended. If he is
recommended, that is also another cheating.”
Reading
So if you don't read, then you will feel restless. You are restless because you
don't read. I am laboring so hard for you, but you don't take advantage.
Don't take advantage of eating and sleeping. Take advantage of these books.
Then your life will be successful. My duty—I have given you so valuable
things, day and night trying to convince you, each word to word. And if
you don't take advantage of this, then what can I do for you?
(Çrémad-Bhägavatam lecture 2.9.6-14 - May 2, 1972, Tokyo)
(Unedited original Quote)
You should read all this. You don't read. In the first volume of Bhāgavata
these things are explained. But I don't think you read all these things. Do
you read? So if you don't read, then you will feel restless: "Oh, let me go
from Japan to India, from India to Japan." You are restless because you don't
read. I am laboring so hard for you, but you don't take advantage. Don't
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take advantage of eating and sleeping. Take advantage of these books. Then
your life will be successful. My duty—I have given you so valuable things,
day and night trying to convince you, each word to word. And if you don't
take advantage of this, then what can I do for you? All right.

4
Vapu & Väëé
We put so much stress on seeing, but when Kåñëa was present on this earth,
so many people saw Him and did not realize that He is God; so what is the
advantage of seeing? By seeing Kåñëa, we will not understand Him, but by
listening carefully to His teachings, we can come to the platform of
understanding. We can touch Kåñëa immediately by sound vibration;
therefore, we should give more stress to the sound vibration of Kåñëa and
of the spiritual master-then we’ll feel happy and won’t feel separation.
(Elevation to Kåñëa Consciousness)

5
Reading
I want you to become absorbed in the philosophy of Bhagavad-gétä, Çrémad-
Bhägavatam, and become yourselves completely convinced and free from
all doubt. On this platform you shall be able to carry on the work
satisfactorily, but if there is a lack of knowledge or if there is forgetfulness,
everything will be spoiled in time. So especially you must read our books
throughout the day, as much as possible, and give them all good advice how
to understand the books, and inspire them to study the things from every
point of view.

(Unedited original Quote)

"I want you leaders especially to become absorbed in the philosophy of
Bhagavad-gétä, Çrémad-Bhägavatam, and become yourselves completely
convinced and free from all doubt. On this platform you shall be able to carry
on the work satisfactorily, but if there is a lack of knowledge or if there is
forgetfulness, everything will be spoiled in time. So especially you must
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encourage the students to read our books throughout the day as much as
possible, and give them all good advice how to understand the books, and
inspire them to study the things from every point of view. Better to boil the
milk very vigorously and make it thick and sweet—that is the best progress.
So let us concentrate on training our devotees very thoroughly in the
knowledge of Kåñëa consciousness from our books, from tapes, by discussing
always, and in so many ways instruct them in the right propositions."

6
Chanting Quality
You are thinking that there are many problems in your life; I assure you
that if you follow the regulative principles of chanting 16 rounds, observing
strictly the prohibitive injunctions, keep association with pure devotees,
plus taking care of the Deities in the Temple, surely all your problems will
be solved without any difficulty.
(Letter to Kulasekhara – January 11, 1970, Los Angeles)

7
Sädhana
Our policy is to have shaven head, wear robes, chant 16 rounds of beads,
follow the regulative principles, take prasädam only, etc. If they can follow
all these principles then only it is all right. If a doctor prescribes a medicine
and a diet and if the patient follows both, he will get well. If he just follows
in part, then he may not. So all these principles must be followed in order
to derive spiritual benefit. That is our method.
(Letter to Nayanabhirama – April, 1971, Bombay)

8
Reading
You are experiencing some doubts that you cannot believe that the Kåñëa
from Kåñëa book can be the Supreme Personality of Godhead, that it must
be like some fairy tale. To clear up these things the best remedy is to discuss
164 | P a g e
amongst yourselves and all members regularly all our books in classes, then
these doubts will be killed. Without reading books it becomes hackneyed
and such obnoxious ideas trouble us. Our thoughts are always changing;
that is the nature of the mind. So you cannot expect that even the great
saintly persons are free from thoughts, coming and going. But after thinking
there is feeling and willing; willing being the stage of putting the thoughts
into action. So if we are able to employ our intelligence, then we will kill
the thoughts before they become manifest in activity. But because we are so
much inclined to enjoy something unintelligently, we have to therefore
sharpen our intelligence daily by reading and discussing, and preaching to
others. In this may, we are able very easily to defeat all challengers to our
philosophy, and everything becomes very clear as it is revealed from
different angles of vision. Kåñëa makes a promise to one who is striving to
serve Him sincerely that He will give such devotee the intelligence by which
he may come to Him. Therefore, we should always pray that Kåñëa kindly
provide me the intelligence to kill all demons of doubt, and because He
understands the heart of His sincere devotee, immediately He gives
assistance." (Letter to Satyabhämä, February 28, 1972)

9
Enthusiasm, Patience & Determination
You must voluntarily agree, not hackneyed, mechanical. “Spiritual master
says like this. All right let me do it." No. You have to understand very nicely.
Teñäà satata-yuktänäà bhajatäà préti-pürvakam [Bg. 10.10]. Préti, with
love. When you work for Kåñëa with love and enthusiasm that is your Kåñëa
conscious life. If you think that "It is hackneyed, it is troublesome, but what
can I do? These people ask me to do it. I have to do it," that is not Kåñëa
consciousness. You have to do it voluntarily and with great pleasure.
(Bhagavad-gītā Lecture – July 23rd, 1973, London)
(Unedited original quote)
“You must voluntarily agree, not hackneyed, mechanical. “Spiritual master
says like this right. All right let me do it." No. You have to understand very
165 | P a g e
nicely. Teñäà satata-yuktänäà bhajatäà préti-pürvakam [Bg. 10.10]. Préti,
with love. When you work, when you work for Kåñëa with love and enthusiasm
that is your Kåñëa conscious life. If you think that "It is hackneyed, it is
troublesome, but what can I do? These people ask me to do it. I have to do it,"
that is not Kåñëa consciousness. You have to do it voluntarily and with great
pleasure.”

10
Vapu & Väëé
As far as my blessing is concerned it does not require my physical presence.
If you are chanting Hare Kåñëa there and following my instructions, reading
the books, taking only Kåñëa prasädam etc., then there is no question of
your not receiving the blessings of Lord Caitanya whose mission I am
humbly trying to push on.
(Letter to Bal Kåñëa – June 30, 1974, Melbourne)

11
Sädhana
Instead of suffering this repeated birth and death, sacrifice in this one life….
What is that sacrifice?... What is the inconvenience to live nicely, avoiding
these four rascal habits, taking Kåñëa prasädam, and chanting Hare Kåñëa
mantra and reading all these nice books? Where is the difficulty? Nice first
class life. Wherever you will go you will be respectable. Anyone will
worship you.
(Room Conversation – August 15, 1971, London)
Utilization of Time
The body is just like an instrument by which the living entity moves
according to false desires for happiness and thus suffers the pangs of birth,
death, old age and disease in different standards of life. Everyone begins his
activities with some plan and ambition, but actually, from the beginning of
one's plan to the end, one does not derive any happiness. On the contrary,
as soon as one begins acting according to his plan, his life of distress
166 | P a g e
immediately begins. Therefore, one should not be ambitious to dissipate the
unhappy conditions of life, for one cannot do anything about them.
Ahaṅkāra-vimūḍhātmā kartāham iti manyate (BG 3.27). Although one is
acting according to false ambitions, he thinks he can improve his material
conditions by his activities. The Vedas enjoin that one should not try to
increase happiness or decrease distress, for this is futile. Tasyaiva hetoḥ
prayateta kovidaḥ. One should work for self-realization, not for economic
development, which is impossible to improve. Without endeavor, one can
get the amount of happiness and distress for which he is destined, and one
cannot change this. Therefore, it is better to use one's time for advancement
in the spiritual life of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. One should not waste his
valuable life as a human being. It is better to utilize this life for developing
Kṛṣṇa consciousness, without ambitions for so-called happiness.
(Purport to Çrémad-Bhägavatam7.7.42)

12
Reading
Try to always study our books and see our philosophy from different lights
of directions. Become convinced yourself of this knowledge, and without a
doubt all your difficulties of mind will disappear forever and you will see
Kåñëa face to face.
(Letter to Bhägavatänanda, July 8, 1972)

(Unedited original quote)

"Nowadays it seems that many of the older disciples like yourself are having
difficulty. If you do not set the example for the younger students and take the
responsibility for instructing them in the right line, how will things go on? Try
to always study our books and see our philosophy from different lights of
directions. Become convinced yourself of this knowledge, and without a doubt
all your difficulties of mind will disappear forever and you will see Kåñëa face
to face."
(Letter to Bhägavatänanda, July 8, 1972)

