Verse: Srimad Bhagvatam 5.14.31
Date: November 23rd, 2016
Place: ISKCON Ujjain, India
Transcription: Bh. Anita Sharma
Edited: HG Anupama Madhavi Devi Dasi and Bh. Sampada Soni
tatrāpi niravarodhaḥ svaireṇa viharann
ati-kṛpaṇa-buddhir anyonya-mukha-nirīkṣaṇādinā
grāmya-karmaṇaiva vismṛta-kālāvadhiḥ
TRANSLATION BY HIS DIVINE GRACE A C BHAKTIVEDANTA SWAMI SRILA PRABHUPADA
In this way the descendants of the monkeys intermingle with each other, and they are generally known as sudras. Without hesitating, they live and move freely, not knowing the goal of life. They are captivated simply by seeing the faces of one another, which remind them of sense gratification. They are always engaged in material activities, known as gramya-karma, and they work hard for material benefit. Thus, they forget completely that one day their small life spans will be finished and they will be degraded in the evolutionary cycle.
PURPORT:
Materialistic people are sometimes called sudras, or descendants of monkeys, due to their monkey like intelligence. They do not care to know how the evolutionary process is taking place, nor are they eager to know what will happen after they finish their small human life span. This is the attitude of sudras. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s mission, this Krishna Consciousness movement, is trying to elevate sudras to the brahmans platform so that they will know the real goal of life. Unfortunately, being overly attached to sense gratification, materialists are not serious in helping this movement. Instead, some of them try to suppress it. The business of monkeys is to disturb the activities of the brahmanas.
The descendants of the monkeys completely forget that they have to die, and they are very proud of scientific knowledge and the progress of material civilisation. The word gramya-karmaṇa indicates activities meant only for the improvement of bodily comfort. Presently all human society is engaged in improving economic conditions and bodily comforts. People are not interested in knowing what is going to happen after death, nor do they believe in the transmigration of the soul. When one scientifically studies the evolutionary theory, one can understand that human life is a junction where one may take the path of promotion and degradation, as stated in Bhagavad-Gita (9.25):
yānti deva-vratā devān
pitṝn yānti pitṛ-vratāḥ
bhūtāni yānti bhūtejyā
yānti mad-yājino ’pi mām
“Those who worship the demigods will take birth among the demigods. Those who worship ghosts and spirits will take birth among such beings; those who worship ancestors go to the ancestors and those who worship Me will live with Me.”
In this life we have to prepare ourselves for promotion to the next life. Those who are in the mode of rajo-guna are generally interested in being promoted to the heavenly planets. Some, unknowingly, are degraded to lower animal forms. Those in the mode of goodness can engage in devotional service. and after that they can return home, back to Godhead (yanti mad-yajino ’pi mam). That is the real purpose of human life. This Kṛishna consciousness movement is trying to bring intelligent human beings to the platform of devotional service. Instead of wasting time trying to attain the better position in material life, one should simply endeavour to return home, back to Godhead. Then all problems will be solved as stated in Srimad Bhagavatam (1.2.17).
śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ
puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ
hṛdy antaḥ-stho hy abhadrāṇi
vidhunoti su-hṛt-satām
“Śri Krishna, the Personality of Godhead, who is the Paramatma [Supersoul] in everyone’s heart and the benefactor of the truthful devotee, cleanses the desire for material enjoyment from the heart of the devotee who relishes His messages, which are in themselves virtuous when properly heard and chanted.”
One simply has to follow the regulative principles, act like a brahmana, chant the Hare Krishnamantra and read Bhagavad-Gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam. In this way one purifies himself of the baser material modes (tamo-guṇa and rajo-guṇa) and, becoming freed from the greed of these modes, can attain complete peace of mind. In this way one can understand the Supreme Personality of Godhead and one’s relationship with Him and thus be promoted to the highest perfection (siddhim paramam gataḥ).
