Philosophy And Religion Combined

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68/12/20 Los Angeles , Bhagavad-gita 3.1-5

 

 

 

(kirtana, followed by prema-dhvani prayers)

Prabhupada: That door is open? People will see. The door is... Read.

Tamala Krsna: Chapter Three: Karma-yoga. One: "Arjuna said: ‘O Janardana, O Kesava, why do You urge me to engage in this ghastly warfare if You think that intelligence is better than fruitive work [bg. 3.1]?' "

Purport: "The Supreme Personality of Godhead Sri Krsna has very elaborately described the constitution of the soul in the previous chapter with a view to delivering His intimate friend Arjuna from the ocean of material grief. And the path of realization has been recommended: buddhi-yoga, or Krsna consciousness. Sometimes this Krsna consciousness is misunderstood to be inertia, and one with such a misunderstanding often withdraws to a secluded place to become fully Krsna conscious..."

Prabhupada: Yes. This is very important point. Sometimes it is thought that spiritual life means to retire from active life. That is general impression. People think that for cultivation of spiritual knowledge or self-realization they should go to some Himalayan caves or some secluded place. That is also recommended. But that sort of recommendation is meant for persons who are unable to engage themselves in activities of Krsna consciousness. Lord Krsna is teaching Arjuna how one can remain in his position. Never mind whatever he is, still he can become perfectly in Krsna consciousness. That is the whole substance of the teachings of Lord Krsna.

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu also. He never asked anybody to change his position. He simply recommended that you associate with pure devotees and hear from him. That's all. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu never asked anybody that "You first of all..."

Just like Sankaracarya. Sankaracarya's theory is that you first of all become a sannyasa, in renounced order of life; then you try to understand what you are, sankhya philosophy. Therefore, according to their system, anyone who takes sannyasa, he's supposed to be immediately merged into the existence of God. Therefore they address, "Narayana.." In Sankara sampradaya, one sannyasi addresses another sannyasi as "Narayana." But here, in Krsna consciousness movement, there is no condition. The only condition is... That is not condition; that is recreation.

Just like we have got this nice place. We invite people, "Please come and join with us." Not necessarily that one has to come and dance with us or sing with us. Simply if he comes and sees our activities, that is also a great benefit. Simply if somebody appreciates, "Oh, these boys and girls, they are doing nice," that will be also beneficial for him. Then gradually, he will grasp. But people are so obstinate that in spite of our repeated requests that "Please come and join with us," they have no time. Go on. Yes. "Sometimes..."

Tamala Krsna: "Sometimes this Krsna consciousness is misunderstood to be inertia, and one with such a misunderstanding often withdraws to a secluded place to become fully Krsna conscious by chanting the holy name of Lord Krsna."

Prabhupada: Sometimes the so-called devotees of Krsna... In Vrndavana you'll find that they are keeping themself in a secluded place and supposed to be chanting Hare Krsna. But practically it has been seen that by such artificial way of becoming Krsna consciousness, it does not make anyone advanced. I have seen practically. They are living in a secluded place, chanting Hare Krsna, but practically, when he comes out, he's smoking. You see. He cannot give up even smoking, and what to speak of this material world? You see? That is artificial. This is not recommended. First of all you become mature. Then secluded place.

Otherwise there is no secluded place. Maya is everywhere. Maya will dictate, "Oh, you are so tired. Why don't you come out and smoke a cigarette?" Yes. And he thinks he's advancing, the nonsense is advancing. No. Phalena pariciyate. By the result one has to be judged how far he has advanced. Similarly, there are so many persons, they are meditating. What meditating, nonsense? What is their character? If you challenge their character, nonsense. So these sort of things will not help. Come practically forward