A gṛhastha should be very much affectionate toward lower animals, birds and bees, treating them exactly like his own children. A gṛhastha should not indulge in killing animals or birds for sense gratification. He should provide the necessities of life even to the dogs and the lowest creatures and should not exploit others for sense gratification. Factually, according to the instructions of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, every gṛhastha is a great communist who provides the means of living for everyone. Whatever a gṛhastha may possess he should equally distribute to all living entities, without discrimination. The best process is to distribute prasāda.
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<div id="Bhagavad-gita_As_It_Is" class="section" sec_index="0" parent="compilation" text="Bhagavad-gita As It Is"><h2>Bhagavad-gita As It Is</h2> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="BG_Chapters_1_-_6" class="sub_section" sec_index="1" parent="Bhagavad-gita_As_It_Is" text="BG Chapters 1 - 6"><h3>BG Chapters 1 - 6</h3> | |||
== Bhagavad-gita As It Is | </div> | ||
<div id="BG338_0" class="quote" parent="BG_Chapters_1_-_6" book="BG" index="148" link="BG 3.38" link_text="BG 3.38"> | |||
=== BG Chapters 1 - 6 | <div class="heading">The best process is to chant the holy names of the Lord. | ||
</div> | |||
< | <span class="link">[[Vanisource:BG 3.38 (1972)|BG 3.38, Purport]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="purport text"><p style="display: inline;">There are three degrees of covering of the living entity by which his pure consciousness is obscured. This covering is but lust under different manifestations like smoke in the fire, dust on the mirror, and the womb about the embryo. When lust is compared to smoke, it is understood that the fire of the living spark can be a little perceived. In other words, when the living entity exhibits his Kṛṣṇa consciousness slightly, he may be likened to the fire covered by smoke. Although fire is necessary where there is smoke, there is no overt manifestation of fire in the early stage. This stage is like the beginning of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. The dust on the mirror refers to a cleansing process of the mirror of the mind by so many spiritual methods. The best process is to chant the holy names of the Lord. The embryo covered by the womb is an analogy illustrating a helpless position, for the child in the womb is so helpless that he cannot even move. This stage of living condition can be compared to that of the trees. The trees are also living entities, but they have been put in such a condition of life by such a great exhibition of lust that they are almost void of all consciousness. The covered mirror is compared to the birds and beasts, and the smoke-covered fire is compared to the human being. In the form of a human being, the living entity may revive a little Kṛṣṇa consciousness, and, if he makes further development, the fire of spiritual life can be kindled in the human form of life. By careful handling of the smoke in the fire, fire can be made to blaze. Therefore the human form of life is a chance for the living entity to escape the entanglement of material existence. In the human form of life, one can conquer the enemy, lust, by cultivation of Kṛṣṇa consciousness under able guidance.</p> | ||
</div> | |||
<span class=" | </div> | ||
<div id="BG_Chapters_7_-_12" class="sub_section" sec_index="2" parent="Bhagavad-gita_As_It_Is" text="BG Chapters 7 - 12"><h3>BG Chapters 7 - 12</h3> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="BG86_0" class="quote" parent="BG_Chapters_7_-_12" book="BG" index="36" link="BG 8.6" link_text="BG 8.6"> | |||
<div class="heading">Therefore the chanting of Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare/ Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare is the best process for successfully changing one's state of being at the end of one's life. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:BG 8.6 (1972)|BG 8.6, Purport]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="purport text"><p style="display: inline;">Mahārāja Bharata, although a great personality, thought of a deer at the end of his life, and so in his next life he was transferred into the body of a deer. Although as a deer he remembered his past activities, he had to accept that animal body. Of course, one's thoughts during the course of one's life accumulate to influence one's thoughts at the moment of death, so this life creates one's next life. If in one's present life one lives in the mode of goodness and always thinks of Kṛṣṇa, it is possible for one to remember Kṛṣṇa at the end of one's life. That will help one be transferred to the transcendental nature of Kṛṣṇa. If one is transcendentally absorbed in Kṛṣṇa's service, then his next body will be transcendental (spiritual), not material. Therefore the chanting of Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare/ Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare is the best process for successfully changing one's state of being at the end of one's life.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="BG812_1" class="quote" parent="BG_Chapters_7_-_12" book="BG" index="42" link="BG 8.12" link_text="BG 8.12"> | |||
<div class="heading">The best process is Kṛṣṇa consciousness. If one is always able to fix his mind on Kṛṣṇa in devotional service, it is very easy for him to remain in an undisturbed transcendental trance, or in samādhi. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:BG 8.12 (1972)|BG 8.12, Purport]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="purport text"><p style="display: inline;">To practice yoga as suggested here, one first has to close the doors of all sense enjoyment. This practice is called pratyāhāra, or withdrawing the senses from the sense objects. The sense organs for acquiring knowledge—the eyes, ears, nose, tongue and touch—should be fully controlled and should not be allowed to engage in self-gratification. In this way the mind focuses on the Supersoul in the heart, and the life force is raised to the top of the head. In the Sixth Chapter this process is described in detail. But as mentioned before, this practice is not practical in this age. The best process is Kṛṣṇa consciousness. If one is always able to fix his mind on Kṛṣṇa in devotional service, it is very easy for him to remain in an undisturbed transcendental trance, or in samādhi.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="BG_Chapters_13_-_18" class="sub_section" sec_index="3" parent="Bhagavad-gita_As_It_Is" text="BG Chapters 13 - 18"><h3>BG Chapters 13 - 18</h3> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="BG13812_0" class="quote" parent="BG_Chapters_13_-_18" book="BG" index="6" link="BG 13.8-12" link_text="BG 13.8-12"> | |||
<div class="heading">The best process for making the home pleasant is Kṛṣṇa consciousness. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:BG 13.8-12 (1972)|BG 13.8-12, Purport]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="purport text"><p style="display: inline;">As for detachment from children, wife and home, it is not meant that one should have no feeling for these. They are natural objects of affection. But when they are not favorable to spiritual progress, then one should not be attached to them. The best process for making the home pleasant is Kṛṣṇa consciousness. If one is in full Kṛṣṇa consciousness, he can make his home very happy, because this process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is very easy. One need only chant Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare/ Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare, accept the remnants of foodstuffs offered to Kṛṣṇa, have some discussion on books like Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, and engage oneself in Deity worship. These four things will make one happy.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="Srimad-Bhagavatam" class="section" sec_index="1" parent="compilation" text="Srimad-Bhagavatam"><h2>Srimad-Bhagavatam</h2> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="SB_Canto_3" class="sub_section" sec_index="3" parent="Srimad-Bhagavatam" text="SB Canto 3"><h3>SB Canto 3</h3> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="SB32435_0" class="quote" parent="SB_Canto_3" book="SB" index="991" link="SB 3.24.35" link_text="SB 3.24.35"> | |||
<div class="heading">This process of chanting is the best process of self-realization in this age; therefore Lord Caitanya preached it so nicely for the benefit of all humanity. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:SB 3.24.35|SB 3.24.35, Purport]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="purport text"><p style="display: inline;">In this age, hearing is more important than thinking because one's thinking may be disturbed by mental agitation, but if one concentrates on hearing, he will be forced to associate with the sound vibration of Kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa and the sound vibration "Kṛṣṇa" are nondifferent, so if one loudly vibrates Hare Kṛṣṇa, he will be able to think of Kṛṣṇa immediately. This process of chanting is the best process of self-realization in this age; therefore Lord Caitanya preached it so nicely for the benefit of all humanity.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="SB_Canto_4" class="sub_section" sec_index="4" parent="Srimad-Bhagavatam" text="SB Canto 4"><h3>SB Canto 4</h3> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="SB4856_0" class="quote" parent="SB_Canto_4" book="SB" index="344" link="SB 4.8.56" link_text="SB 4.8.56"> | |||
<div class="heading">Dhruva Mahārāja was advised to worship a form made of earth and water because in the jungle, if it is not possible to have a form made of metal, wood or stone, the best process is to take earth mixed with water and make a form of the Lord and worship Him. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:SB 4.8.56|SB 4.8.56, Purport]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="purport text"><p style="display: inline;">The impersonalist takes unnecessary trouble to meditate upon or worship something impersonal, and the path is very precarious. We are not advised to follow the impersonalist way of meditating on or worshiping the Lord. Dhruva Mahārāja was advised to worship a form made of earth and water because in the jungle, if it is not possible to have a form made of metal, wood or stone, the best process is to take earth mixed with water and make a form of the Lord and worship Him. The devotee should not be anxious about cooking food; whatever is available in the forest or in the city among the fruit and vegetable groups should be offered to the Deity, and the devotee should be satisfied eating that.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="SB41420_1" class="quote" parent="SB_Canto_4" book="SB" index="612" link="SB 4.14.20" link_text="SB 4.14.20"> | |||
<div class="heading">The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement was started to convince the general populace to adopt the best process by which to satisfy the Supreme Personality of Godhead and thus solve all problems. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:SB 4.14.20|SB 4.14.20, Purport]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="purport text"><p style="display: inline;">People do not know that the ultimate goal of life is to approach Lord Viṣṇu and satisfy Him. They have taken this materialistic way of life as everything and have become captivated by materialistic activities. Indeed, their leaders are always encouraging them to follow this path, and the general populace, being ignorant of the laws of God, are following their blind leaders down the path of unhappiness. In order to rectify this world situation, all people should be trained in Kṛṣṇa consciousness and act in accordance with the varṇāśrama system. The state should also see that the people are engaged in satisfying the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This is the primary duty of the state. The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement was started to convince the general populace to adopt the best process by which to satisfy the Supreme Personality of Godhead and thus solve all problems.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="SB_Canto_5" class="sub_section" sec_index="5" parent="Srimad-Bhagavatam" text="SB Canto 5"><h3>SB Canto 5</h3> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="SB51426_0" class="quote" parent="SB_Canto_5" book="SB" index="336" link="SB 5.14.26" link_text="SB 5.14.26"> | |||
