The Difference Between Pradhana, Prakriti and Mahat-tattva
“… The combination of the three modes, which are eternal and unmanifested, is the cause of the manifested state, and is called Pradhana …”[1] In the commentary to the verse Srila Prabhupada says: “… Pradhana is … Read More
We Are Eternal
na tv evaham jatu na tv evaham jatu nasam na tvam neme janadhipah na caiva na bhavisyamah sarve vayam atah param “Never was there a time when I did not exist, nor you, nor all these … Read More
Beings entangled in the terrible web of deaths and births can free themselves immediately
All anarthas, however, turn away with the performance of nama-sankirtana. According to Srimad-Bhagavatam (1.1.14): apannah samsrtim ghoram yan-nama vivaso grnan tatah sadyo vimucyeta yad bibheti svayam bhayam Beings entangled in the terrible web of deaths and … Read More
Removal of the Anarthas through the association of devotees
Sadhu-sange anartha-nivrtti (Removal of the Anarthas through the association of devotees) There are no good or bad times to chant the holy names. As explained in the Siksastaka (2), the holy names are invested … Read More
Anyone who wishes to obtain Krishna’s mercy must take refuge in a bona fide guru
Anyone who wishes to obtain Krishna’s mercy must take refuge in a bona fide guru. In the moment in which he commits himself only in service under the direction of the guru does he eventually come … Read More
What Is the Meaning of the Word Ki?
The six obstacles to advancement in Bhakti
The six obstacles to advancement in Bhakti are mentioned in the second verse: atyaharah prayasas ca prajalpo niyamagrahah jana-sangas ca laulyam ca sadbhir bhaktir vinasyati Devotional service is ruined when one gets too entangled in the … Read More
The favorable circumstances for bhakti are described in Srimad-Bhagavatam
The favorable circumstances for bhakti are described in Srimad-Bhagavatam (2.9.36): etavad eva jijnasyam tattva-jijnasunatmanah anvaya-vyatirekabhyam yat syat sarvatra sarvada He who seeks to know the Absolute Truth, the Divine and Supreme Person, must on every occasion, … Read More
The Apparent Reconciliation
The news that Pandu’s sons were alive and that the Brahmana who had conquered Draupadi was no other than Arjuna spread quickly. There were moments of genuine panic in Hastinapura. Duryodhana, terrified, immediately began to make … Read More
Watering the roots of a tree gives energy to the whole tree
tavad bhayam dravina-deha suhrin-nimittam sokah sprha paribhavo vipulas ca lobhah tavan mamety asad-avagraha arti-mulam yavan na te ‘nghrim abhayam pravrnita lokah Oh my Lord, the inhabitants of this world are beset with all sorts of … Read More
Prema-bhajana-Sambhoga (Love of Devotion)
The humility of the devotee is described by Sanatana Gosvami in the next verse, quoted by Srila Rupa Gosvami in Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu. One who has reached the level of rati (bhava) and with steadfast faith … Read More