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13
Enthusiasm, Patience & Determination
So far attaining enlightenment according to one's rate of development; that
development depends on your enthusiasm; how far you are serious. But one
should become very serious. That is the law in every sphere of achievement.
So for attaining to the perfectional stage of Kåñëa consciousness, one should
be very much enthusiastic. And then one should be patient also.
Enthusiasm does not mean if I attain something immediately the result is
immediate. No. The result may be delayed but we should not be disturbed.
But we must go on working with enthusiasm. This is called patience.
Enthusiasm, patience and confidence. Because we believe in Kåñëa. Kåñëa
says that if you do this you get this result. Therefore, we must have
confidence.
(Interview – March 9, 1968, San Francisco)

(Unedited original quote)

So far attaining enlightenment according to one's rate of development; that
development depends on your enthusiasm; how far you are serious. But one
should become very serious. That is the law in every sphere of achievement.
So for attaining to the perfectional stage of Kåñëa consciousness, one should
be very much enthusiastic. And then one should be patient also. Enthusiasm
does not mean if I attain something immediately the result is immediate. No.
The result may be delayed but we should not be disturbed. But we must go
on working with enthusiasm. This is called patience. Enthusiasm, patience
and confidence. Because we believe in Kåñëa. Kåñëa says that if you do this
you get this result. Therefore, I must have confidence.
(Interview – March 9, 1968, San Francisco)

14
Guru Issue

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Unless one is a resident of Kåñëa Loka, one cannot be a Spiritual Master.
That is the first proposition. A layman cannot be a Spiritual Master, and if
he becomes so then he will simply create disturbance.
(Letter to Mukunda – June 10, 1969, New Vrindaban)

15
Holy Name
“You have to remain uncontaminated. And that is puëya-çravaëa-kértanaù.
If you hear about Kåñëa, then puëya, you will be always in pious position.
Puëya-çravaëa-kértanaù. Therefore, our recommendation is always chant
Hare Kåñëa, Hare Kåñëa, Kåñëa Kåñëa, Hare Hare/ Hare Räma, Hare Räma,
Räma Räma, Hare Hare. So we should be careful about our slipping down
again into the sinful activity. Everyone should be careful and keep oneself
in the chanting process. Then he's all right.”
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – June 1, 1972, Los Angeles)

(Unedited original quote)

“You have to remain uncontaminated. And that is puëya-çravaëa-kértanaù. If
you hear about Kåñëa, then puëya, you will be always in pious position. Puëya-
çravaëa-kértanaù. Either you chant or... Therefore our recommendation is
always chant Hare Kåñëa, Hare Kåñëa, Kåñëa Kåñëa, Hare Hare/ Hare Räma,
Hare Räma, Räma Räma, Hare Hare. So we should be careful about our slipping
down again into the sinful activity. Everyone should be careful and keep oneself
in the chanting process. Then he's all right.”

16
Deity
The entire Bhägavatam is glorification of Kåñëa, and Çukadeva Gosvämé says
that one can be perfectly purified if one either glorifies Kåñëa, meditates
upon Him, or simply sits before the Deity of Kåñëa and sees Him, thinking,
"How nicely dressed is Kåñëa. How nicely dressed is Rädhäräëé." If one has
169 | P a g e
no ability to chant or if one's mind is so disturbed that one cannot fix it
upon Kåñëa, one is given this chance: "Here is the Deity. Simply see Him."
If one is engaged in the service of the Deity, there is a good chance of always
seeing Him, twenty-four hours a day. While cleansing the floor of the
temple, while dressing the Deity, while bathing the Deity, or while offering
Him food, one will always see Him. This is the process of devotional service.
(Teachings of Queen Kunti Verse 18)

(Unedited original quote)

The entire Bhägavatam is glorification of Kåñëa, and this is glorification by
Çukadeva Gosvämé. He says that one can be perfectly purified if one either
glorifies Kåñëa, meditates upon Him, or simply sits before the Deity of Kåñëa
and sees Him, thinking, "How nicely dressed is Kåñëa. How nicely dressed is
Rädhäräëé." If one has no ability to chant or if one's mind is so disturbed that
one cannot fix it upon Kåñëa, one is given this chance: "Here is the Deity. Simply
see Him." If one is engaged in the service of the Deity, there is a good chance of
always seeing Him, twenty-four hours a day. While cleansing the floor of the
temple, while dressing the Deity, while bathing the Deity, or while offering Him
food, one will always see Him. This is the process of devotional service.
(Teachings of Queen Kunti Verse 18)

17
Reading
One may be supposed to be intelligent or a scholar but if he does not read
my books, his knowledge has no profit. That's a fact. Asampürëa. He
remains still in darkness.
(Letter from Yugoslavia – June 30, 1977, Vṛndāvana)
Unedited Original Quote
One may supposed to be intelligent or scholar but if he does not read my
books, his knowledge has no profit. That's a fact. Asampürëa. He remains
still in darkness.

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18
Guru Issue
When one has attained the topmost position of mahä-bhägavata, he is to be
accepted as a guru and worshipped exactly like Hari, the Personality of
Godhead. Only such a person is eligible to occupy the post of a guru.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta, Madhya-lélä Purport 24.330)

19
Reading
Your first duty is to read my books. Otherwise, how will you preach? In
order to remain steadily fixed in Kåñëa consciousness there must be a sound
philosophical understanding. Otherwise it will become only sentiment.
Whenever you find the time, please read my books.
(Letter to Satsvarüpa däsa Goswami, January 5, 1976)
(Unedited original quote)
"Yes, as a sannyäsé and G.B.C. your first duty is to read my books.
Otherwise, how will you preach? In order to remain steadily fixed in Kåñëa
consciousness there must be a sound philosophical understanding. Otherwise
it will become only sentiment. Whenever you find the time, please read my
books."
(Letter to Satsvarüpa däsa Goswami, January 5, 1976)

20
Sädhana
The important thing is to see that everyone is following a regulated schedule
of chanting 16 rounds, reading, Saìkértana, and temple worship. Any
breakage in the performance of one's duties will surely be a hindrance in
one's advancement.
(Letter to Vrindaban Candra – November 9, 1970, Bombay)

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21
Enthusiasm, Patience & Determination
Dhairyät means perseverance, patience. Niçcayät means with firm
determination. “Yes, I have begun chanting. Maybe there are offenses, but
if I continue, Kåñëa will be pleased to place me on the transcendental
platform, when I shall relish what this chanting Hare Kåñëa is.” Just like
Viçvanätha Cakravarté has given this example that the mango in the ripe
stage and unripe stage. Unripe stage, it is bitter, but the same mango, when
it is fully ripe, it is sweet. We shall have to wait for this stage, and we shall
have to be careful that we may not commit offenses. Then, surely, we shall
come to that stage. Just like a diseased patient, if he follows the regulations
given by the physician and takes the medicine, then surely he’ll be cured.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – June 10, 1969, New Vṛndāvana)
(Unedited original quote)
dhairyät means perseverance, patience. Utsähät. Niçcayät. Niçcayät means
with firm determination: "Yes, I have begun chanting. Maybe there are offenses,
but if I continue, Kåñëa will be pleased to place me on the transcendental
platform when I shall relish what is this chanting Hare Kåñëa." Just like
Viçvanätha Cakravarté has given that the mango in the ripe stage and unripe
stage. Unripe stage, it is bitter, but the same mango, when it is fully ripe, it is
sweet, the sweetness. We shall have to wait for this stage, and we shall have to
be careful that we may not commit offenses. Then we, surely, we shall come.
Just like a diseased patient, if he follows the regulations given by the physician
and takes the medicine, then surely he'll be cured.

172 | P a g e
22
Guru Issue
Without being empowered by the direct potency of Lord Kåñëa to fulfill His
desire and without being specifically favored by the Lord, no human being
can become the spiritual master of the whole world. He certainly cannot
succeed by mental concoction, which is not meant for devotees or religious
people.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Madhya Purport 25.9)

23
Sädhana
The most important things are that you follow very carefully all of the rules
and regulations such as rising early, and having mangala-aräti and classes
etc. and that you chant at least 16 rounds daily without fail. These things
are most essential for your spiritual advancement and then everything will
be alright.
(Letter to Tirthanga – March 14, 1975, Tehran)

24
Holy Name
The powerful holy name of the Lord can certainly deliver one from sinful
effects, but one who desires to utilize this transcendental potency of the
holy name of the Lord in one’s sinister activities is the most degraded person
in the world. Such persons are never excused by the Lord or by any agent
of the Lord.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 2.1.12)

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25
Vaiñëava-aparädha
We should know that vipra-çäpa-vimüòhänäm: if any person is cursed by
vipra, brähmaëa, Vaiñëava, then they are finished. Therefore according to
the Vedic civilization, brähmaëas and Vaiñëavas are always honored so that
they may not be dissatisfied. This is the rule. Veda-päöhäd bhaved vipro
brahma jänätéti brähmaëaù. Those who are spiritually advanced, such
persons should not be offended.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Lecture – December 2, 1973, Los Angeles)

(Unedited original quote)

But we should know that vipra-çäpa-vimüòhänäm: if any person is cursed
by vipra, brähmaëa, Vaiñëava, then they are finished. Therefore according
to the Vedic civilization, brähmaëas and Vaiñëavas are always honored so
that they may not be dissatisfied. This is the rule. Brähmaëa and Vaiñëava.
The devotees and the brähmaëas. Veda-päöhäd bhaved vipro brahma
jänätéti brähmaëaù. Those who are spiritually advanced, such persons
should not be offended.

