Go to Vanipedia | Go to Vanisource | Go to Vanimedia


Vaniquotes - the compiled essence of Vedic knowledge


Situated on the spiritual platform: Difference between revisions

No edit summary
 
(Vanibot #0019: LinkReviser - Revised links and redirected them to the de facto address when redirect exists)
 
Line 1: Line 1:
<div id="compilation">
<div id="facts">
{{terms|"situated on the spiritual platform"|"situation on the spiritual platform"}}
{{terms|"situated on the spiritual platform"|"situation on the spiritual platform"}}
{{goal|18}}


{{notes|}}
{{notes|}}
Line 7: Line 7:
{{compiler|Labangalatika| Sharmila}}
{{compiler|Labangalatika| Sharmila}}


{{complete|BG|SB|CC|LEC|CON}}
{{complete|ALL}}


{{first|05Apr09}}
{{first|05Apr09}}
Line 19: Line 19:
{{toc right}}
{{toc right}}


[[Category:Situated]]
[[Category:Situated|2]]


[[Category:Spiritual Platform]]
[[Category:Spiritual Platform|2]]
</div>


== Bhagavad-gita As It Is ==
<div class="section" id="Bhagavad-gita_As_It_Is" text="Bhagavad-gita As It Is"><h2>Bhagavad-gita As It Is</h2></div>


=== BG Chapters 7 - 12 ===
<div class="sub_section" id="BG_Chapters_7_-_12" text="BG Chapters 7 - 12"><h3>BG Chapters 7 - 12</h3></div>


<span class="q_heading">'''Only those who have passed their lives in practicing the regulative principles of religion, who have acted piously and who have conquered sinful reactions can accept devotional service and gradually rise to the pure knowledge of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Then, gradually, they can meditate in trance on the Supreme Personality of Godhead. That is the process of being situated on the spiritual platform.'''</span>
<div class="quote" book="BG" link="BG 7.28" link_text="BG 7.28, Translation and Purport">
<div class="heading">Only those who have passed their lives in practicing the regulative principles of religion, who have acted piously and who have conquered sinful reactions can accept devotional service and gradually rise to the pure knowledge of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Then, gradually, they can meditate in trance on the Supreme Personality of Godhead. That is the process of being situated on the spiritual platform.</div>


<span class="BG-statistics">'''[[Vanisource:BG 7.28|BG 7.28, Translation and Purport]]: Persons who have acted piously in previous lives and in this life and whose sinful actions are completely eradicated are freed from the dualities of delusion, and they engage themselves in My service with determination.'''
<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:BG 7.28 (1972)|BG 7.28, Translation and Purport]]: Persons who have acted piously in previous lives and in this life and whose sinful actions are completely eradicated are freed from the dualities of delusion, and they engage themselves in My service with determination.'''


Those eligible for elevation to the transcendental position are mentioned in this verse. For those who are sinful, atheistic, foolish and deceitful, it is very difficult to transcend the duality of desire and hate. Only those who have passed their lives in practicing the regulative principles of religion, who have acted piously and who have conquered sinful reactions can accept devotional service and gradually rise to the pure knowledge of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Then, gradually, they can meditate in trance on the Supreme Personality of Godhead. That is the process of being situated on the spiritual platform. This elevation is possible in Kṛṣṇa consciousness in the association of pure devotees, for in the association of great devotees one can be delivered from delusion.</span>
Those eligible for elevation to the transcendental position are mentioned in this verse. For those who are sinful, atheistic, foolish and deceitful, it is very difficult to transcend the duality of desire and hate. Only those who have passed their lives in practicing the regulative principles of religion, who have acted piously and who have conquered sinful reactions can accept devotional service and gradually rise to the pure knowledge of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Then, gradually, they can meditate in trance on the Supreme Personality of Godhead. That is the process of being situated on the spiritual platform. This elevation is possible in Kṛṣṇa consciousness in the association of pure devotees, for in the association of great devotees one can be delivered from delusion.</div>
</div>


== Srimad-Bhagavatam ==
<div class="section" id="Srimad-Bhagavatam" text="Srimad-Bhagavatam"><h2>Srimad-Bhagavatam</h2></div>


=== SB Canto 3 ===
<div class="sub_section" id="SB_Canto_3" text="SB Canto 3"><h3>SB Canto 3</h3></div>


<span class="q_heading">'''Unless one is situated on the spiritual platform, he is not sat; he is asat. '''</span>
<div class="quote" book="SB" link="SB 3.25.12" link_text="SB 3.25.12, Purport">
<div class="heading">Unless one is situated on the spiritual platform, he is not sat; he is asat.</div>


