Summary In last week's presentation on the 5 suggestions given by Ramananda Roy to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, in response to Mahaprabhu's question "What is the ultimate goal of life, and how to attain it?," the verse which Mahaprabhu honored as the answer He was willing to accept was Srimad Bhagavatam 10.14.3. This verse calls for an abandonment of mental speculation and its fruit. We find a tendency amongst those who are on the path of devotion to sometimes search for, or even grasp hold of, some hidden "secret solution" to our material entanglement problem and the consequent sufferings that arise due to material contact. In Srila Prabhupada's translation of Bhagavad Gita 6.22, he specifically addresses this tendancy.

Summary: This dialogue between Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu (SCM) and Ramananda Raya (RR) is one of the 5 main dialogues found in Caitanya Caritamrta (Cc); combinedly, these 5 discussions make the Teachings of Lord Caitanya. This dialogue begins with SCM asking RR to indentify the Goal of Life, as it is taught in the Vedas. RR offers 5 consecutive responses, citing principles of elevation or goals of life to strive for; each of the 5 goals he cites are supported by scriptural references.

Summary: In this section of Sri Bhakti Sandarbha, Jiva Goswami summarizes key passages in Srimad Bhagavatamwhich disclose that the essential duty of every living entity is to render loving devotional service to the SPG. All other duties which one may have in life bear spiritual fruits if one learns the art of dedicating them to ultimately fulfill this one duty. Because we will be observing the appearance day of Lord Nrsimhadev on 25-May, I thought that the following section of Sri Bhakti Sandarbha would be particularly a very nice meditation for everyone. The very teachings which Prahlad Maharaja offered to his classmates were the very irritation that irritated his demoniac father to the point of his attempting to destroy Prahlad.

Summary: Questions often arise in relation to the eternality of the guru and disciple relationship, and what are the threshold criteria necessary to go back to Godhead. Srila Prabhupada addresses these questions below. Please note how important it is that we internalize the conclusions of the scriptures as an integral part of how we lead our life, with great faith and conviction; it is not sufficient to intellectually accept them! To reach this stage requires tivrena-bhaktiyogena (see Srimad Bhagavatam 2.3.10; 3.2.4), sustained by very careful training. If we are practicing sincerely, then we can expect to progress towards this goal. This should be our firm faith, as well as our aspiration.

Summary: The dilemma of how an embodied soul is to overcome his material tendencies while living in an embodied material circumstance is a concern that must be addressed by all aspiring spiritualists. The key to solving that dilemma is disclosed herein. Priyavrata was situated on a platform far beyond any attraction to enjoy material life; this was his condition from childhood, and this condition was further deeply embedded in his consciousness through many years of uninterrupted austerities and devotional practices, performed in a serene secluded place. He was fixed, in other words, in desiring spiritual happiness only. Yet even he (what to speak of ourselves!!) was completely wary of becoming a householder, with worldly occupation, in contact with wealth, etc.

Summary: An age-old question that one hears from those who are seriously pursuing spirituality is the role material knowledge should pay in a life of devotion to Krishna. This question becomes increasingly raised in a society in which a family's income is dependent upon the academic credentials a prospective employee can produce in his resume. Is a formal (material) education an asset or a detriment in one's progress in spiritual life?

Summary: The text which you have received as an attached file is an English translation of a passage taken from a book written by Bhaktivinoda Thakura in Sanskrit entitled Tattva Sutra. The quoted passage from this book describes Bhaktivinoda Thakura's analysis of how bad habits are to be removed. Although Bhaktivinoda Thakura does not go into great detail about the method of retraction of bad habits, he certainly gives his reader the clear picture that retraction of bad habits is a MUST, that it takes great commitment sustained over time to accomplish the result, and that its successful accomplishment brings us closer to reaching our spiritual goal.

Summary: Last week our discussion topic was centered on the importance of bringing the mind to Krishna, as an essential co-function with restraint of the senses, in whatever austerities (tapasya) we may perform. This week I would like to extend this same discussion into the realm of consciousness. The purpose is to examine what is happening on a fundamental level, when both components of tapasya are properly performed. The basic idea is that the material elements (mind, senses, intelligence, contaminated consciousness) are all becoming purified when both parts of tapasya are performed, AND the soul itself will again come in contact with Krishna, the source of both. I will explain.

Summary: We normally hear of tapasya in terms of physical austerity, like fasting, enduring heat and cold, observing celibacy, or undergoing some extreme physical difficulty. A more complete picture of tapasya is the corollary feature of mental discipline that accompanies the sense control part of tapasya. Life itself is filled with austerities, and spiritual life is no exception. The difference between the two is that spiritual austerities elevate our consciousness and purify both mind and senses, whereas austerities in material life do not have this benefit at all. At best, they make one more determined and more inclined to the mode of goodness; at worst they increase pain, suffering, resentment, anger, etc.