'Low-carb diet causes memory loss'
Dieters who eliminate carbohydrates from their diet may lose some extra pounds, but it could leave them fuzzy headed and forgetful, says a new
study.
One week after starting a weight loss diet that severely restricted carbohydrates, participants in the Tufts University study performed significantly worse on memory tests than participants who followed a low calorie, high-carbohydrate diet.
Their study on women aged 22 to 55 showed that those on a low carbohydrate meals suffered impaired memory function after just one week, reports the Telegraph.
Psychology professor Holly Taylor, of Tufts University, Massachusetts, said that when carbohydrates were re-introduced the women’s mental function returned to normal.
“The connection between the foods we eat and how we think doesn’t really enter into most people’s minds,” said study co-author and cognitive psychologist Taylor, as saying. She added: “This study demonstrates that the food you eat can have an immediate impact on cognitive behaviour. The popular low-carb, no-carb diets have the strongest potential for negative impact on thinking and cognition.”
The body breaks carbohydrates into glucose, which it uses to fuel brain activity. Proteins break down into glycogen, which can also be used for fuel by the brain, but not as efficiently as glucose.
So it stands to reason that eliminating carbohydrates from the diet might reduce the brain’s source of energy and affect brain function. But there has been little research examining this hypothesis in people following low-carb weight loss diets.
All the dieters were tested for “cognitive skills” including attention, long-term and short-term memory, visual attention, and spatial memory which helps with everyday tasks and details about surroundings. Low-carb dieters “showed a gradual decrease on the memory-related tasks compared with the low-calorie dieters”. Their reaction times were also slower. However, they did do better on short-term attention tests.
Taylor said: “Although the study had a modest sample size, the results showed a clear difference in cognitive performance as a function of diet.”
Sunday 14 December 2008
Tuesday 11 November 2008
99% of genome still a mystery, but we think science knows everything...
99% of genome still a mystery
12 Nov 2008, 0024 hrs IST, Carl Zimmer, NYT News Service
New large-scale studies of DNA are causing researchers to rethink the very nature of genes. They no longer conceive of a typical gene as a single
chunk of DNA encoding a single protein. It cannot work that way, they say. There are simply too many exceptions to the conventional rules for genes.
It turns out, for example, that several different proteins may be produced from a single stretch of DNA. Most of the molecules produced from DNA may not even be proteins, but another chemical known as RNA. The familiar double helix of DNA no longer has a monopoly on heredity. Other molecules clinging to DNA can produce striking differences between two organisms with the same genes. And those molecules can be inherited along with DNA.
The gene, in other words, is in an identity crisis. This crisis comes on the eve of the gene’s 100th birthday. The word was coined by the Danish geneticist Wilhelm Johanssen in 1909, to describe whatever it was that parents passed down to their offspring so that they developed the same traits. Johanssen had no idea what that invisible factor was. But he thought it would be useful to have a way to describe it.
Over the next six decades, experts transformed that little word from an abstraction to concrete reality. A gene, they said, was a specific stretch of DNA containing the instructions to make a protein molecule.
A gene was also the fundamental unit of heredity. Every time a cell divided, it replicated its genes, and parents passed down some of their genes to their offspring. If you inherited red hair — or a predisposition for breast cancer — from your mother, chances were that you inherited a gene that helped produce that trait.
Complications emerged in the 1980s and 1990s, though. Scientists discovered that when a cell produces an RNA transcript, it cuts out huge chunks and saves only a few small remnants. Vast stretches of noncoding DNA also lie between these protein-coding regions. The 21,000 protein-coding genes in the human genome make up just 1.2% of that genome.
In 2000, an international team of scientists finished the first rough draft of that genome — all of the genetic material in a human cell. They identified the location of many of the protein-coding genes, but they left the other 98.8% of the human genome largely unexplored.
One of the biggest of these projects is an effort called the Encyclopedia of DNA Elements, or Encode for short. The Encode team expects to have initial results on the other 99% by next year.
Encode’s results reveal the genome to be full of genes that are deeply weird, at least by the traditional standard of what a gene is supposed to be. “These are not oddities — these are the rule,” said Thomas Gingeras of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and one of the leaders of Encode.
A single so-called gene, for example, can make more than one protein. In a process known as alternative splicing, a cell can select different combinations of exons to make different transcripts. But it turns out that the genome is also organized in another way, one that brings into question how important genes are in heredity. Our DNA is studded with millions of proteins and other molecules, which determine which genes can produce transcripts and which cannot. New cells inherit those molecules along with DNA. In other words, heredity can flow through a second channel.
Much of the baggage in the genome comes not from dead genes but from invading viruses. Once these viruses invaded our genomes, they sometimes made new copies of themselves, and the copies were pasted in other spots in the genome. Yet some of these invaders have evolved into useful forms. Some stretches of virus DNA have evolved to make RNA genes that our cells use.
Gerstein says that in order to define a gene, scientists must start with the RNA transcript and trace it back to the DNA. These new concepts are moving the gene away from a physical snippet of DNA and back to a more abstract definition. “It’s almost a recapture of what the term was originally meant to convey,” Gingeras said. A hundred years after it was born, the gene is coming home.
12 Nov 2008, 0024 hrs IST, Carl Zimmer, NYT News Service
New large-scale studies of DNA are causing researchers to rethink the very nature of genes. They no longer conceive of a typical gene as a single
chunk of DNA encoding a single protein. It cannot work that way, they say. There are simply too many exceptions to the conventional rules for genes.
It turns out, for example, that several different proteins may be produced from a single stretch of DNA. Most of the molecules produced from DNA may not even be proteins, but another chemical known as RNA. The familiar double helix of DNA no longer has a monopoly on heredity. Other molecules clinging to DNA can produce striking differences between two organisms with the same genes. And those molecules can be inherited along with DNA.
The gene, in other words, is in an identity crisis. This crisis comes on the eve of the gene’s 100th birthday. The word was coined by the Danish geneticist Wilhelm Johanssen in 1909, to describe whatever it was that parents passed down to their offspring so that they developed the same traits. Johanssen had no idea what that invisible factor was. But he thought it would be useful to have a way to describe it.
Over the next six decades, experts transformed that little word from an abstraction to concrete reality. A gene, they said, was a specific stretch of DNA containing the instructions to make a protein molecule.
A gene was also the fundamental unit of heredity. Every time a cell divided, it replicated its genes, and parents passed down some of their genes to their offspring. If you inherited red hair — or a predisposition for breast cancer — from your mother, chances were that you inherited a gene that helped produce that trait.
Complications emerged in the 1980s and 1990s, though. Scientists discovered that when a cell produces an RNA transcript, it cuts out huge chunks and saves only a few small remnants. Vast stretches of noncoding DNA also lie between these protein-coding regions. The 21,000 protein-coding genes in the human genome make up just 1.2% of that genome.
In 2000, an international team of scientists finished the first rough draft of that genome — all of the genetic material in a human cell. They identified the location of many of the protein-coding genes, but they left the other 98.8% of the human genome largely unexplored.
One of the biggest of these projects is an effort called the Encyclopedia of DNA Elements, or Encode for short. The Encode team expects to have initial results on the other 99% by next year.
Encode’s results reveal the genome to be full of genes that are deeply weird, at least by the traditional standard of what a gene is supposed to be. “These are not oddities — these are the rule,” said Thomas Gingeras of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and one of the leaders of Encode.
A single so-called gene, for example, can make more than one protein. In a process known as alternative splicing, a cell can select different combinations of exons to make different transcripts. But it turns out that the genome is also organized in another way, one that brings into question how important genes are in heredity. Our DNA is studded with millions of proteins and other molecules, which determine which genes can produce transcripts and which cannot. New cells inherit those molecules along with DNA. In other words, heredity can flow through a second channel.
Much of the baggage in the genome comes not from dead genes but from invading viruses. Once these viruses invaded our genomes, they sometimes made new copies of themselves, and the copies were pasted in other spots in the genome. Yet some of these invaders have evolved into useful forms. Some stretches of virus DNA have evolved to make RNA genes that our cells use.
Gerstein says that in order to define a gene, scientists must start with the RNA transcript and trace it back to the DNA. These new concepts are moving the gene away from a physical snippet of DNA and back to a more abstract definition. “It’s almost a recapture of what the term was originally meant to convey,” Gingeras said. A hundred years after it was born, the gene is coming home.
Thursday 6 November 2008
The Amish
The Amish, Learning From ‘The Plain People’
By Ameyatma das
I spent most of my life on the West Coast, California. I never saw Amish people, and never even heard about them while growing up. For several years in the early 1980’s I had service and lived at the ISKCON Devasadhan Mandir in Detroit. At that time, passing through Ohio on a trip to New Vrndaban in West Virginia, I happened to see some of the Amish people now and then riding in their horse drawn buggies. I didn’t know anything about them. They seemed far removed from both the outside modern world and from our Krishna Conscious world. There was some curiosity, but I was busy and never gave them much thought.
However, just last week (in December of 2006) I found a deal on ebay for a 1 ton 15 passenger van that I needed. I got the winning bid and had to pick up the van. It was located in a small town called New Holland, just outside of Lancaster in Pennsylvania. I had no idea this was the heartland of the Pennsylvania Amish.
We hadn’t seen or noticed anything until after we arrived in New Holland and were looking at the van, which was parked in a lot on the side of a road in the town. While we were looking at the van a horse drawn buggy came driving by. My kids were surprised, nothing they (or I) were accustomed to seeing. I told them, “Hey, that was an Amish family that went by”, still not aware we were right in the heart of Amish country. A few minutes passed and another buggy drove by. “Wow, what is going on around here?”, I thought to myself. A few minutes latter and a 3rd buggy goes down the road. “What??” Then it dawned on me. ‘Oh yeah, this must be Amish country’. And so it was.
We were in the area only for a day and during that time due to a bad search result on the internet, or really by Sri Krsna’s arrangement, we wound up driving deep into the surrounding rural area to find a tag office for obtaining the temporary transit tag we needed to drive the van home. This journey took us deep into the very heartland of the Amish farm lands. And, it was very eye-opening.
One small farm after the other we passed. Clothes freshly washed flying in the wind on clothes lines and on the front porches. Dairy farms with cows with full udders waiting to be milked. A farm with a road side stand selling large headed cabbages via an honor system, $1 a head (a wooden box sat on one end of the table with dollar bills sticking out of it, you put in $1 for each cabbage you take). We put in 3 dollars and drove off with 3 large heads to be cooked and offered to Sri Krishna.
Several things impressed us. One, that I noticed immediately, was that one after the other, the small neat farms, the houses were very well taken care of. Not one old barn or shed in need of paint or repair. Everything looked picture-perfect, like it had been freshly painted. It was very obvious that these people were not living in material poverty, struggling to simply maintain a poor material standard, but I could see that these people appeared to be thriving and living very well. I will elaborate more on that point later. The other was that we saw many young married families with their small children. This was by no means a waning religious community only full of old people who were vainly trying to hang on to a dying way of life. Rather, I saw a very stable, living and solid society that appeared strongly able to continue on in it’s way of life.
The women dressed so plainly. Long plain skirts, and no makeup. A dress that has given them the nickname as “The Plain People”. More on that latter as well.
We observed a number of farmers in the process of plowing and tending their fields. It was early December. One man was, alone, walking with a basket and throwing and spreading seeds on a piece of land that was probably 5-10 acres. No gas powered tractor, no automated seed spreader. Just one man, walking with his basket of seeds. I thought, “So?, how long would it take him? - All of one day maybe. So, why not walk the field and spread the seed by hand?”. It would take someone else years to pay the payments on a tractor to do the same thing, and then the insurance cost, the maintenance cost, the gasoline cost. We saw another man plowing his field. He had a 1 horse power plow. Amazing what you can do with just 1-horse power. Another man had a 3 horse power plow. One man, three horses. Then we saw another man with a 6 horse powered plow. 6 work horses with a large multi-blade plow tilling his field as we rode standing on the back. Wow, these people were for real. I felt like I had been transported back in time. What I was seeing was from the 1800’s, or even 1600’s.
The worse part of our experience was the stinking horse s…stool. It (the smell and the brown stuff itself) seemed to be everywhere. That is the refreshing thing about our Vedic culture. We use the bull for plowing and doing work. Bull and cow dung creates a pleasing and auspicious atmosphere. When cow dung burns it smells like incense. And, as Srila Prabhupad has said, ‘Cow dung can purify any impure place’.
Next to one man’s large, neat and freshly painted farm house was a 3 car -oops- carriage garage, the doors were up and I saw a buggy, a truck type horse drawn buggy and a wagon. There were many buggies and wagons on the road, sharing the road with the gasoline guzzling cars and trucks. What a stark contrast.
At a nearby Wal-Mart a number of the Amish were in the store. The Wal-Mart even had covered stalls on the side of the parking lot so the Amish could park their horses and buggies. One local told me many were buying Christmas gifts. But, all of their items were ‘practical’. My daughter found her self sitting next to one lady and she showed my daughter what she had bought. A bag full of yarn. She had knitted the sweater she was wearing and told my daughter she was buying yarn to make more sweaters to give as gifts. My daughter noted how the lady was very peaceful, taking her sweet time. The lady told my daughter how she vastly enjoyed her domestic life. She said she enjoyed staying home knitting, sewing and cooking.
I was impressed by what I saw. The Amish live totally in the open, mixing freely with the ‘English’ (as they call us), and yet they preserve their very old and different lifestyles. Whole families were there in the Wal-Mart, young children, teenagers. They were fully exposed to all the latest video games and electronic gadgets, and yet even the kids showed no real interest. I was impressed how the youth are not fleeing away in large numbers, lured out and enticed by the glitter of the modern world.
On coming back from my trip I did a little more research on the internet about them and found even more to be impressed about. Since the 1960’s the Amish population has tripled. It is definitely not a waning way of life, instead their communities are growing and they are moving out to new locations and states to find more farm land. They are growing even though most of them do not try to make new members by conversion (I found outsiders ‘can’ join and become Amish if they want). They are growing mostly from within. The average Amish family size is 7.
One interesting point is that the Amish do not consider even their children to be Amish until they are adults, at least 16, and have become baptized of their own free choice and take vows to live by their Ordung, their social orders and rules. This is equivalent of ISKCON devotees not considering our own children to be devotees until the children are at least 16 and commit themselves to our mission and taking the vows of initiation. And, in reality, that must be our actual process. That is, even if the parents are qualified Vaishnav brahmanas, the children are not, by shastric injunction, considered brahmana until they, as adults, have shown by example and become qualified themselves as brahmana. We can learn from the Amish that we should not artificially presume our children to be qualified vaishnava brahmanas and followers of Srila Prabhupad simply because they have taken birth in our families. We give them all good training and understanding, but society (in and out of ISKCON) should judge us and our children only on our work and our qualifications, not by birth. That is what shastra teaches, that is what both Mahaprabhu and Srila Prabhupad have taught. The Amish actually do this.
As I said, I saw that their houses were kept up very well. On the internet I found confirmation that the Amish, as a whole, are doing well, financially. They are not just struggling to survive, barely getting by, but rather, they are flourishing. The freshly painted well-kept up barns and houses showed this well. And, couple this with the fact that the average family is 7. It is not easy, in today’s modern society, to comfortably raise even 2 or 3 children, what to speak of 5 or more. The average being 5 kids would mean some families are much larger. Yet, despite the plain living - animal powered farming – no electricity, TV, or computers, the Amish, are on average living comfortable. Of course, they do not have many of the overheads the rest of us have. No car payments, no electricity costs, no car insurance, no gasoline costs, etc. The Amish organic dairy farmers have found an outlet for their organic grass fed cow milk. A nationwide growing organic milk market. Today, in every grocery store we have been to, there are an increasing number of brands of organic milk being sold. A lot of it comes from the Amish family dairies. Here are a large group of people (estimates of about 130-150,000 Amish people, not counting their children, as the Amish do not count them as Amish until they are grown and make their own commitment to their lifestyle and faith) have chosen to live separate from society’s norms. They forsake modern amenities, forsake the materialism and mood of sense-gratification of the modern world, and yet, rather then living an impoverished life of austerity, they appear to be living a life sufficient material abundance. Not over abundance, but they are doing well.
The Amish, especially the Old Order of Amish, do not allow electricity in their homes. This means no radio, no TV, no computers and no phones. Those who are of the old order do not use powered machines or powered farming machinery. They plow with horses and use the horse drawn buggy as their main transportation.
But, what impressed me further was to learn WHY they choose to live this plain and simple life style. They do not see modern technology as evil. They may use whatever is there if it can serve a utilitarian purpose and yet not be seen as influencing them toward possession of worldly things. They may ride in a car, we saw many Amish come to Wal-Mart by getting rides from their neighbors, but only if serves a utilitarian purpose. The dairy farms may use electricity in their barns and for their electric fences. If they need phones for their businesses, they may use them, but - NOT IN THEIR HOMES. Why? Because they take several verses of the Bible seriously in the instruction to avoid Worldly Things. To avoid sense enjoyment. As the industrial revolution was just beginning their elders decided that in order to abide by the essence of this teaching that the followers needed to keep modern technology out of their homes. To avoid worldly things one needed to be removed from the world of sense-enjoyment. And thus, due to the direction of their elders, they long ago chose to live simple and keep modern technology out of their lives as much as possible. Hundreds of years later they are still successfully doing this.
And so I observed that here they are, living in a world full of worldly things, living right in the midst of it all, and yet they remained totally separate from it. The way they achieve it is by keeping such things out of their home. Their home is where they live. By keeping those things out of their home they keep the worldly things out of their lives, even though they physically live in the same society as the rest of us. They share the same roads, go to the same stores, yet they remain aloof from worldly things. In this way, they are practicing renunciates, like munis, in that sense, choosing to live somewhat austerity.
I could see, they are not physically shielding their children or themselves from the outside world in the sense that they come to Wal-Marts and stores and the children are fully exposed to all the glitter of modern material gadgets. Their shield is the confines of their homes. That is they keep modern society out of their homes, but they do not shield their children from learning about the world outside. Rather, I read that they encourage that their children know the world outside. They shield their children by teaching them ‘why’ they chose their way of life over that of material sense enjoyment. Even the teenagers are allowed to have some freedom, and after 16 they are basically given the choice. But, by then it is an educated choice. Those who go on to accept their Amish way of life do so with full commitment and full understanding of what the outside world is all about. You have to respect them for this. Those young adults who do accept their life style, and my understanding is the majority do, they do so with such strong convictions very few of them ever leave later on. It also shows that they have substantial enough philosophical reasons for taking up their Plain or Simple Living, as their youth are choosing that lifestyle over the lure of modern gadgets and materialism.
This is somewhat amazing to me because of the plain and, to us, drab lifestyle of the Amish. Why so plain? Because they value humility and shun vanity. To the nth degree they shun vanity. They dress plainly so as to not attract attention to themselves personally. Yet, their plain dress and plain lifestyle is a striking difference between the Amish idea of simple living and our idea of simple living. Srila Prabhupad wanted us to also make communities where we can live an agrarian lifestyle, farming and living off the land, using the ox and bull to till the land, etc. Yet, Krsna Consciousness is far from plain and drab. It is a vibrant festival, exemplified by our colorful and vibrant Ratha Yatras or Janmastami festivals.
