The Essence of Bhagavatam InThe Essence of Bhagavatam InEleven InstructionsEleven Instructions

atyähäraù prayäsaç caatyähäraù prayäsaç caprajalpo niyamägrahaùprajalpo niyamägrahaù

jana-saìgaç ca laulyaà cajana-saìgaç ca laulyaà cañaòbhir bhaktir vinaçyatiñaòbhir bhaktir vinaçyati

““One's devotional service is spoiled when he becomes too One's devotional service is spoiled when he becomes too entangled in the following six activities: (1) eating more than entangled in the following six activities: (1) eating more than

necessary or collecting more funds than required; (2) necessary or collecting more funds than required; (2) overendeavoring for mundane things that are very difficult to overendeavoring for mundane things that are very difficult to

obtain; (3) talking unnecessarily about mundane subject obtain; (3) talking unnecessarily about mundane subject matters; (4) Practicing the scriptural rules and regulations matters; (4) Practicing the scriptural rules and regulations only for the sake of following them and not for the sake of only for the sake of following them and not for the sake of

spiritual advancement, or rejecting the rules and regulations spiritual advancement, or rejecting the rules and regulations of the scriptures and working independently or whimsically; of the scriptures and working independently or whimsically;

(5) associating with worldly-minded persons who are not (5) associating with worldly-minded persons who are not interested in Kåñëa consciousness; and (6) being greedy for interested in Kåñëa consciousness; and (6) being greedy for

mundane achievements.” NOI 2mundane achievements.” NOI 2

““Human life is meant for plain living and high Human life is meant for plain living and high thinking.”thinking.”

Energies of the LordEnergies of the Lord Antaranga-saktiAntaranga-sakti: The internal potency: The internal potency

– The Mahatmas exist in this energyThe Mahatmas exist in this energy Tathastha-SaktiTathastha-Sakti: The marginal potency: The marginal potency

– Consist of the living being who are situated Consist of the living being who are situated inbetween the spiritual (internal) and material inbetween the spiritual (internal) and material (external) energy(external) energy

– Being subordinate to the Supreme, the souls Being subordinate to the Supreme, the souls must remain under the control of either the must remain under the control of either the external or internal potency.external or internal potency.

Bahiranga-SaktiBahiranga-Sakti: The external potency: The external potency– The duratmas exsit in this energyThe duratmas exsit in this energy

Who are the Mahatmas?Who are the Mahatmas?

““When they are under When they are under the control of the the control of the internal potency, they internal potency, they display their natural, display their natural, constitutional activity—constitutional activity—namely, constant namely, constant engagement in the engagement in the devotional service of devotional service of the Lord.” the Lord.”

This is stated in Bhagavad-gétä (9.13):This is stated in Bhagavad-gétä (9.13):mahätmänas tu mäà pärthamahätmänas tu mäà pärtha

daivéà prakåtim äçritäùdaivéà prakåtim äçritäùbhajanty ananya-manasobhajanty ananya-manasojïätvä bhütädim avyayamjïätvä bhütädim avyayam

"O son of Påthä, those who are not "O son of Påthä, those who are not deluded, the great souls, are under the deluded, the great souls, are under the protection of the divine nature. They protection of the divine nature. They are fully engaged in devotional service are fully engaged in devotional service because they know Me as the because they know Me as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Supreme Personality of Godhead, original and inexhaustible."original and inexhaustible."

““In the above-quoted In the above-quoted verse from Bhagavad-verse from Bhagavad-gétä, the words daivéà gétä, the words daivéà prakåtim refer to the prakåtim refer to the control of the internal control of the internal potency, or pleasure potency, or pleasure potency, of the potency, of the Supreme Personality Supreme Personality of Godhead. This of Godhead. This pleasure potency is pleasure potency is manifested as manifested as Çrématé Rädhäräëé, Çrématé Rädhäräëé, or Her expansion or Her expansion Lakñmé, the goddess Lakñmé, the goddess of fortune.”of fortune.”

““When the When the individual jéva individual jéva souls are under souls are under the control of the the control of the internal energy, internal energy, their only their only engagement is engagement is the satisfaction the satisfaction of Kåñëa, or of Kåñëa, or Viñëu. This is the Viñëu. This is the position of a position of a mahätmä.”mahätmä.”

““The word mahätmä refers to those who The word mahätmä refers to those who are broadminded, not cripple-minded.”are broadminded, not cripple-minded.”

“If one is not a mahätmä, he is a durätmä, or a cripple-minded person.”

Who are the Duratmas?Who are the Duratmas?““Cripple-minded Cripple-minded persons, always persons, always engaged in engaged in satisfying their satisfying their senses, sometimes senses, sometimes expand their expand their activities in order to activities in order to do good for others do good for others through some "ism" through some "ism" like nationalism, like nationalism, humanitarianism or humanitarianism or altruism.”altruism.”

