There are two ways to free oneself from anarthas: directly, by following the rules, and indirectly, by observing the restrictions. The means of freeing oneself from the three anarthas – material desires, heart weaknesses and … Read More
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
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
Srimad-Bhagavatam (11.2.37) later states: bhayam dvitiyabhinivesatah syad isad apetasya viparyayo ‘smrtih tan-mayayato budha abhajet tam bhaktyaikayesam guru-devatatma When the living entity is attracted to material energy, which is separated from Krishna, it is overcome by fear. … Read More
Sincere humility is described in Krishna-karnamrta (30): nibaddha-murddhanjalir esa yace nirandhra-dainyonnati-mukta-kantham daya-nidhe deva bhavat kataksam daksinyalesena sakrn nisinca This rascal weeps with folded hands and, without hesitation, offers you these prayers sincerely. I pray in a … Read More
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
There are four kinds of material desires: aihikesvaisana para- trikesu caisana ‘subha bhuti-vancha mumuksa ca hy asat-trsnas catur-vidhah The desire for material objects, for heavenly comforts, for mystical powers, and the desire for liberation are the … Read More
Sri Bhajana-rahasya was compiled by Srila Bhaktivinode Thakura. With this book, the great teacher gives us a hint of his own method of bhajana, a guide for his sincere followers. The undersigned Akincana, a few years … Read More
There are four types of illusions concerning spiritual knowledge: sva-tattve para-tattve ca sadhya-sadhana-tattvayoh virodhi-visaye caiva tattva-bhramas catur-vidhah Sva-tattva bhrama (the illusion of one’s own identity), paratattva-bhrama (the illusion towards the Supreme Personality of God), sadhya-sadhana-bhrama (the … Read More
Srimad-Bhagavatam (1.7.4-6) adds: bhakti-yogena manasi samyak pranihite ‘male apasyat purusam purnam mayam ca tad-apasrayam yaya sammohito jiva atmanam tri-gunatmakam paro ‘pi manute’ nartham tat-krtam cabhipadyate anarthopasamam saksad bhakti-yogam adhoksaje With his mind perfectly fixed … Read More
Krishna, the energy of Krishna and the living entity together constitute the Absolute Truth. Deluded by maya, the living entity binds itself to it. This is known as anartha. When the microscopic conscious living entity practices … Read More
Symptoms of misfortune are described in Srimad-Bhagavatam as follows: daivena te hata-dhiyo bhavatah prasangat sarvasubhopasamanad vimukhendriya ye kurvanti kama-sukha-lesa-lavaya dina lobhabhibhuta-manaso ‘kusalani sasvat O Lord, people who lack the infinite joy that comes from chanting and … Read More
The Vaisvanara Samhita confirms that there are no strict rules regarding the time or purity for chanting the holy names: na desa-kala-niyamo na saucasuaca-nirnayah param sankirtanad eva rama rameti mucyate There are no restrictions … Read More
According to the Skanda Purana, Krishna has invested the holy names with all His powers: dana-vrata-tapas-tirtha-yatradinam ca yah sthitah saktayo devamahatam sarva-papa-harah subhah rajasuyasvamedhanam jnanasyadhyatma-vastunah akrsya harina sarvah sthapitah svesu namasu Whatever power they have, the … Read More
People are possessed by the most varied desires; therefore, You have distributed, thanks to Your mercy, many holy names. Whoever chants the holy name regardless of time or place, even while eating or sleeping, attains all … Read More
Bhajana in the morning 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 … Read More
If one remembers kunja-bhanga-lila (when Radha and Krishna separate after their pastimes in the forest) at the end of the night, one can enjoy the intimate pastimes of Radha and Krishna. Govinda-lilamrta says: ratryante trastavrnderita bahu-vira-vaibodhitau … Read More
Srimad Bhagavatam (6.3.22) states: etavan eva loke ‘smin pumsam dharmah parah smrtah bhakti-yogo bhagavati tan-nama-grahanadibhih Devotional service, which begins with the chanting of Krishna’s holy name, is the highest religious principle in human society to the … Read More
The Bhagavat-nama-kaumudi quotes the Puranas as follows: naktam diva ca gatabhir jita-nidra eko nirvinna iksitapatho mita-bhuk prasantah yady acyute bhagavati sva-mano na sajjen- namani tad rati karani pathed vilajjah If your mind is not fixed on … Read More
Sri Krishna, who is the number one expert in love affairs and the adorable deity of amorous pastimes, always takes pleasure in Radha. He is therefore called Rama (Radharamana Rama). Chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra is … Read More
