Such distribution of personal wealth is very instructive for all who desire to be elevated in spiritual knowledge. Generally a person bequeaths all his accumulated wealth to his family members and then retires from family activities in order to make progress in spiritual knowledge. Here, however, we find the behavior of Rūpa Gosvāmī to be exemplary; he gave fifty percent of his wealth for spiritual purposes. This should serve as an example for everyone. The twenty-five percent of his accumulated wealth which he kept for personal emergencies was deposited with a good business firm, since in those days there were no banks. Ten thousand coins were deposited for expenditures incurred by his elder brother, Sanātana Gosvāmī.
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<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="Teachings_of_Lord_Caitanya" class="sub_section" sec_index="0" parent="Other_Books_by_Srila_Prabhupada" text="Teachings of Lord Caitanya"><h3>Teachings of Lord Caitanya</h3> | |||
[[ | </div> | ||
<div id="TLC2_0" class="quote" parent="Teachings_of_Lord_Caitanya" book="OB" index="8" link="TLC 2" link_text="Teachings of Lord Caitanya, Chapter 2"> | |||
== | <div class="heading">Rūpa Gosvāmī gave fifty percent of his wealth for spiritual purposes. This should serve as an example for everyone. | ||
</div> | |||
=== | <span class="link">[[Vanisource:TLC 2|Teachings of Lord Caitanya, Chapter 2]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">Such distribution of personal wealth is very instructive for all who desire to be elevated in spiritual knowledge. Generally a person bequeaths all his accumulated wealth to his family members and then retires from family activities in order to make progress in spiritual knowledge. Here, however, we find the behavior of Rūpa Gosvāmī to be exemplary; he gave fifty percent of his wealth for spiritual purposes. This should serve as an example for everyone. The twenty-five percent of his accumulated wealth which he kept for personal emergencies was deposited with a good business firm, since in those days there were no banks. Ten thousand coins were deposited for expenditures incurred by his elder brother, Sanātana Gosvāmī.</p> | ||
</div> | |||
<span class=" | </div> | ||
<div id="TLC2_1" class="quote" parent="Teachings_of_Lord_Caitanya" book="OB" index="8" link="TLC 2" link_text="Teachings of Lord Caitanya, Chapter 2"> | |||
<span class=" | <div class="heading">Sanātana Gosvāmī advised the jailkeeper to gladly accept the five thousand coins from him and let him go because by accepting the money he would not only be materially benefited but would also be acting very righteously by freeing Sanātana for spiritual purposes. | ||
</div> | |||
So | <span class="link">[[Vanisource:TLC 2|Teachings of Lord Caitanya, Chapter 2]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">The Nawab was intelligent, and he understood Sanātana Gosvāmī's purpose. He left the house in an angry mood, and shortly afterward he went off to conquer Orissa. He ordered the arrest of Sanātana Gosvāmī and commanded that he be held until he returned. Upon learning that his elder brother had been arrested by the Nawab, Rūpa Gosvāmī sent information that ten thousand coins were being held in the custody of a grocer in Gauḍa (Bengal) and that this money could be used as ransom for his brother. Sanātana also offered five thousand coins to the keeper of the jail in which he was being held in custody. He advised the jailkeeper to gladly accept the five thousand coins from him and let him go because by accepting the money he would not only be materially benefited but would also be acting very righteously by freeing Sanātana for spiritual purposes.</p> | ||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="TLC17_2" class="quote" parent="Teachings_of_Lord_Caitanya" book="OB" index="23" link="TLC 17" link_text="Teachings of Lord Caitanya, Chapter 17"> | |||
<div class="heading">Although Lord Kṛṣṇa is one without a second, in order to serve five specific spiritual purposes, He is manifest in five ways. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:TLC 17|Teachings of Lord Caitanya, Chapter 17]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">The supremely powerful Lord Kṛṣṇa is manifest in five different potencies. Although He is one without a second, in order to serve five specific spiritual purposes, He is manifest in five ways. Such diversity is eternal and blissful, in contrast to the conception of monotonous oneness. From Vedic literatures we can understand that the Absolute Truth, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, eternally exists with His diverse energies. Lord Caitanya appeared with full diverse energies, and they are five in number; therefore Lord Caitanya is said to be Kṛṣṇa with diverse energies.</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="LectureonBG211MauritiusOctober11975_0" class="quote" parent="Bhagavad-gita_As_It_Is_Lectures" book="Lec" index="50" link="Lecture on BG 2.11 -- Mauritius, October 1, 1975" link_text="Lecture on BG 2.11 -- Mauritius, October 1, 1975"> | |||