So, what is missing in the Amish culture? That is simple. What is missing is Krishna. Yes, the Amish are very God centered, but Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead is missing. Like all other faiths of this world, the Amish, although they are most devout to God, via prayer, in reality they do not know who God is. They have, like other Christian and other religions, no idea of what God looks like, what His activities are and what His kingdom looks like. Their vacant and drab ideas of what or who God is, is reflected in the drabness and plainness of their culture. Whereas, in Krishna Consciousness we have full understanding what God looks like, the most all attractive male. The Supreme Person. Krishna is the very source of life, thus He is not just full of life, Life emanates from Him. He is the most all attractive, He is colorful. His clothes, His jewelry, His flower garlands, His hair and ornaments, His personality, they are all a festival of vibrance, effulgence and colour. His pastimes of love with the young gopi girls, His relationship with Radharani, Queen of the Gopis, His relationship with Mother Yasoda, with the cowherd boys, with the Queens of Dwaraka, with Arjun, etc., those pastimes and relationships are again, fully vibrant, they are themselves a colorful festival of relationships. Thus, the devotees, while also taking up a life of plain living ( or at least we should be ), remain colorful and vibrant and full of life. We express this in our lively kirtans, in the colorful dress of our lady folk, etc. Our festivals celebrate the wonderful and colorful activities of wonderful Krsna. The Ratha Yatras and Janmastamis are so full of life, color. Far from the seemingly drab and simple life of the Amish.
But, while we have what they lack on one side, they seem to have what we are lacking on the other. They are and have been living a plain and simple agrarian life for the past hundreds of years, while we have not gotten anything close together yet. What I saw in their small family run farms was a model that could be applied to our rural communities like Alachua, FL etc. where devotees own their own properties. The Amish farm using horse (we prefer ox or bull). They keep modern society out of their lives by keeping it out of their homes. These are very important lessons we can take. Yet, when needed, they also follow the snake and mouse example. What is that? Srila Prabhupad gave the example that the mouse digs a nice hole in the ground for him to live in. The snake then comes along and eats the mouse and enjoys the hole for himself. Srila Prabhupad said similarly the non-devotees are working hard in the factories making cars and airplanes, etc. As devotees we have no interest in building and working in such big factories, but since the cars and things are here, we will take them and use them in our service of Krsna. The Amish have a similar idea. They will not own or drive a car for their day to day life, but if and when needed for a practical and utilitarian purpose, they will take rides in cars to go to distant places.
The lady my daughter was speaking to said she was born there and has never traveled much distance away from her home. But, she was not lamenting, she was peaceful and happy with her rural way of life.
Srila Prabhupad envisioned this also for our farms. That people will not need to travel all over. He was speaking of a time when Krsna devotees take up government leadership:
“Prabhupada: No, at least we shall try to make closed [referring to many government departments]. And if people become localized, then this traffic will be little. Just like I am trying to organize the farm. If people do not come out of home, then this [current government] system will be obsolete. There will be no more department. They have created hundreds [of government departments]. They do not know how to manage it. For livelihood they have to go to Bombay, and therefore they require so many local trains. But if they localized, they can get their livelihood locally, there is no question of these all…”
>>> Ref. VedaBase => January 11, 1977
An idea for VAD farming village I have had for many years was to see a large piece of land, 2-5,000 or so acres, where a village can be built. In that village there would only be small roads or pathways for walking and very limited transportation, like bicycles or rickshaws, or even small electric powered carts. But, healthy walking would be the main means. All other transportation must be made and maintained via self-sustained cottage industry by the residents of the village. At the main entrance would be a large parking lot where those members who have cars can park them (and for visitors). There can be rickshaw services or electric golf-cart type cars for getting to and from the parking lot and home. For outside transportation one can use the cars, or use other’s cars, but within the community the transportation is to be simple, mostly walking to and from the temple and to and from the village market place and to and from the garden and farming fields. Nothing else is really required.
Somehow the Amish have got the local and State permission to use their horse powered vehicles on the public streets and highways. In our communities like Alachua, FL where so many members have their own properties, it would be nice to develop a local system of simple transportation as well, along with an effort to help the members wean off the use of gas powered cars, the over use of electricity and to begin in earnest to create the sort of VAD villages where ‘Simple Living’ and High Thinking can flourish. Devotees who know how to farm via ox should train others. If the Amish can do well living simple and living off the land, why can’t we? It is part of what Srila Prabhupad instructed us to do. We simply need more organization to help those who are willing and have the desire to do so.
Most of the Amish live off the land, farming and some by selling cottage industry made items. They make most of their own furniture and clothes. Thus they have a strong cottage industry based community. This is what we need to see set up in our communities as well. Devotees should grow their own cotton even. Jute, hemp, rayon, linen, make their own clothes, make their own furniture, build our own energy efficient homes, and become serious about living simple, disconnecting from the grid. The Amish have never connected and their numbers are growing. Our numbers should grow this way as well. We need to disconnect ourselves from the materialistic culture that we live in, just as the Amish do, by keeping that culture out of our homes.
Another thing I noted on my trip to Amish country was the view the local non-Amish had of the Amish. Over and over people referred to them as, ‘honest, religious and hard-working’. I did not met anyone who had anything bad to say about them, although one retired policeman called them a ‘cult’, he then went on to say nothing but nice things about them, saying you can’t meet a nicer group of people. Their most important thing to them, second to God, is their family followed by their farms. Still, the biggest thing they are known for is they are honest, religious and hardworking. These are good qualities to be known by. Living a simple way of life farming will not earn us, devotees, a bad name. Just the opposite.
Another thing I found in my research is that one website stated that the most productive farm land in the US are the Amish farms. US farmland is among the most productive in the world, yet this is often attributed to our extensive use of high-tech mechanization and chemicals. Yet, the most productive farm land in the US doesn’t use the high tech, some may use limited chemicals, but most are organic farmers. This was also very interesting. Rather then the world looking to high-tech, the highly mundane educated chemists, physicists, and scientist to help them have more productive farm land, the real truth is they should be turning to animal powered low-tech or no-tech farming. The most productive farms are the small family farms, farmed using long established simple animal powered means. Not the gas powered tractor farmed big commercial farms. This is not really surprising, and is also good to know.
Education: Previously the Amish only taught their children up to 4th grade. The idea was that all the education needed to live in this world, by their standards, was to be able to read and write and basic math. This, by the way, is also similar to what Srila Prabhupad has taught, that our children need only to learn the basic skills of math and writing and to be able to read his books. Other then this, they are to study the scripture for higher education. State laws forced the Amish to increase the education and today the Amish educate their children up to 8th grade. After this, they go back home to work the farms and prepare for marriage. In the 1970’s 3 Amish families took the state of Wisconsin to court over the State’s law requiring all children to complete school up to age 16, which is at least into high school. The Amish reject this because they see that higher public education simply encourages wordly living (sense enjoyment). They objected to exposing their teenagers to close association with worldly minded youths at an age where it is most critical to have only association with those strong in their own faith and culture (ISKCON parents, are you listening? - we can very much learn from this). Also, all that is needed for an Amish to live well was a basic education. After 8th grade the Amish argued that their children were given further vocational training on their farms. Eventually the case went to the US Supreme Court which ruled in favor of the Amish.
Sadly, the only reference in the VedaBase regarding Amish was an indirect reference and the Amish people were not discussed with Srila Prabhupad. I was disappointed by this. At least in the VedaBase there is no conversation with Srila Prabhupad regarding the Amish. I would think that Srila Prabhupad must have seen them if he were traveling to / from Gita Nagari or New Vrndaban, but there is no discussion about them. If anyone knows of such a conversation, pass it on. I had hoped to hear what Srila Prabhupad would have said about them.
Regarding farming and education Srila Prabhupad once said,
“No education, no. Education will be required only for the guiding class: brahmanas, ksatriyas, not for anyone, sudras. They are two only. Others will… What education required? Suppose if you produce… If you are accustomed to agriculture, cow protection, there is no need going to college and schools. If you remain illiterate, still you can do.
Ramesvara: But in America…
Prabhupada: No, no, America is not… I am talking of the (indistinct), the class who will guide the aim of life, brahmana class, and a class that will give them protection from injuries by others, ksatriya class. Then the next class, food-producing men, they do not require. Actually only brahmanas, they require education, or all others, they will simply see and learn. So little education required — that you can learn by hearing only, that’s all. Suppose a brahmana class says that “This is good; this is bad.” So you hear and accept. It doesn’t require to go to school and college. So education will be simplified. (break) It has become very much complicated.” — January 11, 1977
And, the Amish are very much proof even in modern America. No real education is needed to be a successful non-technical farmer. No real education is needed at all. The Amish, by class, are Vaishya, not sudra. They run and operate their own farms, they do the labor themselves, but they are not hired labor like sudras. Thus, they have just enough mundane education that is needed to perform their function in society. The only higher education should be for the higher classes, the brahmanas, and their education should not be modern technology, but the higher Vedic scripture. Otherwise, modern higher education simply trains the population how to work in or run the big factories and large corporations. That, we are not interested in. As Srila Prabhupad once pointed out, they graduate from the big big universities with big degree, but then they take their big degree in their mouths like dogs and go begging door to door seeking a JOB - please take me as your servant and become my master. Big big degrees and big universities and they are simply creating sudras. What is the value? Our universities are to teach Varna, practical work, and those who have inclination to higher studies of shastra, they can be trained to be brahmana teachers, priests, ayurveda physician, etc.
The Amish have no car, house or life insurance, however 80% now have their own health insurance that is managed by their churches and a number of local hospitals and doctors accept their church managed insurance. ISKCON can learn a lot from the Amish. When someone gets ill they first try to treat with herbal type remedies, but if modern medical assistance is needed or called for, they take it.
Another interesting feature is that they will not accept any welfare from the government. They rely on their community in times of need. No food stamps, no hand outs from the government. You will not find an Amish family living in government housing. If a member is in need, the community members and church give them all the help they need. Can ISKCON devotees learn from this? I see a lot we can learn from these simple living people. They may dress in plain and simple clothes, drive simple horse powered buggies and plow with horse drawn plows, but they are very civilized. The only thing they lack is the high thinking of Vedic Culture. We need to combine these two together and implement Srila Prabhupad’s instructions NOW, Today, not slough it off to our children and grandchildren.
Of course, in closing, let me clarify so there isn’t any misunderstanding, I am not saying that all aspects of their culture or lifestyle is acceptable to our standards. No. There is no comparison to Vedic culture. But, in America many American devotees seem to question how can we implement rural life here in America. The Amish are doing this very successfully for 100’s of years. It is possible, and possible for devotees to flourish in such a life. Lets work together to implement Srila Prabhupad’s instructions and desire to build fully functional VAD based farming villages.
Aspiring to become the worthy and humble servant of the Prabhupadanuga Vaishnavas - ameyatma das
By Ameyatma das
I spent most of my life on the West Coast, California. I never saw Amish people, and never even heard about them while growing up. For several years in the early 1980’s I had service and lived at the ISKCON Devasadhan Mandir in Detroit. At that time, passing through Ohio on a trip to New Vrndaban in West Virginia, I happened to see some of the Amish people now and then riding in their horse drawn buggies. I didn’t know anything about them. They seemed far removed from both the outside modern world and from our Krishna Conscious world. There was some curiosity, but I was busy and never gave them much thought.
However, just last week (in December of 2006) I found a deal on ebay for a 1 ton 15 passenger van that I needed. I got the winning bid and had to pick up the van. It was located in a small town called New Holland, just outside of Lancaster in Pennsylvania. I had no idea this was the heartland of the Pennsylvania Amish.
We hadn’t seen or noticed anything until after we arrived in New Holland and were looking at the van, which was parked in a lot on the side of a road in the town. While we were looking at the van a horse drawn buggy came driving by. My kids were surprised, nothing they (or I) were accustomed to seeing. I told them, “Hey, that was an Amish family that went by”, still not aware we were right in the heart of Amish country. A few minutes passed and another buggy drove by. “Wow, what is going on around here?”, I thought to myself. A few minutes latter and a 3rd buggy goes down the road. “What??” Then it dawned on me. ‘Oh yeah, this must be Amish country’. And so it was.
We were in the area only for a day and during that time due to a bad search result on the internet, or really by Sri Krsna’s arrangement, we wound up driving deep into the surrounding rural area to find a tag office for obtaining the temporary transit tag we needed to drive the van home. This journey took us deep into the very heartland of the Amish farm lands. And, it was very eye-opening.
One small farm after the other we passed. Clothes freshly washed flying in the wind on clothes lines and on the front porches. Dairy farms with cows with full udders waiting to be milked. A farm with a road side stand selling large headed cabbages via an honor system, $1 a head (a wooden box sat on one end of the table with dollar bills sticking out of it, you put in $1 for each cabbage you take). We put in 3 dollars and drove off with 3 large heads to be cooked and offered to Sri Krishna.
Several things impressed us. One, that I noticed immediately, was that one after the other, the small neat farms, the houses were very well taken care of. Not one old barn or shed in need of paint or repair. Everything looked picture-perfect, like it had been freshly painted. It was very obvious that these people were not living in material poverty, struggling to simply maintain a poor material standard, but I could see that these people appeared to be thriving and living very well. I will elaborate more on that point later. The other was that we saw many young married families with their small children. This was by no means a waning religious community only full of old people who were vainly trying to hang on to a dying way of life. Rather, I saw a very stable, living and solid society that appeared strongly able to continue on in it’s way of life.
The women dressed so plainly. Long plain skirts, and no makeup. A dress that has given them the nickname as “The Plain People”. More on that latter as well.
We observed a number of farmers in the process of plowing and tending their fields. It was early December. One man was, alone, walking with a basket and throwing and spreading seeds on a piece of land that was probably 5-10 acres. No gas powered tractor, no automated seed spreader. Just one man, walking with his basket of seeds. I thought, “So?, how long would it take him? - All of one day maybe. So, why not walk the field and spread the seed by hand?”. It would take someone else years to pay the payments on a tractor to do the same thing, and then the insurance cost, the maintenance cost, the gasoline cost. We saw another man plowing his field. He had a 1 horse power plow. Amazing what you can do with just 1-horse power. Another man had a 3 horse power plow. One man, three horses. Then we saw another man with a 6 horse powered plow. 6 work horses with a large multi-blade plow tilling his field as we rode standing on the back. Wow, these people were for real. I felt like I had been transported back in time. What I was seeing was from the 1800’s, or even 1600’s.
The worse part of our experience was the stinking horse s…stool. It (the smell and the brown stuff itself) seemed to be everywhere. That is the refreshing thing about our Vedic culture. We use the bull for plowing and doing work. Bull and cow dung creates a pleasing and auspicious atmosphere. When cow dung burns it smells like incense. And, as Srila Prabhupad has said, ‘Cow dung can purify any impure place’.
Next to one man’s large, neat and freshly painted farm house was a 3 car -oops- carriage garage, the doors were up and I saw a buggy, a truck type horse drawn buggy and a wagon. There were many buggies and wagons on the road, sharing the road with the gasoline guzzling cars and trucks. What a stark contrast.
At a nearby Wal-Mart a number of the Amish were in the store. The Wal-Mart even had covered stalls on the side of the parking lot so the Amish could park their horses and buggies. One local told me many were buying Christmas gifts. But, all of their items were ‘practical’. My daughter found her self sitting next to one lady and she showed my daughter what she had bought. A bag full of yarn. She had knitted the sweater she was wearing and told my daughter she was buying yarn to make more sweaters to give as gifts. My daughter noted how the lady was very peaceful, taking her sweet time. The lady told my daughter how she vastly enjoyed her domestic life. She said she enjoyed staying home knitting, sewing and cooking.
I was impressed by what I saw. The Amish live totally in the open, mixing freely with the ‘English’ (as they call us), and yet they preserve their very old and different lifestyles. Whole families were there in the Wal-Mart, young children, teenagers. They were fully exposed to all the latest video games and electronic gadgets, and yet even the kids showed no real interest. I was impressed how the youth are not fleeing away in large numbers, lured out and enticed by the glitter of the modern world.
On coming back from my trip I did a little more research on the internet about them and found even more to be impressed about. Since the 1960’s the Amish population has tripled. It is definitely not a waning way of life, instead their communities are growing and they are moving out to new locations and states to find more farm land. They are growing even though most of them do not try to make new members by conversion (I found outsiders ‘can’ join and become Amish if they want). They are growing mostly from within. The average Amish family size is 7.
One interesting point is that the Amish do not consider even their children to be Amish until they are adults, at least 16, and have become baptized of their own free choice and take vows to live by their Ordung, their social orders and rules. This is equivalent of ISKCON devotees not considering our own children to be devotees until the children are at least 16 and commit themselves to our mission and taking the vows of initiation. And, in reality, that must be our actual process. That is, even if the parents are qualified Vaishnav brahmanas, the children are not, by shastric injunction, considered brahmana until they, as adults, have shown by example and become qualified themselves as brahmana. We can learn from the Amish that we should not artificially presume our children to be qualified vaishnava brahmanas and followers of Srila Prabhupad simply because they have taken birth in our families. We give them all good training and understanding, but society (in and out of ISKCON) should judge us and our children only on our work and our qualifications, not by birth. That is what shastra teaches, that is what both Mahaprabhu and Srila Prabhupad have taught. The Amish actually do this.
As I said, I saw that their houses were kept up very well. On the internet I found confirmation that the Amish, as a whole, are doing well, financially. They are not just struggling to survive, barely getting by, but rather, they are flourishing. The freshly painted well-kept up barns and houses showed this well. And, couple this with the fact that the average family is 7. It is not easy, in today’s modern society, to comfortably raise even 2 or 3 children, what to speak of 5 or more. The average being 5 kids would mean some families are much larger. Yet, despite the plain living - animal powered farming – no electricity, TV, or computers, the Amish, are on average living comfortable. Of course, they do not have many of the overheads the rest of us have. No car payments, no electricity costs, no car insurance, no gasoline costs, etc. The Amish organic dairy farmers have found an outlet for their organic grass fed cow milk. A nationwide growing organic milk market. Today, in every grocery store we have been to, there are an increasing number of brands of organic milk being sold. A lot of it comes from the Amish family dairies. Here are a large group of people (estimates of about 130-150,000 Amish people, not counting their children, as the Amish do not count them as Amish until they are grown and make their own commitment to their lifestyle and faith) have chosen to live separate from society’s norms. They forsake modern amenities, forsake the materialism and mood of sense-gratification of the modern world, and yet, rather then living an impoverished life of austerity, they appear to be living a life sufficient material abundance. Not over abundance, but they are doing well.
The Amish, especially the Old Order of Amish, do not allow electricity in their homes. This means no radio, no TV, no computers and no phones. Those who are of the old order do not use powered machines or powered farming machinery. They plow with horses and use the horse drawn buggy as their main transportation.
But, what impressed me further was to learn WHY they choose to live this plain and simple life style. They do not see modern technology as evil. They may use whatever is there if it can serve a utilitarian purpose and yet not be seen as influencing them toward possession of worldly things. They may ride in a car, we saw many Amish come to Wal-Mart by getting rides from their neighbors, but only if serves a utilitarian purpose. The dairy farms may use electricity in their barns and for their electric fences. If they need phones for their businesses, they may use them, but - NOT IN THEIR HOMES. Why? Because they take several verses of the Bible seriously in the instruction to avoid Worldly Things. To avoid sense enjoyment. As the industrial revolution was just beginning their elders decided that in order to abide by the essence of this teaching that the followers needed to keep modern technology out of their homes. To avoid worldly things one needed to be removed from the world of sense-enjoyment. And thus, due to the direction of their elders, they long ago chose to live simple and keep modern technology out of their lives as much as possible. Hundreds of years later they are still successfully doing this.
And so I observed that here they are, living in a world full of worldly things, living right in the midst of it all, and yet they remained totally separate from it. The way they achieve it is by keeping such things out of their home. Their home is where they live. By keeping those things out of their home they keep the worldly things out of their lives, even though they physically live in the same society as the rest of us. They share the same roads, go to the same stores, yet they remain aloof from worldly things. In this way, they are practicing renunciates, like munis, in that sense, choosing to live somewhat austerity.