<div class="heading">The best process is to take the advice and instructions of Śrī Kṛṣṇa or His bona fide representative. In this way one can be happy in this life and the next. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:SB 5.14.26|SB 5.14.26, Purport]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="purport text"><p style="display: inline;">The scientists are cheaters because they present so many bogus things in the name of science. They propose going to the moon, but actually they end up cheating the entire public of large sums of money for their experiments. They cannot do anything useful. Unless one can find a person transcendental to the four basic defects, one should not accept advice and become a victim of the material condition. The best process is to take the advice and instructions of Śrī Kṛṣṇa or His bona fide representative. In this way one can be happy in this life and the next.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="SB_Canto_6" class="sub_section" sec_index="6" parent="Srimad-Bhagavatam" text="SB Canto 6"><h3>SB Canto 6</h3> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="SB62910_0" class="quote" parent="SB_Canto_6" book="SB" index="70" link="SB 6.2.9-10" link_text="SB 6.2.9-10"> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:SB 6.2.9-10|SB 6.2.9-10, Translation]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="trans text"><p style="display: inline;">The chanting of the holy name of Lord Viṣṇu is the best process of atonement for a thief of gold or other valuables, for a drunkard, for one who betrays a friend or relative, for one who kills a brāhmaṇa, or for one who indulges in sex with the wife of his guru or another superior. It is also the best method of atonement for one who murders women, the king or his father, for one who slaughters cows, and for all other sinful men. Simply by chanting the holy name of Lord Viṣṇu, such sinful persons may attract the attention of the Supreme Lord, who therefore considers, "Because this man has chanted My holy name, My duty is to give him protection."</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="SB6211_1" class="quote" parent="SB_Canto_6" book="SB" index="71" link="SB 6.2.11" link_text="SB 6.2.11"> | |||
<div class="heading">The saṅkīrtana movement we have started offers the best process for becoming purified of all sinful reactions and coming immediately to the platform of spiritual life. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:SB 6.2.11|SB 6.2.11, Purport]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="purport text"><p style="display: inline;">What cannot be achieved through the performance of Vedic rituals can be easily achieved through the chanting of the Lord's holy name. To chant the holy name and dance in ecstasy is so easy and sublime that one can achieve all the benefits of spiritual life simply by following this process. Therefore Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu declares, paraṁ vijayate śrī-kṛṣṇa-saṅkīrtanam: "All glories to Śrī Kṛṣṇa saṅkīrtana!" The saṅkīrtana movement we have started offers the best process for becoming purified of all sinful reactions and coming immediately to the platform of spiritual life.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="SB6241_2" class="quote" parent="SB_Canto_6" book="SB" index="99" link="SB 6.2.41" link_text="SB 6.2.41"> | |||
<div class="heading">By seeing the Lord during ārati, by offering bhoga and by constantly thinking of the form of the Deity, one becomes a first-class yogī. This is the best process of yoga, as confirmed by the Supreme Personality of Godhead in Bhagavad-gītā. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:SB 6.2.41|SB 6.2.41, Purport]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="purport text"><p style="display: inline;">There is no distinction between the form of the Lord and the Lord Himself. Therefore bhakti-yoga is the most easy system of yoga. Yogīs try to concentrate their minds upon the form of the Supersoul, Viṣṇu, within the heart, but this same objective is easily achieved when one's mind is absorbed in the Deity worshiped in the temple. In every temple there is a transcendental form of the Lord, and one may easily think of this form. By seeing the Lord during ārati, by offering bhoga and by constantly thinking of the form of the Deity, one becomes a first-class yogī. This is the best process of yoga, as confirmed by the Supreme Personality of Godhead in Bhagavad-gītā (6.47):</p> | |||
:yoginām api sarveṣāṁ | |||
:mad-gatenāntarātmanā | |||
:śraddhāvān bhajate yo māṁ | |||
:sa me yuktatamo mataḥ | |||
<p>"Of all yogīs, he who always abides in Me with great faith, worshiping Me in transcendental loving service, is most intimately united with Me in yoga and is the highest of all." The first-class yogī is he who controls his senses and detaches himself from material activities by always thinking of the form of the Lord.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="SB6249_3" class="quote" parent="SB_Canto_6" book="SB" index="106" link="SB 6.2.49" link_text="SB 6.2.49"> | |||
<div class="heading">"The chanting of the holy name of Lord Viṣṇu is the best process of atonement for a thief of gold or other valuables, for a drunkard..." | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:SB 6.2.49|SB 6.2.49, Purport]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="purport text"><p style="display: inline;">Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura replies by quoting verses nine and ten of this chapter: "The chanting of the holy name of Lord Viṣṇu is the best process of atonement for a thief of gold or other valuables, for a drunkard, for one who betrays a friend or relative, for one who kills a brāhmaṇa, or for one who indulges in sex with the wife of his guru or another superior. It is also the best method of atonement for one who murders women, the king or his father, for one who slaughters cows, and for all other sinful men. Simply by chanting the holy name of Lord Viṣṇu, such sinful persons may attract the attention of the Supreme Lord, who therefore considers "Because this man has chanted My holy name, My duty is to give him protection.' "</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="SB_Canto_7" class="sub_section" sec_index="7" parent="Srimad-Bhagavatam" text="SB Canto 7"><h3>SB Canto 7</h3> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="SB752324_0" class="quote" parent="SB_Canto_7" book="SB" index="200" link="SB 7.5.23-24" link_text="SB 7.5.23-24"> | |||
<div class="heading">Simply by chanting the holy name of the Lord, one advances perfectly in spiritual life. This is the best process for success in life. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:SB 7.5.23-24|SB 7.5.23-24, Purport]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="purport text"><p style="display: inline;">"In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy the only means of deliverance is chanting of the holy name of the Lord. There is no other way. There is no other way. There is no other way." Simply by chanting the holy name of the Lord, one advances perfectly in spiritual life. This is the best process for success in life. In other ages, the chanting of the holy name is equally powerful, but especially in this age, Kali-yuga, it is most powerful. Kīrtanād eva kṛṣṇasya mukta-saṅgaḥ paraṁ vrajet: ([[Vanisource:SB 12.3.51|SB 12.3.51]]) simply by chanting the holy name of Kṛṣṇa, one is liberated and returns home, back to Godhead. Therefore, even if one is able to perform other processes of devotional service, one must adopt the chanting of the holy name as the principal method of advancing in spiritual life. Yajñaiḥ saṅkīrtana-prāyair yajanti hi sumedhasaḥ: ([[Vanisource:SB 11.5.32|SB 11.5.32]]) those who are very sharp in their intelligence should adopt this process of chanting the holy names of the Lord. One should not, however, manufacture different types of chanting. One should adhere seriously to the chanting of the holy name as recommended in the scriptures: Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare/ Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="SB7918_1" class="quote" parent="SB_Canto_7" book="SB" index="376" link="SB 7.9.18" link_text="SB 7.9.18"> | |||
<div class="heading">The best process is to accept the instructions of the previous ācāryas and follow them. Then God realization and self-realization become extremely easy. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:SB 7.9.18|SB 7.9.18, Purport]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="purport text"><p style="display: inline;">Accepting the thoughts of exalted authorities through disciplic succession is certainly much easier than the method of mental speculation, by which one tries to invent some means to understand the Absolute Truth. The best process is to accept the instructions of the previous ācāryas and follow them. Then God realization and self-realization become extremely easy. By following this easy method, one is liberated from the contamination of the material modes of nature, and thus one can certainly cross the ocean of nescience, in which there are many miserable conditions. By following in the footsteps of the great ācāryas, one associates with the haṁsas or paramahaṁsas, those who are completely freed from material contamination.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="SB714Summary_2" class="quote" parent="SB_Canto_7" book="SB" index="581" link="SB 7.14 Summary" link_text="SB 7.14 Summary"> | |||
<div class="heading">Whatever a gṛhastha may possess he should equally distribute to all living entities, without discrimination. The best process is to distribute prasāda. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:SB 7.14 Summary|SB 7.14 Summary]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">A gṛhastha should be very much affectionate toward lower animals, birds and bees, treating them exactly like his own children. A gṛhastha should not indulge in killing animals or birds for sense gratification. He should provide the necessities of life even to the dogs and the lowest creatures and should not exploit others for sense gratification. Factually, according to the instructions of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, every gṛhastha is a great communist who provides the means of living for everyone. Whatever a gṛhastha may possess he should equally distribute to all living entities, without discrimination. The best process is to distribute prasāda.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="SB715Summary_3" class="quote" parent="SB_Canto_7" book="SB" index="616" link="SB 7.15 Summary" link_text="SB 7.15 Summary"> | |||