26
Sädhana
If you always chant Hare Kåñëa, read my books, and preach this philosophy
sincerely, then Kåñëa will provide you with all facility, and you will not fall
down into material entanglement.
(Letter to devotees – March 30, 1967, San Francisco)

27
Chanting Quality
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If somebody says, "Now I'll chant sitting down. Who is going to see me? I'll
doze and people will know I am chanting." This kind of cheating will not
do. For all those who are interested in Kåñëa consciousness we have given
time, sixteen rounds. You are not Haridäsa Öhäkura that you'll be able to
chant whole day and night. If without working, if you chant, that is, the
highest state. That you cannot do. Then you will sleep. So the minimum
quantity chant sixteen rounds, and that will take not more than two hours.
And other twenty-two hours, you always be busy in Kåñëa's activities. That
is required.
(Bhagavad-gétä Lecture – February 5, 1975, Hawaii)

(Original unedited quote)

But if somebody says, "Now I'll chant sitting down. Who is going to see me? I'll
doze and people will know I am chanting." You see? This kind of cheating will
not do.
All those who are interested in Kåñëa consciousness... Therefore we have given
time, sixteen rounds. But you are not Haridäsa Öhäkura that you'll be able to
chant whole day and night. If without working, if you chant, that is, the highest
state. That you cannot do. Then you sleep. That's all. So know that. The
minimum quantity, sixteen rounds chant, and that will take not more than two
hours. And other twenty-two hours, you be always busy in Kåñëa's activities.
That is required.

28
Enthusiasm, Patience & Determination
The process of bhakti-yoga is simultaneously very difficult and very easy to
perform. For a sincere person devotional service is very easy. But for one
who is not determined and sincere, this process is very difficult.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 4.8.30)

29
Surrender

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Kåñëa is so sublime and transcendental that He cannot be realized by mental
speculation or by personal endeavor, education or material acquisition. He
can only be approached and understood clearly by our service attitude,
engaging all our senses in His service. The beginning of service is to engage
our hearing organs and receive the transcendental message by aural
reception. And whenever we are mature in receiving the transcendental
message from books like Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhagavatam, via media
the transparent bona fide spiritual master then we are able to chant or
engage our tongue in the service of the Lord, being engaged in the service
of the Lord. The material covering of our senses becomes inactive and actual
spiritual form of activity becomes manifest.
(Letter to Purusottama – February 2, 1968, Los Angeles)

30
Humility
The more one feels imperfect in Kåñëa's service, the more he is advancing
in Kåñëa consciousness. Even the topmost devotees feel they are inadequate
in their service to the Lord. So it is good to feel inadequate and to try harder
to please Kåñëa with better service. But one should never feel, “Oh! I have
seen Kåñëa, and so I have reached perfection”-this is not Kåñëa
consciousness.
(Letter to Hamsaduta and Himavati – March 3, 1968, Los Angeles)

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 November
1
Bhakti-yoga
When you come to the bhakti-yoga, that is the perfection of life. Bhakti-yogena
manasa samyak praṇihite amale (SB 1.7.4). Bhakti-yogena amala: "The mind
becomes cleansed." Ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanam (CC Antya 20.12). That is the direct
effect of bhakti-yoga. Because the mind is now contaminated, and under the
creation of senses and sense activities, we are making millions and trillions of
ideas, and we become entangled in that idea. We have to accept millions and
trillions of body and then go on in the cycle of birth, death, old age and disease.
This is the implication. So purify the mind. That is the chanting of Hare Kṛṣṇa
mahā-mantra. Ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanaṁ bhava-mahā-dāvāgni-nirvāpaṇam. When
our mind is cleansed... This is mahā-dāvāgni. This expansion of mental ideas,
thousands and millions, that is bhava-mahā-dāvāgni. So it is the duty of guru to
get out his disciple from the bhava-mahā-dāvāgni. Saṁsāra-dāvānala-līḍha-loka-
trāṇāya kāruṇya-ghanāghanatvam. Kāruṇya, kāruṇya.
So what is the guru? Guru has received the kāruṇya. Kāruṇya means just like the
cloud has received water from the sea, similarly, a guru, spiritual master, receives
the cloud of mercy from the ocean of kindness of Kṛṣṇa. Ghanāghanatvam. And it
is only the cloud that can extinguish the forest fire, saṁsāra. No other watering
system will be helpful. If there is fire in the forest, your fire brigade or buckets of
water will not help. It is impossible. Neither you can go there; neither you can
render any service by your fire brigade and bucket. Then how the fire can be
extinguished? Ghanāghanatvam. If there is cloud in the sky and if there is rainfall,
then the expansive forest fire can immediately be extinguished. So that cloud is
supposed to be the spiritual master. He pours water. Śravaṇa-kīrtana-jale karaye
secana (CC Madhya 19.152). What is that water? The water is this śravaṇa-
kīrtana. Bhava-mahā-dāvāgni, the fire, the forest fire of material existence, is
blazing continually. So you have to extinguish it by the rainfall from cloud, and
that rainfall means śravaṇa-kīrtana. Śravaṇa means hearing, and kīrtana means
chanting. This is the only way. Śravaṇa-kīrtana-jale karaye secana.
(Lecture on SB 3.26.39 - January 14, 1975, Bombay)
Note: For unedited original quote please turn over

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(Unedited original quote)
When, when you come to the bhakti-yoga, that is the perfection of life.
Bhakti-yogena manasa samyak praṇihite amale (SB 1.7.4). Bhakti-yogena
amala: "The mind becomes cleansed." Ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanam (CC Antya
20.12). That is the effect of..., direct effect of bhakti-yoga. Because the mind
is now contaminated, and under the creation of senses and sense activities,
we are making millions and trillions of ideas and become entangled in that
idea. We have to accept millions and trillions of body and then go on in the
cycle of birth, death, old age and disease. This is implication. So purify the
mind. That is the chanting of Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra. Ceto-darpaṇa-
mārjanaṁ bhava-mahā-dāvāgni-nirvāpaṇam. When our mind is cleansed...
This is mahā-dāvāgni. This expansion of mental ideas, thousands and
millions, that is mahā..., bhava-mahā-dāvāgni. Bhava-mahā-dāvāgni. So it
is the duty of guru to get out his disciple from the bhava-mahā-dāvāgni.
Saṁsāra-dāvānala-līḍha-loka-trāṇāya kāruṇya-ghanāghanatvam **.
Kāruṇya, kāruṇya.
So what is the guru? Guru has received the kāruṇya. Kāruṇya means just
like the cloud has received water from the sea, similarly, a guru, spiritual
master, receives the cloud of mercy from the ocean of kindness of Kṛṣṇa.
Ghanāghanatvam. And it is only the cloud that can extinguish the forest fire,
saṁsāra. No other watering system will be helpful. If there is fire in the
forest, your fire brigade or buckets of water will not help. It is impossible.
Neither you can go there; neither you can render any service by your fire
brigade and bucket. Then how the fire can be extinguished?
Ghanāghanatvam. If there is cloud in the sky and if there is rainfall, then
the expansive forest fire can immediately be extinguished. So that cloud is
supposed to be the spiritual master. He pours water. He pours water.
Śravaṇa-kīrtana-jale karaye secana (CC Madhya 19.152). What is that
water? The water is this śravaṇa-kīrtana. Bhava-mahā-dāvāgni, the fire,
the forest fire of material existence, is blazing continually. So you have to
extinguish it by the rainfall from cloud, and that rainfall means śravaṇa-
kīrtana. Śravaṇa means hearing, and kīrtana means chanting. This is the
only way. Śravaṇa-kīrtana-jale karaye secana.
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2
Determination
So we should consider that when you get such a chance of spiritual
cultivation—may be ten percent, five percent, fifty percent—we should
know that "Now we should finish the balance percentage of cultivation. We
must finish in this life. I shall not take chance of another birth." That should
be our determination. Paurva-dehikam. "When I have come to this point, it
must be understood that I had some asset in my previous life. So Kåñëa is
giving me chance to make further progress. Now, in my past life I could not
finish the job some way or other, but that doesn't matter. Now this life I
shall not allow to miss this opportunity." That should be our determination
as soon as we begin some spiritual culture.
(Bhagavad-gétä 6.40-43 - September 18, 1966, New York)
(Unedited original quote)
So we should consider that when you get such chance of spiritual
cultivation—may be ten percent, five percent, fifty percent—we should know
that "Now we should finish the balance percentage of cultivation. We must
finish this life. I shall not take chance of another birth." That should be our
determination. Paurva-dehikam. "When I have come to this point, it must be
understood that I had some asset in my previous life. So Kåñëa is giving me
chance to make further progress.
Now, in my past life I could not finish the job some way or other, but that
doesn't matter. Now this life I shall not allow to miss this opportunity." That
should be our determination as soon as we begin some spiritual culture.