I could see, they are not physically shielding their children or themselves from the outside world in the sense that they come to Wal-Marts and stores and the children are fully exposed to all the glitter of modern material gadgets. Their shield is the confines of their homes. That is they keep modern society out of their homes, but they do not shield their children from learning about the world outside. Rather, I read that they encourage that their children know the world outside. They shield their children by teaching them ‘why’ they chose their way of life over that of material sense enjoyment. Even the teenagers are allowed to have some freedom, and after 16 they are basically given the choice. But, by then it is an educated choice. Those who go on to accept their Amish way of life do so with full commitment and full understanding of what the outside world is all about. You have to respect them for this. Those young adults who do accept their life style, and my understanding is the majority do, they do so with such strong convictions very few of them ever leave later on. It also shows that they have substantial enough philosophical reasons for taking up their Plain or Simple Living, as their youth are choosing that lifestyle over the lure of modern gadgets and materialism.
This is somewhat amazing to me because of the plain and, to us, drab lifestyle of the Amish. Why so plain? Because they value humility and shun vanity. To the nth degree they shun vanity. They dress plainly so as to not attract attention to themselves personally. Yet, their plain dress and plain lifestyle is a striking difference between the Amish idea of simple living and our idea of simple living. Srila Prabhupad wanted us to also make communities where we can live an agrarian lifestyle, farming and living off the land, using the ox and bull to till the land, etc. Yet, Krsna Consciousness is far from plain and drab. It is a vibrant festival, exemplified by our colorful and vibrant Ratha Yatras or Janmastami festivals.
So, what is missing in the Amish culture? That is simple. What is missing is Krishna. Yes, the Amish are very God centered, but Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead is missing. Like all other faiths of this world, the Amish, although they are most devout to God, via prayer, in reality they do not know who God is. They have, like other Christian and other religions, no idea of what God looks like, what His activities are and what His kingdom looks like. Their vacant and drab ideas of what or who God is, is reflected in the drabness and plainness of their culture. Whereas, in Krishna Consciousness we have full understanding what God looks like, the most all attractive male. The Supreme Person. Krishna is the very source of life, thus He is not just full of life, Life emanates from Him. He is the most all attractive, He is colorful. His clothes, His jewelry, His flower garlands, His hair and ornaments, His personality, they are all a festival of vibrance, effulgence and colour. His pastimes of love with the young gopi girls, His relationship with Radharani, Queen of the Gopis, His relationship with Mother Yasoda, with the cowherd boys, with the Queens of Dwaraka, with Arjun, etc., those pastimes and relationships are again, fully vibrant, they are themselves a colorful festival of relationships. Thus, the devotees, while also taking up a life of plain living ( or at least we should be ), remain colorful and vibrant and full of life. We express this in our lively kirtans, in the colorful dress of our lady folk, etc. Our festivals celebrate the wonderful and colorful activities of wonderful Krsna. The Ratha Yatras and Janmastamis are so full of life, color. Far from the seemingly drab and simple life of the Amish.
But, while we have what they lack on one side, they seem to have what we are lacking on the other. They are and have been living a plain and simple agrarian life for the past hundreds of years, while we have not gotten anything close together yet. What I saw in their small family run farms was a model that could be applied to our rural communities like Alachua, FL etc. where devotees own their own properties. The Amish farm using horse (we prefer ox or bull). They keep modern society out of their lives by keeping it out of their homes. These are very important lessons we can take. Yet, when needed, they also follow the snake and mouse example. What is that? Srila Prabhupad gave the example that the mouse digs a nice hole in the ground for him to live in. The snake then comes along and eats the mouse and enjoys the hole for himself. Srila Prabhupad said similarly the non-devotees are working hard in the factories making cars and airplanes, etc. As devotees we have no interest in building and working in such big factories, but since the cars and things are here, we will take them and use them in our service of Krsna. The Amish have a similar idea. They will not own or drive a car for their day to day life, but if and when needed for a practical and utilitarian purpose, they will take rides in cars to go to distant places.
The lady my daughter was speaking to said she was born there and has never traveled much distance away from her home. But, she was not lamenting, she was peaceful and happy with her rural way of life.
Srila Prabhupad envisioned this also for our farms. That people will not need to travel all over. He was speaking of a time when Krsna devotees take up government leadership:
“Prabhupada: No, at least we shall try to make closed [referring to many government departments]. And if people become localized, then this traffic will be little. Just like I am trying to organize the farm. If people do not come out of home, then this [current government] system will be obsolete. There will be no more department. They have created hundreds [of government departments]. They do not know how to manage it. For livelihood they have to go to Bombay, and therefore they require so many local trains. But if they localized, they can get their livelihood locally, there is no question of these all…”
>>> Ref. VedaBase => January 11, 1977
An idea for VAD farming village I have had for many years was to see a large piece of land, 2-5,000 or so acres, where a village can be built. In that village there would only be small roads or pathways for walking and very limited transportation, like bicycles or rickshaws, or even small electric powered carts. But, healthy walking would be the main means. All other transportation must be made and maintained via self-sustained cottage industry by the residents of the village. At the main entrance would be a large parking lot where those members who have cars can park them (and for visitors). There can be rickshaw services or electric golf-cart type cars for getting to and from the parking lot and home. For outside transportation one can use the cars, or use other’s cars, but within the community the transportation is to be simple, mostly walking to and from the temple and to and from the village market place and to and from the garden and farming fields. Nothing else is really required.
Somehow the Amish have got the local and State permission to use their horse powered vehicles on the public streets and highways. In our communities like Alachua, FL where so many members have their own properties, it would be nice to develop a local system of simple transportation as well, along with an effort to help the members wean off the use of gas powered cars, the over use of electricity and to begin in earnest to create the sort of VAD villages where ‘Simple Living’ and High Thinking can flourish. Devotees who know how to farm via ox should train others. If the Amish can do well living simple and living off the land, why can’t we? It is part of what Srila Prabhupad instructed us to do. We simply need more organization to help those who are willing and have the desire to do so.
Most of the Amish live off the land, farming and some by selling cottage industry made items. They make most of their own furniture and clothes. Thus they have a strong cottage industry based community. This is what we need to see set up in our communities as well. Devotees should grow their own cotton even. Jute, hemp, rayon, linen, make their own clothes, make their own furniture, build our own energy efficient homes, and become serious about living simple, disconnecting from the grid. The Amish have never connected and their numbers are growing. Our numbers should grow this way as well. We need to disconnect ourselves from the materialistic culture that we live in, just as the Amish do, by keeping that culture out of our homes.
Another thing I noted on my trip to Amish country was the view the local non-Amish had of the Amish. Over and over people referred to them as, ‘honest, religious and hard-working’. I did not met anyone who had anything bad to say about them, although one retired policeman called them a ‘cult’, he then went on to say nothing but nice things about them, saying you can’t meet a nicer group of people. Their most important thing to them, second to God, is their family followed by their farms. Still, the biggest thing they are known for is they are honest, religious and hardworking. These are good qualities to be known by. Living a simple way of life farming will not earn us, devotees, a bad name. Just the opposite.
Another thing I found in my research is that one website stated that the most productive farm land in the US are the Amish farms. US farmland is among the most productive in the world, yet this is often attributed to our extensive use of high-tech mechanization and chemicals. Yet, the most productive farm land in the US doesn’t use the high tech, some may use limited chemicals, but most are organic farmers. This was also very interesting. Rather then the world looking to high-tech, the highly mundane educated chemists, physicists, and scientist to help them have more productive farm land, the real truth is they should be turning to animal powered low-tech or no-tech farming. The most productive farms are the small family farms, farmed using long established simple animal powered means. Not the gas powered tractor farmed big commercial farms. This is not really surprising, and is also good to know.
Education: Previously the Amish only taught their children up to 4th grade. The idea was that all the education needed to live in this world, by their standards, was to be able to read and write and basic math. This, by the way, is also similar to what Srila Prabhupad has taught, that our children need only to learn the basic skills of math and writing and to be able to read his books. Other then this, they are to study the scripture for higher education. State laws forced the Amish to increase the education and today the Amish educate their children up to 8th grade. After this, they go back home to work the farms and prepare for marriage. In the 1970’s 3 Amish families took the state of Wisconsin to court over the State’s law requiring all children to complete school up to age 16, which is at least into high school. The Amish reject this because they see that higher public education simply encourages wordly living (sense enjoyment). They objected to exposing their teenagers to close association with worldly minded youths at an age where it is most critical to have only association with those strong in their own faith and culture (ISKCON parents, are you listening? - we can very much learn from this). Also, all that is needed for an Amish to live well was a basic education. After 8th grade the Amish argued that their children were given further vocational training on their farms. Eventually the case went to the US Supreme Court which ruled in favor of the Amish.
Sadly, the only reference in the VedaBase regarding Amish was an indirect reference and the Amish people were not discussed with Srila Prabhupad. I was disappointed by this. At least in the VedaBase there is no conversation with Srila Prabhupad regarding the Amish. I would think that Srila Prabhupad must have seen them if he were traveling to / from Gita Nagari or New Vrndaban, but there is no discussion about them. If anyone knows of such a conversation, pass it on. I had hoped to hear what Srila Prabhupad would have said about them.
Regarding farming and education Srila Prabhupad once said,
“No education, no. Education will be required only for the guiding class: brahmanas, ksatriyas, not for anyone, sudras. They are two only. Others will… What education required? Suppose if you produce… If you are accustomed to agriculture, cow protection, there is no need going to college and schools. If you remain illiterate, still you can do.
Ramesvara: But in America…
Prabhupada: No, no, America is not… I am talking of the (indistinct), the class who will guide the aim of life, brahmana class, and a class that will give them protection from injuries by others, ksatriya class. Then the next class, food-producing men, they do not require. Actually only brahmanas, they require education, or all others, they will simply see and learn. So little education required — that you can learn by hearing only, that’s all. Suppose a brahmana class says that “This is good; this is bad.” So you hear and accept. It doesn’t require to go to school and college. So education will be simplified. (break) It has become very much complicated.” — January 11, 1977
And, the Amish are very much proof even in modern America. No real education is needed to be a successful non-technical farmer. No real education is needed at all. The Amish, by class, are Vaishya, not sudra. They run and operate their own farms, they do the labor themselves, but they are not hired labor like sudras. Thus, they have just enough mundane education that is needed to perform their function in society. The only higher education should be for the higher classes, the brahmanas, and their education should not be modern technology, but the higher Vedic scripture. Otherwise, modern higher education simply trains the population how to work in or run the big factories and large corporations. That, we are not interested in. As Srila Prabhupad once pointed out, they graduate from the big big universities with big degree, but then they take their big degree in their mouths like dogs and go begging door to door seeking a JOB - please take me as your servant and become my master. Big big degrees and big universities and they are simply creating sudras. What is the value? Our universities are to teach Varna, practical work, and those who have inclination to higher studies of shastra, they can be trained to be brahmana teachers, priests, ayurveda physician, etc.
The Amish have no car, house or life insurance, however 80% now have their own health insurance that is managed by their churches and a number of local hospitals and doctors accept their church managed insurance. ISKCON can learn a lot from the Amish. When someone gets ill they first try to treat with herbal type remedies, but if modern medical assistance is needed or called for, they take it.
Another interesting feature is that they will not accept any welfare from the government. They rely on their community in times of need. No food stamps, no hand outs from the government. You will not find an Amish family living in government housing. If a member is in need, the community members and church give them all the help they need. Can ISKCON devotees learn from this? I see a lot we can learn from these simple living people. They may dress in plain and simple clothes, drive simple horse powered buggies and plow with horse drawn plows, but they are very civilized. The only thing they lack is the high thinking of Vedic Culture. We need to combine these two together and implement Srila Prabhupad’s instructions NOW, Today, not slough it off to our children and grandchildren.
Of course, in closing, let me clarify so there isn’t any misunderstanding, I am not saying that all aspects of their culture or lifestyle is acceptable to our standards. No. There is no comparison to Vedic culture. But, in America many American devotees seem to question how can we implement rural life here in America. The Amish are doing this very successfully for 100’s of years. It is possible, and possible for devotees to flourish in such a life. Lets work together to implement Srila Prabhupad’s instructions and desire to build fully functional VAD based farming villages.
Aspiring to become the worthy and humble servant of the Prabhupadanuga Vaishnavas - ameyatma das
Thursday 23 October 2008
How long you want to be happy ?
HOW LONG DO YOU WANT TO BE HAPPY? [CHINESE PROVERB]
If_you_want_to_be_happy_for_one_hour,_take_a_nap_
If_you_want_to_be_happy_for_one_day,_go_for_a_picnic_
If_you_want_to_be_happy_for_one_month,_marry_
If_you_want_to_be_happy_for_all_time,_serve_others_
If_you_want_to_be_happy_for_one_hour,_take_a_nap_
If_you_want_to_be_happy_for_one_day,_go_for_a_picnic_
If_you_want_to_be_happy_for_one_month,_marry_
If_you_want_to_be_happy_for_all_time,_serve_others_
Tuesday 9 September 2008
certificate
Certificate - HH Sivaram swami maharaj
As the devotees walked beside Prabhupada, trying to hear him speak, they could see the city skyline nearby. One large building was being torn down, and new ones were going up. “So many strong buildings,” Prabhupada said, “being torn down and then rebuilt. There is no pleasure in it, neither in building nor in tearing down. Nobody is happy. It is like with a small child. He is happy to get a toy, and then he is happy to break it. But there is no real happiness. Just like the boy and girl—they come together in union, and then they separate, divorce. There is no real happiness in the union or in the separation. Real happiness is in union with Krishna and separation from maya. But it is maya that again and again causes this union and separation in the material world.”
As they walked together under a steel bridge, Prabhupada pointed upward with his walking cane, “Look”—a sign under the bridge read UNALLOYED STEEL—“they have unalloyed steel, and we have un alloyed devotional service.” “What if people don’t want to hear our message?” Pradyumna asked. “The people might not understand our message, but Krishna will be pleased,” Prabhupada replied. “And that is our mission. They thought Jesus Christ’s mission was stopped. They killed him. But his mission was attained.
He preached three years only, but so many followers. He pleased Krishna. We must not be disappointed that no one is hearing Krishna
consciousness. We will say it to the moon and stars and all directions. We will cry in the wilderness, because Krishna is everywhere. We want to get a certificate from Krishna that, “This man has done something for Me.’ Not popularity.
If a pack of asses says you are good, what is that? We have to please Krishna’s senses with purified senses.” (Srila Prabhupada- lilamrta) This is the real essence of preaching, the motivation for spreading Krishna consciousness all over the world. Srila Prabhupada is saying we want to get a certificate from Krishna, “This man has done something for me.” Isn’t that wonderful? And Srila Prabhupada precedes that by this other wonderful statement, “We must not be disappointed that no one is hearing Krishna consciousness.
We will say it to the moon and stars and all directions. We will cry in the wilderness, because Krishna is everywhere.” Makes my hair stand on end. So that is our desire, as devotees, that we get this certificate from Krishna, that, “This man has done something for me.” That’s like a maha-mantra, something to keep in our minds. Sometimes we get results, sometimes we don’t, but certainly a devotee takes risks. How? With our mentality: that we just want to please Krishna. And if Krishna is pleased, then, “This man has done something for me.” I will just recount one pastime in relationship to this. This is a verse by Srila Raghunatha Dasa Goswami from his Vilapa-kusumanjali.
ati-su- lalita-laksaslisö a-saubhagya- mudra- tatibhir adhika-tustya cihniti-krtya bahu nakha-dalita- haridra-garva- gauri priyam me carana-kamala- seva ha kada dasyasi tvam
O queen whose fair complexion scratches with its nails the pride of yellow turmeric! When, happily marking my arms with auspicious markings embraced by charming red lac, will You give me the dear service of Your lotus feet? (Verse 17) Raghunatha Dasa Goswami is referring to a pastime in which Krishna is applying lac on the soles of Srimati Radharani’s lotus feet.
Being very envious of this lac, Krishna is thinking, “What a great fortune that this lac has this extraordinary blessing to be on the lotus feet of Srimati Radharani; why can’t I be there?” Then Krishna gets an idea and thinks, “Well, I will put My name there, because I am no different to My name; that way I will be on Radha’s lotus feet.” So Krishna writes, “Krishna” on the soles of Srimati Radharani’s feet, and She asks Him what He is doing. She looks down and sees that He’s making a mess on Her feet, and becomes transcendentally angry that He’s spoiling the proper decoration of the alta. Rati Manjari, who is nearby, is laughing at the events, and in loving anger Srimati Radharani says, “Why are you laughing?” and kicks Rati on her arm.
So Raghunatha Dasa Goswami says in this verse, “happily marking my arms with auspicious markings,” and those auspicious markings are the lotus feet of Srimati Radharani in red lac, and in that red lac is written, “Krishna. This is called getting a certificate, and of course Raghunatha Dasa Goswami—Rati Manjari—is in bliss that on her arm she has this certificate that certifies her as being an authentic maidservant; it has the stamp of Srimati Radharani’s lotus feet as well as Krishna’s name. In the same way, when we are preaching we are also thinking, “When will I have the opportunity to get this certificate from Krishna, that ‘this man has done something for me’?” For me it is such a wonderful statement by Srila Prabhupada. And these two things are non-different: the markings on the arm and this certificate.
Indeed, by receiving this certificate from Krishna, we will have the opportunity to be certified as Srimati Radharani’s eternal
maidservant. So somehow or other in all this confusion that is the material world, all the difficulties that we have in practicing and
spreading Krishna consciousness, in our own way if we try to do something for Krishna, if we try to get Krishna’s attention and recognition, the Krishna certificate—“This man has done something for Me”—it will be our certificate for entrance into the spiritual world. We should always be thinking like this, that although we may be taking many risks, although it may be difficult, although people may hear or not hear, although people bulldoze our houses, although they criticize us and find fault, still Krishna will be pleased. And if Krishna is pleased, then He thinks,
“This devotee has really done something for Me.” Then our lives are perfect. This is what we want to do: perfect our lives. Like Govinda Maharaja in his Kazakhstan campaign, which is like a battle; he’s traveling around, taking many risks, making efforts to defend Srila Prabhupada’s mission, to serve the devotees in Kazakhstan—he’ s certainly getting his certificate from Krishna. Krishna will say, “Yes, this man Govinda Maharaja, he has done something for Me.” There are many certificates. We simply have to act in such a way that Krishna will fill out our name on the certificate. And with that certificate we will gain entrance into Krishna’s
eternal pastimes in Vrindavan.
Harekrishna
************ ********* ********* *****
As the devotees walked beside Prabhupada, trying to hear him speak, they could see the city skyline nearby. One large building was being torn down, and new ones were going up. “So many strong buildings,” Prabhupada said, “being torn down and then rebuilt. There is no pleasure in it, neither in building nor in tearing down. Nobody is happy. It is like with a small child. He is happy to get a toy, and then he is happy to break it. But there is no real happiness. Just like the boy and girl—they come together in union, and then they separate, divorce. There is no real happiness in the union or in the separation. Real happiness is in union with Krishna and separation from maya. But it is maya that again and again causes this union and separation in the material world.”
As they walked together under a steel bridge, Prabhupada pointed upward with his walking cane, “Look”—a sign under the bridge read UNALLOYED STEEL—“they have unalloyed steel, and we have un alloyed devotional service.” “What if people don’t want to hear our message?” Pradyumna asked. “The people might not understand our message, but Krishna will be pleased,” Prabhupada replied. “And that is our mission. They thought Jesus Christ’s mission was stopped. They killed him. But his mission was attained.
He preached three years only, but so many followers. He pleased Krishna. We must not be disappointed that no one is hearing Krishna
consciousness. We will say it to the moon and stars and all directions. We will cry in the wilderness, because Krishna is everywhere. We want to get a certificate from Krishna that, “This man has done something for Me.’ Not popularity.
If a pack of asses says you are good, what is that? We have to please Krishna’s senses with purified senses.” (Srila Prabhupada- lilamrta) This is the real essence of preaching, the motivation for spreading Krishna consciousness all over the world. Srila Prabhupada is saying we want to get a certificate from Krishna, “This man has done something for me.” Isn’t that wonderful? And Srila Prabhupada precedes that by this other wonderful statement, “We must not be disappointed that no one is hearing Krishna consciousness.