<div class="heading">The best process for the śrāddha ceremony is to distribute bhāgavata-prasāda (remnants of food that has first been offered to Kṛṣṇa) to all of one's forefathers and relatives. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:SB 7.15 Summary|SB 7.15 Summary]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">One should not make very elaborate arrangements to perform the śrāddha ceremony of offering oblations to one's forefathers. The best process for the śrāddha ceremony is to distribute bhāgavata-prasāda (remnants of food that has first been offered to Kṛṣṇa) to all of one's forefathers and relatives. This makes a first-class śrāddha ceremony. In the śrāddha ceremony there is no need to offer meat or eat meat. Unnecessary killing of animals must be avoided. Those who are in the lower grades of society prefer to perform sacrifices by killing animals, but one who is advanced in knowledge must avoid such unnecessary violence.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="SB715Summary_4" class="quote" parent="SB_Canto_7" book="SB" index="616" link="SB 7.15 Summary" link_text="SB 7.15 Summary"> | |||
<div class="heading">The best process for advancing in devotional service is to abide by the orders of the spiritual master, for only by his direction can one conquer the senses. Unless one is completely Kṛṣṇa conscious, there is a chance of falling down. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:SB 7.15 Summary|SB 7.15 Summary]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">The best process for advancing in devotional service is to abide by the orders of the spiritual master, for only by his direction can one conquer the senses. Unless one is completely Kṛṣṇa conscious, there is a chance of falling down. Of course, in performing ritualistic ceremonies and other fruitive activities there are also many dangers at every moment. Fruitive activities have been divided into twelve portions. Because of performing fruitive activities, which are called the path of dharma, one has to accept the cycle of birth and death, but when one takes the path of mokṣa, or liberation, which is described in Bhagavad-gītā as arcanā-mārga, one can get relief from the cycle of birth and death. The Vedas describe these two paths as pitṛ-yāna and deva-yāna. Those who follow the paths of pitṛ-yāna and deva-yāna are never bewildered, even while in the material body. A monistic philosopher who gradually develops control of the senses understands that the objective of all the different āśramas, the statuses of life, is salvation. One must live and act according to śāstras.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="SB_Canto_8" class="sub_section" sec_index="8" parent="Srimad-Bhagavatam" text="SB Canto 8"><h3>SB Canto 8</h3> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="SB81661_0" class="quote" parent="SB_Canto_8" book="SB" index="582" link="SB 8.16.61" link_text="SB 8.16.61"> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:SB 8.16.61|SB 8.16.61, Translation]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="trans text"><p style="display: inline;">This is the best process for pleasing the transcendental Supreme Personality of Godhead, known as Adhokṣaja. It is the best of all regulative principles, the best austerity, the best process of giving charity, and the best process of sacrifice.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="Sri_Caitanya-caritamrta" class="section" sec_index="2" parent="compilation" text="Sri Caitanya-caritamrta"><h2>Sri Caitanya-caritamrta</h2> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="CC_Madhya-lila" class="sub_section" sec_index="2" parent="Sri_Caitanya-caritamrta" text="CC Madhya-lila"><h3>CC Madhya-lila</h3> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="CCMadhya9258_0" class="quote" parent="CC_Madhya-lila" book="CC" index="1972" link="CC Madhya 9.258" link_text="CC Madhya 9.258"> | |||
<div class="heading">The Tattvavādīs thus established their principles in terms of human society. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, however, differed when He said that the best process is hearing and chanting about Lord Viṣṇu. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:CC Madhya 9.258|CC Madhya 9.258, Purport]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="purport text"><p style="display: inline;">According to the Tattvavādīs, the best process for achieving the highest goal of life is to execute the duties of the four varṇas and āśramas. In the material world, unless one is situated in one of the varṇas (brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya or śūdra) one cannot manage social affairs properly to attain the ultimate goal. One also has to follow the principles of the āśramas (brahmacarya, gṛhastha, vānaprastha and sannyāsa), since these principles are considered essential for the attainment of the highest goal. In this way the Tattvavādīs establish that the execution of the principles of varṇa and āśrama for the sake of Kṛṣṇa is the best way to attain the topmost goal. The Tattvavādīs thus established their principles in terms of human society. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, however, differed when He said that the best process is hearing and chanting about Lord Viṣṇu. According to the Tattvavādīs, the highest goal is returning home, back to Godhead, but in Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu's opinion the highest goal is attaining love of Godhead, in either the material world or the spiritual world. In the material world this is practiced according to śāstric injunction, and in the spiritual world the real achievement is already there.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="CCMadhya22142_1" class="quote" parent="CC_Madhya-lila" book="CC" index="5177" link="CC Madhya 22.142" link_text="CC Madhya 22.142"> | |||
<div class="heading">One cannot be liberated from the cycle of birth and death, known as transmigration of the soul, unless one is completely freed from all sinful activities. The best process, therefore, is to take to Kṛṣṇa consciousness. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:CC Madhya 22.142|CC Madhya 22.142, Purport]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="purport text"><p style="display: inline;">Due to our association with the modes of material nature, we get different types of bodies, good and bad. One cannot be liberated from the cycle of birth and death, known as transmigration of the soul, unless one is completely freed from all sinful activities. The best process, therefore, is to take to Kṛṣṇa consciousness. One cannot take to Kṛṣṇa consciousness without being freed from all sinful activities. Naturally one who is very serious about Kṛṣṇa consciousness is freed from all sinful activity. Consequently a devotee is never inclined to commit sins. If one is pressured by the law or obligations to give up sinful activity, one cannot do so. However, if one takes to Kṛṣṇa consciousness, he can very easily give up all sinful activity. This is confirmed herein.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="Other_Books_by_Srila_Prabhupada" class="section" sec_index="3" parent="compilation" text="Other Books by Srila Prabhupada"><h2>Other Books by Srila Prabhupada</h2> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="Krsna_The_Supreme_Personality_of_Godhead" class="sub_section" sec_index="4" parent="Other_Books_by_Srila_Prabhupada" text="Krsna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead"><h3>Krsna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead</h3> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="KB14_0" class="quote" parent="Krsna,_The_Supreme_Personality_of_Godhead" book="OB" index="18" link="KB 14" link_text="Krsna Book 14"> | |||
<div class="heading">"The best process for understanding You is to submissively give up the speculative process and try to hear about You, either from Yourself as You have given statements in the Bhagavad-gītā and many similar Vedic scriptures, or from a realized devotee who has taken shelter at Your lotus feet." | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:KB 14|Krsna Book 14]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">"The best process for understanding You is to submissively give up the speculative process and try to hear about You, either from Yourself as You have given statements in the Bhagavad-gītā and many similar Vedic scriptures, or from a realized devotee who has taken shelter at Your lotus feet. One has to hear from a devotee without speculation. One does not even need to change his worldly position; he simply has to hear Your message. Although You are not understandable by the material senses, simply by hearing about You one can gradually conquer the nescience of misunderstanding. By Your own grace only, You become revealed to a devotee. You are unconquerable by any other means. Speculative knowledge without any trace of devotional service is simply a useless waste of time in the search for You. Devotional service is so important that even a little attempt can raise one to the highest perfectional platform. One should not, therefore, neglect this auspicious process of devotional service and take to the speculative method."</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="KB86_1" class="quote" parent="Krsna,_The_Supreme_Personality_of_Godhead" book="OB" index="90" link="KB 86" link_text="Krsna Book 86"> | |||
<div class="heading">Sex life without the purificatory process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is merely the seed-giving process of the śūdras or the animals. Kṛṣṇa consciousness is therefore the best process of purification. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:KB 86|Krsna Book 86]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">No one can be classified as a member of a particular caste, especially of a higher caste—brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya or vaiśya—simply by birthright. If one is not purified by the process of the seed-giving ceremony, or garbhādhāna-saṁskāra, he is immediately classified amongst the śūdras because only the śūdras do not undergo this purificatory process. Sex life without the purificatory process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is merely the seed-giving process of the śūdras or the animals. Kṛṣṇa consciousness is therefore the best process of purification. By this process everyone can come to the platform of a Vaiṣṇava, which includes having all the qualifications of a brāhmaṇa. The Vaiṣṇavas are trained to become freed from the four kinds of sinful activities—illicit sex, indulgence in intoxicants, gambling and eating animal foods. One cannot be on the brahminical platform without having these preliminary qualifications, and without becoming a qualified brāhmaṇa, one cannot become a pure devotee.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="Lectures" class="section" sec_index="4" parent="compilation" text="Lectures"><h2>Lectures</h2> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="Bhagavad-gita_As_It_Is_Lectures" class="sub_section" sec_index="0" parent="Lectures" text="Bhagavad-gita As It Is Lectures"><h3>Bhagavad-gita As It Is Lectures</h3> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="LectureonBG43953NewYorkAugust241966_0" class="quote" parent="Bhagavad-gita_As_It_Is_Lectures" book="Lec" index="201" link="Lecture on BG 4.39-5.3 -- New York, August 24, 1966" link_text="Lecture on BG 4.39-5.3 -- New York, August 24, 1966"> | |||
<div class="heading">Arjuna says that "You have spoken so many subject matters, so there are so many doubts arising in my mind, so kindly..." "So out of so many things, whichever is the best process..." "Kindly speak to me that one with certainty." | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Lecture on BG 4.39-5.3 -- New York, August 24, 1966|Lecture on BG 4.39-5.3 -- New York, August 24, 1966]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">So these things have been discussed in the previous chapters, so Arjuna says that "You have spoken so many subject matters, so there are so many doubts arising in my mind, so kindly..." Yac chreya etayor ekam: "So out of so many things, whichever is the best process..." Yac chreya etayor ekaṁ tan me brūhi suniścitam: "Kindly speak to me that one with certainty." This is called paripraśna.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="LectureonBG71SanDiegoJuly11972_1" class="quote" parent="Bhagavad-gita_As_It_Is_Lectures" book="Lec" index="234" link="Lecture on BG 7.1 -- San Diego, July 1, 1972" link_text="Lecture on BG 7.1 -- San Diego, July 1, 1972"> | |||