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3
Surrender
Kåñëa consciousness is a transcendental science which can be revealed to a
sincere devotee who is prepared to render service to the Lord. Kåñëa
consciousness is not achieved by dry arguments or by academic
qualifications. Our senses are all blunt in the matter of receiving
transcendental subject matter, but they are purified in due course of time
by constant engagement in the service of the Lord.
(Letter to Subala – September 29, 1967, Delhi)

4
Hearing
So, reading of the literature and hearing of the chanting is the medicine,
and prasadam is the diet. So, if diet and medicine are properly administered
the disease of mäyä will be cured.
But the physician must be always healthy. People may not say, physician is
ill thyself. That means the preachers must be of highly elevated character,
following strictly the rules and regulations and chanting regularly in the
temple. There may be so many odds in the progressive march of Kåñëa
consciousness, but if we pin our faith in Kåñëa, everything will come out
successful in due course.
(Letter to Satsvarupa – June 27, 1968, Montreal)

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5
Humility
A devotee should always remain humble and meek, especially to the
authorities and devotees. Lord Caitanya's philosophy is not to become God
but to become servant, servant, and servant of God. The more one becomes
the lower grade servant of the Lord, the more he is devoted nearer to the
Lord. This is our philosophy. I have all my hearty blessings upon you,
please do your duties nicely and Kåñëa will be pleased to shower His
blessings upon you. He is very kind to sincere souls, and He gives
intelligence from within to sincere devotees. We require only to become
sincere in the service of the Lord, then everything is there ready for our
convenience.
(Letter to Jaya Govinda – February 8, 1968, Los Angeles)

6
Determination
Everyone is neophyte. He should practice determination, that's all. If he
cannot practice, then why should he enter into this association? Let him
remain aloof. One who has entered with the determination that "I must
practice," so if he cannot practice, then why this makeshow that "I belong
to Kåñëa consciousness movement….. I am initiated." Why this farce? He
must practice with determination that "By practicing I'll be successful."
That is wanted. If he has no determination, why should he make a show?
Bhajante mäà dåòha-vratäù…. Dåòha-vrata, determination, that is wanted.
When one is determined, his success is assured.
(Garden Conversation – June 23, 1976, New Vrindaban)
(Unedited original quote)
Everyone is neophyte. He should practice determination, that's all. If he
cannot practice, then why should he enter into this association? Let him
remain aloof. One who has entered with the determination that "I must
practice," so if he cannot practice, then why this makeshow that "I belong
to Kåñëa consciousness movement….. I am initiated." Why this farce? He
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must practice with determination that "By practicing I'll be success." That
is wanted. He has no determination, why should he make a show? Dåòha-
vrata. Bhajante mäà dåòha-vratäù. Dåòha-vrata, that is wanted,
determination. Hmm, go on. When one is determined, his success is
assured. If he's not determined, then success or failure .

7
Sense Control
The only process for perceiving Kåñëa and His name, qualities, form, is our
sincere service attitude with our senses. Beginning from the tongue, all our
senses are practically led by the tongue sense, whose business is to vibrate
and to taste. If we can change the materialistic nature of the tongue, by
changing of taste and vibration, then automatically the other senses become
purified. And we can render service to Kåñëa with purified senses. As such
we should try to chant and eat Kåñëa prasadam as much as possible.
(Letter to Upendra – July 4, 1968, Montreal)

8
Sädhana
Number one engagement is that you must chant at least 16 rounds Hare
Kåñëa mantra daily; the four regulative principles are most important and
must be observed rigidly in temple life; you should speak according to the
çästras and be compassionate to all conditioned souls and try to convince
them about the real truth.
(Letter to devotees – June 29, 1971, London)

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9
Hearing
So cleanliness is next to godliness. So the... Actually, our material
conditioned life means the mind is covered with dirt, all unclean, dirty
things. That is the disease. When we are in the lower stage of tamo-guṇa
and rajo-guṇa, these dirty things are very much prominent. Therefore one
has to raise himself from the position of tamo-guṇa and rajo-guṇa to sattva-
guṇa. The process is recommended, how to cleanse the mind: śṛṇvatāṁ sva-
kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ (SB 1.2.17). One has to hear the
kṛṣṇa-kathā. (Lecture on SB 3.25.16 - November 16, 1974, Bombay)
(Unedited original quote)
So cleanliness is next to godliness. So the... Actually, our material conditioned
life means the mind is covered with dirt, all unclean, dirty things. That is the
disease. When we are in the lower stage of tamo-guṇa and rajo-guṇa, these dirty
things are very much prominent. Therefore one has to raise himself from the
position of tamo-guṇa and rajo-guṇa to sattva-guṇa. The process is
recommended, how to cleanse the mind: śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ puṇya-
śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ (SB 1.2.17). One has to hear the kṛṣṇa-kathā.

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10
Vaiñëava-aparädha
While describing the system of protection for the creeper of devotional
service, Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu has especially stressed protection from
offenses unto the lotus feet of Vaiñëavas. Such offenses are called Vaiñëava-
aparädha. Aparädha means "offense." If one commits Vaiñëava-aparädhas,
all of his progress in devotional service will be checked. Even though one
is very much advanced in devotional service, if he commits offenses at the
feet of a Vaiñëava, his advancement is all spoiled. In the çästras it is found
that a very great yogé, Durväsä Muni, committed a Vaiñëava-aparädha and
thus for one full year had to travel all over the universe, even to
Vaikuëöhaloka, to defend himself from the offense. At last, even when he
approached the Supreme Personality of Godhead in Vaikuëöha, he was
refused protection. Therefore, one should be very careful about committing
offenses at the feet of a Vaiñëava.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Purport 4.21.37)

11
Enthusiasm, Patience & Determination
Acäpalam, determination, means that one should not be agitated or
frustrated in some attempt. There may be failure in some attempt, but one
should not be sorry for that; he should make progress with patience and
determination.
(Bhagavad-gītā Purport 16.1)

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12
Guru Issue
Caitanya Mahāprabhu authorized Sanatana Goswami to become guru. This
is paramparä system. Nobody can become guru all of a sudden. Self-made
guru is not guru. Unless Sanatana Goswami has got the power to receive
the instruction, Caitanya Mahāprabhu is not going to waste His time. He
has the power. So He is empowering Sanatana Gosvami to take this task and
spread Kåñëa consciousness. Just like even if one is a qualified lawyer, he
must get the power of attorney from his client, and then he can speak. That
is the law. Similarly, without being endowed with the power of attorney
from Kåñëa, it is not possible to preach. Because we are preparing ourselves
to preach Kåñëa consciousness, we must be qualified to get the power of
attorney. Sometimes we speak that "I'll preach." What will you preach?
First of all, get the power of attorney; then preach. Preaching is not so easy
that anyone can preach. Kåñëa-çakti vinä nahe tära pravartana. So to get that
power of attorney one has to qualify himself, not that the power of attorney
is hanging in the tree and you can take it.
(Śrī Caitanya-caritamrta Lecture – July 11, 1976, New York)
(Unedited original quote)
“Caitanya Mahäprabhu is authorizing him to become guru. This is paramparä
system. Nobody can become guru all of a sudden. Self-made guru that is not
guru. Here Caitanya, er, Sanätana Gosvämé is presented as the disciple, ideal
disciple. He is asking, ke ämi kene ämäya järe täpa-traya, process how to
approach guru, how to ask him question. Tad viddhi praëipätena paripraçnena
[Bg. 4.34]. Paripraçna means question. That is also required. But Caitanya
Mahäprabhu is authorizing him. Therefore He says, kåñëa-çakti dhara tumi
[Cc. Madhya 20.105]. Here Kåñëa, Caitanya Mahäprabhu, He is authorizing
Sanätana Gosvämé. Unless he has got the power to receive the instruction,
Caitanya Mahäprabhu is not going to waste His time. He has the power. He is
empowered. Kåñëa Caitanya Mahäprabhu's mission is that to preach Kåñëa
consciousness all over the world. So He is empowering Sanätana Gosvämé to
take this task and spread Kåñëa consciousness. That is Caitanya Mahäprabhu's
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mission. There is... You'll find in the Caitanya-caritämåta the verse, kåñëa-çakti
vinä nahe näma pracäraëa. Without being empowered by Kåñëa, nobody can
preach the holy name of the Lord. Kåñëa-çakti vinä nahe näma pracäraëa. So
without getting the power of attorney... Just like even one is qualified lawyer,
he must get the power of attorney from his client, and then he can speak. That
is the law. Similarly, without being endowed with the power of attorney from
Kåñëa, it is not possible to preach.
So our business is... Because we are preparing ourselves to preach Kåñëa
consciousness, we must be qualified to get the power of attorney. Sometimes we
speak that "I'll preach." What you will preach? First of all get the power of
attorney; then preach. Preaching is not so easy that anyone and anyone can
preach without... Kåñëa-çakti vinä nahe näma pracäraëa. So to get that power
of attorney one has to qualify himself, not that the power of attorney is hanging
in the tree and you can take it.”