““They may reject personal They may reject personal sense gratification for the sense gratification for the sense gratification of others, sense gratification of others, like the members of their like the members of their family, community or societyfamily, community or society—either national or —either national or international. Actually all this international. Actually all this is extended sense is extended sense gratification, from personal gratification, from personal to communal to social. This to communal to social. This may all be very good from may all be very good from the material point of view, the material point of view, but such activities have no but such activities have no spiritual value. The basis of spiritual value. The basis of such activity is sense such activity is sense gratification, either personal gratification, either personal or extended.”or extended.”

““Only when a Only when a person gratifies person gratifies the senses of the senses of the Supreme the Supreme Lord can he be Lord can he be called a called a mahätmä, or mahätmä, or broadminded broadminded person.”person.”

“…“…mentally crippled durätmäs are put mentally crippled durätmäs are put under the control of the Lord's under the control of the Lord's external potency, mahämäyä.”external potency, mahämäyä.”

Conditioned Life in MahamayaConditioned Life in Mahamaya ““Indeed, all living entities within this Indeed, all living entities within this

material world are under the control of material world are under the control of mahämäyä, whose business is to subject mahämäyä, whose business is to subject them to the influence of threefold them to the influence of threefold miseries:miseries:

adhidaivika-kleça (sufferings caused by the adhidaivika-kleça (sufferings caused by the demigods, such as droughts, earthquakes and demigods, such as droughts, earthquakes and storms)storms)

adhibhautika-kleça (sufferings caused by other adhibhautika-kleça (sufferings caused by other living entities like insects or enemies)living entities like insects or enemies)

adhyätmika-kleça (sufferings caused by one's own adhyätmika-kleça (sufferings caused by one's own body and mind, such as mental and physical body and mind, such as mental and physical infirmities).”infirmities).”

““Since all conditioned living beings are Since all conditioned living beings are under the control of the Lord's third energy, under the control of the Lord's third energy, this material world is designed so that one is this material world is designed so that one is obliged to work.”obliged to work.”

““Everyone is forced to act helplessly Everyone is forced to act helplessly according to the qualities he has according to the qualities he has acquired from the modes of material acquired from the modes of material nature; therefore no one can refrain from nature; therefore no one can refrain from doing something, not even for a moment. doing something, not even for a moment. One who restrains the senses of action One who restrains the senses of action but whose mind dwells on sense objects but whose mind dwells on sense objects certainly deludes himself and is called a certainly deludes himself and is called a pretender.” Bhagavad-Gita Chapter 3 pretender.” Bhagavad-Gita Chapter 3 Text 5-6Text 5-6

“In the material world one has to work for the maintenance of the body and soul, but how can one perform such work in a way that is favorable for the execution of Krishna consciousness?”

“Since maintaining one’s life is not possible without action, one must work to maintain his life. If such activities are done in the mood of enjoyment, then one’s qualification as a human being is lost and he becomes like an animal. Therefore if one can learn to transform all his activities into activities favorable for to the devotional service of the Lord, that is bhakti-yoga.”-BVT

““There is no possibility of one's There is no possibility of one's becoming a yogé, O Arjuna, if one becoming a yogé, O Arjuna, if one eats too much or eats too little, eats too much or eats too little, sleeps too much or does not sleep sleeps too much or does not sleep enough. He who is regulated in his enough. He who is regulated in his habits of eating, sleeping, recreation habits of eating, sleeping, recreation and work can mitigate all material and work can mitigate all material pains by practicing the yoga system.” pains by practicing the yoga system.” Bhagavad-Gita Chapter 6 Text 16-17Bhagavad-Gita Chapter 6 Text 16-17

““When people When people learn the art of learn the art of scientifically scientifically utilizing the Lord's utilizing the Lord's property, they will property, they will no longer no longer encroach upon encroach upon one another's one another's rights. Then an rights. Then an ideal society can ideal society can be formed.”be formed.”

How to Live Spiritually in this WorldHow to Live Spiritually in this World

““The basic principle for such a spiritual The basic principle for such a spiritual society is stated in the first mantra of Çré society is stated in the first mantra of Çré Éçopaniñad:Éçopaniñad:

éçäväsyam idaà sarvaàéçäväsyam idaà sarvaà

yat kiïca jagatyäà jagatyat kiïca jagatyäà jagat

tena tyaktena bhuïjéthätena tyaktena bhuïjéthä

mä gådhaù kasya svid dhanammä gådhaù kasya svid dhanam

[Éço mantra 1][Éço mantra 1]

"Everything animate or inanimate that is "Everything animate or inanimate that is within the universe is controlled and owned within the universe is controlled and owned by the Lord. One should therefore accept by the Lord. One should therefore accept only those things necessary for himself, only those things necessary for himself, which are set aside as his quota, and which are set aside as his quota, and should not accept other things, knowing should not accept other things, knowing well to whom they belong."well to whom they belong."