LECTURE
THIS MATERIAL WORLD IS A FOREST
In this particular chapter, we will get to know the real condition of the material nature. The material nature has been compared to a forest- the forest of enjoyment. Although we are building big cities and making all these luxurious arrangements for sense gratification, but from this chapter we get to know that it is actually a forest. The forests are infested with animals, dangerous animals and here also we are surrounded with dangerous animals. Although they are nicely dressed up and look very civilised and cultured but this chapter is describing them as animals. And, then in this particular verse it has been described that in the forest there are monkeys and what do the monkeys do? The monkeys simply create disturbance to others. So, the monkey, like human beings are the sudras.
Monkeys do not know what to do, they jump from tree to tree and they squander their life in sense gratification. Now, when a monkey does that it’s understandable but when a human being does that, that’s regrettable. Human life is not to be wasted like monkeys. Should a man lead his life like an animal, like a monkey? Although we may say the lion of a man, but do you want a man to be like a lion. No. Like a human being, the human life is meant for a higher purpose and that higher purpose is to make spiritual advancement. So, unless and until one comes to that platform of making spiritual advancement that life is a waste of time, waste of a wonderful opportunity.
THE OPPORTUNITY OF HUMAN LIFE
Human life comes with a wonderful opportunity- labdhvā sudurlabham idaṁ bahu-sambhavānte. After many many possibilities one gets the human form of life and it is arthadam. It is very meaningful. This life, human life is rather. We are getting the human form of life that provides us many, many wonderful opportunities but at the same time it is anittam. There is no way of knowing when it will end. Therefore, the advice is don't waste your life, don’t waste your time.
kaumāra ācaret prājño
dharmān bhāgavatān iha
durlabhaṁ mānuṣaṁ janma
tad apy adhruvam arthadam
Prahlad Maharaj, a five-year boy is instructing his friends don't waste your time. Don’t consider that you are children and you can squander your life. From the childhood itself start to practice Krishna consciousness. That is real wisdom. So, now the consideration is how should one lead his life. Prabhupada is very clearly stating here. One should lead his life following the four regulative principles. One must follow the four regulative principles, meaning curb the animalistic propensities, don’t lead your life like an animal, lead your life like a human being.
What should a human being do? Should a man waste his time just eating meat, taking intoxication, indulging in sex life and gambling? No, on the other hand, the human form of life is meant for spiritual progress. Atatho Brahma Jigyasa. Enquire. Intelligence is the faculty that we can question. Intelligence provides us the faculty to enquire. Like when a dog suffers, a dog doesn’t question why am I suffering? But in the mind of a human being, it automatically comes “Why did I get hurt? Ok, I won’t do that again.” So, in this way, the human being uses his intelligence. “Why am I suffering? I do not want to suffer. Why am I suffering? How to terminate this suffering condition? How can I stop this suffering condition?”
SINCERE SEEKER’S ENQUIRY LEADS TO BONAFIDE SPIRITUAL MASTER
And then, his enquiry leads him to a person who can guide him. And in that respect, Prabhupada is saying that when one becomes sincere, then Krishna is the Supersoul leads him, guides him. Sincere seekers are guided by Krishna. He is guided to a bonafide spiritual Master. It is not that by chance or by accident one is coming to this path of Krishna consciousness. So, intelligence makes him start to enquire. Atatho Brahma Jigyasa and that leads to a teacher who can answer these questions for him. The answers are there. The answers come from two sources.Person, Bhagwat and Grantha Bhagavat, the scriptures. Answers are there in the scriptures but this personality Bhagavat explains the scriptures and shows him how to lead his life according to those injunctions of the scriptures. That is the purpose of the human form of life.
If we consider most cases, our coming to ISKCON, is an amazing phenomenon. Like many of us read Prabhupada's books, somehow or other came across Prabhupada's books or some others. I know one girl she was going to commit suicide and while she was just going, it was early morning she was thinking of committing suicide and she just happened to pass by our temple. She just heard the sound of Mangala Aarti, kirtan. She went to the temple and one devotee started to talk to her and she changed her mind and she became a devotee. There are so many such instances. Like apparently, it seems that it is accidental phenomenon, but actually it's Krishna’s divine arrangement. Therefore, it is said
brahmāṇḍa bhramite kona bhāgyavān jīva
guru-kṛṣṇa-prasāde pāya bhakti-latā-bīja
Some fortunate soul while travelling in this universe, Brahmanda, Guru Krishna Prasade paye bhakti lata beej. By the mercy of Guru and Krishna gets the seed of devotion.