13
Sädhana
Following Kåñëa's orders means chanting daily 16 rounds, following the
four rules and regulations, rising early, associating with devotees, like that.
Unless these principles are followed, we cannot expect Kåñëa's protection.
(Letter to Jayadeva – 23 July, 1972, Paris)
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14
Guru Issue
Don’t become premature ācārya. First of all, follow the orders of ācārya,
and you become mature. Then it is better to become ācārya. Because we are
interested in preparing ācārya……But the etiquette is, at least for the
period the guru is present, one should not become ācārya. Even if he is
complete, he should not, because the etiquette is, if somebody comes for
becoming initiated, it is the duty of such person to bring that prospective
candidate to his ācārya.
(Sri Chaitanya caritāmṛta Lecture – April 6, 1975, Māyāpur)

15
Spiritual master
I have accepted you as my disciple and you have accepted me as your
spiritual father. This relationship cannot be ended anymore. It is eternal.
(Letter to - Rayarama - Los Angeles, 8 July, 1969)

16
Chanting Quality
The Kåñëa consciousness movement prescribes sixteen rounds daily
because people in the Western countries cannot concentrate for long
periods while chanting on beads. Therefore, the minimum number of
rounds is prescribed. However, Çréla Bhaktisiddhänta Sarasvaté used to say
that unless one chants at least sixty-four rounds of japa (one hundred
thousand names), he is considered fallen (patita). According to his
calculation, practically every one of us is fallen, but because we are trying

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to serve the Supreme Lord with all seriousness and without duplicity, we
can expect the mercy of Lord Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu, who is famous as
patita-pävana, the deliverer of the fallen.
(The Nectar of Instruction Verse 5)

17
Service
Just keep this attitude of sincere service and without a doubt Kṛṣṇa will give
you all intelligence to serve Him nicely. Kṛṣṇa is not ungrateful but rather
He sees all our efforts and appreciates our sincere service. Kṛṣṇa is
interested in how we engage our energies in His service.
(Letter to Devananda – 23 November 1968, Los Angeles)
Unedited Original Quote
Just keep this your attitude of sincere service and without a doubt Kṛṣṇa will
give you all intelligence to serve Him nicely. Kṛṣṇa is not ungrateful but rather
He sees all our efforts and appreciates our sincere service. Kṛṣṇa is interested
in how we engage our energies in His service.

18
Actual Happiness
The material world is but a shadow of reality. In the shadow there is no
reality or substantiality, but from the shadow we can understand that there
are substance and reality. In the desert there is no water, but the mirage
suggests that there is such a thing as water. In the material world there is
no water, there is no happiness, but the real water of actual happiness is
there in the spiritual world.
(Bhagavad-gītā Introduction)

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19
Chanting
By chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa gradually the soul revives its identity or it comes
out from the forgetfulness. This is not exactly development, but it is
reviving one's consciousness. Everything will be gradually clear as you go
on chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa. Please try to chant at least 16 rounds of the beads
and while chanting try to hear each and every word. That will make you
advanced in every respect.
(Letter to Ballabhi – May 5, 1967, San Francisco)

20
Enthusiasm
The difficulties of life may come as seasonal changes but we should not be
disturbed by all those difficulties. Our process is to chant and that process
will gradually clear everything in due course. There is nothing to be
disrupted–you should go on with your work, with enthusiasm and
everything will be solved. We are on the sound footing of Kṛṣṇa
consciousness.
(Letter to Mukunda – June 6, 1967, New York)

21
Chanting
In this connection, Follow the rules and regulations according to schedule
and execute your duties in Krsna's service and everything will be alright.
These regulative functions of chanting the rounds sixteen daily, rising
early in the morning to attend Mangala Arati, holding classes for studying
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our scripture and gong on Sankirtana, these items must not be neglected.
They will quickly advance us in Krsna Consciousness and clear up all
doubtful activities which have been causing mischief in our Society.
(Letter to: Revatinandana – Tokyo 27 August, 1970)

22
Sense Control
Yes, the point is that we should not eat more than required. Eating, sleeping,
mating, all these are material demands; the more we minimize, then that is
good, but not at the risk of health. Because we have to work for Kṛṣṇa, so
we must maintain our health nicely. But we should not eat more than is
required for maintaining body and soul together. That is the principle. It
does not mean, however, that if one's body requires more food for
maintaining it, that he should imitate someone who requires less food. The
real point is that eating is for maintaining the body, not for luxury or for
satisfying the demands of the tongue. In the beginning of devotional service
one can only see Kṛṣṇa in the Deity and the prasadam that is offered to Him.
(Letter to Unknown -- August 23, 1968, Montreal)
Unedited Original Quote
190 | P a g e
Yes, the point is that we should not eat more than required. Eating, sleeping,
mating, all these are material demands; the more we minimize, then that is
good, but not at the risk of health. Because we have to work for Kṛṣṇa, so we
must maintain our health nicely. But we should not eat more than is required
for maintaining body and soul together. That is the principle. It does not mean,
however, that if one's body requires more food for maintaining it, that he should
imitate someone who requires less food. The real point is that eating is for
maintaining the body, not for luxury or for satisfying the demands of the tongue.
Yes, you are right in saying that in the beginning of devotional service that one
can only see Kṛṣṇa in the Deity and the prasadam that is offered to Him.

23
Hearing
Now here is Lord Caitanya's order. Whether we do understand or not
understand, if we simply submissively give aural reception to these
messages of Kṛṣṇa, then gradually we shall understand the whole
philosophy and science of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. This is the summary. You
may not understand at the present moment about the extensive
constitutional position and philosophy of Kṛṣṇa. Still, if we submissively
give aural reception to these messages, as it is described in the Caitanya-
caritāmṛta by Lord Caitanya, that will help us—Bhagavad-gītā, Śrīmad-
Bhāgavatam, Caitanya-caritāmṛta. This hearing process is very nice. That is
recommended by Lord Caitanya. Simply by hearing. We do not require to
be very highly educated or very good scholar in Vedānta philosophy.
Whatever you are, you remain in your place. That doesn't matter. Simply
try to hear, and by hearing everything will be... Svayam eva sphuraty adaḥ.

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Because the process is that we cannot understand God or we cannot see
God unless He reveals. So this revelation will come if we submissively hear.
We may not understand, but simply by hearing, we can achieve that stage
of life.
(Lecture on CC Madhya-lila 20.391-405 - January 2, 1967, New York)

24
Spiritual Activities
Kṛṣṇa consciousness is so nice that one aspires for still more work. That is
the sign of spiritual life. In the material world we want to minimize our
activities and take rest more, but in the spiritual world there is no rest and
there is no limit of activities. Kṛṣṇa is unlimited, His service is unlimited
and the energy of His servants is unlimited. Although we are in the midst
of ignorance, still if we keep ourselves alert there is no place of ignorance.
(Letter to Tamala Kṛṣṇa – March 18, 1969, Hawaii)
Unedited Original Quote
Kṛṣṇa consciousness is so nice that you are aspiring for still more work. That
is the sign of spiritual life. In the material world we want to minimize our
activities and take rest more, but in the spiritual world there is no rest and there
is no limit of activities. Kṛṣṇa is unlimited, His service is unlimited and the
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energy of His servants is unlimited. Although we are in the midst of ignorance,
still if we keep ourselves alert there is no place of ignorance.

25
Devotional service
The only process for perceiving Kṛṣṇa and His name, qualities, form, is our
sincere service attitude with our senses, beginning from the tongue. All our
senses are practically led by the tongue sense, whose business is to vibrate
and to taste. If we can change the materialistic nature of the tongue by
changing of taste and vibration, then automatically the other senses become
purified. And we can render service to Kṛṣṇa with purified senses.
(Letter to Upendra, July 4, 1968, Montreal)

26
Association of devotees
Our relationship is eternal. But if somebody lags behind, so in spite of our
eternal relationship one may not meet others at the destination. Just like a
flock of birds--although very intimately related, every one of them has to
fly in the sky by individual strength. If one is less strong, the others cannot
keep him in the sky. That is the law of nature. So long every one of us is
strong in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, there is no doubt you can fly in the spiritual
sky and meet together without failure. Therefore, individual strength is
most important and that individual strength is achieved in the association
of devotees also.
(Letter to Satsvarupa – September 20, 1968, San Francisco)

27
Quality of Devotees

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Devotee means he is able to tolerate all kinds of discomfort and whims of
the material nature, and because he is so much absorbed in serving Kṛṣṇa,
he takes no time to become angry or take offense with others or find out
some fault, no. Devotee means very liberal and kind to everyone, always
gentleman under all kinds of conditions of life.
(Letter to Hansadutta – December 10, 1972, Ahmedabad)