We will say it to the moon and stars and all directions. We will cry in the wilderness, because Krishna is everywhere.” Makes my hair stand on end. So that is our desire, as devotees, that we get this certificate from Krishna, that, “This man has done something for me.” That’s like a maha-mantra, something to keep in our minds. Sometimes we get results, sometimes we don’t, but certainly a devotee takes risks. How? With our mentality: that we just want to please Krishna. And if Krishna is pleased, then, “This man has done something for me.” I will just recount one pastime in relationship to this. This is a verse by Srila Raghunatha Dasa Goswami from his Vilapa-kusumanjali.
ati-su- lalita-laksaslisö a-saubhagya- mudra- tatibhir adhika-tustya cihniti-krtya bahu nakha-dalita- haridra-garva- gauri priyam me carana-kamala- seva ha kada dasyasi tvam
O queen whose fair complexion scratches with its nails the pride of yellow turmeric! When, happily marking my arms with auspicious markings embraced by charming red lac, will You give me the dear service of Your lotus feet? (Verse 17) Raghunatha Dasa Goswami is referring to a pastime in which Krishna is applying lac on the soles of Srimati Radharani’s lotus feet.
Being very envious of this lac, Krishna is thinking, “What a great fortune that this lac has this extraordinary blessing to be on the lotus feet of Srimati Radharani; why can’t I be there?” Then Krishna gets an idea and thinks, “Well, I will put My name there, because I am no different to My name; that way I will be on Radha’s lotus feet.” So Krishna writes, “Krishna” on the soles of Srimati Radharani’s feet, and She asks Him what He is doing. She looks down and sees that He’s making a mess on Her feet, and becomes transcendentally angry that He’s spoiling the proper decoration of the alta. Rati Manjari, who is nearby, is laughing at the events, and in loving anger Srimati Radharani says, “Why are you laughing?” and kicks Rati on her arm.
So Raghunatha Dasa Goswami says in this verse, “happily marking my arms with auspicious markings,” and those auspicious markings are the lotus feet of Srimati Radharani in red lac, and in that red lac is written, “Krishna. This is called getting a certificate, and of course Raghunatha Dasa Goswami—Rati Manjari—is in bliss that on her arm she has this certificate that certifies her as being an authentic maidservant; it has the stamp of Srimati Radharani’s lotus feet as well as Krishna’s name. In the same way, when we are preaching we are also thinking, “When will I have the opportunity to get this certificate from Krishna, that ‘this man has done something for me’?” For me it is such a wonderful statement by Srila Prabhupada. And these two things are non-different: the markings on the arm and this certificate.
Indeed, by receiving this certificate from Krishna, we will have the opportunity to be certified as Srimati Radharani’s eternal
maidservant. So somehow or other in all this confusion that is the material world, all the difficulties that we have in practicing and
spreading Krishna consciousness, in our own way if we try to do something for Krishna, if we try to get Krishna’s attention and recognition, the Krishna certificate—“This man has done something for Me”—it will be our certificate for entrance into the spiritual world. We should always be thinking like this, that although we may be taking many risks, although it may be difficult, although people may hear or not hear, although people bulldoze our houses, although they criticize us and find fault, still Krishna will be pleased. And if Krishna is pleased, then He thinks,
“This devotee has really done something for Me.” Then our lives are perfect. This is what we want to do: perfect our lives. Like Govinda Maharaja in his Kazakhstan campaign, which is like a battle; he’s traveling around, taking many risks, making efforts to defend Srila Prabhupada’s mission, to serve the devotees in Kazakhstan—he’ s certainly getting his certificate from Krishna. Krishna will say, “Yes, this man Govinda Maharaja, he has done something for Me.” There are many certificates. We simply have to act in such a way that Krishna will fill out our name on the certificate. And with that certificate we will gain entrance into Krishna’s
eternal pastimes in Vrindavan.
Harekrishna
************ ********* ********* *****
Tuesday 1 July 2008
remember Lord Krishna
PICTURE IN MY WALLET
A ticket collector in a train found an old worn out wallet in a compartment full of many people. He looked inside to find the name of its owner. There was no clue. All that there was in it, was some money and a picture of Krishna. He held it up and asked, "Who does this wallet belong to?"
An old man said, "That's my wallet, please give it to me." The ticket collector said, "You'll have to prove that it is yours. Only then I can hand it over to you." The old man smiled a toothless smile and said. "It has a picture of Krishna in it." The ticket collector said, "That is no proof; anyone can have a picture of Krishna in his wallet. What is special about that? Why is your picture not there in it?"
The old man took a deep breath and said, "Let me tell you why my picture is not there in it. My father gave this wallet to me when I was in school. I used to get a small sum as pocket money then. I had kept a picture of my parents in it.
When I was a teenager I was greatly enamored by my good looks. I removed my parent's picture and put in, one of my own. I loved to see my own face and my thick black hair. Some years later, I got married. My wife was very beautiful and I loved her a lot. I replaced my own picture in this wallet with a picture of her. I spent hours gazing at her pretty face.
When my first child was born, my life started a new chapter. I shortened my working hours, to play with my baby. I went late to work and returned home early too. Obviously, my baby's picture occupied the prized position in my wallet."
The old man's eyes brimmed with tears as he went on. "My parents passed away many years ago. Last year my wife too left her mortal coil. My son; my only son is too busy with his family. He has no time to look after me. All that I had ever held close to my heart is far, far away from my reach now. Now I have put this picture of Krishna in my wallet. It is only now that I have realized that He is the eternal companion. He will never leave me. Alas! If only I had realized this before. If only I had loved the Lord all these years, with the same intensity as I loved my family, I would not have been so lonely today!"
The collector quietly gave the wallet to the old man. When the train stopped at the next station, the ticket collector went to the book stall at the platform and asked the salesman, "Do you have any pictures of God? I need a small one to put in my wallet!"
By Remembering Me
Lord Krishna states in the Gopala-tapani Upanishad (Uttara 4)
aputah puto bhavati yam mam smrtva, avrati vrati bhavati yam mam smrtva, niskamah
sa-kamo bhavati yam mam smrtva, asrotri srotri bhavati yam mam smrtva:
"By remembering Me, one who is impure becomes pure. By remembering Me, one who follows no vows becomes a strict follower of vows. By remembering Me, one who is desireless develops desires [to serve Me]. By remembering Me, one who has studied no Vedic mantras becomes an expert knower of the Vedas."
Source: SB 10.87.23
A ticket collector in a train found an old worn out wallet in a compartment full of many people. He looked inside to find the name of its owner. There was no clue. All that there was in it, was some money and a picture of Krishna. He held it up and asked, "Who does this wallet belong to?"
An old man said, "That's my wallet, please give it to me." The ticket collector said, "You'll have to prove that it is yours. Only then I can hand it over to you." The old man smiled a toothless smile and said. "It has a picture of Krishna in it." The ticket collector said, "That is no proof; anyone can have a picture of Krishna in his wallet. What is special about that? Why is your picture not there in it?"
The old man took a deep breath and said, "Let me tell you why my picture is not there in it. My father gave this wallet to me when I was in school. I used to get a small sum as pocket money then. I had kept a picture of my parents in it.
When I was a teenager I was greatly enamored by my good looks. I removed my parent's picture and put in, one of my own. I loved to see my own face and my thick black hair. Some years later, I got married. My wife was very beautiful and I loved her a lot. I replaced my own picture in this wallet with a picture of her. I spent hours gazing at her pretty face.
When my first child was born, my life started a new chapter. I shortened my working hours, to play with my baby. I went late to work and returned home early too. Obviously, my baby's picture occupied the prized position in my wallet."
The old man's eyes brimmed with tears as he went on. "My parents passed away many years ago. Last year my wife too left her mortal coil. My son; my only son is too busy with his family. He has no time to look after me. All that I had ever held close to my heart is far, far away from my reach now. Now I have put this picture of Krishna in my wallet. It is only now that I have realized that He is the eternal companion. He will never leave me. Alas! If only I had realized this before. If only I had loved the Lord all these years, with the same intensity as I loved my family, I would not have been so lonely today!"
The collector quietly gave the wallet to the old man. When the train stopped at the next station, the ticket collector went to the book stall at the platform and asked the salesman, "Do you have any pictures of God? I need a small one to put in my wallet!"
By Remembering Me
Lord Krishna states in the Gopala-tapani Upanishad (Uttara 4)
aputah puto bhavati yam mam smrtva, avrati vrati bhavati yam mam smrtva, niskamah
sa-kamo bhavati yam mam smrtva, asrotri srotri bhavati yam mam smrtva:
"By remembering Me, one who is impure becomes pure. By remembering Me, one who follows no vows becomes a strict follower of vows. By remembering Me, one who is desireless develops desires [to serve Me]. By remembering Me, one who has studied no Vedic mantras becomes an expert knower of the Vedas."
Source: SB 10.87.23
Saturday 26 April 2008
Chatur varnam -very depth lecture on this subject from Prabhupad
So if you want to remodel your life, the society, the human society, nationally or internationally then you have to take to the advice of Krsna. This is the purpose of Krsna consciousness movement: wholesale, thorough, overhauling of the human society. His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (04-30-07)
Bhagavad-gita 4.13
--
Bombay, April 2, 1974
Pradyumna: (leads chanting)
catur-varnyam maya srstam
guna-karma-vibhagasah
tasya kartaram api mam
viddhy akartaram avyayam
Translation: "According to the three modes of material nature and the work ascribed to them, the four divisions of human society were created by Me. And, although I am the creator of this system, you should know that I am yet the non-doer, being unchangeable."
catur-varnyam maya srstam
guna-karma-vibhagasah
tasya kartaram api mam
viddhy akartaram avyayam
So beginning of human civilization is this varnasrama-dharma. The Vedic system is varnasrama-dharma.
The people known as Hindus in the world, the Hindu is a term given by the Mohammedans, from "Indus." Indus River is there. Now it is in Pakistan. So people beyond the Indus River, the Mohammedans in Arabia and other countries, they pronounce "s" as "h". Instead of "Sindhu," they used to pronounce it as "Hindu." So people living, crossing the river Indus or Hindus, they were called "Hindus." Otherwise, this "Hindu" term is not seen in any Vedic literature.
The real meaning is the people who observe the varnasrama-dharma, four varnas and four asramas. Four varna means brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya, sudra. And below the sudras, they are called candalas, pancama, fifth grade, less than the sudras. That natural division is there everywhere.
Brahmana means the most intellectual, most intelligent person. Intelligent means one who knows, who has got sufficient knowledge. So brahmana means he has got sufficient knowledge even up to the understanding of the Absolute Truth. Brahma janatiti brahmanah. So that is first-class men, brahmana. So intellectuals or very intelligent class of men, these are everywhere, all over the world. You may call them brahmana or not, but a class of men, very intelligent, that is available in every part of the world. So brahmana means the intelligent class of men. And ksatriya means they are less than the brahmanas. And vaisyas means less than the ksatriyas. And sudras less than all of them. It is a question of intelligence.
So catur-varnyam maya srstam. Krsna says, "These four varnas are created by Me." So anything created by God, that is not monopoly for any class of men or for any country. Just like the sun is created by God. The sun is the thing which is enjoyed by all parts of the world. But there are countries, Western countries, where sun is not visible, covered by the cloud. Any country, any part of the world which is covered by cloud and the sun is not visible, according to sastra, such country is condemned. Because, although the sunshine is there, but certain condition, they cannot enjoy the sunshine.
Therefore from the Western countries, when people come to this country, especially in India, when they see from the Arabian Sea bright sunshine, they very much become astonished, "How nice sunshine is here." So sunshine is the property for everyone, but according to intelligence or according to fortune, they enjoy it.
So brahminical culture also, similarly, it is just like sunshine. It is meant for everyone. But the people must be intelligent enough to take it.
Unfortunately, this system, although India was observing very rigidly, now it is slackened, or practically nil. We have lost our brahminical culture, the catur-varnyam maya srstam. This is the, due to the influence of Kali-yuga. Kalau sudra-sambhavah In the Kali-yuga practically everyone is a sudra or less than sudra. Less than sudra is called candala. Sudras, sometimes sudras also eat meat, but the less than sudras, they have no discrimination. They eat even dogs. The dog-eaters, they are described in the sastra, sva-paca. Sva means dog, and paca means, pacanti, cook.
But Krsna consciousness is so nice. It is said in the sastra, aho bata sva-paco 'to gariyan yaj-jihvagre (vartate) nama tubhyam. Even a sva-paca, candala, dog-eater, if he learns from the spiritual master how to chant Hare Krsna mantra, he is gariyan, he is glorified. In another place also, that sva-paca, candalo 'pi dvija-srestho hari-bhakti-parayanah. Even candala, he becomes greater than a brahmana, provided he becomes a devotee of the Lord. Hari-bhakti-parayanah.
So ordinarily, when people are not on the standard of bhagavad-bhakti, devotees of the Lord, there is division of the society. There must be. Otherwise things cannot go on. In the sastras we find that there is division even in my body: the brain division, the hand division or the arms division, the belly division and the leg division.
The brain division is the brahmana, and the arm division is the ksatriya, gives you protection. As soon as somebody is going to attack you, immediately, automatically you spread your hands. Ksatriya. Ksat means injury. In Hindu it is called ksatra. So ksat trayate. A ksatriya's business is one who can save you from being injured by others. That is ksatriya. And brahmana means the intelligent class. So as in the body, the brain is also required the hand is also required the belly is also required, and the leg is also required. Although the activities of the leg is not so important than the activity of the brain. Comparatively studying, the brain is most important part of the body, this head. If you cut the head of a man, then, in spite of possessing the arms, belly and legs, he is dead man. But if you cut the hand or the leg, he can live, and the brain can work. This is an example.
Similarly, when the society is divided nicely in these four divisions, the brahminical culture, the ksatriya culture, the vaisya culture, and the sudra culture... Brahminical culture means people should learn how to speak truth, satya, sama, how to control the mind, how to control the senses. Satya, sama, damah, titiksa, how to become tolerant, arjavam, how to become simple in life, how to become cleansed, how to acquire knowledge and how to practically apply the knowledge in daily life.
Jnanam vijnanam astikyam. And astikyam means full faith in the Vedic literature. That is called astikya. Astikya generally is called theism. So if one has full faith and full knowledge in Vedas, he becomes theist. If he has no sufficient knowledge in the Vedas, he becomes atheist. So just like Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu says, veda na maniya bauddha haila nastika. The Buddhists, they did not accept the authority of the Vedas. Therefore they are called nastika, or atheist. That is the definition, that if you do not accept the authority of the Vedas, then you become atheist. So this is the brahminical.... One of the brahminical qualification is how to live under the Vedic civilization. That is brahmana.
Similarly, ksatriya. Tejah, sauryam, very powerful, and ksatriya will never go away from the battlefield. Ksatriya's business is, in the battlefield, either to become victorious or lay down life. That is ksatriya. He is not coming back from the battlefield without being victorious, no. That is ksatriya's business. Not like.... ksatriya, therefore, they are in charge of the government. Nowadays the ksatriyas, they do not go to the government. Practically there is no ksatriya. That is stated in the sastras. Asamskrtah kriya-hina mleccha rajanya-rupinah. Mleccha. They have no that ksatriya qualification, mleccha, unclean.
Mleccha means unclean, without any Vedic culture. They are called mleccha. Anyone. It does not mean that any particular class of men is called mleccha. Anyone who is unclean and does not abide by the injunction of the Vedas, they are called mleccha, yavana. That is the shastric term.
So Krsna says for the upkeep of the society, there must be this cultural division of the society, namely varna and asrama. But at the present moment people do not know what is the aim of life. They do not know.
na te viduh svartha-gatim hi visnum
durasaya ye bahir-artha-maninah
andha yathandhair upaniyamanas
te 'pisa-tantryam uru-damni-baddhah
Uru-damni-baddhah. Te 'pisa-tantryam uru-damni-baddhah, andha yathandhair upaniyamanah. People are.... Because the Vedic culture is lost, the system of brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya, is no longer existing, neither there is training. One politician, minister in Calcutta, he came to see me, I was talking. "Why there is chaotic condition?" And the simple reason is there is no this catur-varnya system is lost. Practically without any brahminical culture, ksatriya culture, people remain sudras, the fourth-class man. Or fifth-class men.
So unless there are first-class men, second-class men, at least third-class men, only fourth-class, fifth-class, sixth-class men, how they can conduct. That is not possible. Therefore it is enjoined that catur-varnyam maya srstam. This division of the society must be observed.
Educational institution, there should be, but the education.... Just like in a university, they have different departments: medical department, engineering department, or biological and so many, psychological, chemical, physical.... They have so many departments. But there is no department, brahminical, kshatriyacal, or vaisya, nothing. Because they do not know what is the aim of life. They are simply interested with the bodily comforts of life. That's all. Never mind what is our next life, What kind of life we are going to. But that is, this is a fact.
Therefore we have to study Bhagavad-gita very seriously. In the beginning of Bhagavad-gita it is said by Krsna, tatha dehantara-praptir. There is dehantara. After leaving this body, I have to accept another body. Tatha dehantara-praptir dhiras tatra na muhyati. Dhirah means those who are sober, intelligent, they know that what is death. Death means giving up this body and accepting another, transmigration of the soul. That is death. So dhiras tatra na muhyati. A dhirah who is learned, he knows, but others, adhirah...
There are two classes of men: dhira and adhira. Adhirah means not controlled, animals. Just like animal cannot control. So human being is gradually coming to the platform of the animals. Because they are being conducted on the bodily concept of life.
yasyatma-buddhih kunape tri-dhatuke
sva-dhih kalatradisu bhauma ijya-dhih
yat-tirtha-buddhih salile na karhicij
(janesv abhijnesu) sa eva go-kharah
Anyone Who is thinking that "I am this body," yasyatma-buddhih kunape.... Kunape means this bag, tri-dhatuke, of kapha, pitta, vayu. Am I this body? A first-class intelligent man is composed of this body. What is the composition? The blood, bone, flesh, muscle, stool, urine. Does it mean a first-class man is composition of these ingredients? But foolish people are taking the bodily conception of life. No.
Tatha dehantara-praptih. Dehino 'smin yatha dehe. This is the first understanding of knowledge, but people do not understand that within the body there is soul. They are so fool. Therefore they have been described in the sastra, sa eva go-kharah: "This class of men, they are no better than the cows and the asses." So you cannot become happy in the assembly of some animals.
Therefore people are so much disturbed at the present moment. There is no sober life, dhira. If you want peaceful life in the society, then you must accept this program. Catur-varnyam maya srstam. There must be brahminical class of men, ksatriya class of men, vaisya class of men.
The vaisya... Generally, we understand, vaisya means the mercantile class of men. No. At the present moment the so-called vaisyas are sudras, less than sudras. Why? Now the vaisya's business is krsi-go-raksya-vanijyam vaisya-karma svabhava-jam. The vaisyas must be engaged in producing foodgrains, but they are not interested. They are interested for opening factories for bolts and nuts and tires, Goodwheel tires, Goodyear tires. Now you eat tire and bolt nut. No, you cannot eat. You have to eat rice, and rice is ten rupees per kilo. That's all. Because no vaisya is producing food grains. This is the defect.
They don't see the defect. They're simply howling, bawling, "Oh, it has increased price". Why not, increased, price? There are millions of people in Bombay city. Who is producing food grain? But they are known as vaisya. What kind of vaisya? There is no brahminical culture; there is no brain. There is no ksatriya who can give you protection. There are so many defects.