NURTURING THE SEED OF DEVOTION
If he properly chants or properly plants the seed then the seed will germinate into Bhakti Lata. Just getting the seed is not enough, we have to cultivate the seed. If he gets the seed but does not take care of the seed, the seed will not germinate. And, then also the seed may germinate, but then also we have to protect the creeper. We have to take care of the creeper. And, if we can properly take care of creeper, the creeper will continue to grow and this is such a creeper that will penetrate through the coverings of the universe. It will penetrate through the Causal Ocean (viraja). It will penetrate through Brahmajyoti and it will come to Goloka and take shelter of Krishna’s Lotus Feet. Huge bhakti lata and there it will start to grow the flowers and fruits. So this is the process. It needs proper cultivation and when we properly cultivate it, yes, we get the result. We get the fruits of devotion. What is the fruit of devotion? Fruit of devotion is Krishna Prema. So that is the goal of life.
The human form of life especially in this age of Kali came with such a wonderful opportunity. In other ages this opportunity is not available, even in Satyayuga. This opportunity of access to Vrindavana was not available. At the most they went to Vaikuntha not Vrindavan. By Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s mercy this wonderful opportunity has become available. Now the question is what are we going to do? The simple answer is: yes, follow the process. It's not a difficult process- simple process: follow the four regulative principles, chant the holy name, associate with the devotees and study the scriptures like Srimad Bhagavatam, Bhagavad Gita and Chaitanya Charitamrita. We must remind ourselves- “Are we doing that?” That should be the consideration. We should always question: “Am I following the principles properly? Am I chanting my rounds properly? Am I reading Prabhupada’s books? If I don’t, then utpat eva kalpathe.” Those who do not follow the principles, they simply create disturbance in the devotee community.
DISCIPLINE IS REQUIRED ELSE THE CONSEQUENCES ARE SERIOUS
Due to the good fortune, they came to Krishna consciousness, but they are not following the process and because they are not following the process they simply create disturbance. That means inspite of coming to Krishna consciousness if there is tendency to enjoy the senses, instead of serving, if we want to Lord over, the trouble starts. So that is how we have to constantly remind ourselves am I practising the process properly? Have I come to Krishna consciousness to serve or have I come here to Lord over, to exploit and enjoy, take the facilities of this institution for our own sense gratification. So that is why those who are taking care of the institution they have responsibility to keep the institution clean. Keep it clean. Wherever there is dirt, clean it up. It’s a thankless task but they have to do it. If we don't then we end up with problems and it happens. We are seeing the areas where they did not take care of these problems it develops into an insurmountable crisis.
Unqualified troublemakers create disturbance and we do not really know how to deal with that situation. Krishna takes care but before Krishna takes care, Krishna wants us to take care. If we don’t care ultimately when Krishna takes care, the reaction is very heavy. We have seen in our society, so many leading, big, big devotees, they’re deviating. We couldn’t take care. Then finally Krishna took care. How did Krishna take care? Kick them out, big devotees, big gurus, big GBCs. Krishna says “This place is not for you. Go.” Those who have been in the movement for long time, they know what actually happened. Why these big individuals had these problems because instead of becoming an asset to the society, they became a burden to the society. Therefore, we should learn from that. Let's not become a burden to such an extent that Krishna will kick us out.
Krishna says that, “This place is not for you. Go to hell. You are a monkey. Go to the forest of material enjoyment. Go back to the forest. Don't pollute the atmosphere of Vrindavan. Vrindavan atmosphere is for devotees. Those who are here to serve Krishna, Vrindavan is for them. Temples are for them. Those who are here to serve, those who are here to become devotees of Krishna. Let us study these scriptures properly, carefully because every single line of this- Prabhupada’s books can guide us to our spiritual life, every single line. This Bhagwatam is our guide line, Krishna is telling us through these 12 chapters, is guiding us to Goloka Vrindavan. The ultimate point is Srila Prabhupada pointing out is summum bonum. The summum bonum is Goloka Vrindavan, way beyond liberation.