28
Surrender
So when you may feel morose, chant Hare Krsna Mantra loudly and hear it.
That will reestablish you on the platform of transcendental bliss. Sometimes
it appears that the devotee is put into some difficulty unreasonably, but the
devotee does not take even this adverse circumstance as anything other than
a manifestation of the Lord's Supreme Mercy. Anyway, such feelings come
and go like seasonal changes and we should not deviate for that reason from
our prescribed duty.
(Letter to Visnujana – January 8, 1971, Allahabad)
Unedited Original Quote
So when you may feel morose, chant Hare Krsna Mantra loudly and hear it.
That will reestablish you on the platform of transcendental bliss. Sometimes it
appears that the devotee is put into some difficulty unreasonably, but the devotee
does not take even this adverse circumstance as other that a manifestation of
the Lord's Supreme Mercy. Anyway, such feelings come and go like seasonal
changes and we should not deviate for that reason from our prescribed duty.
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29
Deity Worship
It is the sole aim of life to be constantly absorbed in thoughts about
Rādhārāṇī and Kṛṣṇa, and because you are so determined to become fully
Kṛṣṇa Conscious, Kṛṣṇa has given you this opportunity to realize that aim
by serving Him directly. I have always instructed that the standard of
arcana worship must be kept very high, because this will insure that every
other temple activity will also flourish.
(Letter to Himavati – November 17, 1971, Delhi)

30
Chanting and the spiritual platform
Kértana is the universal principle, therefore, if you chant Hare Kṛṣṇa
offenselessly, that is to say, avoiding the 10 kinds of offenses, the vibration
is sure to act. And anywhere this vibration is made, it will be liked because
it is done on the spiritual platform. And on the spiritual platform, there will
be certainly agreement. So long one is on the material platform, there is no
agreement. So our movement is directly taken to the spiritual platform. So
do it nicely, offenselessly, and it will be successful anywhere.
(Letter to Gurudasa -- December 14, 1968, Los Angeles)

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 December
1
Devotional Service
Sometimes pressure is required, especially when one is not so advanced. Of
course it has to be applied properly, otherwise there may be some bad taste.
But spontaneous service can only be expected from advanced devotees. Just
like a child by pressure goes to school and is made to read. Then after some
time he wants to read, even without pressure. We have all got experience
of this. It is vaidhi bhakti–vaidhi means "must.'' Sometimes devotees are
promised a plate of maha-prasadam for the biggest book distributer. There
is no harm. Actually one should try to serve Kṛṣṇa to his or her full capacity
without thought of reward–service is itself the reward. But this takes time
to actually realize and until that platform is achieved some pressure or
inducement is required.
(Letter to Tusta Kṛṣṇa – January 9, 1976, Bombay)

2
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Protection
Regarding the things that Kṛṣṇa is giving you, everything belongs to Kṛṣṇa
and He is giving everything, even to the nondevotees, even to the animals
who have no consciousness of Kṛṣṇa; and what to speak of His devotees.
Just like the father maintains all his children without any grudge, but the
child who is very faithful to the orders of the father is given specific care by
the father. Similarly, Kṛṣṇa being the Father of all living entities, he is
supplying the bare necessities of their life; but for His devotees He has got
special attention. So depend on Kṛṣṇa, chant regularly Hare Kṛṣṇa and you
will find that He is talking with you face to face, what to speak of supplying
your necessities.
(Letter to Jayasri – November 13, 1969, London)

3
Discipline
It is simply out of love that I chastise any of my students. It is a father's duty
to raise his son to be a strong, useful citizen, and sometimes he must
reprimand him for some mistake in order to teach him. But this harshness
is only for his son's benefit. Similarly, you are all my spiritual children, and
my only concern is to see that you all become strong in your devotion to
Lord Kṛṣṇa, so sometimes scolding may be there, but you should always
remember that it is done with love and it is only for your benefit.
(Letter to Niranjana – April 12, 1972, Sydney)
Unedited Original Quote
So far my chastising you at Māyāpur for your questions; it is simply out of love
that I chastise any of my students. It is a father's duty to raise his son to be a
strong, useful citizen, and sometimes he must reprimand him for some mistake
in order to teach him. But this harshness is only for his son's benefit. Similarly,
you are all my spiritual children, and my only concern is to see that you all
become strong in your devotion to Lord Kṛṣṇa, so sometimes scolding may be
there, but you should always remember that it is done with love and it is only
for your benefit.
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4
Preaching
Krishna consciousness means to increase the number of persons in Krishna
consciousness. Therefore, it is the duty of a Brahmacari to go door to door
as beggar and enlighten people in Krishna consciousness. Whenever you go
to some person he will hear something from the devotee about Krishna
consciousness and that will be very much beneficial for both the devotee
and the person who hears the devotee.
(Letter to Kirtanananda – April 13, 1967, New York)

5
Reading
If you all carry these words successively, then the transcendental paramparā
system will be exactly maintained and people in general will be benefited. I
am very much obliged to my disciples because they are realizing the
importance of Kṛṣṇa Consciousness Movement and it is very much
encouraging to me. Please, therefore, continue the standard of
understanding. Read regularly our books and try to expand and preach the
philosophy as far as possible.
(Letter to Bhagavan – January 10, 1970, Los Angeles)

6
Reserved and perseverance
When a person is undisturbed even in the presence of various causes of
disturbance, he is called reserved and perseverant. An example of this
perseverance and reservation is found in the behavior of King Pariksit, as
described in the First Canto, Nineteenth Chapter, verse 15, of Srimad-
Bhagavatam. The King says there to all the sages present before him at the
time of his death, "My dear brahmanas, you should always accept me as
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your surrendered servant. I have come to the bank of the Ganges just to
devote my heart and soul unto the lotus feet of Lord Kṛṣṇa. So please bless
me, that mother Ganges may also be pleased with me. Let the curse of the
brahmana's son fall upon me - I do not mind. I only request that at the last
moment of my life all of you will kindly chant the holy name of Visnu, so
that I may realize His transcendental qualities."
This example of Maharaja Pariksit's behavior, his remaining patient even at
the last point of his life, his undisturbed condition of mind, is an example
of reservation. This is one of the characteristics of a devotee who has
developed ecstatic love for Kṛṣṇa
(Nectar of Devotion 18: Character of One in Ecstatic Love)

7
Prayers
So prasanna-vaktra aruṇa-locanāni. Prasanna-vaktra. Prasanna means
pleasing. Somebody was talking that, "Your Deity is just like trying to talk
with me." Prasanna-vaktra. Yes. He is here to talk with you, but He is
waiting whether you're interested to talk with Him. That's all. Kṛṣṇa says
that teṣāṁ satata-yuktānāṁ bhajatāṁ prīti-pūrvakam, buddhi-yogaṁ
dadāmi tam (BG 10.10). He talks, but with whom? Teṣāṁ satata-yuktānām.
One who is twenty-four hours engaged with love and faith in the service of
the Lord. To whom. Just like if you want to talk with some big man, then
you must have qualification. Is it possible that if you want to talk with the
big man here, immediately you like? No. You cannot talk. You must be fit
to talk with him. Similarly, Kṛṣṇa is ready to talk with you. He has come.
He has descended in arcā-mūrti to talk with you, to be visible by you. Now
you make yourself ready and fit to talk with you; then He will exchange
conversation. Santaḥ sadaiva hṛdayeṣu vilokayanti. This is possible. This is
qualification.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.25.35 - December 4th 1974, Bombay)

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8
Prajalpa
Any friend in any part of the world that you may contact, try to infuse him
with this Kṛṣṇa Consciousness idea. Never waste your time in any other
talks. I think our students have already developed this attitude and they are
not interested in idle talks. Ambarisa Maharaja, he set very nice example by
engaging his mind always on the Lotus Feet of Kṛṣṇa, and talking always
about him. We should follow the same example.
(Letter to Upendra – July 4, 1968 Montreal)

9
Deity Worship
We have to make our steady progress, keeping both sides in balance;
namely the Pancaratriki Biddhi and Bhagavat Biddhi. The Pancaratriki Biddhi
is Arcana or Temple worship, and the Bhagavat Biddhi is to preach by
chanting and distributing literature. Although chanting is quite sufficient
to cover all the Biddhis, still to keep ourselves pure and sanctified, we must
observe the rules and regulations of Pancaratriki Biddhi.
(Letter to Hamsaduta – March 12, 1970, Los Angeles)

10
What pleases Srila Prabhupada the most?

Bahulasva: What is the thing that would please you the most?
Prabhupada: Chant Hare Kṛṣṇa.
Devotees: Hare Kṛṣṇa!
Prabhupada: That is the simple thing. You are chanting. I am very much
pleased. That’s all. I came to your country to chant, that “You chant also
along with me.” So you are helping me by chanting. So I am pleased.
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(Lecture - July 16, 1971, Detroit)

11
Quality of a devotee
Although the King Indradyumna was cursed by Agastya Muni, he welcomed
the curse because a devotee is always aware that nothing can happen without
the desire of the Supreme Lord. Although the King was not at fault, Agastya
Muni cursed him, and when this happened the King considered it to be due
to his past misdeeds. Tat te 'nukampāṁ susamīkṣamāṇaḥ (SB 10.14.8). This
is a practical example of how a devotee thinks. He regards any reverses in life
as blessings of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Therefore, instead of
being agitated by such reverses, he continues his activities of devotional
service, and Kṛṣṇa takes care of him and enables him to be promoted to the
spiritual world, back to Godhead. If a devotee has to suffer the reactions of his
past misdeeds, the Supreme Lord arranges for him to be given only a token of
these reactions, and very soon he is freed from all the reactions of material
contamination. One should therefore adhere to devotional service, and the
Lord Himself will very soon see to one's promotion to the spiritual world. A
devotee should not be disturbed by unfortunate circumstances, but must
continue his regular program, depending on the Lord for everything.
(Purport Srimad-Bhagavatam 8.4.11-12 )
Original unedited Quote:
Although the King Indradyumna was cursed by Agastya Muni, he welcomed the curse
because a devotee is always aware that nothing can happen without the desire of the
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Supreme Lord. Although the King was not at fault, Agastya Muni cursed him, and when
this happened the King considered it to be due to his past misdeeds. Tat te 'nukampāṁ
susamīkṣamāṇaḥ (SB 10.14.8). This is a practical example of how a devotee thinks. He
regards any reverses in life as blessings of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Therefore,
instead of being agitated by such reverses, he continues his activities of devotional service,
and Kṛṣṇa takes care of him and enables him to be promoted to the spiritual world, back
to Godhead. If a devotee has to suffer the reactions of his past misdeeds, the Supreme Lord
arranges for him to be given only a token of these reactions, and very soon he is freed from
all the reactions of material contamination. One should therefore adhere to devotional
service, and the Lord Himself will very soon see to one's promotion to the spiritual world.
A devotee should not be disturbed by unfortunate circumstances, but must continue his
regular program, depending on the Lord for everything.