<div class="heading">Actually it is spiritual, and when it is not used for spiritual purpose or Kṛṣṇa's purpose, it is material, the same thing. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Lecture on BG 2.11 -- Mauritius, October 1, 1975|Lecture on BG 2.11 -- Mauritius, October 1, 1975]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">Similarly, we should always remember that "I am using this material body for my transaction, different transaction, but I am not this material body." But a devotee, he uses this material body, utilizes it properly. Just like we are also going by aeroplane, by motorcar, but we have no concern with the... I have come to you country by aeroplane not to see your country. I have come for Kṛṣṇa's business: to see if I can induce you to Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Otherwise we have no concern with this aeroplane or motorcar or anything. We take advantage. Similarly, when we take advantage of this body for advancing in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, then it is very nice. Nirbandhaḥ kṛṣṇa-sambandhe. That is also renouncement. He has no attachment. He simply uses things. Then that thing becomes spiritual. Actually it is spiritual, and when it is not used for spiritual purpose or Kṛṣṇa's purpose, it is material, the same thing.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="LectureonBG24951NewYorkApril51966_1" class="quote" parent="Bhagavad-gita_As_It_Is_Lectures" book="Lec" index="108" link="Lecture on BG 2.49-51 -- New York, April 5, 1966" link_text="Lecture on BG 2.49-51 -- New York, April 5, 1966"> | |||
<div class="heading">You'll find that on the material platform, on the bodily conception of life, if you work for eight hours only, you'll feel fatigued. But spiritual purpose, if you work more than twenty-four hours... Unfortunately, you haven't got more than twenty-four hours at your disposal. Still, you won't feel fatigued. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Lecture on BG 2.49-51 -- New York, April 5, 1966|Lecture on BG 2.49-51 -- New York, April 5, 1966]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">So karma, karma means work. We have to work. Without working even our, this body and soul cannot go. It is a very misconception that for one who is a..., for spiritual realization he hasn't got to work. No, he has got to work more. Persons who are not for spiritual realization, they may be engaged in work for eight hours only, but those who are engaged for spiritual realization, oh, they are engaged twenty-four hours, twenty-four hours. That is the difference. And that difference is... You'll find that on the material platform, on the bodily conception of life, if you work for eight hours only, you'll feel fatigued. But spiritual purpose, if you work more than twenty-four hours... Unfortunately, you haven't got more than twenty-four hours at your disposal. Still, you won't feel fatigued. I tell you. This is my practical experience. This is my practical experience. And I am here, always working, something reading or writing, something reading or writing, twenty-four hours. Simply when I feel hungry, I take some food. And simply when I feel asleep, I go to bed. Otherwise, always, I don't feel fatigued. You can ask Mr. Paul whether I am not doing this. So I take, I take pleasure in doing that. I don't feel fatigued. Similarly, when one will have that spiritual sense, he won't feel... Rather, he will, he will feel disgusted to go to sleep, to go to sleep, "Oh, sleep has come just to disturb." See? He wants to lessen the time of sleeping.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="LectureonBG61624LosAngelesFebruary171969_2" class="quote" parent="Bhagavad-gita_As_It_Is_Lectures" book="Lec" index="215" link="Lecture on BG 6.16-24 -- Los Angeles, February 17, 1969" link_text="Lecture on BG 6.16-24 -- Los Angeles, February 17, 1969"> | |||
<div class="heading">The more you can reduce your sleep and eating, you keep good health, especially for spiritual purposes. But not artificially. Not artificially. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Lecture on BG 6.16-24 -- Los Angeles, February 17, 1969|Lecture on BG 6.16-24 -- Los Angeles, February 17, 1969]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">Because in the beginning, because we are accustomed to eat voraciously, so don't try to eat less artificially. You eat. But try to minimize. Therefore there are prescription of fasting. At least two compulsory fastings in a month. And there are other fasting days. The more you can reduce your sleep and eating, you keep good health, especially for spiritual purposes. But not artificially. Not artificially. But when you advance, naturally you'll not feel, just like Raghunātha dāsa Gosvāmī. There are examples.</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="LectureonSB1104LondonNovember251973_0" class="quote" parent="Srimad-Bhagavatam_Lectures" book="Lec" index="273" link="Lecture on SB 1.10.4 -- London, November 25, 1973" link_text="Lecture on SB 1.10.4 -- London, November 25, 1973"> | |||