So if you want to remodel your life, the society, the human society, nationally or internationally--everything is spoken here, international--then you have to take to the advice of Krsna. This is the purpose of Krsna consciousness movement: wholesale, thorough, overhauling of the human society. We have not manufactured anything, concocted things. It is very scientific. If you actually want to fulfill the mission of your life, then you have to take to this advice of Bhagavad-gita, very scientific and spoken by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, without any defects.
If I speak something, there may be so many defects, because I am imperfect. Every one of us, imperfect. We commit mistake. To err is human. There is no human being who can say boldly that "I never committed any mistake." That is not possible. You must commit mistake. And sometimes we are illusioned, pramada. That we are all, because we are accepting this body as "I am," which I am not. That is called pramada, bhrama pramada. Then vipralipsa. I have got bhrama, I commit mistake, I am bewildered, I am illusioned. Still, I am taking the position of teacher. That is cheating. If you are defective, if you have got so many defects in your life, how you can become teacher? You are a cheater. Nobody's teacher, because without being perfect, how you can become teacher? So this is going on.
And the last defect is that my senses are imperfect. I cannot see properly, I cannot smell properly, I cannot touch properly. So many defects. Just for example I am seeing the sun everyday but I am seeing just like a disk. But it is fourteen hundred thousand times bigger than the earth. So sastra-caksusa. You must see through the sastra, not with these eyes. Just like they say sometimes, "Can you show me God? Have you seen God?" Well, can you see God? You cannot see even the sun properly. How can you see God? Why you are proud of your eyes so much? If you cannot see even material object and you cannot see even the spirit soul...
You are seeing daily your father, and when your father dies you cry, "Oh, my father is gone." Well, your father is lying here. How do you say your father is gone? "No, father is gone." Then how it is gone? "Now he is dead." How he is dead? That means you are seeing your father so many years, but you did not see who is your father. Now he cries, "Now my father is gone." Where he is gone? He is there, lying on the floor. So just see our fault, how much defective our eyes. I am seeing the body of the father and I am thinking, "He is my father." Sa eva go-kharah, ass and cow, the seeing of the ass and cow. So in this way we are defective.
How we can guide the people? How we can become teacher? How we can become leader? Andha yathandhair upaniyamanah, yasyatma-buddhih kunape. Andha. I am andha, blind, and I try to lead others, andhas. Therefore there must be chaos. This will not help us. We must see through the eyes of Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. We must study Bhagavad-gita perfectly well.
How to read? Evam parampara-praptam, through the disciplic succession. As Krsna said, you have to accept that teaching through the disciplic succession, not concocted meanings. "Oh, I am a very good scholar. I passed my DHC or MAC or MA. I can comment on Bhagavad-gita in my own way." That is rascaldom. That is not understanding of Bhagavad-gita. Bhagavad-gita means you must understand what Krsna says. That is understanding. But generally, it is done, "Kill Krsna. There was no Krsna. There was no battlefield. There was no Mahabharata. I have my concoction about Krsna." This kind of commentary and understanding of Bhagavad-gita has spoiled the whole world.
Therefore in the Western countries so many swamis and yogis went there and they misrepresented Bhagavad-gita. Of course, everyone knows in Eastern country Bhagavad-gita. Every institution, every gentleman, learned man, knows that there is a nice book, Bhagavad-gita, but they read these faulty commentaries. They cannot understand. Now we are presenting Bhagavad-gita as it is, and they are now understanding what is real Bhagavad-gita. Therefore they are now devotees. For the last two hundred years, so many swamis and yogis went there and talked about Bhagavad-gita. Not a single person became a devotee of Krsna. Now you will find thousands. Why? The Bhagavad-gita is being accepted as it is. This is the secret of this Krsna consciousness movement.
So our only request is that if you want happiness, if you want to prosper, make your life successful, you must read Bhagavad-gita thoroughly, as it is, as Krsna says. Don't try to misinterpret. "Krsna means this" and "pandava means this" and "This means this." Don't make this foolish rascaldom. Take as it is, Bhagavad-gita.
Krsna says that mattah parataram nanyat kincid asti dhananjaya, aham adir hi devanam, catur-varnyam maya srstam. Here it is said. Krsna says, catur-varnyam maya srstam, you cannot cancel this system of varnasrama. Then you will suffer. You cannot cancel. You must accept, that there must be a class of men, real, brahmana. Not that "I am born in a brahmana family and I am doing the work of a cobbler. Still, I am a brahmana. No, not like that. Guna-karma-vibhagasah. Krsna never says that brahmana is born in a brahmana family. Here it is clearly said, catur-varnyam maya srstam guna-karma-vibhagasah. Guna means quality. As you purchase something, that it is good quality, nice quality, similarly, you should accept a brahmana, a ksatriya, a vaisya, a sudra, by the quality and by the work.
Not only that. Just like you qualify yourself as a lawyer, but you do not practice. So who will call you lawyer? Nobody will call. But if you are qualified and if you are practicing, everyone says, [Hindi] He will go. People will go to consult with you. But if you do not practice, simply you have passed legal examination, nobody will come to you. So two things are required: the brahminical qualities and work like a brahmana. These two things.... If you are born in a brahmana family and you are, "Oh, all blessing to you," oh, what power you have got to bless me? You are not in quality, not in work. But people accept it, panditaji.
What kind of panditaji? Pandita. Pandita means one who knows. Then the Bhagavad-gita says, panditah sama-darsinah.
vidya-vinaya-sampanne
brahmane gavi hastini
suni caiva sva-pake ca
panditah sama-darsinah
So this is the pandita, definition of pandita, not this rascal pandita, that rascal pandita. Pandita means one who has attained the spiritual platform. That is called pandita. Panditah sama-darsinah.
Vidya-vinaya, brahmane, a learned brahmana; gavi, a cow; hastini, an elephant; suni, suni means candala, er, suni means dog; and sva-pake, those who are dog-eaters, candala. Panditah sama-darsinah. How is that, pandita has become mad that he is seeing the brahmana, learned brahmana, and a candala and a cow, everything on the same platform? How? Because he is not seeing this body: he is seeing the soul. That is pandita. Otherwise how a panditah sama-darsinah... He is not madman. Those who are advanced in education, learned, they see that everyone is living entity, part and parcel of God. He is under condition now. So let him be awakened. Uttisthata jagrata prapya varan nibodhata. This is pandita's business, to educate. Just like the human being, one who hasn't got the spiritual knowledge, it is the business of the pandita to educate him.
Uttisthata jagrata prapya varan nibodhata: "You have got now this human body. In the animal body you could not understand what is spirit soul, what is God. Now you have got the opportunity." Uttisthata: "Now get up." Prapya varan nibodhata. "You have got this opportunity to understand." Athato brahma-jijnasa. "Now it is your opportunity to inquire about jivasya tattva-jijnasa." These are the instruction in the Vedic literature. Tattva-jijnasa. The human life is only meant for tattva-jijnasa, to understand the Absolute Truth.
That requires brahminical culture, not the dull brain of sudras and candalas. They cannot understand. Therefore there must be an institution to educate a brahmana, to educate ksatriya. That is required. Catur-varnyam maya srstam. If you don't do it, if you simply produce sudras, bolt, nut manufacturers, technicians, then how you can be happy? Sudras. This is the business of the sudras. This is not business of brahmana. You keep sudras, but there must be brahmanas also.
Just like leg is also required, the brain is also required. You cut the leg, simply keep the brain, that is also defective and if you cut off the brain, then everything is finished. This is going on. There is no brahmana, there is no ksatriya, there is no vaisya, only sudras. So how you can be happy?
Therefore it is very essential to understand this verse. Catur-varnyam, train a class of men. Everyone required. There is intelligent class of men, but there brain is being misused, and intelligent man is being taught technology, how to manufacture machine. This is sudra's business. This is sudra's business. Misuse, brain misuse. There must be university where brain is properly utilized. Here is a child or here is a boy. He has good intelligence. Train him as brahmana. Less than that, train him as ksatriya, train him as vaisya.
Everything is there in the Bhagavad-gita. There is no difficulty. So if you actually want happiness, prosperity of the society, not only of this society, that, whole human society, they must accept this Krsna consciousness movement and then they will be happy. Thank you very much. (end)
Bhagavad-gita 4.13
--
Bombay, April 2, 1974
Pradyumna: (leads chanting)
catur-varnyam maya srstam
guna-karma-vibhagasah
tasya kartaram api mam
viddhy akartaram avyayam
Translation: "According to the three modes of material nature and the work ascribed to them, the four divisions of human society were created by Me. And, although I am the creator of this system, you should know that I am yet the non-doer, being unchangeable."
catur-varnyam maya srstam
guna-karma-vibhagasah
tasya kartaram api mam
viddhy akartaram avyayam
So beginning of human civilization is this varnasrama-dharma. The Vedic system is varnasrama-dharma.
The people known as Hindus in the world, the Hindu is a term given by the Mohammedans, from "Indus." Indus River is there. Now it is in Pakistan. So people beyond the Indus River, the Mohammedans in Arabia and other countries, they pronounce "s" as "h". Instead of "Sindhu," they used to pronounce it as "Hindu." So people living, crossing the river Indus or Hindus, they were called "Hindus." Otherwise, this "Hindu" term is not seen in any Vedic literature.
The real meaning is the people who observe the varnasrama-dharma, four varnas and four asramas. Four varna means brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya, sudra. And below the sudras, they are called candalas, pancama, fifth grade, less than the sudras. That natural division is there everywhere.
Brahmana means the most intellectual, most intelligent person. Intelligent means one who knows, who has got sufficient knowledge. So brahmana means he has got sufficient knowledge even up to the understanding of the Absolute Truth. Brahma janatiti brahmanah. So that is first-class men, brahmana. So intellectuals or very intelligent class of men, these are everywhere, all over the world. You may call them brahmana or not, but a class of men, very intelligent, that is available in every part of the world. So brahmana means the intelligent class of men. And ksatriya means they are less than the brahmanas. And vaisyas means less than the ksatriyas. And sudras less than all of them. It is a question of intelligence.
So catur-varnyam maya srstam. Krsna says, "These four varnas are created by Me." So anything created by God, that is not monopoly for any class of men or for any country. Just like the sun is created by God. The sun is the thing which is enjoyed by all parts of the world. But there are countries, Western countries, where sun is not visible, covered by the cloud. Any country, any part of the world which is covered by cloud and the sun is not visible, according to sastra, such country is condemned. Because, although the sunshine is there, but certain condition, they cannot enjoy the sunshine.
Therefore from the Western countries, when people come to this country, especially in India, when they see from the Arabian Sea bright sunshine, they very much become astonished, "How nice sunshine is here." So sunshine is the property for everyone, but according to intelligence or according to fortune, they enjoy it.
So brahminical culture also, similarly, it is just like sunshine. It is meant for everyone. But the people must be intelligent enough to take it.
Unfortunately, this system, although India was observing very rigidly, now it is slackened, or practically nil. We have lost our brahminical culture, the catur-varnyam maya srstam. This is the, due to the influence of Kali-yuga. Kalau sudra-sambhavah In the Kali-yuga practically everyone is a sudra or less than sudra. Less than sudra is called candala. Sudras, sometimes sudras also eat meat, but the less than sudras, they have no discrimination. They eat even dogs. The dog-eaters, they are described in the sastra, sva-paca. Sva means dog, and paca means, pacanti, cook.
But Krsna consciousness is so nice. It is said in the sastra, aho bata sva-paco 'to gariyan yaj-jihvagre (vartate) nama tubhyam. Even a sva-paca, candala, dog-eater, if he learns from the spiritual master how to chant Hare Krsna mantra, he is gariyan, he is glorified. In another place also, that sva-paca, candalo 'pi dvija-srestho hari-bhakti-parayanah. Even candala, he becomes greater than a brahmana, provided he becomes a devotee of the Lord. Hari-bhakti-parayanah.
So ordinarily, when people are not on the standard of bhagavad-bhakti, devotees of the Lord, there is division of the society. There must be. Otherwise things cannot go on. In the sastras we find that there is division even in my body: the brain division, the hand division or the arms division, the belly division and the leg division.
The brain division is the brahmana, and the arm division is the ksatriya, gives you protection. As soon as somebody is going to attack you, immediately, automatically you spread your hands. Ksatriya. Ksat means injury. In Hindu it is called ksatra. So ksat trayate. A ksatriya's business is one who can save you from being injured by others. That is ksatriya. And brahmana means the intelligent class. So as in the body, the brain is also required the hand is also required the belly is also required, and the leg is also required. Although the activities of the leg is not so important than the activity of the brain. Comparatively studying, the brain is most important part of the body, this head. If you cut the head of a man, then, in spite of possessing the arms, belly and legs, he is dead man. But if you cut the hand or the leg, he can live, and the brain can work. This is an example.
Similarly, when the society is divided nicely in these four divisions, the brahminical culture, the ksatriya culture, the vaisya culture, and the sudra culture... Brahminical culture means people should learn how to speak truth, satya, sama, how to control the mind, how to control the senses. Satya, sama, damah, titiksa, how to become tolerant, arjavam, how to become simple in life, how to become cleansed, how to acquire knowledge and how to practically apply the knowledge in daily life.
Jnanam vijnanam astikyam. And astikyam means full faith in the Vedic literature. That is called astikya. Astikya generally is called theism. So if one has full faith and full knowledge in Vedas, he becomes theist. If he has no sufficient knowledge in the Vedas, he becomes atheist. So just like Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu says, veda na maniya bauddha haila nastika. The Buddhists, they did not accept the authority of the Vedas. Therefore they are called nastika, or atheist. That is the definition, that if you do not accept the authority of the Vedas, then you become atheist. So this is the brahminical.... One of the brahminical qualification is how to live under the Vedic civilization. That is brahmana.
Similarly, ksatriya. Tejah, sauryam, very powerful, and ksatriya will never go away from the battlefield. Ksatriya's business is, in the battlefield, either to become victorious or lay down life. That is ksatriya. He is not coming back from the battlefield without being victorious, no. That is ksatriya's business. Not like.... ksatriya, therefore, they are in charge of the government. Nowadays the ksatriyas, they do not go to the government. Practically there is no ksatriya. That is stated in the sastras. Asamskrtah kriya-hina mleccha rajanya-rupinah. Mleccha. They have no that ksatriya qualification, mleccha, unclean.
Mleccha means unclean, without any Vedic culture. They are called mleccha. Anyone. It does not mean that any particular class of men is called mleccha. Anyone who is unclean and does not abide by the injunction of the Vedas, they are called mleccha, yavana. That is the shastric term.
So Krsna says for the upkeep of the society, there must be this cultural division of the society, namely varna and asrama. But at the present moment people do not know what is the aim of life. They do not know.
na te viduh svartha-gatim hi visnum
durasaya ye bahir-artha-maninah
andha yathandhair upaniyamanas
te 'pisa-tantryam uru-damni-baddhah
Uru-damni-baddhah. Te 'pisa-tantryam uru-damni-baddhah, andha yathandhair upaniyamanah. People are.... Because the Vedic culture is lost, the system of brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya, is no longer existing, neither there is training. One politician, minister in Calcutta, he came to see me, I was talking. "Why there is chaotic condition?" And the simple reason is there is no this catur-varnya system is lost. Practically without any brahminical culture, ksatriya culture, people remain sudras, the fourth-class man. Or fifth-class men.
So unless there are first-class men, second-class men, at least third-class men, only fourth-class, fifth-class, sixth-class men, how they can conduct. That is not possible. Therefore it is enjoined that catur-varnyam maya srstam. This division of the society must be observed.
Educational institution, there should be, but the education.... Just like in a university, they have different departments: medical department, engineering department, or biological and so many, psychological, chemical, physical.... They have so many departments. But there is no department, brahminical, kshatriyacal, or vaisya, nothing. Because they do not know what is the aim of life. They are simply interested with the bodily comforts of life. That's all. Never mind what is our next life, What kind of life we are going to. But that is, this is a fact.
Therefore we have to study Bhagavad-gita very seriously. In the beginning of Bhagavad-gita it is said by Krsna, tatha dehantara-praptir. There is dehantara. After leaving this body, I have to accept another body. Tatha dehantara-praptir dhiras tatra na muhyati. Dhirah means those who are sober, intelligent, they know that what is death. Death means giving up this body and accepting another, transmigration of the soul. That is death. So dhiras tatra na muhyati. A dhirah who is learned, he knows, but others, adhirah...
There are two classes of men: dhira and adhira. Adhirah means not controlled, animals. Just like animal cannot control. So human being is gradually coming to the platform of the animals. Because they are being conducted on the bodily concept of life.
yasyatma-buddhih kunape tri-dhatuke
sva-dhih kalatradisu bhauma ijya-dhih
yat-tirtha-buddhih salile na karhicij
(janesv abhijnesu) sa eva go-kharah
Anyone Who is thinking that "I am this body," yasyatma-buddhih kunape.... Kunape means this bag, tri-dhatuke, of kapha, pitta, vayu. Am I this body? A first-class intelligent man is composed of this body. What is the composition? The blood, bone, flesh, muscle, stool, urine. Does it mean a first-class man is composition of these ingredients? But foolish people are taking the bodily conception of life. No.
Tatha dehantara-praptih. Dehino 'smin yatha dehe. This is the first understanding of knowledge, but people do not understand that within the body there is soul. They are so fool. Therefore they have been described in the sastra, sa eva go-kharah: "This class of men, they are no better than the cows and the asses." So you cannot become happy in the assembly of some animals.
Therefore people are so much disturbed at the present moment. There is no sober life, dhira. If you want peaceful life in the society, then you must accept this program. Catur-varnyam maya srstam. There must be brahminical class of men, ksatriya class of men, vaisya class of men.
The vaisya... Generally, we understand, vaisya means the mercantile class of men. No. At the present moment the so-called vaisyas are sudras, less than sudras. Why? Now the vaisya's business is krsi-go-raksya-vanijyam vaisya-karma svabhava-jam. The vaisyas must be engaged in producing foodgrains, but they are not interested. They are interested for opening factories for bolts and nuts and tires, Goodwheel tires, Goodyear tires. Now you eat tire and bolt nut. No, you cannot eat. You have to eat rice, and rice is ten rupees per kilo. That's all. Because no vaisya is producing food grains. This is the defect.
They don't see the defect. They're simply howling, bawling, "Oh, it has increased price". Why not, increased, price? There are millions of people in Bombay city. Who is producing food grain? But they are known as vaisya. What kind of vaisya? There is no brahminical culture; there is no brain. There is no ksatriya who can give you protection. There are so many defects.
So if you want to remodel your life, the society, the human society, nationally or internationally--everything is spoken here, international--then you have to take to the advice of Krsna. This is the purpose of Krsna consciousness movement: wholesale, thorough, overhauling of the human society. We have not manufactured anything, concocted things. It is very scientific. If you actually want to fulfill the mission of your life, then you have to take to this advice of Bhagavad-gita, very scientific and spoken by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, without any defects.
If I speak something, there may be so many defects, because I am imperfect. Every one of us, imperfect. We commit mistake. To err is human. There is no human being who can say boldly that "I never committed any mistake." That is not possible. You must commit mistake. And sometimes we are illusioned, pramada. That we are all, because we are accepting this body as "I am," which I am not. That is called pramada, bhrama pramada. Then vipralipsa. I have got bhrama, I commit mistake, I am bewildered, I am illusioned. Still, I am taking the position of teacher. That is cheating. If you are defective, if you have got so many defects in your life, how you can become teacher? You are a cheater. Nobody's teacher, because without being perfect, how you can become teacher? So this is going on.
And the last defect is that my senses are imperfect. I cannot see properly, I cannot smell properly, I cannot touch properly. So many defects. Just for example I am seeing the sun everyday but I am seeing just like a disk. But it is fourteen hundred thousand times bigger than the earth. So sastra-caksusa. You must see through the sastra, not with these eyes. Just like they say sometimes, "Can you show me God? Have you seen God?" Well, can you see God? You cannot see even the sun properly. How can you see God? Why you are proud of your eyes so much? If you cannot see even material object and you cannot see even the spirit soul...