12
Devotees should be ideal
Madhudviṣa: Is it possible for a dog-eater to become a first-class man?
Prabhupāda: Oh, yes. Engage this tongue for these two business: chant Hare
Kṛṣṇa and take prasādam. He will forget dog-eating. (laughter) There is no
exception. Everyone can become Kṛṣṇa conscious if he follows, beginning,
these two rules: chant Hare Kṛṣṇa and take prasādam. That's all. Test it.
Make a trial. The temple is here. We are inviting. Come here. Do these two
business. And our Madhudviṣa Mahārāja is ready to give you prasādam and
chance for dancing and singing. That's all. Where is the difficulty? You
haven't got to pay for it. No loss. If there is any gain, why don't you try it?
Madhudviṣa: Śrīla Prabhupāda, why is it necessary for someone to come
here and chant Hare Kṛṣṇa and take prasādam?
Prabhupāda: Everything is being done properly. You will learn. Just like
you have to go to school or college to learn. So just similarly, if you have to
take the education of spiritual life, they will come here and see how people
are doing, ideal. And you should be ideal. If you are not ideal, then it will
be useless to open center. You behave nicely, they will come, they will see,
and they will learn. If you go to some school and the professors are rascals,
then what you will learn? It is both, reciprocal. You shall act as professor,

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teacher. Your life should be ideal, and they will come and see, and they will
learn.
(Çrémad-Bhägavatam Lecture—Melbourne, May 19, 1975)
Note: For unedited original quote please turn over to the next page.

(Unedited original quote)

Madhudviṣa: Is it possible for a dog-eater to become a first-class man?
Prabhupāda: Oh, yes. Engage this tongue for these two business: chant Hare
Kṛṣṇa and take prasādam. He will forget dog-eating. (laughter) There is no
exception. Everyone can become Kṛṣṇa conscious if he follows, beginning, these
two rules: chant Hare Kṛṣṇa and take prasādam. That's all. Test it. Make a
trial. The temple is here. We are inviting. Come here. Do these two business.
And our Madhudviṣa Mahārāja is ready to give you prasādam and chance for
dancing and singing. That's all. Where is the difficulty? You haven't got to pay
for it. No loss. If there is any gain, why don't you try it?
Madhudviṣa: Śrīla Prabhupāda, why is it necessary for someone to come here
and chant Hare Kṛṣṇa and take prasādam?
Prabhupāda: Just to... Because here is the center. Everything is being done
properly. You will learn. Just like you have to go to school or college to learn.
So just similarly, if you have to take the education of spiritual life, they will
come here and see how people are doing, ideal. And you should be ideal. If you
are not ideal, then it will be useless to open center. You behave nicely, they will
come, they will see, and they will learn. If you go to some school and the
professors are rascals, then what you will learn? It is both, reciprocal. You shall

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act as professor, teachers. Your life should be ideal, and they will come and see,
and they will learn.

13
Regulative Principles
There is the story of the bed bug. In the winter season the bed bug appears
to be only skin, but in summer season as soon as it gets the opportunity of
biting and sucking blood, it becomes fatty. Sometimes we may artificially
renounce the world, but as soon as the opportunity of sucking blood is
there, we turn again into a bed bug. Therefore it is said in the Bhagavad gītā:
daivi hy esa gunamayi
mama maya duratyaya
mam eva ye prapadyante
mayam etam taranti te
[Bg. 7.14]
"This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of material
nature, is difficult to overcome. But, those who have surrendered unto Me
can easily cross beyond it.''
Unless everyone of us sticks to the regulative principles of chanting, there
is no other alternative than fall-down. That is a fact.
(Letter to Karandhara – October 19, 1973, Bombay)

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14
Association of Devotees
Regarding your question about faith in devotees, faith must be there. But
we should always take instruction from devotees who are considered to be
elevated. A preacher's position is like this: He should have firm faith and
love for Kṛṣṇa. He should make friendship with devotees. He should be very
much charitable and kind to the neophytes and he should avoid the
company of nondevotees. This program suggests, of course, that a devotee
who is not in the neophyte stage can discriminate what is Kṛṣṇa, what is
devotee, what is neophyte and what is nondevotee. Unless one is able to
discriminate, he is to be considered to be in the neophyte stage. In the
neophyte stage the position is that the neophyte devotee worships the Deity
in the temple with great awe and reverence, but he cannot discriminate who
is devotee, who is nondevotee and who is neophyte. I think you must be in
the second stage and should try to discriminate as above. Any devotee
wanting to see you should be welcomed, but your treatment should be
according to his position.
(Letter to Hamsaduta – September 28, 1969, Tittenhurst)

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15
Chanting
When Hare Kṛṣṇa Mantra is vibrating on your tongue and you are hearing
attentively, then your consciousness becomes clear or Kṛṣṇa consciousness
and there is no question of maya or hazy consciousness. Just as when the
light and darkness come together, the darkness cannot stand before the
light, so maya cannot remain in the presence of Kṛṣṇa. Always remember
therefore to chant Hare Kṛṣṇa, at least 16 rounds daily, and that will save
you in all circumstances without any doubt.
(Letter to Rupa Vilasa , Candrika, Bhavatarini, Bhanutanya – June 20, 1972,
Los Angeles)

16
Reading
So you continue this book distribution program very nicely, and at the same
time take advantage of these books yourselves. Not that you just distribute
but neglect reading them yourself. Always read them, especially Kṛṣṇa
book. Every time you have a spare moment, you should read. This will help
you to advance in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, and will give you the ability to
convince others also.
(Letter to Trai – May 5, 1972, Hawaii)

17
ISKCON standard
Make certain that the daily routine program is held nicely and to the regular
highest ISKCON standard, that is, you should see that our rising early,
holding mangala arati, chanting 16 rounds, reading books, having classes,
street sankirtana, etc., go on just to the highest standard and are never for
any reason neglected. In this way your success is assured, but if we neglect

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even for a moment our routine, work, if we allow the regular program to
become slack then everything else we may try will fail.
(Letter to Rudra, Radhika – Calcutta 20 February, 1972)

18
Devotional Service
Regarding your question about annamoya, pranamoya, etc. Yes, they are
different stages of consciousness. Different living beings are situated in
different consciousness, some are satisfied in the matter of eating and
sleeping, they are on the annamoya stage. Pranamoya means those who can
simply survive in the struggle for existence. Manomoya means philosophical
speculation. Jnanamoya means self-realization, vijnanamoya means
application of that stage in practical life, and when there is the right
perfection of life that is anandamoya stage or Kṛṣṇa Consciousness.
So by the grace of Lord Caitanya, in this age our movement is giving directly
the anandamoya stage, and anyone can visit our Temple and see how our
students are in blissful life. Naturally they are in jolly mood by chanting,
dancing, and taking Prasadam. Your regular chanting of Mahamantra and
reading of books will keep you always fit for pushing on this movement.
This formula should be rigidly followed by everyone of us.
(Letter to Tamala Kṛṣṇa – May 1, 1970, Los Angeles)

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19
Surrender
Only fools give up the service of the spiritual master and think themselves
advanced in spiritual knowledge. In order to check such fools, Caitanya
Mahäprabhu Himself presented the perfect example of how to be a disciple.
A spiritual master knows very well how to engage each disciple in a
particular duty, but if a disciple, thinking himself more advanced than his
spiritual master, gives up his orders and acts independently, he checks his
own spiritual progress. Every disciple must consider himself completely
unaware of the science of Kåñëa and must always be ready to carry out the
orders of the spiritual master to become competent in Kåñëa consciousness.
A disciple should always remain a fool before his spiritual master.
(Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Purport Adi 7.72)