<div class="heading">For material purpose. That is not for spiritual purpose. Although there is hint of spiritual life, still, they are prākṛta. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Lecture on SB 1.10.4 -- London, November 25, 1973|Lecture on SB 1.10.4 -- London, November 25, 1973]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">Dharma means to be situated in one's position. That is called dharma. Dharma is not a kind of faith. Faith is sometimes blind. That is not dharma. Just like we say, varṇāśrama-dharma. Cātur-varṇyaṁ mayā sṛṣṭam ([[Vanisource:BG 4.13 (1972)|BG 4.13]]). Varṇa. Brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya, śūdra, brahmacārī, gṛhastha, vānaprastha, sannyāsī. This combination of eight makes dharma, constitutional position. Everyone is animal. So if one is not trained up in these eight principles of human society, so that is not dharma; it is sentiment. But that does not stand very long. It will vanquish. But if dharma is accepted on the principles of this varṇāśrama-dharma, that is... For material purpose. That is not for spiritual purpose. Although there is hint of spiritual life, still, they are prākṛta.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="LectureonSB2320LosAngelesJune161972_1" class="quote" parent="Srimad-Bhagavatam_Lectures" book="Lec" index="391" link="Lecture on SB 2.3.20 -- Los Angeles, June 16, 1972" link_text="Lecture on SB 2.3.20 -- Los Angeles, June 16, 1972"> | |||
<div class="heading">You have got your ears; you have got your tongue; you have got your hand; you have got your leg; you have got your eyes; everything is there. You can utilize it for material purpose and for spiritual purpose. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Lecture on SB 2.3.20 -- Los Angeles, June 16, 1972|Lecture on SB 2.3.20 -- Los Angeles, June 16, 1972]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">The same earholes, you hear some radio message, some materialistic news, some advertisement, so many things you can hear. And in the same earholes, you can hear Hare Kṛṣṇa. So the hearing is there. But when you hear something for your sense gratification, that is material, and when you hear something about Kṛṣṇa, that is spiritual. This is the difference between material and spiritual. The things are already there. You have got your ears; you have got your tongue; you have got your hand; you have got your leg; you have got your eyes; everything is there. You can utilize it for material purpose and for spiritual purpose. How you can utilize? If you change your consciousness, then you can realize. So if you change your consciousness to Kṛṣṇa consciousness and utilize the senses for that purpose ... Sarvopādhi-vinirmuktaṁ tat-paratvena nirmalam ([[Vanisource:CC Madhya 19.170|CC Madhya 19.170]]). Just like you are American and I am Indian. We are not concerned about hearing about Indian and American.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="LectureonSB32222andInitiationsTehranAugust121976_2" class="quote" parent="Srimad-Bhagavatam_Lectures" book="Lec" index="422" link="Lecture on SB 3.22.22 and Initiations -- Tehran, August 12, 1976" link_text="Lecture on SB 3.22.22 and Initiations -- Tehran, August 12, 1976"> | |||
<div class="heading">The purpose of life is, we should supply the necessities of the body as you can keep fit for executing spiritual purpose. But at the present moment there is no spiritual purpose, simply bodily comforts. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Lecture on SB 3.22.22 and Initiations -- Tehran, August 12, 1976|Lecture on SB 3.22.22 and Initiations -- Tehran, August 12, 1976]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">So we cannot spare our valuable time for bodily comforts, sacrificing our real aim of life, self-realization. That is not civilization. That is animal civilization. First consideration is self-realization. Therefore you'll find Vedic civilization very simple because they took it main business, self-realization. The bodily comforts... Big, big kings, because they had to rule over the country, some gorgeous type, style of living. They were... Ordinary persons, they were satisfied in a cottage. Still you'll find in India in the villages—I think here also the same—they don't mind. I see from the street the original walls.