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Inquiries into the Absolute: Digest 30

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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.

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