““Krishna conscious devotees know very well Krishna conscious devotees know very well that this material world is designed by the that this material world is designed by the complete arrangement of the Lord to fulfill all complete arrangement of the Lord to fulfill all the necessities of life for all living beings, the necessities of life for all living beings, without their having to encroach upon the without their having to encroach upon the life or rights of one another. This complete life or rights of one another. This complete arrangement affords the proper quota of arrangement affords the proper quota of wealth for everyone wealth for everyone according to his real according to his real needsneeds, and thus everyone may live , and thus everyone may live peacefully according to the principle of plain peacefully according to the principle of plain living and high thinking.”living and high thinking.”

““Keeping this is mind, one should renounce Keeping this is mind, one should renounce fruitive activities and philosophical fruitive activities and philosophical speculation and accept sense objects as the speculation and accept sense objects as the Lord’s mercy.” –BVTLord’s mercy.” –BVT

““When one is not attached to anything, but When one is not attached to anything, but at the same time accepts everything in at the same time accepts everything in relation to Krishna, one is rightly situated relation to Krishna, one is rightly situated above possessiveness. On the other hand, above possessiveness. On the other hand, one who rejects everything without one who rejects everything without knowledge of its relationship to Krishna is knowledge of its relationship to Krishna is not complete in his renunciation.” Bhakti-not complete in his renunciation.” Bhakti-Rasamrita Sindu (2.255-256)Rasamrita Sindu (2.255-256)

AtyaharaAtyahara““Unfortunately, Unfortunately, materialists who materialists who have neither faith in have neither faith in the plan of God nor the plan of God nor any aspiration for any aspiration for higher spiritual higher spiritual development misuse development misuse their God-given their God-given intelligence only to intelligence only to augment their augment their material material possessions.”possessions.”

““According to nature's arrangement, living According to nature's arrangement, living entities lower on the evolutionary scale do entities lower on the evolutionary scale do not eat or collect more than necessary. not eat or collect more than necessary. Consequently in the animal kingdom there Consequently in the animal kingdom there is generally no economic problem or is generally no economic problem or scarcity of necessities. If a bag of rice is scarcity of necessities. If a bag of rice is placed in a public place, birds will come to placed in a public place, birds will come to eat a few grains and go away. A human eat a few grains and go away. A human being, however, will take away the whole being, however, will take away the whole bag. He will eat all his stomach can hold bag. He will eat all his stomach can hold and then try to keep the rest in storage. and then try to keep the rest in storage. According to scriptures, this collecting of According to scriptures, this collecting of more than necessary (atyähära) is more than necessary (atyähära) is prohibited. Now the entire world is prohibited. Now the entire world is suffering because of it.”suffering because of it.”

““Modern warfare waged between capitalists Modern warfare waged between capitalists and communists is due to their avoiding the and communists is due to their avoiding the advice of Çréla Rüpa Gosvämé regarding advice of Çréla Rüpa Gosvämé regarding atyähära. Modern capitalists accumulate atyähära. Modern capitalists accumulate more wealth than necessary, and the more wealth than necessary, and the communists, envious of their prosperity, communists, envious of their prosperity, want to nationalize all wealth and property.”want to nationalize all wealth and property.”

““Opposed to these two philosophies, the Opposed to these two philosophies, the Kåñëa conscious ideology states that all Kåñëa conscious ideology states that all wealth belongs to Kåñëa…If a hundred-dollar wealth belongs to Kåñëa…If a hundred-dollar bill is lying on the street, someone may pick it bill is lying on the street, someone may pick it up and put it in his pocket. Such a man is not up and put it in his pocket. Such a man is not honest. Another man may see the money and honest. Another man may see the money and decide to let it remain there, thinking that he decide to let it remain there, thinking that he should not touch another's property. Although should not touch another's property. Although this second man does not steal the money for this second man does not steal the money for his own purposes, he is unaware of its proper his own purposes, he is unaware of its proper use. The third man who sees the hundred-use. The third man who sees the hundred-dollar bill may pick it up, find the man who lost dollar bill may pick it up, find the man who lost it and deliver it to him. This man does not it and deliver it to him. This man does not steal the money to spend for himself, nor does steal the money to spend for himself, nor does he neglect it and let it lie in the street. By he neglect it and let it lie in the street. By taking it and delivering it to the man who has taking it and delivering it to the man who has lost it, this man is both honest and wise.”lost it, this man is both honest and wise.”

““Although bhojana, or eating, is the principle Although bhojana, or eating, is the principle meaning of the word ahara, the word meaning of the word ahara, the word bhojana also means to enjoy the objects of bhojana also means to enjoy the objects of the five senses.”the five senses.”