(?) They are not very much interested how to live comfortably. The real purpose of life should be done. At the present moment the civilization is simply for bodily comforts. Divasa-śarīra-sāje. Whole day is spoiled for trying how to make the, keep the body in comfortable situation. That is not the purpose of life. The purpose of life is, we should supply the necessities of the body as you can keep fit for executing spiritual purpose. But at the present moment there is no spiritual purpose, simply bodily comforts. This is the civilization of animals. As animals they do not know anything except bodily comforts. If human society becomes like that, then it is animal society. And because it is animal society, there is no peace in spite of advancement of material conforts.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="LectureonSB3253BombayNovember31974_4" class="quote" parent="Srimad-Bhagavatam_Lectures" book="Lec" index="425" link="Lecture on SB 3.25.3 -- Bombay, November 3, 1974" link_text="Lecture on SB 3.25.3 -- Bombay, November 3, 1974"> | |||
<div class="heading">The material purpose is not true, but spiritual purpose is true. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Lecture on SB 3.25.3 -- Bombay, November 3, 1974|Lecture on SB 3.25.3 -- Bombay, November 3, 1974]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">The material purpose is not true, but spiritual purpose is true. Therefore anything, you use it for the ultimate truth, Absolute Truth, that is realization of truth. This is Vaiṣṇava philosophy.</p> | |||
:anāsaktasya viṣayān | |||
:yathārham upayuñjataḥ | |||
:nirbandhaḥ kṛṣṇa-sambandhe | |||
:yuktaṁ vairāgyam ucyate | |||
<p>This is the instruction given by Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī. And on the other side,</p> | |||
:prāpañcikatayā buddhyā | |||
:hari-sambandhi-vastunaḥ | |||
:mumukṣubhiḥ parityāgo | |||
:vairāgyaṁ phalgu kathyate | |||
<p>Mumukṣubhiḥ. Mumukṣubhiḥ means those who are aspiring after mukti. Those who are aspiring after mukti. Because when one is disgusted with these material engagements—sadā samudvigna-dhiyām—they want to destroy this. Mithyā. But the Vaiṣṇava says that prāpañcikatayā buddhyā hari-sambandhi-vastunaḥ. Everything has got relation with the Supreme Person or the Absolute Truth. Just like this microphone. It is made of metal. But what is metal? It is another form of earth. So Kṛṣṇa says, bhūmir āpo 'nalo vāyuḥ khaṁ mano buddhir eva ca, bhinnā me prakṛtir aṣṭadhā ([[Vanisource:BG 7.4 (1972)|BG 7.4]]). It is His energy. So His energy... He is the source of energy. So energy, how it can be untrue? That is not untrue.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="LectureonSB766NewVrindabanJune221976_5" class="quote" parent="Srimad-Bhagavatam_Lectures" book="Lec" index="757" link="Lecture on SB 7.6.6 -- New Vrindaban, June 22, 1976" link_text="Lecture on SB 7.6.6 -- New Vrindaban, June 22, 1976"> | |||
<div class="heading">So far we are concerned, not only we, everyone, the human life is only meant for spiritual purpose. Not for material purpose. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Lecture on SB 7.6.6 -- New Vrindaban, June 22, 1976|Lecture on SB 7.6.6 -- New Vrindaban, June 22, 1976]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">Life is so valuable that we cannot waste even a second without any profit. That is the aim of life. The materialist persons, especially in country like yours, they calculate... I do not know. When I was in India I heard it that if you go to see an important businessman, his secretary, while talking with that man, the secretary gives you a card that "This Mr. such and such cannot spare more than two minutes." Is it a fact? Huh? Anyway, we should not waste our time, either you act materially or spiritually. But materially we have no business, although we have taken it the material business as very important and spiritual business has no meaning. This is the sum and substance of modern civilization. But so far we are concerned, not only we, everyone, the human life is only meant for spiritual purpose. Not for material purpose.</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="MorningWalkApril191975Vrndavana_0" class="quote" parent="1975_Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" book="Con" index="55" link="Morning Walk -- April 19, 1975, Vrndavana" link_text="Morning Walk -- April 19, 1975, Vrndavana"> | |||
<div class="heading">Just like this machine can be used for material and spiritual purpose. When it is being used for spiritual, it is spiritual. Otherwise, material. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Morning Walk -- April 19, 1975, Vrndavana|Morning Walk -- April 19, 1975, Vrndavana]]: </span><div class="text"><p style="display: inline;">Puṣṭa Kṛṣṇa: So is the thinking material?</p> | |||
<p>Prabhupāda: Material and spiritual also.</p> | |||
<p>Passer-by: Hari bol!</p> | |||
<p>Prabhupāda: Hare Kṛṣṇa. Just like this machine can be used for material and spiritual purpose. When it is being used for spiritual, it is spiritual. Otherwise, material.</p> | |||