<div class="heading">When Rāmānanda Rāya and Lord Caitanya were speaking, so Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu asked Rāmānanda Rāya, "What is the best process for self-realization?" Because life is meant for self-realization. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Lecture on BG 7.1 -- San Diego, July 1, 1972|Lecture on BG 7.1 -- San Diego, July 1, 1972]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">So hearing is so important thing. Śravaṇam. Śravaṇam means hearing. So Caitanya Mahāprabhu was talking with Rāmānanda Rāya, the process of self-realization. You will have it. For those who have got Teachings of Lord Caitanya, he'll read it. When Rāmānanda Rāya and Lord Caitanya (were) speaking, so Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu asked Rāmānanda Rāya, "What is the best process for self-realization?" Because life is meant for self-realization. This human life is meant for self-realization. Ātma-tattvam. Otherwise it is animal life. The animals, they are cats and dogs; they are not interested in self-realization. But human life is meant for self-realization. Therefore Caitanya Mahāprabhu questioned Rāmānanda Rāya that "What is the best process of self-realization?" He recommended, first of all, the varṇāśrama-dharma.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="LectureonBG7910BombayFebruary241974_2" class="quote" parent="Bhagavad-gita_As_It_Is_Lectures" book="Lec" index="279" link="Lecture on BG 7.9-10 -- Bombay, February 24, 1974" link_text="Lecture on BG 7.9-10 -- Bombay, February 24, 1974"> | |||
<div class="heading">The best process is knowledge is to receive from the person who is authorized. Actually, you do that. We go to a school, we go to college, to receive knowledge from the superior person. That is our process. That is perfect knowledge. You cannot manufacture knowledge. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Lecture on BG 7.9-10 -- Bombay, February 24, 1974|Lecture on BG 7.9-10 -- Bombay, February 24, 1974]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">Just like if you want to study whether man is mortal or immortal, there are two processes. Deductive process, you take the idea from superior person that man is mortal. If you accept, then your knowledge is perfect. But if you want to approach the knowledge by inductive process, by studying each man, whether he is mortal or immortal, you may study thousand, two thousand, five thousand, but you cannot study all the men. Therefore your conclusion remains always defective. You cannot do that. Therefore the best process is knowledge is to receive from the person who is authorized. Actually, you do that. We go to a school, we go to college, to receive knowledge from the superior person. That is our process. That is perfect knowledge. You cannot manufacture knowledge.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="Srimad-Bhagavatam_Lectures" class="sub_section" sec_index="1" parent="Lectures" text="Srimad-Bhagavatam Lectures"><h3>Srimad-Bhagavatam Lectures</h3> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="LectureonSB1727VrndavanaSeptember241976_0" class="quote" parent="Srimad-Bhagavatam_Lectures" book="Lec" index="182" link="Lecture on SB 1.7.27 -- Vrndavana, September 24, 1976" link_text="Lecture on SB 1.7.27 -- Vrndavana, September 24, 1976"> | |||
<div class="heading">So in this way we have to mold our life, and the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is the best process. Therefore those who are sinful, those who are atheist, they have become a little afraid of this movement. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Lecture on SB 1.7.27 -- Vrndavana, September 24, 1976|Lecture on SB 1.7.27 -- Vrndavana, September 24, 1976]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">So in this way we have to mold our life, and the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is the best process. Therefore those who are sinful, those who are atheist, they have become a little afraid of this movement. Therefore we have got so many enemies, and now in India especially the papers are criticizing us in so many ways. In other countries also. So we have to face this danger. It is not danger. We don't care for their criticism. But if we remain sincere in our actions, there will be no obstacles. Ahaituky apratihatā. It is ascertained that Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, apratihatā. It cannot be checked provided if you remain to the principles. What is that principle? Sa vai puṁsāṁ paro dharmo yato bhaktir adhokṣaje ([[Vanisource:SB 1.2.6|SB 1.2.6]]). If you stick to the principle of bhakti-yogam then ahaituky apratihatā. Nobody can check you. You'll make progress.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="LectureonSB556VrndavanaOctober281976_1" class="quote" parent="Srimad-Bhagavatam_Lectures" book="Lec" index="541" link="Lecture on SB 5.5.6 -- Vrndavana, October 28, 1976" link_text="Lecture on SB 5.5.6 -- Vrndavana, October 28, 1976"> | |||
<div class="heading">We have to come to the platform of sattva-guṇa. And that process is hearing. This is the best process. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Lecture on SB 5.5.6 -- Vrndavana, October 28, 1976|Lecture on SB 5.5.6 -- Vrndavana, October 28, 1976]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">Here, in this material world, there are three qualities, sattva-guṇa, rajo-guṇa, tamo-guṇa. So none of these guṇas are pure. There is a mixture. And because there is mixture, therefore we see so many varieties. But we have to come to the platform of sattva-guṇa. And that process is hearing. This is the best process. Śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ ([[Vanisource:SB 1.2.17|SB 1.2.17]]). If you hear regularly Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam... We are therefore stressing: "Always hear, always read, always hear." Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā ([[Vanisource:SB 1.2.18|SB 1.2.18]]). Nitya. If you can constantly, twenty-four hours, if you hear and chant Hear means somebody chants or you chant yourself or hear, or some of your colleague may chant, you hear. Or he may hear, you may chant. This process must go on. This is śrāvaṇaṁ kīrtanaṁ viṣṇoḥ. Viṣṇoḥ ([[Vanisource:SB 7.5.23-24|SB 7.5.23]]). That is Bhāgavata.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="LectureonSB5530VrndavanaNovember171976_2" class="quote" parent="Srimad-Bhagavatam_Lectures" book="Lec" index="561" link="Lecture on SB 5.5.30 -- Vrndavana, November 17, 1976" link_text="Lecture on SB 5.5.30 -- Vrndavana, November 17, 1976"> | |||
<div class="heading">To encourage Arjuna, Kṛṣṇa said that "Don't be discouraged because you cannot practice this yoga system. Here is the best process." What is that? "If you simply think of Me, then you are the best yogi." | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Lecture on SB 5.5.30 -- Vrndavana, November 17, 1976|Lecture on SB 5.5.30 -- Vrndavana, November 17, 1976]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">That yoga-siddhi, it is not possible in this age because people are not expert to practice this yoga system. Therefore Arjuna denied, "No, no, no. Kṛṣṇa, it is not possible for me to practice this yoga system. It is impossible for me." So five thousand years ago he said, "Impossible," but we are daring to make it possible. That is not very good. Better, as Kṛṣṇa says... To encourage Arjuna, Kṛṣṇa said that "Don't be discouraged because you cannot practice this yoga system. Here is the best process." What is that? Yoginām api sarveṣāṁ mad-gatenāntar-ātmanā: ([[Vanisource:BG 6.47 (1972)|BG 6.47]]) "If you simply think of Me, then you are the best yogi."</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="LectureonSB7913MontrealAugust211968_3" class="quote" parent="Srimad-Bhagavatam_Lectures" book="Lec" index="818" link="Lecture on SB 7.9.13 -- Montreal, August 21, 1968" link_text="Lecture on SB 7.9.13 -- Montreal, August 21, 1968"> | |||
<div class="heading">This is the best process of becoming a man of knowledge or wise man. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Lecture on SB 7.9.13 -- Montreal, August 21, 1968|Lecture on SB 7.9.13 -- Montreal, August 21, 1968]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">The principal point is to become Kṛṣṇa conscious. That is knowledge. Then all knowledge will come automatically. Yasyāsti bhaktir bhagavaty akiñcana. If you take to this knowledge, that Kṛṣṇa or the Supreme Lord, Absolute Truth, He is eternal master and we are all eternal servitors, this very knowledge will elevate you to other platforms of knowledge. Yasyāsti bhaktir bhagavaty akiñcana sarvair guṇais tatra samāsate surāḥ ([[Vanisource:SB 5.18.12|SB 5.18.12]]). Then all the symptoms of knowledge will automatically manifest in his person. Therefore this is the best process of becoming a man of knowledge or wise man.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="General_Lectures" class="sub_section" sec_index="11" parent="Lectures" text="General Lectures"><h3>General Lectures</h3> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="LectureNobodyWantstoDieBostonMay71968_0" class="quote" parent="General_Lectures" book="Lec" index="64" link="Lecture 'Nobody Wants to Die' -- Boston, May 7, 1968" link_text="Lecture 'Nobody Wants to Die' -- Boston, May 7, 1968"> | |||
<div class="heading">In this age of disagreement and quarrel, this is the best process. Never mind whatever you are. It doesn't require any prequalification. Simply you sit down. You sit down together and chant Hare Kṛṣṇa. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Lecture 'Nobody Wants to Die' -- Boston, May 7, 1968|Lecture 'Nobody Wants to Die' -- Boston, May 7, 1968]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">Nobody is interested in this age to go to the temple or to the church, or they are not satisfied with the management of the temples or the church. So many things. Anyway, this has become practically impossible to get any enlightenment. So dvāpare paricaryāyāṁ kalau tad dhari-kīrtanāt. Therefore in this age of disagreement and quarrel, this is the best process. Never mind whatever you are. It doesn't require any prequalification. Simply you sit down. You sit down together and chant Hare Kṛṣṇa. You see? Very practical. You haven't got to sit in a particular position or fashion, āsana. You haven't got to exercise your breathing process. Nothing. Simply you sit down and chant Hare Kṛṣṇa.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" class="section" sec_index="5" parent="compilation" text="Conversations and Morning Walks"><h2>Conversations and Morning Walks</h2> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="1975_Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" class="sub_section" sec_index="8" parent="Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" text="1975 Conversations and Morning Walks"><h3>1975 Conversations and Morning Walks</h3> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="MorningWalkJune101975Honolulu_0" class="quote" parent="1975_Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" book="Con" index="100" link="Morning Walk -- June 10, 1975, Honolulu" link_text="Morning Walk -- June 10, 1975, Honolulu"> | |||
<div class="heading">So in that way, if they understand, that is good. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Morning Walk -- June 10, 1975, Honolulu|Morning Walk -- June 10, 1975, Honolulu]]: </span><div class="text"><p style="display: inline;">Harikeśa: And they said, "Oh, this is the best process. Because this is joyful realization." They said, "You people really have something here."</p> | |||