You are seeing daily your father, and when your father dies you cry, "Oh, my father is gone." Well, your father is lying here. How do you say your father is gone? "No, father is gone." Then how it is gone? "Now he is dead." How he is dead? That means you are seeing your father so many years, but you did not see who is your father. Now he cries, "Now my father is gone." Where he is gone? He is there, lying on the floor. So just see our fault, how much defective our eyes. I am seeing the body of the father and I am thinking, "He is my father." Sa eva go-kharah, ass and cow, the seeing of the ass and cow. So in this way we are defective.
How we can guide the people? How we can become teacher? How we can become leader? Andha yathandhair upaniyamanah, yasyatma-buddhih kunape. Andha. I am andha, blind, and I try to lead others, andhas. Therefore there must be chaos. This will not help us. We must see through the eyes of Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. We must study Bhagavad-gita perfectly well.
How to read? Evam parampara-praptam, through the disciplic succession. As Krsna said, you have to accept that teaching through the disciplic succession, not concocted meanings. "Oh, I am a very good scholar. I passed my DHC or MAC or MA. I can comment on Bhagavad-gita in my own way." That is rascaldom. That is not understanding of Bhagavad-gita. Bhagavad-gita means you must understand what Krsna says. That is understanding. But generally, it is done, "Kill Krsna. There was no Krsna. There was no battlefield. There was no Mahabharata. I have my concoction about Krsna." This kind of commentary and understanding of Bhagavad-gita has spoiled the whole world.
Therefore in the Western countries so many swamis and yogis went there and they misrepresented Bhagavad-gita. Of course, everyone knows in Eastern country Bhagavad-gita. Every institution, every gentleman, learned man, knows that there is a nice book, Bhagavad-gita, but they read these faulty commentaries. They cannot understand. Now we are presenting Bhagavad-gita as it is, and they are now understanding what is real Bhagavad-gita. Therefore they are now devotees. For the last two hundred years, so many swamis and yogis went there and talked about Bhagavad-gita. Not a single person became a devotee of Krsna. Now you will find thousands. Why? The Bhagavad-gita is being accepted as it is. This is the secret of this Krsna consciousness movement.
So our only request is that if you want happiness, if you want to prosper, make your life successful, you must read Bhagavad-gita thoroughly, as it is, as Krsna says. Don't try to misinterpret. "Krsna means this" and "pandava means this" and "This means this." Don't make this foolish rascaldom. Take as it is, Bhagavad-gita.
Krsna says that mattah parataram nanyat kincid asti dhananjaya, aham adir hi devanam, catur-varnyam maya srstam. Here it is said. Krsna says, catur-varnyam maya srstam, you cannot cancel this system of varnasrama. Then you will suffer. You cannot cancel. You must accept, that there must be a class of men, real, brahmana. Not that "I am born in a brahmana family and I am doing the work of a cobbler. Still, I am a brahmana. No, not like that. Guna-karma-vibhagasah. Krsna never says that brahmana is born in a brahmana family. Here it is clearly said, catur-varnyam maya srstam guna-karma-vibhagasah. Guna means quality. As you purchase something, that it is good quality, nice quality, similarly, you should accept a brahmana, a ksatriya, a vaisya, a sudra, by the quality and by the work.
Not only that. Just like you qualify yourself as a lawyer, but you do not practice. So who will call you lawyer? Nobody will call. But if you are qualified and if you are practicing, everyone says, [Hindi] He will go. People will go to consult with you. But if you do not practice, simply you have passed legal examination, nobody will come to you. So two things are required: the brahminical qualities and work like a brahmana. These two things.... If you are born in a brahmana family and you are, "Oh, all blessing to you," oh, what power you have got to bless me? You are not in quality, not in work. But people accept it, panditaji.
What kind of panditaji? Pandita. Pandita means one who knows. Then the Bhagavad-gita says, panditah sama-darsinah.
vidya-vinaya-sampanne
brahmane gavi hastini
suni caiva sva-pake ca
panditah sama-darsinah
So this is the pandita, definition of pandita, not this rascal pandita, that rascal pandita. Pandita means one who has attained the spiritual platform. That is called pandita. Panditah sama-darsinah.
Vidya-vinaya, brahmane, a learned brahmana; gavi, a cow; hastini, an elephant; suni, suni means candala, er, suni means dog; and sva-pake, those who are dog-eaters, candala. Panditah sama-darsinah. How is that, pandita has become mad that he is seeing the brahmana, learned brahmana, and a candala and a cow, everything on the same platform? How? Because he is not seeing this body: he is seeing the soul. That is pandita. Otherwise how a panditah sama-darsinah... He is not madman. Those who are advanced in education, learned, they see that everyone is living entity, part and parcel of God. He is under condition now. So let him be awakened. Uttisthata jagrata prapya varan nibodhata. This is pandita's business, to educate. Just like the human being, one who hasn't got the spiritual knowledge, it is the business of the pandita to educate him.
Uttisthata jagrata prapya varan nibodhata: "You have got now this human body. In the animal body you could not understand what is spirit soul, what is God. Now you have got the opportunity." Uttisthata: "Now get up." Prapya varan nibodhata. "You have got this opportunity to understand." Athato brahma-jijnasa. "Now it is your opportunity to inquire about jivasya tattva-jijnasa." These are the instruction in the Vedic literature. Tattva-jijnasa. The human life is only meant for tattva-jijnasa, to understand the Absolute Truth.
That requires brahminical culture, not the dull brain of sudras and candalas. They cannot understand. Therefore there must be an institution to educate a brahmana, to educate ksatriya. That is required. Catur-varnyam maya srstam. If you don't do it, if you simply produce sudras, bolt, nut manufacturers, technicians, then how you can be happy? Sudras. This is the business of the sudras. This is not business of brahmana. You keep sudras, but there must be brahmanas also.
Just like leg is also required, the brain is also required. You cut the leg, simply keep the brain, that is also defective and if you cut off the brain, then everything is finished. This is going on. There is no brahmana, there is no ksatriya, there is no vaisya, only sudras. So how you can be happy?
Therefore it is very essential to understand this verse. Catur-varnyam, train a class of men. Everyone required. There is intelligent class of men, but there brain is being misused, and intelligent man is being taught technology, how to manufacture machine. This is sudra's business. This is sudra's business. Misuse, brain misuse. There must be university where brain is properly utilized. Here is a child or here is a boy. He has good intelligence. Train him as brahmana. Less than that, train him as ksatriya, train him as vaisya.
Everything is there in the Bhagavad-gita. There is no difficulty. So if you actually want happiness, prosperity of the society, not only of this society, that, whole human society, they must accept this Krsna consciousness movement and then they will be happy. Thank you very much. (end)
who is brahmana? who is sudra ?
Who is a Brahmin?
by Jyotsna Kamat
First Online: November 02, 2002
Page Last Updated: December 22,2007
The belief that people born in brahmin caste, automatically become brahmins, is a much later concept in the very ancient land of India. In the pre-Gita period (before the beginning of the Christian era) a Brahmin was a person who had attained highest spiritual knowledge (brahmavidya). This was an extremely difficult path of discipline of body, mind , and intellect, and people irrespective of their birth or class, who dedicated to such an austere life were recognized as brahmins.
A great example of this tradition (that a person becoming a brahmin, rather than born as one) is the case of Vishwamitra, a warrior (kshatriya), who became a brahmin after attaining brahmavidya, and composed the Gayatri mantra, the most sacred hymn of the Hindus.
A smritis, or code of conduct composed by sage Atri defines brahminhood very clearly.
"By birth, every man is a Shudra (an ignorant person). Through various types of disciplines (samskaras), he becomes a dwija (twice born). Through the studies of scriptures, he becomes a vipra (or a scholar). Through realization of supreme spirit (brahmajnana), he becomes a brahmin."
The Bhagavad-Gita divides1 the class of people into four categories of Brahmana, Kshtriya, Vaishya, and Shudra depending on the traits (svabhava) inherent in individuals.
Tuesday 22 April 2008
GO VEG- please save the planet...
McCartney urges vegetarianism to fight climate ills
Posted Mon Apr 21, 2008 8:37pm AEST on ABC.net.au
Former Beatle Paul McCartney is urging the world to go vegetarian in a bid to fight global warming and is surprised more green groups do not promote it.
In an interview with the animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), McCartney said the global meat industry was a major contributor to global warming.
“The biggest change anyone could make in their own lifestyle would be to become vegetarian,” McCartney, a long time vegetarian and advocate of vegetarianism, said.
“I would urge everyone to think about taking this simple step to help our precious environment and save it for the children of the future.”
McCartney says the amount of land and water used to maintain the meat industry makes it a major contributor to climate change and complains that most environmental groups do not list vegetarianism as one of their top priorities.
“It’s very surprising that most major environmental organisations are leaving the option of going vegetarian off their lists of top ways to curtail global warming,” he said.
A 2006 United Nations report found that cattle-rearing generated more greenhouse gases than transportation.
Posted Mon Apr 21, 2008 8:37pm AEST on ABC.net.au
Former Beatle Paul McCartney is urging the world to go vegetarian in a bid to fight global warming and is surprised more green groups do not promote it.
In an interview with the animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), McCartney said the global meat industry was a major contributor to global warming.
“The biggest change anyone could make in their own lifestyle would be to become vegetarian,” McCartney, a long time vegetarian and advocate of vegetarianism, said.
“I would urge everyone to think about taking this simple step to help our precious environment and save it for the children of the future.”
McCartney says the amount of land and water used to maintain the meat industry makes it a major contributor to climate change and complains that most environmental groups do not list vegetarianism as one of their top priorities.
“It’s very surprising that most major environmental organisations are leaving the option of going vegetarian off their lists of top ways to curtail global warming,” he said.
A 2006 United Nations report found that cattle-rearing generated more greenhouse gases than transportation.
Thursday 10 April 2008
WHEN TO WAKE UP ? WHEN TO GO TO SLEEP ? and WHY ?
Be healthy, happy and holy - sleep by 10 P.M
By HH Mahanidhi Swami
This short essay based on scientific research, is presented to help aspiring Krsna devotees recognise the need to take rest early each night (latest by 10 p. m.) and to rise by 4 a. m. each morning in order to chant the Hare Krsna Mahamantra and attain the perfection of human life.
Special thanks goes to Kirti Mataji for I-net researching the topic of sleep and providing the printed scientific reports and conclusions which form the basis of this article. After conducting hundreds of experiments on sleep and health, the world’s leading scientists have discovered that to keep optimum health, one should sleep early and rise before sunrise. The best hours of sleep for your body are between 10 p. m. and 6 a. m. going to bed at 11 p. m., 12 p. m. or 1 p. m. is extremely harmful to human health, and is a direct cause of many modern “killer diseases” such as heart disease and cancer.
Nature acts and moves according to precise rhythm cycles influenced by the rotation of the earth, sun and moon. Daily the sun rises and sets, the seasons come and go, the moon waxes and wanes, and the ocean tides rise and fall. The function of sleeping and wakefulness is part of this natural rhythm. In Nature, one finds that the animals and plants are awake and asleep in tune with these rhythms. human beings also have natural rhythms.
Our human bodies, like Mother Nature, function according to natural cycles, body rhythms commonly called the internal body clock or the biological clock. Disruptions of the natural functions of our biological clock due to improper habits and incorrect sleeping patterns cause many different diseases. When our bodies are out of balance and not functioning in harmony with nature, nothing seems to feel right. This is because hormones, chemicals and neurotransmitters that determine our energy levels, vitality, and how we feel, sleep and eat are out of sync. In other words, we are imbalanced and out of tune with our biological clock and going against the natural harmony established by mother nature. Prior to the widespread use of electricity, as seen in Indian villages fifty years ago, people would go to bed shortly after sunset, as most animals do and which Nature intended for humans as well. The best hours of sleep for your body are the hours of 10 p. m. – 6 a. m.
These hours and what your body is naturally programmed to do during these hours (see chart below), are governed by the movements of the sun and the 24-hour natural rhythm cycle of your internal body clock – both of which are beyond your control. During these times (10 p. m. –6 a. m.), human body is designed to be at a state of rest, repair, detoxification (elimination of waste products and poisons) and rejuvenation. Our bodies are produced by Mother Nature. If we act foolishly and go against the natural order and design of our body, we will pay the price by getting various diseases and problems. For example, if your body is overtaxed digesting a heavy late meal or you are up late (after 10 p. m.) working, playing, watching TV or computer, your vital body energy is focused there and not available for rest and rejuvenation.
The biological clock and your internal organs The main internal organs of your body work according to a “Time Schedule”. Knowing how your body works can help you regulate your schedule in order to attain the optimum level of health and well-being.
9.00 p. m. – 11.00 p. m. : At this time, your body eliminates toxic chemicals from the immune system (lymph nodes).**It is best to be sound asleep by 9 p. m. or 10 p. m. for your body to properly execute this important function.
11.00 p. m. – 1.00 a. m. : This is the time your liver eliminates poisons and rejuvenates itself.**It is best to be sound asleep by 9 p. m. or 10 p. m. for your body to properly execute this important function. 12.00 midnight – 4.00 a. m. : this is the time your bone marrow produces blood.**
1.00 a. m. – 3.00 a. m. : This is the time your gall bladder eliminates toxins and rejuvenates itself.**
3.00 a. m. – 5.00 a. m. : This is the time your lungs eliminate toxins and rejuvenate themselves.**
5.00 a. m. – 7.00 a. m. : This is the time your colon eliminates poisons and rejuvenates itself. This is the proper time to empty your bowel.**
7.00 a. m. – 9.00 a. m. : This is the time that vitamins, minerals, proteins and nutrients are absorbed in your small intestines. You should definitely eat breakfast at this time.** Global scientists have concluded that everybody should go to bed early (falling asleep by 10 p. m.) to obtain Quality Sleep, which will ensure proper physical regeneration. When you co-operate with your internal biological clock and allow Nature to take her course, you will feel refreshed, joyful and energized when you wake up (by 4 a. m., of course!). Going to bed before 10 p. m. is essential to keep the human body in tune with Nature and to remain healthy, happy and holy. material scientists have concluded that the average human being needs 8 hours of sleep per day, which is best obtained by sleeping between 10 p. m. – 6 a. m. when you follow the spiritual path, however, by eating sattvik vegetarian Krsna prasada, your body becomes sanctified. And by chanting the Hare Krsna Mahamantra and engaging in Krsna’s devotion, your mind becomes purified, pacified and relaxed. Although, most people require 8 hours daily sleep, Krsna devotees usually only need
6 hours daily rest to maintain ideal health because their spiritual practices produce tremendous physical and mental peace, purity and internal harmony.
Besides, all sincere devotees want to follow the teachings of the scriptures and saints like his Divine grace Srila Prabhupada, who said, “In this Krsna conscious movement, we request everyone to rise early in the morning by Four A. M.” (NOI Pg. 34). Someone may think the Srila Prabhupada phrase, “Krsna conscious movement” refers only to ISKCON temples and the devotees living therein, and it does not apply to anyone living outside the temples in their own homes or apartments. This is incorrect! Actually, Srila Prabhupada is saying that “Everyone should rise by 4 a. m.”
In other words, if you are conscious, alive and serious about moving towards Krsna and attaining pure love of God then you are, regardless of where you live, in the Krsna conscious movement. Aspiring practitioners of Krsna consciousness and initiated devotees should remember that rising by 4 a. m. and chanting the Hare Krsna Mahamantra between 4 a. m. and 7 a. m. is an absolute requirement. Everyone must follow this golden rule to be mentally happy and progress nicely in spiritual life. It is a fact – early to bed, early to rise, makes one healthy, wealthy and wise. of course, to rise by 4 a. m or before, you must sleep early. Practice makes perfect.
You have to try sincerely to change your schedule and work towards this goal of taking rest at 10 p. m. and rising at 4 a. m. We hope this short essay will help the devotees understand the extreme importance of sleeping and rising early in order to realize the full potential of this rare and valuable form of human life. Our heartfelt desire is that each and everyone of you will live long healthy life full of Krsna conscious happiness, and attain the ultimate perfection of Radha Govinda’s eternal loving service in the groves of Vrndavana.
Scientific tips for good rest
1. Cave – Like darkness: The bedroom should be pitch-black, so you can’t even see your hand in front of your face, which means no bright lights, clock lights or any light coming in from the windows. why? When we sleep in total darkness, the human brain produces a hormone called melatonin. Melatonin is an important antioxidant which protects our DNA structure and prevents cancer. Tests prove that even a small amount of light hitting the skin almost immediately shuts off the production of melatonin. Therefore, scientists say, never turn on the light should you need to get up from sleep and go to the toilet. And as everyone knows, black (Syama) is beautiful!
2. Daily go outside and get natural sunlight: This helps regulate your biological clock and increases the production of melatonin, which promotes well-balanced sleeping patterns.
3. Daily exercise: At least thirty minutes a day will help improve the quality of your sleep.
4. Avoid bright lights: One should avoid keeping bright lights on inside the house before going to bed. At this time, bright light hitting the eye disrupts the bio-rhythm of the pineal gland and shuts off your melatonin production.
5. Hot shower before bed: This relaxes the body and helps you fall asleep quickly.
6. Sleep as early as possible: You should be in bed and asleep by 10 p. m.
7. Wear Socks to Bed.
8. the bedroom should be free from electromagnetic field: Do not keep a TV, computer or any other electronic item in your bedroom because they create strong electromagnetic field which disrupts the quality of your sleep.
9. Fresh Air: Open the window at least a crack to get fresh air to circulate while sleeping.
10. Avoid fluids: Do not drink any fluids two hours before sleep.
11. Sleep Regulation: Get up and go to sleep at the same time everyday. If you are up late one night, still rise at your usual time and nap later in the day.
12. Daytime Nap: If one needs to take a nap in the day, it should not be longer than one hour for optimal rejuvenation, rest and repair. If you nap longer, it will disrupt the night-time sleep quality.
13. Avoid Noise: Because it disrupts sleep.
14. Hot Water Bottle: To relieve tension and anxiety, place a hot water bottle between the navel and the bottom of your ribcage.
15. Head Massage: To relax before sleeping.
16. Foot Rub: Rub ghee or sesame oil on the bottom of your feet and promote restful sleep.
17. Read Sastras: Everyone knows that reading Srimad Bhagavatam or chanting Hare Krsna is a guaranteed method of instant sleep!!
By HH Mahanidhi Swami
This short essay based on scientific research, is presented to help aspiring Krsna devotees recognise the need to take rest early each night (latest by 10 p. m.) and to rise by 4 a. m. each morning in order to chant the Hare Krsna Mahamantra and attain the perfection of human life.
Special thanks goes to Kirti Mataji for I-net researching the topic of sleep and providing the printed scientific reports and conclusions which form the basis of this article. After conducting hundreds of experiments on sleep and health, the world’s leading scientists have discovered that to keep optimum health, one should sleep early and rise before sunrise. The best hours of sleep for your body are between 10 p. m. and 6 a. m. going to bed at 11 p. m., 12 p. m. or 1 p. m. is extremely harmful to human health, and is a direct cause of many modern “killer diseases” such as heart disease and cancer.
Nature acts and moves according to precise rhythm cycles influenced by the rotation of the earth, sun and moon. Daily the sun rises and sets, the seasons come and go, the moon waxes and wanes, and the ocean tides rise and fall. The function of sleeping and wakefulness is part of this natural rhythm. In Nature, one finds that the animals and plants are awake and asleep in tune with these rhythms. human beings also have natural rhythms.