<p>Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: Everything is Kṛṣṇa's energy.</p> | |||
<p>Prabhupāda: Yes.</p> | |||
<p>Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: So it can be used in either way.</p> | |||
<p>Prabhupāda: Either way, yes.</p> | |||
<p>Devotee (2): So our thinking and our feeling and our willing is the same. It can be either used in...</p> | |||
<p>Prabhupāda: Yes.</p> | |||
<p>Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: But some energy of Kṛṣṇa's cannot be used either way.</p> | |||
<p>Prabhupāda: Hm? Everything can be used. What is the example, it cannot be used?</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="InterviewwithNewsweekJuly141976NewYork_0" class="quote" parent="1976_Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" book="Con" index="211" link="Interview with Newsweek -- July 14, 1976, New York" link_text="Interview with Newsweek -- July 14, 1976, New York"> | |||
<div class="heading">In Europe, America, they are intelligent, but their intelligence is utilized for material purposes. And in India their intelligence is utilized for spiritual purpose. Therefore you find so many highly spiritual standard of life, books, literature. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Interview with Newsweek -- July 14, 1976, New York|Interview with Newsweek -- July 14, 1976, New York]]: </span><div class="text"><p style="display: inline;">Interviewer: Do you think there's a difference between the various peoples of the world? In other words, do you think that Indians as opposed to Europeans have more of a tendency or are more likely to adhere to the Kṛṣṇa consciousness?</p> | |||
<p>Prabhupāda: No, any intelligent man can become Kṛṣṇa conscious. That I have already explained, that unless one is very intelligent, he cannot take to Kṛṣṇa consciousness. So it is open for everyone. But there are different grades of intelligence. In Europe, America, they are intelligent, but their intelligence is utilized for material purposes. And in India their intelligence is utilized for spiritual purpose. Therefore you find so many highly spiritual standard of life, books, literature. Just like Vyāsadeva. Vyāsadeva was also in householder life, but he was living in the forest, and see his contribution of literature. Nobody can dream even. So by literary contribution, one's intelligence is tested. All big, big men of the material world, scientists, philosophers, even technicians, they are recognized by their writings, by their contribution, not by their gigantic body.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="Correspondence" class="section" sec_index="6" parent="compilation" text="Correspondence"><h2>Correspondence</h2> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="1970_Correspondence" class="sub_section" sec_index="5" parent="Correspondence" text="1970 Correspondence"><h3>1970 Correspondence</h3> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="LettertoUnknownLosAngeles12April1970_0" class="quote" parent="1970_Correspondence" book="Let" index="232" link="Letter to Unknown -- Los Angeles 12 April, 1970" link_text="Letter to Unknown -- Los Angeles 12 April, 1970"> | |||
<div class="heading">This transcendental knowledge was impregnated in the heart of the first created living being, and then he distributed the knowledge both for material and spiritual purposes. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Letter to Unknown -- Los Angeles 12 April, 1970|Letter to Unknown -- Los Angeles 12 April, 1970]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">As you have liked to know more about the temple, the worshippers, and the scriptures, I beg to inform you that this Krishna Consciousness movement is based on the Vedic scriptures. Veda means knowledge and there are two kinds of knowledge—one mundane and another transcendental. Vedas are considered to be originally transcendental because they are coming from the platform which existed before the creation. This transcendental knowledge was impregnated in the heart of the first created living being, and then he distributed the knowledge both for material and spiritual purposes.</p> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="1977_Correspondence" class="sub_section" sec_index="12" parent="Correspondence" text="1977 Correspondence"><h3>1977 Correspondence</h3> | |||
</div> | |||
<div id="LettertoInquirerBostonUnknownDate_0" class="quote" parent="1977_Correspondence" book="Let" index="130" link="Letter to Inquirer -- Boston Unknown Date" link_text="Letter to Inquirer -- Boston Unknown Date"> | |||
<div class="heading">His transcendental knowledge was impregnated in the heart of the first created living being, and then he distributed the knowledge both for material and spiritual purposes. | |||
</div> | |||