““The purport is that if one accepts sense The purport is that if one accepts sense objects in the spirit of enjoyment, that is objects in the spirit of enjoyment, that is atyahara. But if sense objects are accepted atyahara. But if sense objects are accepted as the Lord’s mercy and as the Lord’s mercy and only as far as only as far as required and favorable for devotional required and favorable for devotional serviceservice, then it is not atyahara.”-BVT, then it is not atyahara.”-BVT

Jnana AtyaharisJnana Atyaharis

““Çréla Çréla Bhaktisiddhänta Bhaktisiddhänta Sarasvaté Öhäkura Sarasvaté Öhäkura writes in his Anuvåtti writes in his Anuvåtti commentary that too commentary that too much endeavor to much endeavor to acquire knowledge acquire knowledge on the part of mental on the part of mental speculators or dry speculators or dry philosophers falls philosophers falls within the category within the category of atyähära of atyähära (collecting more (collecting more than needed).”than needed).”

Karma AtyaharisKarma Atyaharis““The work of karmés The work of karmés who write volumes of who write volumes of books on economic books on economic development also falls development also falls within the category of within the category of atyähära. Similarly, atyähära. Similarly, those who have no those who have no desire for Kåñëa desire for Kåñëa consciousness and who consciousness and who are simply interested in are simply interested in possessing more and possessing more and more material things—more material things—either in the shape of either in the shape of scientific knowledge or scientific knowledge or monetary gain—are all monetary gain—are all included under the included under the control of atyähära.”control of atyähära.”

naiñkarmyam apy acyuta-bhäva-varjitaànaiñkarmyam apy acyuta-bhäva-varjitaà

na çobhate jïänam alaà niraïjanamna çobhate jïänam alaà niraïjanam

kutaù punaù çaçvad abhadram éçvarekutaù punaù çaçvad abhadram éçvare

na cärpitaà karma yad apy akäraëamna cärpitaà karma yad apy akäraëam

““Knowledge of self-realization, even though free Knowledge of self-realization, even though free from all material affinity, does not look well if from all material affinity, does not look well if devoid of a conception of the Infallible [God]. devoid of a conception of the Infallible [God]. What, then, is the use of fruitive activities, which What, then, is the use of fruitive activities, which are naturally painful from the very beginning and are naturally painful from the very beginning and transient by nature, if they are not utilized for the transient by nature, if they are not utilized for the devotional service of the Lord?” Srimad-devotional service of the Lord?” Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 1 Chapter 5 Text 12Bhagavatam Canto 1 Chapter 5 Text 12

Conclusions on AtyaharaConclusions on Atyahara Atyahara is acceptance of things for one’s sense Atyahara is acceptance of things for one’s sense

enjoyment (object, knowledge, etc.)enjoyment (object, knowledge, etc.)– Attempt to gain knowledge (literature, etc.) Attempt to gain knowledge (literature, etc.)

w/out being able to practically engage.w/out being able to practically engage.– Anything that clutters the mind w/out practical Anything that clutters the mind w/out practical

engagement in Krishna’s service.engagement in Krishna’s service. Atyahara is the cause of envyAtyahara is the cause of envy

– Acute competition for supremacy in sense Acute competition for supremacy in sense enjoymentenjoyment

– When persons collect more then necessary, When persons collect more then necessary, those who don’t have (but also hanker to have those who don’t have (but also hanker to have for their sense enjoyment) become enviousfor their sense enjoyment) become envious

– The result is quarrel, from family to nationsThe result is quarrel, from family to nations

Solution for AtyaharaSolution for Atyahara Devotee’s principle: Simple Living and High Devotee’s principle: Simple Living and High

ThinkingThinking– Accepts sense objects, knowledge, etc., as Accepts sense objects, knowledge, etc., as

mercy of the Lord and uses these for the Lord’s mercy of the Lord and uses these for the Lord’s service as far as required and favorable (Yukta-service as far as required and favorable (Yukta-Vairajya)Vairajya)

– Deeply realize the basicsDeeply realize the basics.. Tendency to over collect w/out being able to utilize Tendency to over collect w/out being able to utilize

that which we already have (knowledge, objects)that which we already have (knowledge, objects) When ready for higher application, “higher” When ready for higher application, “higher”

knowledge, literature, and so on, can be accepted.knowledge, literature, and so on, can be accepted.

““If sense objects are If sense objects are honestlyhonestly accepted as accepted as the Lord’s mercy, then yukta-vairagya is the Lord’s mercy, then yukta-vairagya is easily attained.”easily attained.”– ““This is the devotee’s lifestyle.”This is the devotee’s lifestyle.”– ““Whatever is required, take only that.”Whatever is required, take only that.”– ““Taking more or less will not yield auspicious Taking more or less will not yield auspicious

results.results. ““If the practitioner takes or accumulates more than If the practitioner takes or accumulates more than

necessary, his spiritual life will be lost due to being necessary, his spiritual life will be lost due to being controlled by material mellows.controlled by material mellows.

““If he does not properly accumulate, then the body, If he does not properly accumulate, then the body, which is his means of worship, will not be protected.”which is his means of worship, will not be protected.”