Our human bodies, like Mother Nature, function according to natural cycles, body rhythms commonly called the internal body clock or the biological clock. Disruptions of the natural functions of our biological clock due to improper habits and incorrect sleeping patterns cause many different diseases. When our bodies are out of balance and not functioning in harmony with nature, nothing seems to feel right. This is because hormones, chemicals and neurotransmitters that determine our energy levels, vitality, and how we feel, sleep and eat are out of sync. In other words, we are imbalanced and out of tune with our biological clock and going against the natural harmony established by mother nature. Prior to the widespread use of electricity, as seen in Indian villages fifty years ago, people would go to bed shortly after sunset, as most animals do and which Nature intended for humans as well. The best hours of sleep for your body are the hours of 10 p. m. – 6 a. m.
These hours and what your body is naturally programmed to do during these hours (see chart below), are governed by the movements of the sun and the 24-hour natural rhythm cycle of your internal body clock – both of which are beyond your control. During these times (10 p. m. –6 a. m.), human body is designed to be at a state of rest, repair, detoxification (elimination of waste products and poisons) and rejuvenation. Our bodies are produced by Mother Nature. If we act foolishly and go against the natural order and design of our body, we will pay the price by getting various diseases and problems. For example, if your body is overtaxed digesting a heavy late meal or you are up late (after 10 p. m.) working, playing, watching TV or computer, your vital body energy is focused there and not available for rest and rejuvenation.
The biological clock and your internal organs The main internal organs of your body work according to a “Time Schedule”. Knowing how your body works can help you regulate your schedule in order to attain the optimum level of health and well-being.
9.00 p. m. – 11.00 p. m. : At this time, your body eliminates toxic chemicals from the immune system (lymph nodes).**It is best to be sound asleep by 9 p. m. or 10 p. m. for your body to properly execute this important function.
11.00 p. m. – 1.00 a. m. : This is the time your liver eliminates poisons and rejuvenates itself.**It is best to be sound asleep by 9 p. m. or 10 p. m. for your body to properly execute this important function. 12.00 midnight – 4.00 a. m. : this is the time your bone marrow produces blood.**
1.00 a. m. – 3.00 a. m. : This is the time your gall bladder eliminates toxins and rejuvenates itself.**
3.00 a. m. – 5.00 a. m. : This is the time your lungs eliminate toxins and rejuvenate themselves.**
5.00 a. m. – 7.00 a. m. : This is the time your colon eliminates poisons and rejuvenates itself. This is the proper time to empty your bowel.**
7.00 a. m. – 9.00 a. m. : This is the time that vitamins, minerals, proteins and nutrients are absorbed in your small intestines. You should definitely eat breakfast at this time.** Global scientists have concluded that everybody should go to bed early (falling asleep by 10 p. m.) to obtain Quality Sleep, which will ensure proper physical regeneration. When you co-operate with your internal biological clock and allow Nature to take her course, you will feel refreshed, joyful and energized when you wake up (by 4 a. m., of course!). Going to bed before 10 p. m. is essential to keep the human body in tune with Nature and to remain healthy, happy and holy. material scientists have concluded that the average human being needs 8 hours of sleep per day, which is best obtained by sleeping between 10 p. m. – 6 a. m. when you follow the spiritual path, however, by eating sattvik vegetarian Krsna prasada, your body becomes sanctified. And by chanting the Hare Krsna Mahamantra and engaging in Krsna’s devotion, your mind becomes purified, pacified and relaxed. Although, most people require 8 hours daily sleep, Krsna devotees usually only need
6 hours daily rest to maintain ideal health because their spiritual practices produce tremendous physical and mental peace, purity and internal harmony.
Besides, all sincere devotees want to follow the teachings of the scriptures and saints like his Divine grace Srila Prabhupada, who said, “In this Krsna conscious movement, we request everyone to rise early in the morning by Four A. M.” (NOI Pg. 34). Someone may think the Srila Prabhupada phrase, “Krsna conscious movement” refers only to ISKCON temples and the devotees living therein, and it does not apply to anyone living outside the temples in their own homes or apartments. This is incorrect! Actually, Srila Prabhupada is saying that “Everyone should rise by 4 a. m.”
In other words, if you are conscious, alive and serious about moving towards Krsna and attaining pure love of God then you are, regardless of where you live, in the Krsna conscious movement. Aspiring practitioners of Krsna consciousness and initiated devotees should remember that rising by 4 a. m. and chanting the Hare Krsna Mahamantra between 4 a. m. and 7 a. m. is an absolute requirement. Everyone must follow this golden rule to be mentally happy and progress nicely in spiritual life. It is a fact – early to bed, early to rise, makes one healthy, wealthy and wise. of course, to rise by 4 a. m or before, you must sleep early. Practice makes perfect.
You have to try sincerely to change your schedule and work towards this goal of taking rest at 10 p. m. and rising at 4 a. m. We hope this short essay will help the devotees understand the extreme importance of sleeping and rising early in order to realize the full potential of this rare and valuable form of human life. Our heartfelt desire is that each and everyone of you will live long healthy life full of Krsna conscious happiness, and attain the ultimate perfection of Radha Govinda’s eternal loving service in the groves of Vrndavana.
Scientific tips for good rest
1. Cave – Like darkness: The bedroom should be pitch-black, so you can’t even see your hand in front of your face, which means no bright lights, clock lights or any light coming in from the windows. why? When we sleep in total darkness, the human brain produces a hormone called melatonin. Melatonin is an important antioxidant which protects our DNA structure and prevents cancer. Tests prove that even a small amount of light hitting the skin almost immediately shuts off the production of melatonin. Therefore, scientists say, never turn on the light should you need to get up from sleep and go to the toilet. And as everyone knows, black (Syama) is beautiful!
2. Daily go outside and get natural sunlight: This helps regulate your biological clock and increases the production of melatonin, which promotes well-balanced sleeping patterns.
3. Daily exercise: At least thirty minutes a day will help improve the quality of your sleep.
4. Avoid bright lights: One should avoid keeping bright lights on inside the house before going to bed. At this time, bright light hitting the eye disrupts the bio-rhythm of the pineal gland and shuts off your melatonin production.
5. Hot shower before bed: This relaxes the body and helps you fall asleep quickly.
6. Sleep as early as possible: You should be in bed and asleep by 10 p. m.
7. Wear Socks to Bed.
8. the bedroom should be free from electromagnetic field: Do not keep a TV, computer or any other electronic item in your bedroom because they create strong electromagnetic field which disrupts the quality of your sleep.
9. Fresh Air: Open the window at least a crack to get fresh air to circulate while sleeping.
10. Avoid fluids: Do not drink any fluids two hours before sleep.
11. Sleep Regulation: Get up and go to sleep at the same time everyday. If you are up late one night, still rise at your usual time and nap later in the day.
12. Daytime Nap: If one needs to take a nap in the day, it should not be longer than one hour for optimal rejuvenation, rest and repair. If you nap longer, it will disrupt the night-time sleep quality.
13. Avoid Noise: Because it disrupts sleep.
14. Hot Water Bottle: To relieve tension and anxiety, place a hot water bottle between the navel and the bottom of your ribcage.
15. Head Massage: To relax before sleeping.
16. Foot Rub: Rub ghee or sesame oil on the bottom of your feet and promote restful sleep.
17. Read Sastras: Everyone knows that reading Srimad Bhagavatam or chanting Hare Krsna is a guaranteed method of instant sleep!!
Tuesday 8 April 2008
Always Remember Krishna
Don't forget Krishna by reading Philosophy
Remember Krishna always by chanting
Remember Krishna always by chanting
Sunday 6 April 2008
Succesful life -chanting holy names ...
I happend to listen to the story of Tukaram yesterday and it's so marvellous.
The life of Tukaram is amazing and inspiring interms of how to lead a family life.
I happend to listen to his boyhood deeds and they look so astonishing and wonderful.
One wonderful thing i heard is , Wherever Lord descends to this world to make life of his devotee more sweet and amazing those past times are still amazing.
I am referring to story of 'VITTAL' and Pundalika'.Oh My GOD, the story was as relevant to the present day times as it can be to those days.Only thing we have to replace is with our 'love' or 'likes' for so many things instead of his unique love for his beautinful wife.
May be if we have such love for one object so much and so intent , he will understand that we are most unfortunate and help us, but we are so mischevious, we don't like one thing for long..(????). We want to see and enjoy so many other (??) interms of movies ,political..etc that GOD knows that we are more mischevious than we think we are ..
Well, why to be unfortunate first, when so many devotees came and upheld the same principle that GOD's names are so potent and we are educated enough to understand that fact,let's be fortunate and chant the holy names ,make our life most succesful.
Otherwise, what is the use of our life?
It becomes another boring( or no page at all ) page in history of human race ..
Krishna's past times are so amazing and relishable and nectarian that this life is not sufficient to understand that completely and unfortunately we think we know everything about him and look somewhere else for enjoyment...
There is only one way of making life succesful,blissful and useful for this world , that is by serving supreme Lord with the love and devotion from the very moment we heard of him ( may be from age 5 ?).
All the time we spend not in his service is as useless as 'DEAD'( in contemporary terms ,may be like a waste paper we use for some purpose temporarily and throw it ), the only happy life we lead is when we are blissful to hear him and enjoying his presence and able to see everything as part and parcel of him.
I would like to quote one wonderful GarudaPuran Quote here ...
"The name of the Lord is easily pronounced, and the tongue is under control. Fie, fie upon the wretched men who nevertheless go to hell!"
fie means : DISGUSTING ...
Just see how unfortunate we are , we hesitate so much to chant the names of GOD..
The life of Tukaram is amazing and inspiring interms of how to lead a family life.
I happend to listen to his boyhood deeds and they look so astonishing and wonderful.
One wonderful thing i heard is , Wherever Lord descends to this world to make life of his devotee more sweet and amazing those past times are still amazing.
I am referring to story of 'VITTAL' and Pundalika'.Oh My GOD, the story was as relevant to the present day times as it can be to those days.Only thing we have to replace is with our 'love' or 'likes' for so many things instead of his unique love for his beautinful wife.
May be if we have such love for one object so much and so intent , he will understand that we are most unfortunate and help us, but we are so mischevious, we don't like one thing for long..(????). We want to see and enjoy so many other (??) interms of movies ,political..etc that GOD knows that we are more mischevious than we think we are ..
Well, why to be unfortunate first, when so many devotees came and upheld the same principle that GOD's names are so potent and we are educated enough to understand that fact,let's be fortunate and chant the holy names ,make our life most succesful.
Otherwise, what is the use of our life?
It becomes another boring( or no page at all ) page in history of human race ..
Krishna's past times are so amazing and relishable and nectarian that this life is not sufficient to understand that completely and unfortunately we think we know everything about him and look somewhere else for enjoyment...
There is only one way of making life succesful,blissful and useful for this world , that is by serving supreme Lord with the love and devotion from the very moment we heard of him ( may be from age 5 ?).
All the time we spend not in his service is as useless as 'DEAD'( in contemporary terms ,may be like a waste paper we use for some purpose temporarily and throw it ), the only happy life we lead is when we are blissful to hear him and enjoying his presence and able to see everything as part and parcel of him.
I would like to quote one wonderful GarudaPuran Quote here ...
"The name of the Lord is easily pronounced, and the tongue is under control. Fie, fie upon the wretched men who nevertheless go to hell!"
fie means : DISGUSTING ...
Just see how unfortunate we are , we hesitate so much to chant the names of GOD..
Friday 29 February 2008
Dare to Risk (Anonymous)
To laugh is to risk appearing a fool
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental
To reach for another is to risk involvement.
To expose your ideas, your dreams,
before a crowd is to risk their loss.
To love is to risk not being
loved in return.
To live is to risk dying.
To believe is to risk failure.
But risks must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.
People, who risk nothing, do nothing, have nothing, are nothing.
They may avoid suffering and sorrow, but they cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love, live.
Chained by their attitudes, they are slaves, they have forfeited their freedom.
Only a person who dares to risk is truly free.
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental
To reach for another is to risk involvement.
To expose your ideas, your dreams,
before a crowd is to risk their loss.
To love is to risk not being
loved in return.
To live is to risk dying.
To believe is to risk failure.
But risks must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.
People, who risk nothing, do nothing, have nothing, are nothing.
They may avoid suffering and sorrow, but they cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love, live.
Chained by their attitudes, they are slaves, they have forfeited their freedom.
Only a person who dares to risk is truly free.
Monday 25 February 2008
Supreme Lords Mercy
Supreme Lord Sri Krishna is so merciful,he comes all the way down to live with us in our heart as 'Paramtma'.
Is there any one in the world who can just stay with us all the time ,without any returns?
We unfortunately measure mercy of GOD only in certain terms( money, power,beauty etc) that we forgot his actual contribution.
He is always in heart just to guide us whenever we want him to help us...but how many times we take his help ...?
Ofcourse , there is another side of it , he is always watching what is going on in our mind , so we should be careful about our vicious plans ...otherwise......
Is there any one in the world who can just stay with us all the time ,without any returns?
We unfortunately measure mercy of GOD only in certain terms( money, power,beauty etc) that we forgot his actual contribution.
He is always in heart just to guide us whenever we want him to help us...but how many times we take his help ...?
Ofcourse , there is another side of it , he is always watching what is going on in our mind , so we should be careful about our vicious plans ...otherwise......
Sunday 17 February 2008
Mahabharat: A Myth or a Reality
By Prasad Gokhale
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It has been believed by some historians and laymen that Mahabharat is just a fictitious fable emerged from the fantastic brain of the Sage Ved Vyas. It has been contended that such a 'war' could not have occured owing to the detailed description of various facets of the 'epic'. However, tradition as well as many Bharatiya scholars have all along maintained that Mahabharat did actually occur and is a complete reality.
Mahabharat is not just a story, but the detailed account of a event occured in the past. The few points are noted below that indicate a few differences in what is 'reality' and 'myth'.
1. It has been written in the epic from time to time that Mahabharat is a "itihas" which exclusively means "thus occured". The words "Puraan" and "Itihas" were specifically coined by the Arya people to catagorize the "ancient" and "recent" events. Both the words denote history that has occured at different times.
2. It is mentioned in Aadiparva, Adhyaya 62 that the annals of the Bharat-Dynasty are recorded in the work.
3. It has been clearly stated in the Aadiparva, Bheeshmaparva etc. that this is "itihas". If the intentions of the writer were to write a poem or a work of fiction, he would have stated it to be a "mahakavya" or "katha".
4. It would to absurd to say that the Mahabharat is not a "itihas" due to its poetic nature. It was a custom in those days to write everything in poetic form.
5. Ved Vyas had decided to write down the "itihas" even before the initiation of the Mahabharat War. Therefore during the course of the War, Vyas meticulously noted down all the possible details. If it were a work of fiction, why would a person like Vyas want to fill his work with such minute and unnecessary details ?
6. A number of dynasties with their lond lineage of kings have been presented in the work. More than 50 kings from King Barhi to the Pandava King have been recorded. Additional information about the King, his wife, his scions, his relations, etc. have been accounted in great detail. If it were just fiction, only 4-5 kings would have sufficed to build the story on. Then why such mind-boggling details ?
7. The dynasties recorded in the Ramayan and the Mahabharat concur without a difference. Even the relations between different kings and their dynasties in both the great "epics" match with each other. If both were mere "epics" written by two entirely different at two different times, why would everything match even upto minor details ?
Mahabharat is of a later date than the Ramayan. Why would the author of the Mahabharat borrow the same ideas and characters as those of the author of Ramayan ?
8. Usually, the story of any "Maha-Kaavya" circulates about one or two main characters. If this were the case with Mahabharat, who would then be considered the "hero" of the drama ?
9. Many events mentioned in the Ramayan and Mahabharat are the same. Eg.: The mother of (latter) King Sagar was poisoned by his step-mother so that her child would be aborted. But the child was born nevertheless, who was therefore named Sagar.
10. The cities established by certain kings has been noted in detail.
11. All the characters in the "epic" are well-portrayed. Even single facet of their character and important events in their life have been recorded. Are such detailed accounts important in a "Maha-kavya"?
12. The weapons mentioned in the Ramayan and the Mahabharat are somewhat same. Infact, some weapons in the Ramayan are not mentioned in the latter "epic". (eg. Soorya'stra, Yamya'stra, Shoolva'stra..etc.) [ Considering the true occurance of the two great events, the above mentioned weapons might have disappreared in the era in-between the two events took place].
13. If it were a poetic fiction, such comprehensive account of the events on the battle-field would'nt have been given. For a poem, it is far-fetched. It will only serve the purpose of boring the reader to death!
14. The description of such myriad of characters is astonishing. It is impossible for one single-mind to be the genesis of that number of personality-types. It could only be true if the Mahabharat is the recording of a real-life drama.
15. The time and place of events have been accurately recorded. All such recordings are redudant for a "Maha-kavya".
16. Not much poetic description of the flora-and-fauna is given. Such description in ornate language is only used in fictional works and not while recording history.
17. Vyas mentions to have written this "itihas" after the death of King Dhrutarashtra. Why would he write so ? Did Shakespeare say that he wrote "Hamlet" after the death of Hamlet himself ?
18. The Greek historian Megasthenes has stated that Chandragupta Maurya was the 138 King in the lineage of Shri Krishna. This means that Shri Krishna did exist in the bygone era and that Mahabharat did really occur.
19. It was a custom to keep a track of the Kings lineage. The Chinese traveller confirms the above. Manahbharat being a true account of a occured War, such lineages are seen to be recorded.
20. Archaeological excations has discovered the submerged city of Dwaraka. This is the same Dwaraka as mentioned in the Mahabharat. [ The city of Dwaraka has been reckoned to have drowned in between 2000-3000 B.C.]
21. The astronomical recordings in the Mahabharat "epic" and other scriptures (Bhagwat), given the correct positions of the planets and stars during that time. How could a work of fiction be proved using mathematical tools ?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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It has been believed by some historians and laymen that Mahabharat is just a fictitious fable emerged from the fantastic brain of the Sage Ved Vyas. It has been contended that such a 'war' could not have occured owing to the detailed description of various facets of the 'epic'. However, tradition as well as many Bharatiya scholars have all along maintained that Mahabharat did actually occur and is a complete reality.
Mahabharat is not just a story, but the detailed account of a event occured in the past. The few points are noted below that indicate a few differences in what is 'reality' and 'myth'.
1. It has been written in the epic from time to time that Mahabharat is a "itihas" which exclusively means "thus occured". The words "Puraan" and "Itihas" were specifically coined by the Arya people to catagorize the "ancient" and "recent" events. Both the words denote history that has occured at different times.
2. It is mentioned in Aadiparva, Adhyaya 62 that the annals of the Bharat-Dynasty are recorded in the work.
3. It has been clearly stated in the Aadiparva, Bheeshmaparva etc. that this is "itihas". If the intentions of the writer were to write a poem or a work of fiction, he would have stated it to be a "mahakavya" or "katha".
4. It would to absurd to say that the Mahabharat is not a "itihas" due to its poetic nature. It was a custom in those days to write everything in poetic form.
5. Ved Vyas had decided to write down the "itihas" even before the initiation of the Mahabharat War. Therefore during the course of the War, Vyas meticulously noted down all the possible details. If it were a work of fiction, why would a person like Vyas want to fill his work with such minute and unnecessary details ?
6. A number of dynasties with their lond lineage of kings have been presented in the work. More than 50 kings from King Barhi to the Pandava King have been recorded. Additional information about the King, his wife, his scions, his relations, etc. have been accounted in great detail. If it were just fiction, only 4-5 kings would have sufficed to build the story on. Then why such mind-boggling details ?
7. The dynasties recorded in the Ramayan and the Mahabharat concur without a difference. Even the relations between different kings and their dynasties in both the great "epics" match with each other. If both were mere "epics" written by two entirely different at two different times, why would everything match even upto minor details ?
Mahabharat is of a later date than the Ramayan. Why would the author of the Mahabharat borrow the same ideas and characters as those of the author of Ramayan ?