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Letter to Inquirer -- Boston Unknown Date|Letter to Inquirer -- Boston Unknown Date]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">Since you would like to know more about the temple, the worshipers and the scriptures, I beg to inform you that this Krsna consciousness movement is based on the Vedic scriptures. Veda means knowledge, and there are two kinds of knowledge, one mundane and another transcendental. The Vedas are considered to be originally transcendental because they come from the platform which existed before the creation. This transcendental knowledge was impregnated in the heart of the first created living being, and then he distributed the knowledge both for material and spiritual purposes.</p> | |||
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Latest revision as of 23:18, 19 May 2018
Expressions researched:
"spiritual purpose"
|"spiritual purposes"
Other Books by Srila Prabhupada
Teachings of Lord Caitanya
The Nawab was intelligent, and he understood Sanātana Gosvāmī's purpose. He left the house in an angry mood, and shortly afterward he went off to conquer Orissa. He ordered the arrest of Sanātana Gosvāmī and commanded that he be held until he returned. Upon learning that his elder brother had been arrested by the Nawab, Rūpa Gosvāmī sent information that ten thousand coins were being held in the custody of a grocer in Gauḍa (Bengal) and that this money could be used as ransom for his brother. Sanātana also offered five thousand coins to the keeper of the jail in which he was being held in custody. He advised the jailkeeper to gladly accept the five thousand coins from him and let him go because by accepting the money he would not only be materially benefited but would also be acting very righteously by freeing Sanātana for spiritual purposes.
The supremely powerful Lord Kṛṣṇa is manifest in five different potencies. Although He is one without a second, in order to serve five specific spiritual purposes, He is manifest in five ways. Such diversity is eternal and blissful, in contrast to the conception of monotonous oneness. From Vedic literatures we can understand that the Absolute Truth, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, eternally exists with His diverse energies. Lord Caitanya appeared with full diverse energies, and they are five in number; therefore Lord Caitanya is said to be Kṛṣṇa with diverse energies.
Lectures
Bhagavad-gita As It Is Lectures
Similarly, we should always remember that "I am using this material body for my transaction, different transaction, but I am not this material body." But a devotee, he uses this material body, utilizes it properly. Just like we are also going by aeroplane, by motorcar, but we have no concern with the... I have come to you country by aeroplane not to see your country. I have come for Kṛṣṇa's business: to see if I can induce you to Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Otherwise we have no concern with this aeroplane or motorcar or anything. We take advantage. Similarly, when we take advantage of this body for advancing in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, then it is very nice. Nirbandhaḥ kṛṣṇa-sambandhe. That is also renouncement. He has no attachment. He simply uses things. Then that thing becomes spiritual. Actually it is spiritual, and when it is not used for spiritual purpose or Kṛṣṇa's purpose, it is material, the same thing.
So karma, karma means work. We have to work. Without working even our, this body and soul cannot go. It is a very misconception that for one who is a..., for spiritual realization he hasn't got to work. No, he has got to work more. Persons who are not for spiritual realization, they may be engaged in work for eight hours only, but those who are engaged for spiritual realization, oh, they are engaged twenty-four hours, twenty-four hours. That is the difference. And that difference is... You'll find that on the material platform, on the bodily conception of life, if you work for eight hours only, you'll feel fatigued. But spiritual purpose, if you work more than twenty-four hours... Unfortunately, you haven't got more than twenty-four hours at your disposal. Still, you won't feel fatigued. I tell you. This is my practical experience. This is my practical experience. And I am here, always working, something reading or writing, something reading or writing, twenty-four hours. Simply when I feel hungry, I take some food. And simply when I feel asleep, I go to bed. Otherwise, always, I don't feel fatigued. You can ask Mr. Paul whether I am not doing this. So I take, I take pleasure in doing that. I don't feel fatigued. Similarly, when one will have that spiritual sense, he won't feel... Rather, he will, he will feel disgusted to go to sleep, to go to sleep, "Oh, sleep has come just to disturb." See? He wants to lessen the time of sleeping.