Bhaktivinoda-ThakuraBhaktivinoda-Thakura

PrayasaPrayasa ““Generally people do not like to accept Generally people do not like to accept

plain living and high thinking. That is their plain living and high thinking. That is their unfortunate position.”unfortunate position.”

““Collecting and eating more than Collecting and eating more than necessary also causes prayäsa, or necessary also causes prayäsa, or unnecessary endeavor.”unnecessary endeavor.”

One who works hard accumulating One who works hard accumulating unnecessarily, must go through great unnecessarily, must go through great endeavor to maintain. endeavor to maintain.

One thus looses time and focus toward One thus looses time and focus toward achieving the real goal of the human form.achieving the real goal of the human form.

““By God's arrangement, anyone in any By God's arrangement, anyone in any part of the world can live very peacefully part of the world can live very peacefully if he has some land and a milk cow. if he has some land and a milk cow. There is no need for man to move from There is no need for man to move from one place to another to earn a livelihood, one place to another to earn a livelihood, for one can produce food grains locally for one can produce food grains locally and get milk from cows. That can solve and get milk from cows. That can solve all economic problems.”all economic problems.”

““Unfortunately, so-called civilized man, not Unfortunately, so-called civilized man, not caring for God realization, utilizes his caring for God realization, utilizes his intelligence to get more than necessary and intelligence to get more than necessary and simply eat to satisfy the tongue. By God's simply eat to satisfy the tongue. By God's arrangement there is sufficient scope for the arrangement there is sufficient scope for the production of milk and grains for human production of milk and grains for human beings all over the world, but instead of using beings all over the world, but instead of using his higher intelligence to cultivate God his higher intelligence to cultivate God consciousness, so-called intelligent men consciousness, so-called intelligent men misuse their intelligence to produce many misuse their intelligence to produce many unnecessary and unwanted things.”unnecessary and unwanted things.”

““Thus factories, slaughterhouses, brothels Thus factories, slaughterhouses, brothels and liquor shops are opened.”and liquor shops are opened.”

““If people are advised If people are advised not to collect too many not to collect too many goods, eat too much goods, eat too much or work unnecessarily or work unnecessarily to possess artificial to possess artificial amenities, they think amenities, they think they are being advised they are being advised to return to a primitive to return to a primitive way of life.”way of life.”

““Fortunately, man has Fortunately, man has been given higher been given higher intelligence for the intelligence for the cultivation of Kåñëa cultivation of Kåñëa consciousness, or the consciousness, or the understanding of God, understanding of God, one's relationship one's relationship with Him, and the with Him, and the ultimate goal of life, ultimate goal of life, love of God.”love of God.”

““Human life is meant for God realization, Human life is meant for God realization, and the human being is given higher and the human being is given higher intelligence for this purpose. Those who intelligence for this purpose. Those who believe that this higher intelligence is meant believe that this higher intelligence is meant to attain a higher state should follow the to attain a higher state should follow the instructions of the Vedic literatures. By instructions of the Vedic literatures. By taking such instructions from higher taking such instructions from higher authorities, one can actually become authorities, one can actually become situated in perfect knowledge and give real situated in perfect knowledge and give real meaning to life.”meaning to life.”

““In Çrémad-Bhägavatam (1.2.9) Çré Süta In Çrémad-Bhägavatam (1.2.9) Çré Süta Gosvämé describes the proper human Gosvämé describes the proper human dharma in this way:dharma in this way:

dharmasya hy äpavargyasyadharmasya hy äpavargyasyanärtho 'rthäyopakalpatenärtho 'rthäyopakalpate

närthasya dharmaikäntasyanärthasya dharmaikäntasyakämo läbhäya hi småtaùkämo läbhäya hi småtaù

""All occupational engagements [dharma] All occupational engagements [dharma] are certainly meant for ultimate liberation.are certainly meant for ultimate liberation. They should never be performed for They should never be performed for material gain. Furthermore, one who is material gain. Furthermore, one who is engaged in the ultimate occupational engaged in the ultimate occupational service [dharma] should never use material service [dharma] should never use material gain to cultivate sense gratification."gain to cultivate sense gratification."

““The first step in human The first step in human civilization consists of civilization consists of occupational occupational engagements engagements performed according to performed according to the scriptural the scriptural injunctions. The higher injunctions. The higher intelligence of a human intelligence of a human being should be trained being should be trained to understand basic to understand basic dharma.”dharma.”

“…“…religion is meant for religion is meant for attaining emancipation, attaining emancipation, not for getting bread. not for getting bread. Sometimes human Sometimes human society manufactures a society manufactures a system of so-called system of so-called religion aimed at religion aimed at material advancement, material advancement, but that is far from the but that is far from the purpose of true purpose of true dharma.”dharma.”

““Unfortunately people accept religion for Unfortunately people accept religion for material prosperity because of atyähära, or material prosperity because of atyähära, or an excessive desire for such prosperity.”an excessive desire for such prosperity.”