<p>Prabhupāda: So in that way, if they understand, that is good.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="1976_Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" class="sub_section" sec_index="9" parent="Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" text="1976 Conversations and Morning Walks"><h3>1976 Conversations and Morning Walks</h3> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="RoomConversationApril221976Melbourne_0" class="quote" parent="1976_Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" book="Con" index="82" link="Room Conversation -- April 22, 1976, Melbourne" link_text="Room Conversation -- April 22, 1976, Melbourne"> | |||
<div class="heading">At the present moment they are busy with these four things: how to eat, how to sleep, how to have best process of sex life, and how to defend by atomic bomb. This is their advancement of civilization. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Room Conversation -- April 22, 1976, Melbourne|Room Conversation -- April 22, 1976, Melbourne]]: </span><div class="text"><p style="display: inline;">Prabhupāda: Those who are developed conscious, they can understand, and they can understand the value of life, what is the objective of life. Then he acts accordingly, and his life becomes successful. Otherwise, if we do not develop consciousness, simply eat like animal, sleep like animal, enjoy sex life like animal, and try to defend ourself like animal, then where is the difference between man and the animal? At the present moment they are busy with these four things: how to eat, how to sleep, how to have best process of sex life, and how to defend by atomic bomb. This is their advancement of civilization. And this is dog's civilization. A dog is also trying for the same purpose, how to eat, how sleep, how to have sex, and how to defend. That's all. Any animal is trying. Any small insect, it is trying for the same thing. So human life should be utilized only for these four things? No. To understand himself, "What I am? Why I do not like death?" </p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="RoomConversationonNewYorkcourtcaseNovember21976Vrindaban_1" class="quote" parent="1976_Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" book="Con" index="324" link="Room Conversation on New York court case -- November 2, 1976, Vrindaban" link_text="Room Conversation on New York court case -- November 2, 1976, Vrindaban"> | |||
<div class="heading">I have already given suggestion. The Indians should come forward. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Room Conversation on New York court case -- November 2, 1976, Vrindaban|Room Conversation on New York court case -- November 2, 1976, Vrindaban]]: </span><div class="text"><p style="display: inline;">Gopāla Kṛṣṇa: So we can mobilise all the Indians, that's the best process.</p> | |||
<p>Prabhupāda: Yes, Indian opinion. I have already given suggestion. The Indians should come forward. And from here also, similar if the member... Respectable Indian businessmen they should say that this Kṛṣṇa cult is very, very old, genuine and we are so enlightened that Swami Bhaktivedanta has taken this movement to the foreign countries. We are so proud, like that.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="Correspondence" class="section" sec_index="6" parent="compilation" text="Correspondence"><h2>Correspondence</h2> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="1968_Correspondence" class="sub_section" sec_index="3" parent="Correspondence" text="1968 Correspondence"><h3>1968 Correspondence</h3> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="LettertoGargamuniMontreal7June1968_0" class="quote" parent="1968_Correspondence" book="Let" index="187" link="Letter to Gargamuni -- Montreal 7 June, 1968" link_text="Letter to Gargamuni -- Montreal 7 June, 1968"> | |||
<div class="heading">The best process for selling books is to get them reviewed by various important papers. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Letter to Gargamuni -- Montreal 7 June, 1968|Letter to Gargamuni -- Montreal 7 June, 1968]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">I am advising the Japan printing company to send you directly 2500 copies of Teachings of Lord Caitanya. If you can sell 2500 at $5.00 each, that will be $12500.00, so there will be no scarcity of money if we can sell our publications quickly after being printed. Then we can repeat the publication one right after another. The best process for selling books is to get them reviewed by various important papers. There are hundreds and thousands of influential papers in your country, and if they are reviewed, the books will be very quickly sold. Very soon you will get also six mrdangas, and other musical instruments from India. I think you are keeping a separate account of my books and as soon as you receive books, you just credit in the book account and whatever you pay, you may debit in the same way. That will keep clear the book account.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="LettertoPopePaulVIMontreal3August1968_1" class="quote" parent="1968_Correspondence" book="Let" index="253" link="Letter to Pope Paul VI -- Montreal 3 August, 1968" link_text="Letter to Pope Paul VI -- Montreal 3 August, 1968"> | |||
<div class="heading">The principle of Srimad-Bhagavatam is that any religious faith which helps a man to develop Love of God, without any motive, and without being hampered by any material condition, is transcendental religion. And the best process or the easiest process, in this age especially, is to chant the Holy name of God. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Letter to Pope Paul VI -- Montreal 3 August, 1968|Letter to Pope Paul VI -- Montreal 3 August, 1968]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">My mission is in the line of Lord Caitanya, Who is Personified Love of Godhead, and Who advented Himself 482 years ago in India, and preached God consciousness all over the country. His mission is to revive God consciousness all over the world, on the basis of Srimad-Bhagavatam (Science of God). The principle of Srimad-Bhagavatam is that any religious faith which helps a man to develop Love of God, without any motive, and without being hampered by any material condition, is transcendental religion. And the best process or the easiest process, in this age especially, is to chant the Holy name of God. From this definition of religion as we find in the Srimad-Bhagavatam, the criterion test of religion is how it helps people to develop his dormant Love of God, which is not artificially invoked, but it is aroused from within by bona fide association of devotees and hearing about God.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="1969_Correspondence" class="sub_section" sec_index="4" parent="Correspondence" text="1969 Correspondence"><h3>1969 Correspondence</h3> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="LettertoBrahmanandaLosAngeles8July1969_0" class="quote" parent="1969_Correspondence" book="Let" index="428" link="Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 8 July, 1969" link_text="Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 8 July, 1969"> | |||
<div class="heading">Collection by Sankirtana Party is the best process, along with selling our books and magazines by organized sale. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 8 July, 1969|Letter to Brahmananda -- Los Angeles 8 July, 1969]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">Regarding your proposal for soliciting members, this is not a good proposal. We tried for membership in the beginning, and it was not successful. Collection by Sankirtana Party is the best process, along with selling our books and magazines by organized sale. But you can advertise for membership, and when somebody inquires, you can give him your chart for membership. But do not advertise it. You can simply invite people that we invite all sincere souls to become our serious members. I am enclosing a copy of a letter addressed to Mr. Kair, which may be published so people may know what is the practical advantage of becoming a member of this society.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="1970_Correspondence" class="sub_section" sec_index="5" parent="Correspondence" text="1970 Correspondence"><h3>1970 Correspondence</h3> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="LettertoHarerNamaLosAngeles15March1970_0" class="quote" parent="1970_Correspondence" book="Let" index="174" link="Letter to Harer Nama -- Los Angeles 15 March, 1970" link_text="Letter to Harer Nama -- Los Angeles 15 March, 1970"> | |||
<div class="heading">The best process is to rigidly execute one's prescribed devotional duties regularly, and to study the books and literatures very carefully in the company and guidance of experienced devotees. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Letter to Harer Nama -- Los Angeles 15 March, 1970|Letter to Harer Nama -- Los Angeles 15 March, 1970]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">Regarding your several questions; yes, it is best to get all such points cleared up so that our understanding may be firmly fixed up in our philosophy. The best process is to rigidly execute one's prescribed devotional duties regularly, and to study the books and literatures very carefully in the company and guidance of experienced devotees. The essence of our program is to chant daily Hare Krishna mantra at least sixteen rounds without fail, and thus one remains strong in spiritual life.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="1972_Correspondence" class="sub_section" sec_index="7" parent="Correspondence" text="1972 Correspondence"><h3>1972 Correspondence</h3> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="LettertoRanadhiraLosAngeles21May1972_0" class="quote" parent="1972_Correspondence" book="Let" index="269" link="Letter to Ranadhira -- Los Angeles 21 May, 1972" link_text="Letter to Ranadhira -- Los Angeles 21 May, 1972"> | |||
<div class="heading">If we are engaged in writing and speaking on behalf of Krishna, this is the best process for advancing in Krishna Consciousness. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Letter to Ranadhira -- Los Angeles 21 May, 1972|Letter to Ranadhira -- Los Angeles 21 May, 1972]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">You are very descriptive writer and I enjoy very much your descriptions and use of words. Actually, if we are engaged in writing and speaking on behalf of Krishna, this is the best process for advancing in Krishna Consciousness. Such activity forces us to think very clearly on the subject matter in order to speak or write on it to convince others. So I think that you should develop your ability for writing and spend sometime writing articles for Back To Godhead.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="LettertoHamsadutaLosAngeles22June1972_1" class="quote" parent="1972_Correspondence" book="Let" index="337" link="Letter to Hamsaduta -- Los Angeles 22 June, 1972" link_text="Letter to Hamsaduta -- Los Angeles 22 June, 1972"> | |||
<div class="heading">Better to boil the milk now very vigorously and make it thick and sweet, that is the best process. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Letter to Hamsaduta -- Los Angeles 22 June, 1972|Letter to Hamsaduta -- Los Angeles 22 June, 1972]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">Now we have got so many students and so many temples but I am fearful that if we expand too much in this way that we shall become weakened and gradually the whole thing will become lost. Just like milk. We may thin it more and more with water for cheating the customer, but in the end it will cease to be any longer milk. Better to boil the milk now very vigorously and make it thick and sweet, that is the best process. So let us concentrate on training our devotees very thoroughly in the knowledge of Krishna Consciousness from our books, from tapes, by discussing always, and in so many ways instruct them in the right propositions.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="LettertoHanumanLondon14July1972_2" class="quote" parent="1972_Correspondence" book="Let" index="369" link="Letter to Hanuman -- London 14 July, 1972" link_text="Letter to Hanuman -- London 14 July, 1972"> | |||