<span class="SB-statistics">'''[[Vanisource:SB 3.25.12|SB 3.25.12, Purport]]:''' Those who have actual spiritual interest are called sat, or devotees. Satām prasaṅgāt. Sat means "that which eternally exists," and asat means "that which is not eternal." Unless one is situated on the spiritual platform, he is not sat; he is asat. The asat stands on a platform which will not exist, but anyone who stands on the spiritual platform will exist eternally.</span>
<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:SB 3.25.12|SB 3.25.12, Purport]]:''' Those who have actual spiritual interest are called sat, or devotees. Satām prasaṅgāt. Sat means "that which eternally exists," and asat means "that which is not eternal." Unless one is situated on the spiritual platform, he is not sat; he is asat. The asat stands on a platform which will not exist, but anyone who stands on the spiritual platform will exist eternally.</div>
</div>


<span class="q_heading">'''A materialistic devotee is not completely situated on the spiritual platform; rather, he is in the lowest stage of devotion.'''</span>
<div class="quote" book="SB" link="SB 3.29.16" link_text="SB 3.29.16, Purport">
<div class="heading">A materialistic devotee is not completely situated on the spiritual platform; rather, he is in the lowest stage of devotion.</div>


<span class="SB-statistics">'''[[Vanisource:SB 3.29.16|SB 3.29.16, Purport]]:''' As stated in Bhagavad-gītā, a paṇḍita, one who is learned, sees equally a very learned brāhmaṇa, a śūdra, a hog, a dog and a cow. He does not see the body, which is only an outward dress. He does not see the dress of a brāhmaṇa, or that of a cow or of a hog. He sees the spiritual spark, part and parcel of the Supreme Lord. If a devotee does not see every living entity as part and parcel of the Supreme Lord, he is considered prākṛta-bhakta, a materialistic devotee. He is not completely situated on the spiritual platform; rather, he is in the lowest stage of devotion. He does, however, show all respect to the Deity.</span>
<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:SB 3.29.16|SB 3.29.16, Purport]]:''' As stated in Bhagavad-gītā, a paṇḍita, one who is learned, sees equally a very learned brāhmaṇa, a śūdra, a hog, a dog and a cow. He does not see the body, which is only an outward dress. He does not see the dress of a brāhmaṇa, or that of a cow or of a hog. He sees the spiritual spark, part and parcel of the Supreme Lord. If a devotee does not see every living entity as part and parcel of the Supreme Lord, he is considered prākṛta-bhakta, a materialistic devotee. He is not completely situated on the spiritual platform; rather, he is in the lowest stage of devotion. He does, however, show all respect to the Deity.</div>
</div>


<span class="q_heading">'''The system of philosophy enunciated by Lord Kapila before His mother is the background for situation on the spiritual platform.'''</span>
<div class="quote" book="SB" link="SB 3.33.1" link_text="SB 3.33.1, Purport">
<div class="heading">The system of philosophy enunciated by Lord Kapila before His mother is the background for situation on the spiritual platform.</div>


<span class="SB-statistics">'''[[Vanisource:SB 3.33.1|SB 3.33.1, Purport]]:''' The system of philosophy enunciated by Lord Kapila before His mother is the background for situation on the spiritual platform. The specific significance of this system of philosophy is stated herein as siddhi-bhūmim—it is the background of salvation. People who are suffering in this material world because they are conditioned by the material energy can easily get freedom from the clutches of matter by understanding the Sāṅkhya philosophy enunciated by Lord Kapila. By this system of philosophy, one can immediately become free, even though one is situated in this material world.</span>
<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:SB 3.33.1|SB 3.33.1, Purport]]:''' The system of philosophy enunciated by Lord Kapila before His mother is the background for situation on the spiritual platform. The specific significance of this system of philosophy is stated herein as siddhi-bhūmim—it is the background of salvation. People who are suffering in this material world because they are conditioned by the material energy can easily get freedom from the clutches of matter by understanding the Sāṅkhya philosophy enunciated by Lord Kapila. By this system of philosophy, one can immediately become free, even though one is situated in this material world.</div>
</div>


=== SB Canto 4 ===
<div class="sub_section" id="SB_Canto_4" text="SB Canto 4"><h3>SB Canto 4</h3></div>


<span class="q_heading">'''One cannot serve the Lord without being situated on the spiritual platform.'''</span>
<div class="quote" book="SB" link="SB 4.28.42" link_text="SB 4.28.42, Purport">
<div class="heading">One cannot serve the Lord without being situated on the spiritual platform.</div>