Karma-PrayasaKarma-Prayasadharmaù svanuñöhitaù puàsäàdharmaù svanuñöhitaù puàsäà

viñvaksena-kathäsu yaùviñvaksena-kathäsu yaù

notpädayed yadi ratiànotpädayed yadi ratià

çrama eva hi kevalamçrama eva hi kevalam

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

Jnana-PrayasaJnana-Prayasaçreyaù-såtià bhaktim udasya te vibhoçreyaù-såtià bhaktim udasya te vibhokliçyanti ye kevala-bodha-labdhayekliçyanti ye kevala-bodha-labdhaye

teñäm asau kleçala eva çiñyateteñäm asau kleçala eva çiñyatenänyad yathä sthüla-tuñävaghätinämnänyad yathä sthüla-tuñävaghätinäm

““My dear Lord, devotional service unto You is My dear Lord, devotional service unto You is the best path for self-realization. If someone the best path for self-realization. If someone gives up that path and engages in the gives up that path and engages in the cultivation of speculative knowledge, he will cultivation of speculative knowledge, he will simply undergo a troublesome process and simply undergo a troublesome process and will not achieve his desired result. As a will not achieve his desired result. As a person who beats an empty husk of wheat person who beats an empty husk of wheat cannot get grain, one who simply speculates cannot get grain, one who simply speculates cannot achieve self-realization. His only gain cannot achieve self-realization. His only gain is trouble.” SB 10.2.4is trouble.” SB 10.2.4

Other Forms of “Spiritual” PrayasaOther Forms of “Spiritual” Prayasakià vä yogena säìkhyenakià vä yogena säìkhyenanyäsa-svädhyäyayor apinyäsa-svädhyäyayor api

kià vä çreyobhir anyaiç cakià vä çreyobhir anyaiç cana yaträtma-prado hariùna yaträtma-prado hariù

““Transcendental practices that do not ultimately Transcendental practices that do not ultimately help one realize the Supreme Personality of help one realize the Supreme Personality of Godhead are useless, be they mystic yoga Godhead are useless, be they mystic yoga practices, the analytical study of matter, severe practices, the analytical study of matter, severe austerity, the acceptance of sannyäsa, or the austerity, the acceptance of sannyäsa, or the study of Vedic literature. All these may be very study of Vedic literature. All these may be very important aspects of spiritual advancement, but important aspects of spiritual advancement, but unless one understands the Supreme Personality unless one understands the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Hari, all these processes are of Godhead, Hari, all these processes are useless.” SB 4.31.12useless.” SB 4.31.12

““Religion entails Religion entails understanding the understanding the laws of God because laws of God because the proper execution the proper execution of these laws of these laws ultimately leads one ultimately leads one out of material out of material entanglement. That is entanglement. That is the true purpose of the true purpose of religion.”religion.”

““True religion… instructs people to be True religion… instructs people to be satisfied with the bare necessities of life satisfied with the bare necessities of life while cultivating Kåñëa consciousness. while cultivating Kåñëa consciousness. Even though we require economic Even though we require economic development, true religion allows it only development, true religion allows it only for supplying the bare necessities of for supplying the bare necessities of material existence.”material existence.”

““O King, controller of the entire universe, O King, controller of the entire universe, although you are very munificent and are although you are very munificent and are able to give Me as much land as I want, I able to give Me as much land as I want, I do not want anything from you that is do not want anything from you that is unnecessary. If a learned brāhmana takes unnecessary. If a learned brāhmana takes charity from others only according to his charity from others only according to his needs, he does not become entangled in needs, he does not become entangled in sinful activities.” SB 8.19.17sinful activities.” SB 8.19.17

““The Personality of Godhead said: O my The Personality of Godhead said: O my dear King, even the entirety of whatever dear King, even the entirety of whatever there may be within the three worlds to there may be within the three worlds to satisfy one's senses cannot satisfy a satisfy one's senses cannot satisfy a person whose senses are uncontrolled…person whose senses are uncontrolled…One should be satisfied with whatever he One should be satisfied with whatever he achieves by his previous destiny, for achieves by his previous destiny, for discontent can never bring happiness. A discontent can never bring happiness. A person who is not self-controlled will not person who is not self-controlled will not be happy even with possessing the three be happy even with possessing the three worlds.” SB 8.19.21, 24 worlds.” SB 8.19.21, 24

““Jévasya tattva jijïäsä: Jévasya tattva jijïäsä: the real purpose of life the real purpose of life is to inquire about the is to inquire about the Absolute Truth. If our Absolute Truth. If our endeavor (prayäsa) is endeavor (prayäsa) is not to inquire about not to inquire about the Absolute Truth, we the Absolute Truth, we will simply increase will simply increase our endeavor to satisfy our endeavor to satisfy our artificial needs.”our artificial needs.”

