Guest guest Posted April 4, 2002 Report Share Posted April 4, 2002 Digest 30, April 4, 2002 Answers by His Holiness Romapada Swami Maharaja **** Note: Devotees interested in participating in the Washgton DC Annual Cherry Blossom parade please see details at the end of this article. ***** Spiritual advancement ********************* Q.1) Could you please tell me how to express myself as part of Krishna and Rama? How to prepare myself so that the Lord accepts me? Answer: Srila Prabhupada often gave the example of a hand connected to the body or a part of a machine connected to the machine to illustrate the idea that we are parts and parcels of Krishna. The hand for instance does not act independently. The analogy is given that the parts of the body work to bring food to the stomach, and by feeding the stomach they automatically become fully satisfied and nourished. Similarly we have no existence independent of Krishna, and all of our endeavors should be not for personal gratification but for satisfying Krishna. Therefore, Krishna advises in Bhagavad-gita, "Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you give away, whatever austerities you perform, do it as an offering for Me." (Bg. 9.27) Thus, a devotee's words, deeds and mind are always completely engaged in serving, glorifying and satisfying Krishna. This is a simple principle, but it is difficult to apply in all facets of our life, and therefore takes the guidance of an expert teacher or spiritual master to come to that platform. Therefore, the best way you can prepare yourself is by seeking the association of sincere devotees of Lord Krishna, taking guidance from experienced devotees and eventually taking shelter and guidance of a bona fide spiritual master. Krishna's devotees are very dear to Him, and one who is accepted by His devotee is easily accepted by Krishna. Krishna is very difficult to approach, but by the mercy of His devotee one can very quickly approach Him. Another very effective way of re-connecting ourselves with the Lord is by calling upon His Holy Names, such as chanting the mahamantra: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare / Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare Vaishnava Qualities ******************* Q.2) What is the definition of a Vaishnava? Can Hare Krishna devotees be classified under Vaishnavas? Answer: One who is devoted to Lord Vishnu is called a Vaishnava. In the most broad and liberal definitions of a vaisnava, Lord Caitanya once described that one who even once chants the holy names of Krishna (or Vishnu) is to be considered a Vaishnava, and is worthy of all respect. Of course, there are further more elevated gradations amongst vaishnavas depending on the growing degree of faith in Krishna, His holy names and devotional service. But anyone who sincerely chants Hare Krishna is to be considered a Vaishnava. Q.3) What is the difference between a Brahmana and a Vaishnava? Answer: A brahmana is one who is firmly situated in the mode of goodness, above the influence of the modes of passion and ignorance. The character traits of a brahmana are described in the Bhagavad-Gita (18.42): peacefulness, austerity, simplicity, sense control, cleanliness, honesty, religiousness - these are the qualities of a brahmana. Literally, brahmana means one who knows or has realized Brahman. Among the four social orders, the brahmana is considered to be the topmost, just as among the three material modes, goodness is the best. Nevertheless, a brahmana is also under the influence of modes of nature, since goodness is also one of the material modes. A Vaishnava on the other hand, is imbued with devotion to the Supreme Lord, which is situated beyond the dutiful platform of religiousness. And by virtue of his devotion to the Personality of Godhead, a pure vaishnava actually transcends the modes of material nature; by direct service to the Supreme Lord he is situated beyond the four social orders. An unalloyed Vaishnava has all the qualifications of a brahmana (i.e. he is not influenced by ignorance and passion, which is a necessary qualification to approach and serve the Supreme Personality of Godhead), yet such a Vaishnava is more than a brahmana. Anyone who takes full shelter of the lotus feet of Krishna, whatever condition they may come from, is quickly promoted to the status of a brahmana and further becomes transcendentally situated. - - Annual cherry blossom parade: ***************************** The annual cherry blossom parade of Washington DC is a great time honored tradition, now in its 90th year. It represents friendship, gratitude and solidarity across borders of country, race and other material designations. The parade, which is as big as the 4th of July parade, attracts huge festive crowds and is a great opportunity for ISKCON to give the people a taste the nectar of Krishna consciousness. This year, for the first time, we will be participating in the parade and request all devotees to come and help us make this a grand success. Devotees who may find it difficult to participate in the parade, can still participate as enthusiastic spectators, cheering the ISKCON contigent. Following are the detials for participation: ******************************************** When: April 6th Saturday. Parade begins at 9:00 AM and ends at 11 AM. Where: Please assemble latest by 8 AM at the intersection of Jefferson and 7th NW near the Air and Space Musuem (Same place as for the Rathyatra). The organizers of the parade have confirmed that we need to be assembled latest by 8 AM. How: The best way to get there is by Metro. Closest is L'Enfant Plaza accessible by Blue/Yellow/Green/Orange lines. Alternatively reach the ISKCON Potomac temple by 7:15 AM latest. There will be vans leaving from the temple for the parade. Parking on this day is almost impossible to get, so if you plan to drive, try and carpool and come in early. Dress: Since we are representing ISKCON to the rest of the world, it is important that all participants are dressed neatly and uniformly. Men should be dressed in white kurtas, white dhotis, white socks and if possible white sneakers. Women should be dressed in plain saris (red with white border or white with red border) and if possible red or white sandals. ------- x ------------- x ---------- x ----------- x ---------- x ---------- x ---------- x ----------- ----- Festivals over the next week ------ Apr 04 2002, Thursday Appearance Sri Srivasa Pandita Apr 08 2002, Monday Disappearance Sri Govinda Ghosh (Fast) Ekadasi Papamocani (Break fast 05:41-07:18) *** NOTE: All times are for Washington D.C, USA, EST *** For festival information for your city please go to http://www.iskcondc.org and click on 'Calendar' - --------------------- ** A brief biography of His Holiness Romapada Swami available at :http://www.prastha.com/cgi-bin/uncgi/renderphilo.pl?ndx=2 ** This and all previous digests are available on the internet, sorted by topics and date. ** They can be accessed at: http://www.iskcondc.org -> Philosophy -> Inquiries into the Absolute You can also directly link to our Philosophy website by add the following URL to you website: http://www.prastha.com/cgi-bin/uncgi/renderphilo.pl - ---------------------------- This Email has been sent to you by the ISKCON temple of Washington D.C. Our contacts are: Email : iskcondc (AT) prastha (DOT) com Web Address : http://www.iskcondc.org Postal: 10310 Oaklyn Drive, Potomac, MD 20854 In order to be removed from this mailing list please reply with the word REMOVE in the Subject. - ------------------------- Please note that under Bill 1618 TITLE III passed by the 105th U.S. Congress this letter cannot be considered "SPAM" as long as the posting includes: 1) Contact information 2) A "REMOVE" device. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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