Liberation: Love of God - The Ultimate Goal

Q. Some of the stories in the Bhagavatam are like Sci Fi or Fantasy novels. How do we know they were not just made up by man, legends based on good spiritual ideas to give us spiritual knowledge in a way the culture at the time could understand. I believe there is a God, I believe without doubt there is an after life and reincarnation to help us grow spiritually. I do not believe karma is a punishment or a reward but a way to grow spiritually. I do not believe in transmigration because what would be the point ...

Bhagavad-gita Chapter 12.8-12 offers us a sequence of elevation to perfection. The Yoga Ladder similarly offers us such a sequence.

Q. 1. How do these two descriptions compare?

Q. 2. It seems that there is a discrepancy between the two lists regarding where in sequence one places karma-yoga. Can you explain?

Different things, Krsna consciousness included, can be viewed from different angles. Depending on the angle of viewing something, descriptions may differ even of the same object.

Q. When do we know we have undergone a transformation in the path of Krishna Consciousness?

Srila Prabhupada writes in his purport to BG 9.2:

Q. 1. It is said that Krishna can award liberation, but He confers love of God only to those who are really sincere. What is the difference?

Q. Bhagavad Gita says that if a living entity does not know that Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, his life has no meaning. What I wish to know is what about persons who are from different religions like Muslims, Sikhs or Christians who do not know Krishna as the Supreme, though they are doing their duties faithfully. Are they differently treated by God? How can they attain the supreme planet of Lord Krishna?

Q. I am in love with a person who strictly follows the four regulative principles. However, unlike me, he is not a devotee of Krishna nor favorable towards ISKCON, and would like our children to exercise their choice. Please advise me how to handle this situation.