<div class="heading">This distribution of books, combined with preaching, is the best process for spreading Krishna Consciousness. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Letter to Hanuman -- London 14 July, 1972|Letter to Hanuman -- London 14 July, 1972]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">If you require books in Spanish language, you may request Karandhara and Citsukhananda and they shall ship to you wherever you like, but this distribution of books, combined with preaching, is the best process for spreading Krishna Consciousness, so always there must be books.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="LettertoCyavanaLosAngeles15September1972_3" class="quote" parent="1972_Correspondence" book="Let" index="496" link="Letter to Cyavana -- Los Angeles 15 September, 1972" link_text="Letter to Cyavana -- Los Angeles 15 September, 1972"> | |||
<div class="heading">By your own work you can recruit men locally, that is the best process. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Letter to Cyavana -- Los Angeles 15 September, 1972|Letter to Cyavana -- Los Angeles 15 September, 1972]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">The boy Sharma from Bombay may come there to join you if you want him. By your own work you can recruit men locally, that is the best process. So immediately resume the preaching work amongst the Africans and show yourselves as always meek and humble and refrain from a tough attitude and in this way gain their confidence. Gradually you will recruit men locally and they will be able to share the responsibilities. Our process is slow but sure, not that we must do everything immediately and then later on regret it. Many of our big centers started with only a handful of men and because they were determined to expand by recruiting the local men, that has been their success.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="1974_Correspondence" class="sub_section" sec_index="9" parent="Correspondence" text="1974 Correspondence"><h3>1974 Correspondence</h3> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="LettertoSwamiJaraKumarVrindaban20August1974_0" class="quote" parent="1974_Correspondence" book="Let" index="347" link="Letter to Swami Jara Kumar -- Vrindaban 20 August, 1974" link_text="Letter to Swami Jara Kumar -- Vrindaban 20 August, 1974"> | |||
<div class="heading">To stop sinful activity one must purify the mind and the best process for purifying the mass mind is the chanting of the maha mantra Hare Krishna. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Letter to Swami Jara Kumar -- Vrindaban 20 August, 1974|Letter to Swami Jara Kumar -- Vrindaban 20 August, 1974]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">In this age the spiritual revolution was recommended by Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. He demonstrated that the Yuga Dharma for this age is the Sankirtana chanting of the holy names. If we want the degraded mass of people to be elevated, we must stop their sinful activity. To stop sinful activity one must purify the mind and the best process for purifying the mass mind is the chanting of the maha mantra Hare Krishna. This can be done in public where everyone has a chance to hear and be purified.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> |
Latest revision as of 13:05, 28 July 2022
Bhagavad-gita As It Is
BG Chapters 1 - 6
There are three degrees of covering of the living entity by which his pure consciousness is obscured. This covering is but lust under different manifestations like smoke in the fire, dust on the mirror, and the womb about the embryo. When lust is compared to smoke, it is understood that the fire of the living spark can be a little perceived. In other words, when the living entity exhibits his Kṛṣṇa consciousness slightly, he may be likened to the fire covered by smoke. Although fire is necessary where there is smoke, there is no overt manifestation of fire in the early stage. This stage is like the beginning of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. The dust on the mirror refers to a cleansing process of the mirror of the mind by so many spiritual methods. The best process is to chant the holy names of the Lord. The embryo covered by the womb is an analogy illustrating a helpless position, for the child in the womb is so helpless that he cannot even move. This stage of living condition can be compared to that of the trees. The trees are also living entities, but they have been put in such a condition of life by such a great exhibition of lust that they are almost void of all consciousness. The covered mirror is compared to the birds and beasts, and the smoke-covered fire is compared to the human being. In the form of a human being, the living entity may revive a little Kṛṣṇa consciousness, and, if he makes further development, the fire of spiritual life can be kindled in the human form of life. By careful handling of the smoke in the fire, fire can be made to blaze. Therefore the human form of life is a chance for the living entity to escape the entanglement of material existence. In the human form of life, one can conquer the enemy, lust, by cultivation of Kṛṣṇa consciousness under able guidance.
BG Chapters 7 - 12
Mahārāja Bharata, although a great personality, thought of a deer at the end of his life, and so in his next life he was transferred into the body of a deer. Although as a deer he remembered his past activities, he had to accept that animal body. Of course, one's thoughts during the course of one's life accumulate to influence one's thoughts at the moment of death, so this life creates one's next life. If in one's present life one lives in the mode of goodness and always thinks of Kṛṣṇa, it is possible for one to remember Kṛṣṇa at the end of one's life. That will help one be transferred to the transcendental nature of Kṛṣṇa. If one is transcendentally absorbed in Kṛṣṇa's service, then his next body will be transcendental (spiritual), not material. Therefore the chanting of Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare/ Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare is the best process for successfully changing one's state of being at the end of one's life.
To practice yoga as suggested here, one first has to close the doors of all sense enjoyment. This practice is called pratyāhāra, or withdrawing the senses from the sense objects. The sense organs for acquiring knowledge—the eyes, ears, nose, tongue and touch—should be fully controlled and should not be allowed to engage in self-gratification. In this way the mind focuses on the Supersoul in the heart, and the life force is raised to the top of the head. In the Sixth Chapter this process is described in detail. But as mentioned before, this practice is not practical in this age. The best process is Kṛṣṇa consciousness. If one is always able to fix his mind on Kṛṣṇa in devotional service, it is very easy for him to remain in an undisturbed transcendental trance, or in samādhi.
BG Chapters 13 - 18
As for detachment from children, wife and home, it is not meant that one should have no feeling for these. They are natural objects of affection. But when they are not favorable to spiritual progress, then one should not be attached to them. The best process for making the home pleasant is Kṛṣṇa consciousness. If one is in full Kṛṣṇa consciousness, he can make his home very happy, because this process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is very easy. One need only chant Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare/ Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare, accept the remnants of foodstuffs offered to Kṛṣṇa, have some discussion on books like Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, and engage oneself in Deity worship. These four things will make one happy.
Srimad-Bhagavatam
SB Canto 3
In this age, hearing is more important than thinking because one's thinking may be disturbed by mental agitation, but if one concentrates on hearing, he will be forced to associate with the sound vibration of Kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa and the sound vibration "Kṛṣṇa" are nondifferent, so if one loudly vibrates Hare Kṛṣṇa, he will be able to think of Kṛṣṇa immediately. This process of chanting is the best process of self-realization in this age; therefore Lord Caitanya preached it so nicely for the benefit of all humanity.
SB Canto 4
The impersonalist takes unnecessary trouble to meditate upon or worship something impersonal, and the path is very precarious. We are not advised to follow the impersonalist way of meditating on or worshiping the Lord. Dhruva Mahārāja was advised to worship a form made of earth and water because in the jungle, if it is not possible to have a form made of metal, wood or stone, the best process is to take earth mixed with water and make a form of the Lord and worship Him. The devotee should not be anxious about cooking food; whatever is available in the forest or in the city among the fruit and vegetable groups should be offered to the Deity, and the devotee should be satisfied eating that.
People do not know that the ultimate goal of life is to approach Lord Viṣṇu and satisfy Him. They have taken this materialistic way of life as everything and have become captivated by materialistic activities. Indeed, their leaders are always encouraging them to follow this path, and the general populace, being ignorant of the laws of God, are following their blind leaders down the path of unhappiness. In order to rectify this world situation, all people should be trained in Kṛṣṇa consciousness and act in accordance with the varṇāśrama system. The state should also see that the people are engaged in satisfying the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This is the primary duty of the state. The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement was started to convince the general populace to adopt the best process by which to satisfy the Supreme Personality of Godhead and thus solve all problems.
SB Canto 5
The scientists are cheaters because they present so many bogus things in the name of science. They propose going to the moon, but actually they end up cheating the entire public of large sums of money for their experiments. They cannot do anything useful. Unless one can find a person transcendental to the four basic defects, one should not accept advice and become a victim of the material condition. The best process is to take the advice and instructions of Śrī Kṛṣṇa or His bona fide representative. In this way one can be happy in this life and the next.
SB Canto 6
The chanting of the holy name of Lord Viṣṇu is the best process of atonement for a thief of gold or other valuables, for a drunkard, for one who betrays a friend or relative, for one who kills a brāhmaṇa, or for one who indulges in sex with the wife of his guru or another superior. It is also the best method of atonement for one who murders women, the king or his father, for one who slaughters cows, and for all other sinful men. Simply by chanting the holy name of Lord Viṣṇu, such sinful persons may attract the attention of the Supreme Lord, who therefore considers, "Because this man has chanted My holy name, My duty is to give him protection."