““Devahūti said: I am very sick of the Devahūti said: I am very sick of the disturbance caused by my material disturbance caused by my material senses, for because of this sense senses, for because of this sense disturbance, my Lord, I have fallen into disturbance, my Lord, I have fallen into the abyss of ignorance.” the abyss of ignorance.”

SB 3.25.7SB 3.25.7

““Unless one becomes tired of material Unless one becomes tired of material sense gratification, there is no sense gratification, there is no opportunity to hear transcendental opportunity to hear transcendental messages from a person like Kapila.” messages from a person like Kapila.” prptprpt

Conclusion on PrayasaConclusion on Prayasa Two Types of Prayasa:Two Types of Prayasa:

– Karma-praysaKarma-praysa Over endeavoring in work to collect more (funds, austerities, Over endeavoring in work to collect more (funds, austerities,

knowledge) then necessary for ones real needsknowledge) then necessary for ones real needs Doing unauthorized (nonsense) activities must go through Doing unauthorized (nonsense) activities must go through

endeavor to hide, sneak around, lie, etc.endeavor to hide, sneak around, lie, etc. Preaching to such an extent one’s on hearing and chanting Preaching to such an extent one’s on hearing and chanting

are derailed.are derailed.

– Jnana-prayasaJnana-prayasa Over endeavoring to read many books (esp. mundane Over endeavoring to read many books (esp. mundane

books) which have no application to devotional lifebooks) which have no application to devotional life Endeavor to read spiritual literatures of a so-called esoteric Endeavor to read spiritual literatures of a so-called esoteric

nature without being able to extract practical messages for nature without being able to extract practical messages for one’s service or without having first realized and applied “the one’s service or without having first realized and applied “the basics” (Mayavada esp.)basics” (Mayavada esp.)

Solution for prayasaSolution for prayasa Accept endeavors (prayasa) to cultivate Accept endeavors (prayasa) to cultivate

devotional service:devotional service:– Perform duties according to varnasrama-Perform duties according to varnasrama-

dharma in conjunction with devotional practices.dharma in conjunction with devotional practices.– Accept only that (economically) which is Accept only that (economically) which is

required for maintaining the necessities of life.required for maintaining the necessities of life.– Devotional endeavors (discuss in text 3) Devotional endeavors (discuss in text 3)

required for purifying the heart and attaining required for purifying the heart and attaining love of God (chanting, hearing transcendental love of God (chanting, hearing transcendental literature, etc.) is necessary prayasa for literature, etc.) is necessary prayasa for conditioned souls and should not be rejected.conditioned souls and should not be rejected.

PrajalpaPrajalpa

““Another impediment is prajalpa, Another impediment is prajalpa, unnecessary talking. When we mix with unnecessary talking. When we mix with a few friends, we immediately begin a few friends, we immediately begin unnecessary talking, sounding just like unnecessary talking, sounding just like croaking toads.”croaking toads.”

““Talking with one another is called jalpana Talking with one another is called jalpana or prajalpa. Nowadays in this world, or prajalpa. Nowadays in this world, godlessness is so prominent that godlessness is so prominent that conversing with others means godless conversing with others means godless talk. Therefore, it is not profitable for a talk. Therefore, it is not profitable for a practicing devotee to engage in jalpana”-practicing devotee to engage in jalpana”-BVTBVT

““If we must talk, we If we must talk, we should talk about the should talk about the Kåñëa consciousness Kåñëa consciousness movement.”movement.”

““There can, however, There can, however, be many kinds of be many kinds of jalpana in the jalpana in the cultivation of cultivation of devotional service. devotional service. They are all They are all auspicious for the auspicious for the devotees.”-BVTdevotees.”-BVT

2 Types of Prajalpa2 Types of Prajalpa ““All prajalpas that are unfavorable to Krishna’s All prajalpas that are unfavorable to Krishna’s

service are adverse to devotional service. The service are adverse to devotional service. The practitioner should carefully give up prajalpa”-BVTpractitioner should carefully give up prajalpa”-BVT

““There is no fault in the activities of the There is no fault in the activities of the Mahajanas. The mahajanas have respectfully Mahajanas. The mahajanas have respectfully engaged in prajalpa (favorable to devotional engaged in prajalpa (favorable to devotional service) and this is our only duty…All the service) and this is our only duty…All the mahajanas have respected that prajalpa which mahajanas have respected that prajalpa which nourishes devotion to Hari.”-BVTnourishes devotion to Hari.”-BVT

Unfavorable PrajalpaUnfavorable Prajalpa ““Godless prajalpas are impediments to Godless prajalpas are impediments to

devotional service. They are of many devotional service. They are of many types.”-BVTtypes.”-BVT– AA. Useless talks. Useless talks– BB. Arguments. Arguments– CC. Gossip. Gossip– DD. Debates. Debates– EE. Fault-finding in others. Fault-finding in others– FF. Speaking falsehoods. Speaking falsehoods– GG. Blaspheming devotees. Blaspheming devotees– HH. Worldly talk. Worldly talk

A. Useless TalksA. Useless Talks

““Those outside of the Kåñëa consciousness Those outside of the Kåñëa consciousness movement are interested in reading heaps of movement are interested in reading heaps of newspapers, magazines and novels, solving newspapers, magazines and novels, solving crossword puzzles and doing many other crossword puzzles and doing many other nonsensical things. In this fashion people simply nonsensical things. In this fashion people simply waste their valuable time and energy.”waste their valuable time and energy.”