Because in the beginning, because we are accustomed to eat voraciously, so don't try to eat less artificially. You eat. But try to minimize. Therefore there are prescription of fasting. At least two compulsory fastings in a month. And there are other fasting days. The more you can reduce your sleep and eating, you keep good health, especially for spiritual purposes. But not artificially. Not artificially. But when you advance, naturally you'll not feel, just like Raghunātha dāsa Gosvāmī. There are examples.
Srimad-Bhagavatam Lectures
Dharma means to be situated in one's position. That is called dharma. Dharma is not a kind of faith. Faith is sometimes blind. That is not dharma. Just like we say, varṇāśrama-dharma. Cātur-varṇyaṁ mayā sṛṣṭam (BG 4.13). Varṇa. Brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya, śūdra, brahmacārī, gṛhastha, vānaprastha, sannyāsī. This combination of eight makes dharma, constitutional position. Everyone is animal. So if one is not trained up in these eight principles of human society, so that is not dharma; it is sentiment. But that does not stand very long. It will vanquish. But if dharma is accepted on the principles of this varṇāśrama-dharma, that is... For material purpose. That is not for spiritual purpose. Although there is hint of spiritual life, still, they are prākṛta.
The same earholes, you hear some radio message, some materialistic news, some advertisement, so many things you can hear. And in the same earholes, you can hear Hare Kṛṣṇa. So the hearing is there. But when you hear something for your sense gratification, that is material, and when you hear something about Kṛṣṇa, that is spiritual. This is the difference between material and spiritual. The things are already there. You have got your ears; you have got your tongue; you have got your hand; you have got your leg; you have got your eyes; everything is there. You can utilize it for material purpose and for spiritual purpose. How you can utilize? If you change your consciousness, then you can realize. So if you change your consciousness to Kṛṣṇa consciousness and utilize the senses for that purpose ... Sarvopādhi-vinirmuktaṁ tat-paratvena nirmalam (CC Madhya 19.170). Just like you are American and I am Indian. We are not concerned about hearing about Indian and American.
So we cannot spare our valuable time for bodily comforts, sacrificing our real aim of life, self-realization. That is not civilization. That is animal civilization. First consideration is self-realization. Therefore you'll find Vedic civilization very simple because they took it main business, self-realization. The bodily comforts... Big, big kings, because they had to rule over the country, some gorgeous type, style of living. They were... Ordinary persons, they were satisfied in a cottage. Still you'll find in India in the villages—I think here also the same—they don't mind. I see from the street the original walls.(?) They are not very much interested how to live comfortably. The real purpose of life should be done. At the present moment the civilization is simply for bodily comforts. Divasa-śarīra-sāje. Whole day is spoiled for trying how to make the, keep the body in comfortable situation. That is not the purpose of life. The purpose of life is, we should supply the necessities of the body as you can keep fit for executing spiritual purpose. But at the present moment there is no spiritual purpose, simply bodily comforts. This is the civilization of animals. As animals they do not know anything except bodily comforts. If human society becomes like that, then it is animal society. And because it is animal society, there is no peace in spite of advancement of material conforts.
The material purpose is not true, but spiritual purpose is true. Therefore anything, you use it for the ultimate truth, Absolute Truth, that is realization of truth. This is Vaiṣṇava philosophy.