What cannot be achieved through the performance of Vedic rituals can be easily achieved through the chanting of the Lord's holy name. To chant the holy name and dance in ecstasy is so easy and sublime that one can achieve all the benefits of spiritual life simply by following this process. Therefore Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu declares, paraṁ vijayate śrī-kṛṣṇa-saṅkīrtanam: "All glories to Śrī Kṛṣṇa saṅkīrtana!" The saṅkīrtana movement we have started offers the best process for becoming purified of all sinful reactions and coming immediately to the platform of spiritual life.
There is no distinction between the form of the Lord and the Lord Himself. Therefore bhakti-yoga is the most easy system of yoga. Yogīs try to concentrate their minds upon the form of the Supersoul, Viṣṇu, within the heart, but this same objective is easily achieved when one's mind is absorbed in the Deity worshiped in the temple. In every temple there is a transcendental form of the Lord, and one may easily think of this form. By seeing the Lord during ārati, by offering bhoga and by constantly thinking of the form of the Deity, one becomes a first-class yogī. This is the best process of yoga, as confirmed by the Supreme Personality of Godhead in Bhagavad-gītā (6.47):
- yoginām api sarveṣāṁ
- mad-gatenāntarātmanā
- śraddhāvān bhajate yo māṁ
- sa me yuktatamo mataḥ
"Of all yogīs, he who always abides in Me with great faith, worshiping Me in transcendental loving service, is most intimately united with Me in yoga and is the highest of all." The first-class yogī is he who controls his senses and detaches himself from material activities by always thinking of the form of the Lord.
Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura replies by quoting verses nine and ten of this chapter: "The chanting of the holy name of Lord Viṣṇu is the best process of atonement for a thief of gold or other valuables, for a drunkard, for one who betrays a friend or relative, for one who kills a brāhmaṇa, or for one who indulges in sex with the wife of his guru or another superior. It is also the best method of atonement for one who murders women, the king or his father, for one who slaughters cows, and for all other sinful men. Simply by chanting the holy name of Lord Viṣṇu, such sinful persons may attract the attention of the Supreme Lord, who therefore considers "Because this man has chanted My holy name, My duty is to give him protection.' "
SB Canto 7
"In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy the only means of deliverance is chanting of the holy name of the Lord. There is no other way. There is no other way. There is no other way." Simply by chanting the holy name of the Lord, one advances perfectly in spiritual life. This is the best process for success in life. In other ages, the chanting of the holy name is equally powerful, but especially in this age, Kali-yuga, it is most powerful. Kīrtanād eva kṛṣṇasya mukta-saṅgaḥ paraṁ vrajet: (SB 12.3.51) simply by chanting the holy name of Kṛṣṇa, one is liberated and returns home, back to Godhead. Therefore, even if one is able to perform other processes of devotional service, one must adopt the chanting of the holy name as the principal method of advancing in spiritual life. Yajñaiḥ saṅkīrtana-prāyair yajanti hi sumedhasaḥ: (SB 11.5.32) those who are very sharp in their intelligence should adopt this process of chanting the holy names of the Lord. One should not, however, manufacture different types of chanting. One should adhere seriously to the chanting of the holy name as recommended in the scriptures: Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare/ Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare.
Accepting the thoughts of exalted authorities through disciplic succession is certainly much easier than the method of mental speculation, by which one tries to invent some means to understand the Absolute Truth. The best process is to accept the instructions of the previous ācāryas and follow them. Then God realization and self-realization become extremely easy. By following this easy method, one is liberated from the contamination of the material modes of nature, and thus one can certainly cross the ocean of nescience, in which there are many miserable conditions. By following in the footsteps of the great ācāryas, one associates with the haṁsas or paramahaṁsas, those who are completely freed from material contamination.
One should not make very elaborate arrangements to perform the śrāddha ceremony of offering oblations to one's forefathers. The best process for the śrāddha ceremony is to distribute bhāgavata-prasāda (remnants of food that has first been offered to Kṛṣṇa) to all of one's forefathers and relatives. This makes a first-class śrāddha ceremony. In the śrāddha ceremony there is no need to offer meat or eat meat. Unnecessary killing of animals must be avoided. Those who are in the lower grades of society prefer to perform sacrifices by killing animals, but one who is advanced in knowledge must avoid such unnecessary violence.
The best process for advancing in devotional service is to abide by the orders of the spiritual master, for only by his direction can one conquer the senses. Unless one is completely Kṛṣṇa conscious, there is a chance of falling down. Of course, in performing ritualistic ceremonies and other fruitive activities there are also many dangers at every moment. Fruitive activities have been divided into twelve portions. Because of performing fruitive activities, which are called the path of dharma, one has to accept the cycle of birth and death, but when one takes the path of mokṣa, or liberation, which is described in Bhagavad-gītā as arcanā-mārga, one can get relief from the cycle of birth and death. The Vedas describe these two paths as pitṛ-yāna and deva-yāna. Those who follow the paths of pitṛ-yāna and deva-yāna are never bewildered, even while in the material body. A monistic philosopher who gradually develops control of the senses understands that the objective of all the different āśramas, the statuses of life, is salvation. One must live and act according to śāstras.
SB Canto 8
This is the best process for pleasing the transcendental Supreme Personality of Godhead, known as Adhokṣaja. It is the best of all regulative principles, the best austerity, the best process of giving charity, and the best process of sacrifice.
Sri Caitanya-caritamrta
CC Madhya-lila
According to the Tattvavādīs, the best process for achieving the highest goal of life is to execute the duties of the four varṇas and āśramas. In the material world, unless one is situated in one of the varṇas (brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya or śūdra) one cannot manage social affairs properly to attain the ultimate goal. One also has to follow the principles of the āśramas (brahmacarya, gṛhastha, vānaprastha and sannyāsa), since these principles are considered essential for the attainment of the highest goal. In this way the Tattvavādīs establish that the execution of the principles of varṇa and āśrama for the sake of Kṛṣṇa is the best way to attain the topmost goal. The Tattvavādīs thus established their principles in terms of human society. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, however, differed when He said that the best process is hearing and chanting about Lord Viṣṇu. According to the Tattvavādīs, the highest goal is returning home, back to Godhead, but in Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu's opinion the highest goal is attaining love of Godhead, in either the material world or the spiritual world. In the material world this is practiced according to śāstric injunction, and in the spiritual world the real achievement is already there.
Due to our association with the modes of material nature, we get different types of bodies, good and bad. One cannot be liberated from the cycle of birth and death, known as transmigration of the soul, unless one is completely freed from all sinful activities. The best process, therefore, is to take to Kṛṣṇa consciousness. One cannot take to Kṛṣṇa consciousness without being freed from all sinful activities. Naturally one who is very serious about Kṛṣṇa consciousness is freed from all sinful activity. Consequently a devotee is never inclined to commit sins. If one is pressured by the law or obligations to give up sinful activity, one cannot do so. However, if one takes to Kṛṣṇa consciousness, he can very easily give up all sinful activity. This is confirmed herein.
Other Books by Srila Prabhupada
Krsna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead
"The best process for understanding You is to submissively give up the speculative process and try to hear about You, either from Yourself as You have given statements in the Bhagavad-gītā and many similar Vedic scriptures, or from a realized devotee who has taken shelter at Your lotus feet. One has to hear from a devotee without speculation. One does not even need to change his worldly position; he simply has to hear Your message. Although You are not understandable by the material senses, simply by hearing about You one can gradually conquer the nescience of misunderstanding. By Your own grace only, You become revealed to a devotee. You are unconquerable by any other means. Speculative knowledge without any trace of devotional service is simply a useless waste of time in the search for You. Devotional service is so important that even a little attempt can raise one to the highest perfectional platform. One should not, therefore, neglect this auspicious process of devotional service and take to the speculative method."
No one can be classified as a member of a particular caste, especially of a higher caste—brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya or vaiśya—simply by birthright. If one is not purified by the process of the seed-giving ceremony, or garbhādhāna-saṁskāra, he is immediately classified amongst the śūdras because only the śūdras do not undergo this purificatory process. Sex life without the purificatory process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is merely the seed-giving process of the śūdras or the animals. Kṛṣṇa consciousness is therefore the best process of purification. By this process everyone can come to the platform of a Vaiṣṇava, which includes having all the qualifications of a brāhmaṇa. The Vaiṣṇavas are trained to become freed from the four kinds of sinful activities—illicit sex, indulgence in intoxicants, gambling and eating animal foods. One cannot be on the brahminical platform without having these preliminary qualifications, and without becoming a qualified brāhmaṇa, one cannot become a pure devotee.
Lectures
Bhagavad-gita As It Is Lectures
So these things have been discussed in the previous chapters, so Arjuna says that "You have spoken so many subject matters, so there are so many doubts arising in my mind, so kindly..." Yac chreya etayor ekam: "So out of so many things, whichever is the best process..." Yac chreya etayor ekaṁ tan me brūhi suniścitam: "Kindly speak to me that one with certainty." This is called paripraśna.
So hearing is so important thing. Śravaṇam. Śravaṇam means hearing. So Caitanya Mahāprabhu was talking with Rāmānanda Rāya, the process of self-realization. You will have it. For those who have got Teachings of Lord Caitanya, he'll read it. When Rāmānanda Rāya and Lord Caitanya (were) speaking, so Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu asked Rāmānanda Rāya, "What is the best process for self-realization?" Because life is meant for self-realization. This human life is meant for self-realization. Ātma-tattvam. Otherwise it is animal life. The animals, they are cats and dogs; they are not interested in self-realization. But human life is meant for self-realization. Therefore Caitanya Mahāprabhu questioned Rāmānanda Rāya that "What is the best process of self-realization?" He recommended, first of all, the varṇāśrama-dharma.