Liberation is not the goal of life. To be engaged in devotional service is the goal of life. So, let us not become victims of maya. We have come to Krishna consciousness, let’s get properly guided. Maya can appear in so many ways and what is the result of maya? Either we will go away or Krishna will get rid of us. And we see so many people join and they go away. They came to Krishna consciousness and after coming to Krishna consciousness they get some material facilities, allurements of maya and they lose their spiritual life. So, we should be determined not to lose our spiritual life. No matter what.
PRABHUPADA’S BOAT OF ISKCON
That’s why Prabhupada said no matter, whatever happens, don’t leave ISKCON because that’s the safety gauge, the safety net. The boat in the ocean of material nature. If you are in a boat there is nothing to worry about. Then there maybe storms, there may be typhoons, there may be cyclones, there may be tornadoes but as long as we are in the boat we are safe and the boat will take us to ultimate destination. In order to remain in ISKCON Prabhupada gave a very simple standard. It is not very difficult as Prabhupada mentioned follow the four regulative principles, chant the holy name of the Lord, read Prabhupada's books and render devotional service, some service.
If we do that, we will be safely situated in this boat but if we jump overboard in the middle of the ocean, what will happen, can you imagine? You are crossing the Atlantic and in the middle of the ocean, you jump out of the boat. Do you have any chance? Either you will eat up by the sharks or you’ll drown. Therefore, take your spiritual life very seriously, don’t take it lightly. Just stay on this boat and stay on the boat in a way that everybody will appreciate your presence. Become like a cow not like a monkey. The cow takes practically nothing and gives milk and a monkey you can see what it does.
That is the goal of life, which has been so wonderfully described and delineated by Srila Prabhupada.
Thank you all very much. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. Gaur Premanande Hari Hari Bol!!!
QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION
HHBCS: Does anybody have any question?
Vrajendra Krishna Das: Guru Maharaj while taking any decision, if our intention is good/pure but somehow if we come to the wrong decision then how Krishna will take care?
HHBCS: Wrong decision in which way?
Vrajendra Krishna Das: Like some case comes in front of us and our intention is very pure that we want to serve devotees and the organization but somehow it comes to the wrong conclusions which may happen many times, then how Krishna will see such situations?
HHBCS: If you see the possibility of a wrong conclusion then take advice from another senior, a mature devotee. If you are not sure of yourself and if such decision comes, take a collective decision not just single handedly, if you are not mature enough.
HHBCS: Yes
Kishori Dasi (in Hindi): Hare Krishna Guru Maharaj. Dandvat Pranam. I have two questions. Guru Maharaj, you said in the class that we should be serious, those who stay in the temple. I have been reflecting and I realize even though I have all facilities, yet I am not serious.
HHBCS (in Hindi): These tears from your eyes, tells that you are very serious. Thank you. And what is the second question?
Kishori Dasi (in Hindi): You told in the class that we should not waste time. Just as children waste time in watching television and on the computer, similarly I do and I feel that I am wasting time. I cannot control myself. I know I am doing wrong.
HHBCS (in Hindi): The environment is like this that you can do. If you are tough with children then they will be spoilt. Then slowly explain to them that they should do everything on the basis of Krishna Bhakti. See TV and make them realize that it is a different world. Do you want to go to that world, or stay in the world on the bhakti marg? If you allow them or not, the effect of the environment will be negative. So, the right thing will be to explain what is right and what is wrong. Because if you allow them to see it or not the environment will make them fall. Does Nityananda watch TV? What do you watch on TV. Krishna bhakti drama? No Ramayan, Oh that’s good.
Devotee: Maharaj, Prabhupada always said that we should stay in ISKCON, no matter what happens. Sometimes we grahastas stay outside. I need advice on how a grahasta can stay connected to ISKCON even though there is no temple and we are staying outside, where there is so much maya around us that we have to be in ISKCON and face so much of struggle in material life.
