Summary: Within the writings of Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur, we find a very suitable style which he used to address the audience of his times, one that is quite effective for that of our times, as well: humble persuasion, invoking a most reasonable presentation of the science of how to live one's life spiritually. While Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur presents scriptural support for each of the declarations he makes, his preaching style mainly rests upon convincing his reader of his conclusions by the sharp logic and reasonable statements that he makes. Reason, not dogma, prevails. This week's reading assignment exhibits this particular style of Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur, while addressing the topic of niyamas which correspond to different principles of spiritual elevation.

Summary: Last week we discussed the 1st Canto narration of Narada, particularly how he personally became transformed from worldly insignificance to a superlative exalted state of spiritual perfection. In Canto 6, a similar narration is found re. Maharaja Citraketu. King Citraketu is described by Sukadeva Goswami as being an extremely pious and wonderful king; the one flaw in his character was his unwillingness to accept the plan of the Lord for him to not have a son. After learning the lesson of material attachment the hard way, King Citraketu became perfect by dint of the mercy he received from both Angira Muni and Narada Muni. Angira imparted transendental knowledge of the soul unto Citraketu, after which Narada imparted the seed of pure bhakti.

Summary: Begining today, in Udupi, there will be a yatra in which 250 devotees will be taking part. The theme is the "cultivating a simple and grateful heart". The theme is based upon the quote found in Srimad Bhagavatam 3.19.36 below. Externally, bhakti is practical activity designed to please Krishna, performed by our senses, in contact with this material world, which is but a wide variety of sense objects. Internally bhakti is an expression of, or is resting upon, our feelings of love and gratitude to Krishna for His love for us, which He is manifests in so many ways, on all levels of our material and spiritual existence. In BHAGAVAD-GITA 10.10, Krishna explains that one who knows Him as the source of all things, material and spiritual, will serve Him.

Summary: The First Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam corresponds to the lotus feet of the sound representation form of Krishna. At the lotus feet of the Lord we will find all of the Lord's devotees. We will also find complete instructions as to how to best approach these lotus feet in pure consciousness. By incorporating these instructions within our lives, we will attain the Lord's shelter, His eternal service, and His eternal abode. Early on in the 1st Canto Narada narrates his own story, how he personally became transformed from 'rags to riches', or from worldly insignificance to a superlative exalted state of spiritual perfection. The details of his transformation are of great pertinence to our own efforts on the bhakti path.

Summary: Following last week's reading assignment, I have again selected quotes from a book put together and published under the direction of Bhakti-siddhanta Saraswati Thakur, which were gleaned from the vast writings of his divine father Srila Saccidananda Bhaktivinoda Thakura. These quotes display the great calmness and patience of BVT as he weaves his way through the bias of rationalists and sectarian Christian thought. Bear in mind that his audience is a hostile group of argumentative intellectuals. His line of reasoning is still quite relevant today, especially for our preachers who face persons who will yield to well thought out and persuasive arguments presented in a reasonable tone and in a gentlemanly manner.

Summary: Kindly enjoy the divine association of Srila Saccidananda Bhaktivinoda Thakura, by reading from a compilation of his various writings, put together and published under the direction of his divine son, Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur, which were gleaned from the vast writings of his divine father. There are two categories of topics that have been selected for this week's readings, both of which should be quite relevant to all of you, namely instructions for householders and instructions re. Vaishnavas.

Questions:

Summary: As class begins, Srila Prabhupada is commenting on the desired efficacy of electronic equipment to achieve a big task, yet so often it doesn't work. "Arambha, beginning is very gorgeous. But end is nothing." In the lecture itself, Srila Prabhupada is pointing out the fact that principle of stealing is stealing, whether the object of theft is a peach or a diamond. Both are punishable.

Summary: Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura (SBSST) is providing instructions for his followers, namely the members of the Gaudiya Math, how to move forward the mission of *being* representative of Lord Caitanya's and Rupa Goswami's teachings, and *spreading* the message of KC'ness to others. Note carefully that many of these instructions are aimed at internal cultivation, or establishing principles to live by and qualities to cultivate, as opposed to simply routinely perfoming x, y and z tasks.

Questions:

1) Select one of these quotes and identify how it speaks a particularly strong message to you that can help you improve your devotional service. Indicate how you would like to practically apply this instruction in your life.

Summary: This weeks reading assignment is from the introductory section of Sri Caitanya Caritamrta, in which Krishna das Kaviraj Goswami is outlining the mystery of the Pancatattva: how the Supreme Lord is simultaneously manifested in multiple personified features of the Supreme, who all engage in passtimes together in joyous love and devotion. While everything about the Absolute Truth is very deep and mysterious, the covered incarnation of the Lord as Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is absolutely and totally mysterious!

Summary: The main impetus for selecting this reading assignment is found in the purport of text 41, where Srila Prabhupada gives excellent instructions as to how to address ourselves to circumstances in which the purpose of Krishna is quite unclear. Mother Yasoda instructs us by her own personal example. Initially, after looking into Krishna's mouth, Yasoda critically analyzed what might have been possible causes for the vision she saw. By this Mother Yasoda demonstrated her strong intelligence.

Questions:

1) What should one do when Krishna's plan is not clear?