Just like if you want to study whether man is mortal or immortal, there are two processes. Deductive process, you take the idea from superior person that man is mortal. If you accept, then your knowledge is perfect. But if you want to approach the knowledge by inductive process, by studying each man, whether he is mortal or immortal, you may study thousand, two thousand, five thousand, but you cannot study all the men. Therefore your conclusion remains always defective. You cannot do that. Therefore the best process is knowledge is to receive from the person who is authorized. Actually, you do that. We go to a school, we go to college, to receive knowledge from the superior person. That is our process. That is perfect knowledge. You cannot manufacture knowledge.
Srimad-Bhagavatam Lectures
So in this way we have to mold our life, and the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is the best process. Therefore those who are sinful, those who are atheist, they have become a little afraid of this movement. Therefore we have got so many enemies, and now in India especially the papers are criticizing us in so many ways. In other countries also. So we have to face this danger. It is not danger. We don't care for their criticism. But if we remain sincere in our actions, there will be no obstacles. Ahaituky apratihatā. It is ascertained that Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, apratihatā. It cannot be checked provided if you remain to the principles. What is that principle? Sa vai puṁsāṁ paro dharmo yato bhaktir adhokṣaje (SB 1.2.6). If you stick to the principle of bhakti-yogam then ahaituky apratihatā. Nobody can check you. You'll make progress.
Here, in this material world, there are three qualities, sattva-guṇa, rajo-guṇa, tamo-guṇa. So none of these guṇas are pure. There is a mixture. And because there is mixture, therefore we see so many varieties. But we have to come to the platform of sattva-guṇa. And that process is hearing. This is the best process. Śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ (SB 1.2.17). If you hear regularly Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam... We are therefore stressing: "Always hear, always read, always hear." Nityaṁ bhāgavata-sevayā (SB 1.2.18). Nitya. If you can constantly, twenty-four hours, if you hear and chant Hear means somebody chants or you chant yourself or hear, or some of your colleague may chant, you hear. Or he may hear, you may chant. This process must go on. This is śrāvaṇaṁ kīrtanaṁ viṣṇoḥ. Viṣṇoḥ (SB 7.5.23). That is Bhāgavata.
That yoga-siddhi, it is not possible in this age because people are not expert to practice this yoga system. Therefore Arjuna denied, "No, no, no. Kṛṣṇa, it is not possible for me to practice this yoga system. It is impossible for me." So five thousand years ago he said, "Impossible," but we are daring to make it possible. That is not very good. Better, as Kṛṣṇa says... To encourage Arjuna, Kṛṣṇa said that "Don't be discouraged because you cannot practice this yoga system. Here is the best process." What is that? Yoginām api sarveṣāṁ mad-gatenāntar-ātmanā: (BG 6.47) "If you simply think of Me, then you are the best yogi."
The principal point is to become Kṛṣṇa conscious. That is knowledge. Then all knowledge will come automatically. Yasyāsti bhaktir bhagavaty akiñcana. If you take to this knowledge, that Kṛṣṇa or the Supreme Lord, Absolute Truth, He is eternal master and we are all eternal servitors, this very knowledge will elevate you to other platforms of knowledge. Yasyāsti bhaktir bhagavaty akiñcana sarvair guṇais tatra samāsate surāḥ (SB 5.18.12). Then all the symptoms of knowledge will automatically manifest in his person. Therefore this is the best process of becoming a man of knowledge or wise man.
General Lectures
Nobody is interested in this age to go to the temple or to the church, or they are not satisfied with the management of the temples or the church. So many things. Anyway, this has become practically impossible to get any enlightenment. So dvāpare paricaryāyāṁ kalau tad dhari-kīrtanāt. Therefore in this age of disagreement and quarrel, this is the best process. Never mind whatever you are. It doesn't require any prequalification. Simply you sit down. You sit down together and chant Hare Kṛṣṇa. You see? Very practical. You haven't got to sit in a particular position or fashion, āsana. You haven't got to exercise your breathing process. Nothing. Simply you sit down and chant Hare Kṛṣṇa.
Conversations and Morning Walks
1975 Conversations and Morning Walks
Harikeśa: And they said, "Oh, this is the best process. Because this is joyful realization." They said, "You people really have something here."
Prabhupāda: So in that way, if they understand, that is good.
1976 Conversations and Morning Walks
Prabhupāda: Those who are developed conscious, they can understand, and they can understand the value of life, what is the objective of life. Then he acts accordingly, and his life becomes successful. Otherwise, if we do not develop consciousness, simply eat like animal, sleep like animal, enjoy sex life like animal, and try to defend ourself like animal, then where is the difference between man and the animal? At the present moment they are busy with these four things: how to eat, how to sleep, how to have best process of sex life, and how to defend by atomic bomb. This is their advancement of civilization. And this is dog's civilization. A dog is also trying for the same purpose, how to eat, how sleep, how to have sex, and how to defend. That's all. Any animal is trying. Any small insect, it is trying for the same thing. So human life should be utilized only for these four things? No. To understand himself, "What I am? Why I do not like death?"
Gopāla Kṛṣṇa: So we can mobilise all the Indians, that's the best process.
Prabhupāda: Yes, Indian opinion. I have already given suggestion. The Indians should come forward. And from here also, similar if the member... Respectable Indian businessmen they should say that this Kṛṣṇa cult is very, very old, genuine and we are so enlightened that Swami Bhaktivedanta has taken this movement to the foreign countries. We are so proud, like that.
Correspondence
1968 Correspondence
I am advising the Japan printing company to send you directly 2500 copies of Teachings of Lord Caitanya. If you can sell 2500 at $5.00 each, that will be $12500.00, so there will be no scarcity of money if we can sell our publications quickly after being printed. Then we can repeat the publication one right after another. The best process for selling books is to get them reviewed by various important papers. There are hundreds and thousands of influential papers in your country, and if they are reviewed, the books will be very quickly sold. Very soon you will get also six mrdangas, and other musical instruments from India. I think you are keeping a separate account of my books and as soon as you receive books, you just credit in the book account and whatever you pay, you may debit in the same way. That will keep clear the book account.
My mission is in the line of Lord Caitanya, Who is Personified Love of Godhead, and Who advented Himself 482 years ago in India, and preached God consciousness all over the country. His mission is to revive God consciousness all over the world, on the basis of Srimad-Bhagavatam (Science of God). The principle of Srimad-Bhagavatam is that any religious faith which helps a man to develop Love of God, without any motive, and without being hampered by any material condition, is transcendental religion. And the best process or the easiest process, in this age especially, is to chant the Holy name of God. From this definition of religion as we find in the Srimad-Bhagavatam, the criterion test of religion is how it helps people to develop his dormant Love of God, which is not artificially invoked, but it is aroused from within by bona fide association of devotees and hearing about God.
1969 Correspondence
Regarding your proposal for soliciting members, this is not a good proposal. We tried for membership in the beginning, and it was not successful. Collection by Sankirtana Party is the best process, along with selling our books and magazines by organized sale. But you can advertise for membership, and when somebody inquires, you can give him your chart for membership. But do not advertise it. You can simply invite people that we invite all sincere souls to become our serious members. I am enclosing a copy of a letter addressed to Mr. Kair, which may be published so people may know what is the practical advantage of becoming a member of this society.
1970 Correspondence
Regarding your several questions; yes, it is best to get all such points cleared up so that our understanding may be firmly fixed up in our philosophy. The best process is to rigidly execute one's prescribed devotional duties regularly, and to study the books and literatures very carefully in the company and guidance of experienced devotees. The essence of our program is to chant daily Hare Krishna mantra at least sixteen rounds without fail, and thus one remains strong in spiritual life.
1972 Correspondence
You are very descriptive writer and I enjoy very much your descriptions and use of words. Actually, if we are engaged in writing and speaking on behalf of Krishna, this is the best process for advancing in Krishna Consciousness. Such activity forces us to think very clearly on the subject matter in order to speak or write on it to convince others. So I think that you should develop your ability for writing and spend sometime writing articles for Back To Godhead.
Now we have got so many students and so many temples but I am fearful that if we expand too much in this way that we shall become weakened and gradually the whole thing will become lost. Just like milk. We may thin it more and more with water for cheating the customer, but in the end it will cease to be any longer milk. Better to boil the milk now very vigorously and make it thick and sweet, that is the best process. So let us concentrate on training our devotees very thoroughly in the knowledge of Krishna Consciousness from our books, from tapes, by discussing always, and in so many ways instruct them in the right propositions.
If you require books in Spanish language, you may request Karandhara and Citsukhananda and they shall ship to you wherever you like, but this distribution of books, combined with preaching, is the best process for spreading Krishna Consciousness, so always there must be books.
The boy Sharma from Bombay may come there to join you if you want him. By your own work you can recruit men locally, that is the best process. So immediately resume the preaching work amongst the Africans and show yourselves as always meek and humble and refrain from a tough attitude and in this way gain their confidence. Gradually you will recruit men locally and they will be able to share the responsibilities. Our process is slow but sure, not that we must do everything immediately and then later on regret it. Many of our big centers started with only a handful of men and because they were determined to expand by recruiting the local men, that has been their success.
1974 Correspondence
In this age the spiritual revolution was recommended by Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. He demonstrated that the Yuga Dharma for this age is the Sankirtana chanting of the holy names. If we want the degraded mass of people to be elevated, we must stop their sinful activity. To stop sinful activity one must purify the mind and the best process for purifying the mass mind is the chanting of the maha mantra Hare Krishna. This can be done in public where everyone has a chance to hear and be purified.