HHBCS: Yena kena prakerana manah Krishna nivasayet. Somehow or other engage your mind in Krishna and where you are that is not the question. The question is where your mind is. An example, two friends went on a pilgrimage. And, they came to a holy place. At first night, one friend said, let’s go to the temple to see the aarti and the other friend said we will start our pilgrimage tomorrow. Let’s go to a movie tonight. Finally, one friend went to the temple and the other friend went to the movie. Where, the one who went to the movie he was thinking, oh, I made a mistake. I should have gone to the temple with my friend to attend the aarti. After all, what this movie is. It’s just a waste of time.
And the other friend is thinking, oh, maybe I should have gone with my friend. I made a mistake of coming to temple to attend the aarti. It would have been nice if I went with him to watch the movie. After all, tomorrow we could have started our pilgrimage. Being in the temple is not the real consideration. Where one was, is not the consideration. Where his consciousness was, is important. So as householder, consider that situation, Krishna placed you, and in that situation, you try to practice devotional service. Okay.
HH Bhakti Prema Swami: Don’t leave ISKCON means that follow four regulative principles and chant 16 rounds?
HHBCS: No, he is not talking about leaving, he is talking about being in household life, how should he lead his life.
HH Bhakti Prema Swami: My question is don't leave ISKCON that means don't leave four regulative principles and chanting 16 rounds or any other things.
HHBCS: That is one's heart should be in ISKCON, help ISKCON even though one maybe like the householders outside. Even though they are living outside but they are following, as you are saying following the four regulative principles, chanting. Sometimes I have seen some householders are more strict than the devotees in the temple. Anyway, the thing is, the devotee situation is wherever one is, his heart should be in Krishna’s Lotus Feet.
HHBCS: So, let’s see, question from Yamuna Priya Devi Dasi
Yamuna Priya Devi Dasi: Dearmost Guru Maharaj, please accept my most humble obeisances at your Lotus feet. All glories to your compassion and grace. All glories to our beloved Srila Prabhupada. Gurudev forgives me for such a question, but what should one do when another devotee’s envious towards other to the extent that they try to malign others opinion about them. Though you say that one should tolerate, but if their actions begin to cause disturbance in others minds and thus in service then what should be done? Please enlighten me because after all we all are just trying to serve and please you and Srila Prabhupada, with our humble efforts surely that is what you desire for us and from us. Begging for your continuous mercy that I would never ever be envious myself and become more tolerant. Thank you very much.
HHBCS: That is the responsibility that the management has. First as I was saying, when someone is creating disturbance in the community, they have to first try to guide them, “Don’t do that that’s not right.” It happens sometimes we get to hear that someone is bad mouthing somebody. At least immediately I call the person and tell him don’t do that because why find fault with others, if you are really serious find fault with yourself, don’t find fault with others. Anyway, the point is when the things like that happen the leaders of the society especially those who are in management, they have to either call them or sort them out. Anyway, face the situation, report to the management or report to the senior devotees.
We can guide them; we can advise them and we can try to rectify the situation. This is a very common thing. I am noticing that in ISKCON now the tendency is kind of separatist tendency. Devotees are not unified with friendship and love. That's very bad sign. That is why it is so important devotees sit together and do kirtan, kirtan unifies. Make arrangements for devotees sitting together and do kirtan, not only when I come, in the evening for half an hour for every day. Inspire them. Let devotees come and sit together, may be once a week or something. What do you think of that?
Devotee 6: Istagoshti is there.
HHBCS: Istagoshti is there. Yes. Create a family feeling. This is not just different groups that simply hurt the atmosphere and at the same time I must admit that devotees admire the atmosphere of Ujjain. Whoever comes, is so appreciative but still underneath that we have this problem. On the surface everything is so wonderful but underneath we are seeing that there is conflict among devotees. So, create a very nice atmosphere and that's why Mahaprabhu said trinad api sunichena. Don't try to become a big devotee, try to become a small devotee. That is the meaning of trinad api sunichena. The material nature is a place where everybody trying to become big. You have left that world, why still trying to become big. Now change your attitude, and become small.
