Q. In Bhagavad-gita (17.9) Krishna states that 'Foods that are too bitter, too sour, salty, hot, pungent, dry and burning are dear to those in the mode of passion. Such foods cause distress, misery and disease.'
* When I go to the Sunday Feast at the temple, sometimes the food is very hot. Should I quote this verse of the Gita to the cook? Or are hot spices, like chili, an exception?
Q. It is known that If one comes forward one step, Krishna comes forward ten steps. But in BG 4.11 Krishna says: "As all surrender unto Me, I reward them accordingly." How should we understand that contradiction?
Q. Can you please let me know the meaning of "Om Tat Sat?"
In BG 17.23 Krishna states that "From the beginning of creation, the three words om tat sat were used to indicate the Supreme Absolute Truth. These three symbolic representations were used by brahmans while chanting the hymns of the Vedas and during sacrifices for the satisfaction of the Supreme." For further explanation refer to the purport by Srila Prabhupada.
Q. Is Arjuna a jiva tattva or Vishnu tattva? In Bhagavad Gita he seems to be considered as a jiva tattva. In Krishna book, it is described that he is an expansion of Nara Narayana rishi.
In the Krishna book Srila Prabhupada mentions that Arjuna is considered to be an empowered (shakti-avesha) incarnation of Nara-Narayana; this means that Arjuna is a jiva who has been specially empowered by a one of the Lord's own potencies.
Q. This is a question on BG 2.45. Sri Krishna advises 'trai-gunya-visaya veda' by asking us to rise above the Vedas; and in some other chapter He says 'shrutis mrutir mamaivagya...', thereby asking us to study the Vedas. Could you please clarify.
In BG 2.45 Krishna is advising Arjuna to rase above the three modes as described in the Vedas, not above the Vedas. In the purport, Srila Prabhupada explains that Arjuna is being advised to raise himself to the transcendental position of the Vedanta philosophy.
Why do the concshells blown by Lord Krishna, Arjuna and others on the Kuruksetra field have names? What is the significance of those names?
At the time it was common practice for the important paraphernalia of warriors to be given names. For instance the bow of Arjuna was known as Gandiva, Krishna's club is known as Kaumodaki etc. They were named in much the same way people were named, to describe some quality, present or desirable, or some pastime related to it.
Q. By chanting without offenses one will no longer experience any suffering in this world, because one will be mercifully transferred to the abode of Lord Krishna. Does this mean that one will give up their material body and die when they attain that state?
Q. What are the different stages of chanting? How can one understand that one's chanting is good and pure? Is there any unit to measure the purity of the chanting?