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20
Devotional service which is based on the foreground of full knowledge
combined with detachment from material association, and which is fixed
by dint of the aural reception of the Vedānta-śruti, is the only perfect
method by which the seriously inquisitive student can realize the Absolute
Truth. Devotional service is not, therefore, meant for the less intelligent
class of transcendentalists. There are three classes of devotees, namely, first,
second and third class. The third-class devotees, or the neophytes, who
have no knowledge and are not detached from material association, but who
are simply attracted by the preliminary process of worshiping the Deity in
the temple, are called material devotees. Material devotees are more
attached to material benefit than transcendental profit. Therefore, one has
to make definite progress from the position of material devotional service
to the second-class devotional position. In the second-class position, the
devotee can see four principles in the devotional line, namely, the
Personality of Godhead, His devotees, the ignorant and the envious. One
has to raise himself at least to the stage of a second-class devotee and thus
become eligible to know the Absolute Truth.
(Purport to Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Adi 7.102)

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21
Love of Godhead
Now increase that sincerity more and more by engaging yourself whole-
heartedly and with great enthusiasm for serving Kṛṣṇa and very soon love of
Godhead will fructify. You will become more and more happy in this life and in
the end go back to home, back to Kṛṣṇa, to enjoy eternal life, full of bliss and
knowledge and in association with the supreme lovable object, Kṛṣṇa. And our
process for obtaining to such a wonderful existence is not at all difficult.
Following the regulative principles strictly, chant at least 16 rounds of beads
daily and always think of Kṛṣṇa.
(Letter to Ksama – November 6, 1971, Calcutta)

22
Spiritual master
As from wood, fire can be manifested, or as butter can be churned out of milk,
so also the presence of the Lord as Paramātmā can be felt by the process of
legitimate hearing and chanting of the transcendental subjects which are
especially treated in the Vedic literatures like the Upaniṣads and Vedānta.
Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is the bona fide explanation of these Vedic literatures. The
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Lord can be realized through the aural reception of the transcendental message,
and that is the only way to experience the transcendental subject. As fire is
kindled from wood by another fire, the divine consciousness of man can
similarly be kindled by another divine grace. His Divine Grace, the spiritual
master can kindle the spiritual fire from the woodlike living entity by imparting
proper spiritual messages injected through the receptive ear. Therefore one is
required to approach the proper spiritual master with receptive ears only, and
thus divine existence is gradually realized. The difference between animality and
humanity lies in this process only. A human being can hear properly, whereas
an animal cannot.
(Purport to Çrémad-Bhägavatam 1.2.32)

23
Lord’s Protection
To spread the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, devotees have to face many
dangers and impediments all over the world, but a faithful servant who
preaches with great devotion to the Lord must know that Lord
Nṛsiṁhadeva is always his protector.
(Purport to Çrémad-Bhägavatam 7.8.51)

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24
Mercy of Pure Devotees
A mahā-bhāgavata Vaiṣṇava has the transcendental eyes to see who is
sleeping under the spell of māyā, and he engages himself in awakening
sleeping conditioned beings by spreading the knowledge of Kṛṣṇa
consciousness. He opens eyes that are closed by forgetfulness of Kṛṣṇa.
Thus the living entity is liberated from the dullness of material energy and
is engaged fully in the service of the Lord. The madhyama-adhikārī Vaiṣṇava
can awaken others to Kṛṣṇa consciousness and engage them in duties
whereby they can advance. It is therefore said in the Caitanya-caritāmṛta
(Madhya-līlā, Chapter Six, verse 279):
lohāke yāvat sparśi' hema nāhi kare
tāvat sparśa-maṇi keha cinite nā pāre
"One cannot understand the value of touchstone until it turns iron into
gold." One should judge by action, not by promises. A mahā-bhāgavata can
turn a living entity from abominable material life to the Lord's service. This
is the test of a mahā-bhāgavata. Although preaching is not meant for a
mahā-bhāgavata, a mahā-bhāgavata can descend to the platform of
madhyama-bhāgavata just to convert others to Vaiṣṇavism. Actually a
mahā-bhāgavata is fit to spread Kṛṣṇa consciousness, but he does not
distinguish where Kṛṣṇa consciousness should be spread from where it
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should not. He thinks that everyone is competent to accept Kṛṣṇa
consciousness if the chance is provided. A neophyte and an intermediate
devotee should always be eager to hear the mahā-bhāgavata and serve him
in every respect. The neophyte and intermediate devotees can gradually rise
to the platform of uttama-adhikārī and become first-class devotees.
(Purport to Çré Caitanya-caritämåta Madhya 16.74)

25
Devotional Service
So in the beginning, if you take to Kṛṣṇa consciousness, there will be so
many disturbances by māyā. Māyā will test you how far you are fixed up.
She will test you. She is also agent of Kṛṣṇa. She does not allow anyone who
is meant for disturbing Kṛṣṇa. Therefore, she tests very rigidly whether you
have taken to Kṛṣṇa consciousness to disturb Kṛṣṇa, or you are actually
serious. That is māyā' s business. So there will be, in the beginning, test by
māyā, and you will feel so much disturbances in making progress in Kṛṣṇa
consciousness. But if you remain steady... Steady means if you follow the
rules and regulations and chant sixteen rounds, then you will remain
steady. And if you neglect, then māyā will capture you, immediately. Māyā
is always ready.
(Lecture on Çrémad-Bhägavatam 1.8.20 - April 12, 1973 New York)

26
Enthusiasm
That is the only requirement for successfully completing the perfection of
the living condition, that you should always be enthusiastic to perform
services unto the Lotus Feet of the Lord despite all obstacles, and then you
can be assured that all of the other qualities or necessities for pure
devotional service will be met, such as patience, determination, etc. and
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then without doubt you shall be delivered to the realm of unlimited bliss,
freed from all anxieties.
(Letter to Hamsaduta – January 20, 1972, Jaipur)

27
Discipline
If you pat your subordinates it will increase their faulty habits and if you
chastise them, they will improve. Therefore, it is advised that either your
son or disciple, you should always chastise them, never give them
leniency. So a little leniency, immediately so many faults will grow. Now
for our practical life we are known all over the world as shaven headed, is
it not? Now we are becoming hair-headed, we are forgetting shaving.
Because there is a little leniency, immediately faulty things are creeping in.
(Letter to Ramesvara – November 26, 1976, Newsletter)

28
Studying the Philosophy
So by study of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam under the bona fide spiritual master,
one becomes aware of the full value of life, and then he revives his original
Kṛṣṇa consciousness. That is the perfection of life. The individual soul is
already under specific material nature, and the process is going on in
lower grades of life, but in the human form of life by advancement of
education, one can become above the modes of material nature. That
chance is given to him. This is stated in the Bhagavad-gītā: "yanti deva
vrata devan [Bg. 9.25].'' So if he likes he can go back to Godhead, "yanti
mad yajino 'pi mam,'' and stop this transmigration process. Then he comes

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again perfect in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. We are trying to bring the human
society to this stage of life.
(Letter to Svarupa Damodara – August 31, 1975, Vrindavan)

29
Association of devotees
It would be better to set the example rather than to criticize the defects of
the devotees. We should always remember that we recruit members from
people in general. It is not expected that every one of our members should
be immediately to the standard qualification. The best thing for you is to
set the example by your personal behavior and try to reform the others,
not by criticizing but by friendly behavior. If sometimes there are any
disagreements, we should try to forget such incidences and be always in
friendship with each other.
(Letter to Vrinda – October 14, 1971, Nairobi)

30
Relationship with Srila Prabhupada
I thank all of you very much for accepting me as your spiritual master,
and I promise that I will take you back to home, back to Godhead.
(Letter to: Nityananda Delhi 12 November, 1971)

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31
Determination
In the beginning it has been said that you make your determination that:
"In this life I shall execute Kåñëa consciousness in such a way that after
leaving this body I enter into the spiritual world and go directly to Goloka
Våndävana, Kåñëaloka." This is called vyavasäyätmikä buddhiù.
Niçcayätmikä means determination.
But He says that persons who are attached to bhoga - material enjoyment,
aiçvarya - material opulence: bhogaiçvarya-prasaktänäm [Bg. 2.44]. Those
who are too much attached to material enjoyment and material sense
gratification, material opulence, and those who have become bewildered
or mad after it, tayäpahåta-cetasäm, they cannot have such determination.
They will fail to have such determination.
(Bhagavad-gétä 2.40-45—Los Angeles, December 13, 1968)
Unedited Original Qoute
In the beginning it has been said that you make your determination that
"In this life I shall execute Kåñëa consciousness in such a way that after
leaving this body I enter into the spiritual world and go directly to Goloka
Våndävana, Kåñëaloka." This is called vyavasäyätmikä buddhiù.
Niçcayätmikä means determination. But He says that persons who are
attached, bhoga, material enjoyment, aiçvarya, material opulence:
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bhogaiçvarya-prasaktänäm [Bg. 2.44]. Those who are too much attached to
material enjoyment and material sense gratification, material opulence,
tayäpahåta-cetasäm, and those who have become bewildered or mad after
it, tayäpahåta-cetasäm, vyavasäyätmikä buddhiù, they cannot have such
determination. They will fail to have such determination.
(Bhagavad-gétä 2.40-45—Los Angeles, December 13, 1968)

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