““In the Western countries old men, retired from In the Western countries old men, retired from active life, play cards, fish, watch television and active life, play cards, fish, watch television and debate about useless socio-political schemes. debate about useless socio-political schemes. All these and other frivolous activities are All these and other frivolous activities are included in the prajalpa category. Intelligent included in the prajalpa category. Intelligent persons interested in Kåñëa consciousness persons interested in Kåñëa consciousness should never take part in such activities.”should never take part in such activities.”

““Useless talks is extremely detrimental. Useless talks is extremely detrimental. Practicing devotees of Krishna should Practicing devotees of Krishna should discuss topics of Lord Hari in the association discuss topics of Lord Hari in the association of other devotees and remember Lord Hari’s of other devotees and remember Lord Hari’s name, form, qualities, and pastimes in a name, form, qualities, and pastimes in a secluded place without uselessly wasting secluded place without uselessly wasting time.”-BVTtime.”-BVT

mac-cittä mad-gata-präëämac-cittä mad-gata-präëä

bodhayantaù parasparambodhayantaù parasparam

kathayantaç ca mäà nityaàkathayantaç ca mäà nityaà

tuñyanti ca ramanti catuñyanti ca ramanti ca

““The thoughts of My pure devotees dwell The thoughts of My pure devotees dwell in Me, their lives are fully devoted to My in Me, their lives are fully devoted to My service, and they derive great service, and they derive great satisfaction and bliss from always satisfaction and bliss from always enlightening one another and conversing enlightening one another and conversing about Me.” BG 10.9about Me.” BG 10.9

satataà kértayanto mäàsatataà kértayanto mäà

yatantaç ca dåòha-vratäùyatantaç ca dåòha-vratäù

namasyantaç ca mäà bhaktyänamasyantaç ca mäà bhaktyä

nitya-yuktä upäsatenitya-yuktä upäsate

““Always chanting My glories, Always chanting My glories, endeavoring with great endeavoring with great determination, bowing down before determination, bowing down before Me, these great souls perpetually Me, these great souls perpetually worship Me with devotion.” BG 9.14worship Me with devotion.” BG 9.14

B. ArgumentsB. Arguments ““Argument is a prajalpa that is adverse to Argument is a prajalpa that is adverse to

devotional service.”devotional service.” Useless argument arise from:Useless argument arise from:

– Envy or prideEnvy or pride– Aversion or attachment to sense gratificationAversion or attachment to sense gratification– Foolishness or self-prideFoolishness or self-pride– Quarrelsome psychologyQuarrelsome psychology

““While discussing topics of the Lord or his While discussing topics of the Lord or his devotees one should always be careful to devotees one should always be careful to avoid useless arguments.”-BVTavoid useless arguments.”-BVT

“…“…godless quarrels… godless quarrels… do not yield any result do not yield any result other then wasting the other then wasting the minds strength and minds strength and increasing one’s increasing one’s restlessness.”-BVTrestlessness.”-BVT

““By accepting the Vedic By accepting the Vedic Dasamula instructions and Dasamula instructions and arguing accordingly, one’s arguing accordingly, one’s mind does not become wicked. mind does not become wicked. What is good, what is bad-What is good, what is bad-when such dileberations are when such dileberations are based on the Vedas… based on the Vedas… Therefore] Sri Caitanya Therefore] Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu has given the Mahaprabhu has given the instruction… “Study Srimad-instruction… “Study Srimad-Bhagavatam very Bhagavatam very scrutinizingly.”-BVTscrutinizingly.”-BVT

““Discussion to Discussion to establish the establish the knowledge on knowledge on one’s relationship one’s relationship with the Lord are with the Lord are not prajalpa.”-not prajalpa.”-BVTBVT

C. GossipC. Gossip““Talking without reason Talking without reason about other people is about other people is extremely adverse to extremely adverse to devotional service. Many devotional service. Many people talk about other to people talk about other to establish their own establish their own reputation. Being envious, reputation. Being envious, some people are some people are accustomed to discuss other accustomed to discuss other character. The minds of character. The minds of those who are busy in such those who are busy in such topics can neer be fixed on topics can neer be fixed on the lotus feet of Krishna. the lotus feet of Krishna. Talking about other should Talking about other should be rejected in all respects.”-be rejected in all respects.”-BVTBVT