- anāsaktasya viṣayān
- yathārham upayuñjataḥ
- nirbandhaḥ kṛṣṇa-sambandhe
- yuktaṁ vairāgyam ucyate
This is the instruction given by Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī. And on the other side,
- prāpañcikatayā buddhyā
- hari-sambandhi-vastunaḥ
- mumukṣubhiḥ parityāgo
- vairāgyaṁ phalgu kathyate
Mumukṣubhiḥ. Mumukṣubhiḥ means those who are aspiring after mukti. Those who are aspiring after mukti. Because when one is disgusted with these material engagements—sadā samudvigna-dhiyām—they want to destroy this. Mithyā. But the Vaiṣṇava says that prāpañcikatayā buddhyā hari-sambandhi-vastunaḥ. Everything has got relation with the Supreme Person or the Absolute Truth. Just like this microphone. It is made of metal. But what is metal? It is another form of earth. So Kṛṣṇa says, bhūmir āpo 'nalo vāyuḥ khaṁ mano buddhir eva ca, bhinnā me prakṛtir aṣṭadhā (BG 7.4). It is His energy. So His energy... He is the source of energy. So energy, how it can be untrue? That is not untrue.
Life is so valuable that we cannot waste even a second without any profit. That is the aim of life. The materialist persons, especially in country like yours, they calculate... I do not know. When I was in India I heard it that if you go to see an important businessman, his secretary, while talking with that man, the secretary gives you a card that "This Mr. such and such cannot spare more than two minutes." Is it a fact? Huh? Anyway, we should not waste our time, either you act materially or spiritually. But materially we have no business, although we have taken it the material business as very important and spiritual business has no meaning. This is the sum and substance of modern civilization. But so far we are concerned, not only we, everyone, the human life is only meant for spiritual purpose. Not for material purpose.
Conversations and Morning Walks
1975 Conversations and Morning Walks
Puṣṭa Kṛṣṇa: So is the thinking material?
Prabhupāda: Material and spiritual also.
Passer-by: Hari bol!
Prabhupāda: Hare Kṛṣṇa. Just like this machine can be used for material and spiritual purpose. When it is being used for spiritual, it is spiritual. Otherwise, material.
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: Everything is Kṛṣṇa's energy.
Prabhupāda: Yes.
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: So it can be used in either way.
Prabhupāda: Either way, yes.
Devotee (2): So our thinking and our feeling and our willing is the same. It can be either used in...
Prabhupāda: Yes.
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: But some energy of Kṛṣṇa's cannot be used either way.
Prabhupāda: Hm? Everything can be used. What is the example, it cannot be used?
1976 Conversations and Morning Walks
Interviewer: Do you think there's a difference between the various peoples of the world? In other words, do you think that Indians as opposed to Europeans have more of a tendency or are more likely to adhere to the Kṛṣṇa consciousness?
Prabhupāda: No, any intelligent man can become Kṛṣṇa conscious. That I have already explained, that unless one is very intelligent, he cannot take to Kṛṣṇa consciousness. So it is open for everyone. But there are different grades of intelligence. In Europe, America, they are intelligent, but their intelligence is utilized for material purposes. And in India their intelligence is utilized for spiritual purpose. Therefore you find so many highly spiritual standard of life, books, literature. Just like Vyāsadeva. Vyāsadeva was also in householder life, but he was living in the forest, and see his contribution of literature. Nobody can dream even. So by literary contribution, one's intelligence is tested. All big, big men of the material world, scientists, philosophers, even technicians, they are recognized by their writings, by their contribution, not by their gigantic body.
Correspondence
1970 Correspondence
As you have liked to know more about the temple, the worshippers, and the scriptures, I beg to inform you that this Krishna Consciousness movement is based on the Vedic scriptures. Veda means knowledge and there are two kinds of knowledge—one mundane and another transcendental. Vedas are considered to be originally transcendental because they are coming from the platform which existed before the creation. This transcendental knowledge was impregnated in the heart of the first created living being, and then he distributed the knowledge both for material and spiritual purposes.
1977 Correspondence
Since you would like to know more about the temple, the worshipers and the scriptures, I beg to inform you that this Krsna consciousness movement is based on the Vedic scriptures. Veda means knowledge, and there are two kinds of knowledge, one mundane and another transcendental. The Vedas are considered to be originally transcendental because they come from the platform which existed before the creation. This transcendental knowledge was impregnated in the heart of the first created living being, and then he distributed the knowledge both for material and spiritual purposes.