8. Usually, the story of any "Maha-Kaavya" circulates about one or two main characters. If this were the case with Mahabharat, who would then be considered the "hero" of the drama ?
9. Many events mentioned in the Ramayan and Mahabharat are the same. Eg.: The mother of (latter) King Sagar was poisoned by his step-mother so that her child would be aborted. But the child was born nevertheless, who was therefore named Sagar.
10. The cities established by certain kings has been noted in detail.
11. All the characters in the "epic" are well-portrayed. Even single facet of their character and important events in their life have been recorded. Are such detailed accounts important in a "Maha-kavya"?
12. The weapons mentioned in the Ramayan and the Mahabharat are somewhat same. Infact, some weapons in the Ramayan are not mentioned in the latter "epic". (eg. Soorya'stra, Yamya'stra, Shoolva'stra..etc.) [ Considering the true occurance of the two great events, the above mentioned weapons might have disappreared in the era in-between the two events took place].
13. If it were a poetic fiction, such comprehensive account of the events on the battle-field would'nt have been given. For a poem, it is far-fetched. It will only serve the purpose of boring the reader to death!
14. The description of such myriad of characters is astonishing. It is impossible for one single-mind to be the genesis of that number of personality-types. It could only be true if the Mahabharat is the recording of a real-life drama.
15. The time and place of events have been accurately recorded. All such recordings are redudant for a "Maha-kavya".
16. Not much poetic description of the flora-and-fauna is given. Such description in ornate language is only used in fictional works and not while recording history.
17. Vyas mentions to have written this "itihas" after the death of King Dhrutarashtra. Why would he write so ? Did Shakespeare say that he wrote "Hamlet" after the death of Hamlet himself ?
18. The Greek historian Megasthenes has stated that Chandragupta Maurya was the 138 King in the lineage of Shri Krishna. This means that Shri Krishna did exist in the bygone era and that Mahabharat did really occur.
19. It was a custom to keep a track of the Kings lineage. The Chinese traveller confirms the above. Manahbharat being a true account of a occured War, such lineages are seen to be recorded.
20. Archaeological excations has discovered the submerged city of Dwaraka. This is the same Dwaraka as mentioned in the Mahabharat. [ The city of Dwaraka has been reckoned to have drowned in between 2000-3000 B.C.]
21. The astronomical recordings in the Mahabharat "epic" and other scriptures (Bhagwat), given the correct positions of the planets and stars during that time. How could a work of fiction be proved using mathematical tools ?
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Monday 11 February 2008
Ethics & Devotion Part 3
Devotees
The Devotees who are situated on the platform of pure love of God see their beloved Lord everywhere and see everything, moving and non-moving, in connection with God. From such a platform, to offer respect to all living entities regardless of material bodily designations is quite natural and genuine, and thus on this platform alone can one be free from the propensity to exploit others.The Bhagavata Purana explains that even though one may follow religious ethics for some time, without genuine devotion to the Lord the subtle desires in the heart, which are the roots of immoral tendencies, are not destroyed and will rise again. Only pure devotion can remove all immoral tendencies. This is described in the Bhagavata:
kecit kevalaya bhaktyavasudeva-parayanahagham dhunvanti kartsnyenaniharam iva bhaskarah
“Only a rare person who has adopted complete, unalloyed devotional service to the Supreme Lord Vasudeva, Krsna, can uproot the weeds of sinful actions with no possibility that they will revive. He can do this simply by discharging devotional service, just as the sun can immediately dissipate fog by its rays.”
**Moral Behavior?One problem arises in our discussion of morality. Sometimes, understanding the moral behavior of devo-tees is difficult. A good example is the activities of Krsna’s most exalted devotees, the gopis of Vrndavana, who would leave their homes and husbands in the middle of the night to meet with Krsna. To accept such behavior as saintly is difficult for many persons. On several occasions Srila Prabhupada described the apparent contradiction between morality and the behavior of the gopis:Any activities that are spiritual are all-good, and any activities that are material are all-bad. This is the difference between spiritual and material. The so-called morality and goodness of the material world is bad, but in the spiritual world even so-called immorality is good. This we must understand. For example, to dance with the wives of others at the dead of night is immoral, at least according to the Vedic civilization. Even today in India, a young woman will never be allowed to go to a young man at the dead of night to dance with him. But we find in Srimad-Bhagavatam that as soon as the gopis, the young cowherd girls of Vrndavana, heard Krsna’s flute, they immediately came to dance with Him. Now according to material conceptions this is immoral, but from the spiritual point of view this is in accord with the greatest morality. Caitanya Mahaprabhu therefore said, ramya kacid upasana vraja-vadhu-vargena ya kal-pita: “There is no better mode of worship than that which was conceived by the vraja-vadhus, the damsels of Vrndavana.” **The gopis superficially seem to transgress the codes of mundane morali-ty. This perpetually puzzles mundane moralists. … The reason the Lord displays the rasa-lila is es-sentially to induce all the fallen souls to give up their diseased morality and religiosity, and to attract them to the kingdom of God to enjoy the reality. A person who actually understands what the rasa-lila is will certainly hate to indulge in mundane sex life. For the realized soul, hearing the Lord’s rasa-lila through the proper channel will result in complete abstinence from material sexual pleasure. **Our standard of morality and immorality is to see whether Krsna is satisfied. If Krsna is satisfied, then it is morality. If Krsna is dissatisfied, then it is immoral. **ConclusionAccording to Bhaktivinoda, the best ethical system is that which is based on the awareness that all others are part of the Supreme Lord and meant to give pleasure to Him alone. Any system that gives prominence to the fulfillment of one’s own selfish desires will ultimately be exploitative and thus harmful to the progress of society.These are some of the practical teachings of Bhaktivinoda Thakura on the topic of ethics. I hope that the respected and learned persons of this assembly will consider them deeply. Madhavananda Dasa is the editor of Sri Krsna-kathamrta magazine and lives in Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India. He can be reached at madhavananda.ggs@ pamho.net.
The Devotees who are situated on the platform of pure love of God see their beloved Lord everywhere and see everything, moving and non-moving, in connection with God. From such a platform, to offer respect to all living entities regardless of material bodily designations is quite natural and genuine, and thus on this platform alone can one be free from the propensity to exploit others.The Bhagavata Purana explains that even though one may follow religious ethics for some time, without genuine devotion to the Lord the subtle desires in the heart, which are the roots of immoral tendencies, are not destroyed and will rise again. Only pure devotion can remove all immoral tendencies. This is described in the Bhagavata:
kecit kevalaya bhaktyavasudeva-parayanahagham dhunvanti kartsnyenaniharam iva bhaskarah
“Only a rare person who has adopted complete, unalloyed devotional service to the Supreme Lord Vasudeva, Krsna, can uproot the weeds of sinful actions with no possibility that they will revive. He can do this simply by discharging devotional service, just as the sun can immediately dissipate fog by its rays.”
**Moral Behavior?One problem arises in our discussion of morality. Sometimes, understanding the moral behavior of devo-tees is difficult. A good example is the activities of Krsna’s most exalted devotees, the gopis of Vrndavana, who would leave their homes and husbands in the middle of the night to meet with Krsna. To accept such behavior as saintly is difficult for many persons. On several occasions Srila Prabhupada described the apparent contradiction between morality and the behavior of the gopis:Any activities that are spiritual are all-good, and any activities that are material are all-bad. This is the difference between spiritual and material. The so-called morality and goodness of the material world is bad, but in the spiritual world even so-called immorality is good. This we must understand. For example, to dance with the wives of others at the dead of night is immoral, at least according to the Vedic civilization. Even today in India, a young woman will never be allowed to go to a young man at the dead of night to dance with him. But we find in Srimad-Bhagavatam that as soon as the gopis, the young cowherd girls of Vrndavana, heard Krsna’s flute, they immediately came to dance with Him. Now according to material conceptions this is immoral, but from the spiritual point of view this is in accord with the greatest morality. Caitanya Mahaprabhu therefore said, ramya kacid upasana vraja-vadhu-vargena ya kal-pita: “There is no better mode of worship than that which was conceived by the vraja-vadhus, the damsels of Vrndavana.” **The gopis superficially seem to transgress the codes of mundane morali-ty. This perpetually puzzles mundane moralists. … The reason the Lord displays the rasa-lila is es-sentially to induce all the fallen souls to give up their diseased morality and religiosity, and to attract them to the kingdom of God to enjoy the reality. A person who actually understands what the rasa-lila is will certainly hate to indulge in mundane sex life. For the realized soul, hearing the Lord’s rasa-lila through the proper channel will result in complete abstinence from material sexual pleasure. **Our standard of morality and immorality is to see whether Krsna is satisfied. If Krsna is satisfied, then it is morality. If Krsna is dissatisfied, then it is immoral. **ConclusionAccording to Bhaktivinoda, the best ethical system is that which is based on the awareness that all others are part of the Supreme Lord and meant to give pleasure to Him alone. Any system that gives prominence to the fulfillment of one’s own selfish desires will ultimately be exploitative and thus harmful to the progress of society.These are some of the practical teachings of Bhaktivinoda Thakura on the topic of ethics. I hope that the respected and learned persons of this assembly will consider them deeply. Madhavananda Dasa is the editor of Sri Krsna-kathamrta magazine and lives in Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India. He can be reached at madhavananda.ggs@ pamho.net.
Ethics & Devotion Part 2
Theistic moralists
TheismMore fixed in ethical conduct and hence superior to the non-theistic moralist is the theist. The theist is dissatisfied with the mechanistic concept of life offered by the non-theist. Bhaktivinoda describes the thinking of the theist as follows:If consciousness arises by some special process through combination of atoms, there should be some evidence of this somewhere in the universe. There should be some example of this in human history. Man is produced from the womb of a mother. Nowhere is any other process observed. In spite of the growth of material science, nothing otherwise has yet been observed. Someone may argue that man has arisen by a chance combination of matter, and later man has adopted this particular process of birth from the womb. However, the succeeding events should be similar to the first event. Even now we should observe at least a few conscious entities arising by chance combination of matter. Therefore it can only be logically concluded that the first mother and father must have arisen from the supreme consciousness. **When the materialist becomes dissatisfied with the mechanistic idea that consciousness is simply a chance combination of chemicals, and thereby concludes that life must be something anti-material or spiritual, he comes to the platform of theism.Bhaktivinoda points out many ways in which belief in God contributes to moral conduct:(1) Even is someone has a strong sense of moral values, still the senses are often so strong that even great moralists are defeated. If the opportunity arises to enjoy immorally in secret, belief in God will act as a preventative measure. God can see what man cannot. One who thinks like that will be unable to secretly perform acts contrary to morality.
(2) Everyone will accept that faith in God produces a greater tendency to perform pious acts than morality alone.
(3) If God exists, then by faith in Him so much is gained. If He does not exist, believing in Him is harmless. On the other hand, if God does exist, to not have faith in Him is harmful.
(4) By belief in God, the tendency toward righteousness grows quickly in the mind.
(5) By faith in God, compassion and tolerance become stronger.
(6) By belief in God, one is more eager to perform selfless action.
(7) By belief in God, acceptance of afterlife arises, and man cannot be disappointed by any event in life.
**Morality More ImportantBhaktivinoda states that among the theists, most are materialistic. He describes a group called the theistic moralists who worship God with some degree of faith, but who give more importance to their conception of morality than they do to God. Some of them believe there is no harm in imagining a God, worshiping him with faith, and then abandoning that worship when good conduct is achieved. Others believe that by performing worship of the Lord and acting ethically, the Lord will be pleased and will grant one’s material desires.Either subtly or grossly, the worship of the theistic moralists is selfishly motivated. Although they consider themselves worshipers of God, they are not much interested in God’s form, personality, activities, or desires, but instead are interested only in what they can gain through worshiping Him.Bhaktivinoda compares the relationship between the theistic moralists and God to the temporary meeting of travelers at an inn. When morning comes and the travelers leave for their separate destinations, the relationship is forgotten. Theistic moralists worship the Lord not out of devotion but simply because they think it to be the proper thing to do, which will result in their happiness.Being motivated in this way, materialistic theistic moralists are still in the realm of selfishness. Although they conceive of their ethical behavior as being harmless to others, because they are not on the platform of spiritual vision they are unable to maintain impartial dealings and will inevitably fall prey to exploiting others.In describing different types of acti-vities aimed at human welfare, Bhaktivinoda has stated in his Sajjana Toshani magazine: “Showing kindness to the soul is the best welfare work of all. By such kindness one attempts to save a person from all worldly sufferings by giving him devotion to Lord Krsna.”Because the theistic moralists are not functioning on the spiritual platform, their ethical systems will never be able to alleviate all the worldly sufferings of the living entities; hence they are unable to completely serve society. They will always fall prey to narrow biases based on bodily, social, or religious differences. In actuality, their relationship with others is much like their relationship with God: as superficial as travelers meeting at an inn.Although there is some partial social benefit from the ethics of the theistic moralists, because there is no spiritual bliss in the mechanical worship they perform there is every chance that they will either give up their theism or else adopt the ways of the cheating pretender.
Pretenders.
PretendersThe next class are those who engage in immoral behavior while posing as theists. Bhaktivinoda has described them as pretenders. He says:Although the pretenders do not accept the eternal nature of devotion, they wear the dress and markings of a believer. They have their own motives, which any honest person would decry. Cheating everyone, they pave the way for a world of sin. Undiscerning people, allured by their external appearance, take up the same path and end up rejecting God. They may have beautiful tilaka, devotional dress, chant the name of Krsna, appear detached from the world, and give attractive speeches, but secretly they harbor desire for wealth and women. Many such persons exist.**Bhaktivinoda has compared such pretenders to the cat and the crane. Once some mice came and said, “Have you heard the news? The cat has become a saint. He is now wearing tilaka and neck beads. He is chanting and has become a vegetarian.” Thinking in this way, the mice gave up their fear of the cat. But when the mice started to come nearby, the cat gave up his pretense and pounced on them.Similarly, the crane stands motionless on one foot for hours at a time, and thus looks like a great yogi. His real motivation, though, is to catch fish. As soon as a fish comes near, he abandons his saintly demeanor and gobbles it up.Bhaktivinoda has said, “There is no worse association in the world than such pretenders. It is better to associate with immoral atheists than to associate with them. … Only if one gives up the association of crooked hypocrites can he honestly engage in devotional service. Honest worship is the only way to attain Krsna’s mercy.” **By presenting themselves as saintly and concerned for others, the pretenders sometimes gain positions of trust and responsibility in even spiritually-minded societies. But because their real motivation is to exploit others to satisfy their own subtle or gross pleasures, they are the worst enemies of society.
TheismMore fixed in ethical conduct and hence superior to the non-theistic moralist is the theist. The theist is dissatisfied with the mechanistic concept of life offered by the non-theist. Bhaktivinoda describes the thinking of the theist as follows:If consciousness arises by some special process through combination of atoms, there should be some evidence of this somewhere in the universe. There should be some example of this in human history. Man is produced from the womb of a mother. Nowhere is any other process observed. In spite of the growth of material science, nothing otherwise has yet been observed. Someone may argue that man has arisen by a chance combination of matter, and later man has adopted this particular process of birth from the womb. However, the succeeding events should be similar to the first event. Even now we should observe at least a few conscious entities arising by chance combination of matter. Therefore it can only be logically concluded that the first mother and father must have arisen from the supreme consciousness. **When the materialist becomes dissatisfied with the mechanistic idea that consciousness is simply a chance combination of chemicals, and thereby concludes that life must be something anti-material or spiritual, he comes to the platform of theism.Bhaktivinoda points out many ways in which belief in God contributes to moral conduct:(1) Even is someone has a strong sense of moral values, still the senses are often so strong that even great moralists are defeated. If the opportunity arises to enjoy immorally in secret, belief in God will act as a preventative measure. God can see what man cannot. One who thinks like that will be unable to secretly perform acts contrary to morality.
(2) Everyone will accept that faith in God produces a greater tendency to perform pious acts than morality alone.
(3) If God exists, then by faith in Him so much is gained. If He does not exist, believing in Him is harmless. On the other hand, if God does exist, to not have faith in Him is harmful.
(4) By belief in God, the tendency toward righteousness grows quickly in the mind.
(5) By faith in God, compassion and tolerance become stronger.
(6) By belief in God, one is more eager to perform selfless action.
(7) By belief in God, acceptance of afterlife arises, and man cannot be disappointed by any event in life.
**Morality More ImportantBhaktivinoda states that among the theists, most are materialistic. He describes a group called the theistic moralists who worship God with some degree of faith, but who give more importance to their conception of morality than they do to God. Some of them believe there is no harm in imagining a God, worshiping him with faith, and then abandoning that worship when good conduct is achieved. Others believe that by performing worship of the Lord and acting ethically, the Lord will be pleased and will grant one’s material desires.Either subtly or grossly, the worship of the theistic moralists is selfishly motivated. Although they consider themselves worshipers of God, they are not much interested in God’s form, personality, activities, or desires, but instead are interested only in what they can gain through worshiping Him.Bhaktivinoda compares the relationship between the theistic moralists and God to the temporary meeting of travelers at an inn. When morning comes and the travelers leave for their separate destinations, the relationship is forgotten. Theistic moralists worship the Lord not out of devotion but simply because they think it to be the proper thing to do, which will result in their happiness.Being motivated in this way, materialistic theistic moralists are still in the realm of selfishness. Although they conceive of their ethical behavior as being harmless to others, because they are not on the platform of spiritual vision they are unable to maintain impartial dealings and will inevitably fall prey to exploiting others.In describing different types of acti-vities aimed at human welfare, Bhaktivinoda has stated in his Sajjana Toshani magazine: “Showing kindness to the soul is the best welfare work of all. By such kindness one attempts to save a person from all worldly sufferings by giving him devotion to Lord Krsna.”Because the theistic moralists are not functioning on the spiritual platform, their ethical systems will never be able to alleviate all the worldly sufferings of the living entities; hence they are unable to completely serve society. They will always fall prey to narrow biases based on bodily, social, or religious differences. In actuality, their relationship with others is much like their relationship with God: as superficial as travelers meeting at an inn.Although there is some partial social benefit from the ethics of the theistic moralists, because there is no spiritual bliss in the mechanical worship they perform there is every chance that they will either give up their theism or else adopt the ways of the cheating pretender.
Pretenders.
PretendersThe next class are those who engage in immoral behavior while posing as theists. Bhaktivinoda has described them as pretenders. He says:Although the pretenders do not accept the eternal nature of devotion, they wear the dress and markings of a believer. They have their own motives, which any honest person would decry. Cheating everyone, they pave the way for a world of sin. Undiscerning people, allured by their external appearance, take up the same path and end up rejecting God. They may have beautiful tilaka, devotional dress, chant the name of Krsna, appear detached from the world, and give attractive speeches, but secretly they harbor desire for wealth and women. Many such persons exist.**Bhaktivinoda has compared such pretenders to the cat and the crane. Once some mice came and said, “Have you heard the news? The cat has become a saint. He is now wearing tilaka and neck beads. He is chanting and has become a vegetarian.” Thinking in this way, the mice gave up their fear of the cat. But when the mice started to come nearby, the cat gave up his pretense and pounced on them.Similarly, the crane stands motionless on one foot for hours at a time, and thus looks like a great yogi. His real motivation, though, is to catch fish. As soon as a fish comes near, he abandons his saintly demeanor and gobbles it up.Bhaktivinoda has said, “There is no worse association in the world than such pretenders. It is better to associate with immoral atheists than to associate with them. … Only if one gives up the association of crooked hypocrites can he honestly engage in devotional service. Honest worship is the only way to attain Krsna’s mercy.” **By presenting themselves as saintly and concerned for others, the pretenders sometimes gain positions of trust and responsibility in even spiritually-minded societies. But because their real motivation is to exploit others to satisfy their own subtle or gross pleasures, they are the worst enemies of society.
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