Yamuna Priya, I also tell you, if some such situation arises go and speak to that person or invite that person for lunch at your place. In this way we can create a friendship among ourselves. Anyway, keep trying, but as I said if I am not here, but Maharaj hopefully he will be more often here. Actually, you all senior devotees you, Radha Vinod, Bimal Krishna, Raghav Pandit, try to guide them and create a nice atmosphere. Because, now in the management junior devotees have come up. As Bimal Krishna Prabhu explained the other day, we are creating the succession so that the junior devotees can now take up the responsibility.
HHBCS: This question is from Radhikeswari Dasi, from Mumbai.
Radhikeswari Devi Dasi: Hare Krishna Guru Maharaj. Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada, All glories to you Guru Maharaj. This question is not related to class. Please forgive me. This verse is from Mundaka Upanishad.
nāyam ātmā pravacanena labhyo na medhayā, na bahunā śrutena, yam evaiṣa vṛṇute tena labhyas tasyaiṣa ātmā vivṛṇute tanūṁ svām.
states that the Lord is attained only by one who himself chooses. So is it that the Lord chooses someone so that he may take to Bhakti and then he reveals his form to him, or Bhakti is obtained by the mercy of a devotee without the interference of the Lord.
HHBCS: It is actually saying that Krishna cannot be obtained by studies, scholarship arguments, debates or any other such process. Those who have been chosen, that means you are chosen by the Lord. Those who have been engaged in the devotional service, those who have submitted themselves to representative of the Lord. The Lord chose them. Its not that the Lord goes out of his way and say I will select you, not him. No, those who are qualified the Lord selects them and what is the qualification, the qualification is surrender.
HHBCS: This question is from Vibhu Chaitanya Das is regarding following of four regulative principles. Why do we allow sugar if it causes intoxication.
HHBCS: Where do you get it from?
Vibhu Chaitanya Das: Prabhupada said at least twice, once on 20th August 1917 in his Bhagavatam lecture where he stated this. I heard it also from Bhagavad Gita lecture.
HHBCS: My understanding is that when sugar is fermented then it becomes alcohol. Probably, Prabhupada said that excessive sugar may be harmful. I mean sugar is in the mode of goodness (satvik).
Vibhu Chaitanya Das: He said that’s why ants, Prabhupada said it, that the ants get intoxicated by the sugar?
HHBCS: It intoxicating for the ants, not human beings. Anyway, the point is everything should be taken in moderation. Question from Dinavatsala das from Chennai.
Dinvatsala Das: That is thankless task for all the care takers of the movement to tackle with the trouble makers. What is our role in this regard on a smaller level? For example, we observe that a boy in bace is simply living amongst devotees because he is getting some sort of facilities. And he does some Sadhana but not with sincerity, however one thinks that may be he takes a longer time to understand. We should be more patient. How to deal with such devotees properly. I mean, how to balance compassion and practical administrative responsibility?
HHBCS: You draw the balance by using your intelligence. From here it is difficult for me to give any judgment, on what should be done when one behaves like that, without knowing the situation without knowing the person. So, if you feel that he will improve in course of time, then yes give him a chance and you have doubts then either speak to that person, or get some senior devotee speak to him and if he is not serious then take proper action.
Raman Reti Das: Hare Krishna Guru Maharaj, please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to Gurus Maharaj. I really liked a beautiful analogy of boat that is ISKCON and Srila Prabhupada is our captain. With your permission can I add, that you Guru Maharaj is like our life boat.
HHBCS: No, this is sentiment as I said the boat is ISKCON and Srila Prabhupada is captain. At the most, in this boat I am one of the group leaders, group care taker in a boat. My business is to take care of those who are in the boat but this is Prabhupada's boat. Prabhupada is captain, he is captaining the boat and if you say I am a lifeboat and if I jumped over boat then don’t follow me. We have to see the things from proper perspective. We are in reality. ISKCON is here to save all of us and we all must stay in ISKCON assuming our respective roles. I am able to save you because I am in ISKCON and I am trying to make sure that you all are properly situated in ISKCON that is what my ability is.
Thank you very much
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
Gaur Premanande Hari Hari Bol!