<span class="SB-statistics">'''[[Vanisource:SB 4.28.42|SB 4.28.42, Purport]]:''' For the perfect devotee, the energy and the energetic are nondifferent. Thus the so-called material world becomes spiritual (sarvaṁ khalv idaṁ brahma). Everything is intended for the service of the Supreme Lord, and the expert devotee can utilize any so-called material thing for the Lord's service. One cannot serve the Lord without being situated on the spiritual platform. Thus if a so-called material thing is dovetailed in the service of the Lord, it is no longer to be considered material. Thus the pure devotee, in his perfect vision, sees from all angles.</span>
<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:SB 4.28.42|SB 4.28.42, Purport]]:''' For the perfect devotee, the energy and the energetic are nondifferent. Thus the so-called material world becomes spiritual (sarvaṁ khalv idaṁ brahma). Everything is intended for the service of the Supreme Lord, and the expert devotee can utilize any so-called material thing for the Lord's service. One cannot serve the Lord without being situated on the spiritual platform. Thus if a so-called material thing is dovetailed in the service of the Lord, it is no longer to be considered material. Thus the pure devotee, in his perfect vision, sees from all angles.</div>
</div>


=== SB Canto 5 ===
<div class="sub_section" id="SB_Canto_5" text="SB Canto 5"><h3>SB Canto 5</h3></div>


<span class="q_heading">'''By austere activities, one's heart can be cleansed of material contamination, and as a result one can be situated on the spiritual platform.'''</span>
<div class="quote" book="SB" link="SB 5.5 Summary" link_text="SB 5.5 Summary, Purport">
<div class="heading">By austere activities, one's heart can be cleansed of material contamination, and as a result one can be situated on the spiritual platform.</div>


<span class="SB-statistics">'''[[Vanisource:SB 5.5 Summary|SB 5.5 Summary, Purport]]:''' The human life is especially meant for the revival of our relationship with the Supreme Lord, and to this end all kinds of austerities and penances should be accepted. By austere activities, one's heart can be cleansed of material contamination, and as a result one can be situated on the spiritual platform. To attain this perfection, one has to take shelter of a devotee and serve him. Then the door of liberation will be open.</span>
<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:SB 5.5 Summary|SB 5.5 Summary, Purport]]:''' The human life is especially meant for the revival of our relationship with the Supreme Lord, and to this end all kinds of austerities and penances should be accepted. By austere activities, one's heart can be cleansed of material contamination, and as a result one can be situated on the spiritual platform. To attain this perfection, one has to take shelter of a devotee and serve him. Then the door of liberation will be open.</div>
</div>


<span class="q_heading">'''He was situated on the spiritual platform, and, being in His spiritual glory, He did not care for all these material insults.'''</span>
<div class="quote" book="SB" link="SB 5.5.30" link_text="SB 5.5.30, Translation">
<div class="heading">He was situated on the spiritual platform, and, being in His spiritual glory, He did not care for all these material insults.</div>


<span class="SB-statistics">'''[[Vanisource:SB 5.5.30|SB 5.5.30, Translation]]: Ṛṣabhadeva began to tour through cities, villages, mines, countrysides, valleys, gardens, military camps, cow pens, the homes of cowherd men, transient hotels, hills, forests and hermitages. Wherever He traveled, all bad elements surrounded Him, just as flies surround the body of an elephant coming from a forest. He was always being threatened, beaten, urinated upon and spat upon. Sometimes people threw stones, stool and dust at Him, and sometimes people passed foul air before Him. Thus people called Him many bad names and gave Him a great deal of trouble, but He did not care about this, for He understood that the body is simply meant for such an end. He was situated on the spiritual platform, and, being in His spiritual glory, He did not care for all these material insults. In other words, He completely understood that matter and spirit are separate, and He had no bodily conception. Thus, without being angry at anyone, He walked through the whole world alone.'''</span>
<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:SB 5.5.30|SB 5.5.30, Translation]]: Ṛṣabhadeva began to tour through cities, villages, mines, countrysides, valleys, gardens, military camps, cow pens, the homes of cowherd men, transient hotels, hills, forests and hermitages. Wherever He traveled, all bad elements surrounded Him, just as flies surround the body of an elephant coming from a forest. He was always being threatened, beaten, urinated upon and spat upon. Sometimes people threw stones, stool and dust at Him, and sometimes people passed foul air before Him. Thus people called Him many bad names and gave Him a great deal of trouble, but He did not care about this, for He understood that the body is simply meant for such an end. He was situated on the spiritual platform, and, being in His spiritual glory, He did not care for all these material insults. In other words, He completely understood that matter and spirit are separate, and He had no bodily conception. Thus, without being angry at anyone, He walked through the whole world alone.'''</div>
</div>


<span class="q_heading">'''One should actually be situated on the spiritual platform of neutrality.'''</span>
<div class="quote" book="SB" link="SB 5.9.11" link_text="SB 5.9.11, Purport">
<div class="heading">One should actually be situated on the spiritual platform of neutrality.</div>


<span class="SB-statistics">'''[[Vanisource:SB 5.9.11|SB 5.9.11, Purport]]:''' Bharata Mahārāja was determined to finish his business in this material world, and he did not at all care for the world of duality. He was complete in Kṛṣṇa consciousness and was oblivious to good and evil, happiness and distress. As stated in Caitanya-caritāmṛta (Cc. Antya 4.176):
<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:SB 5.9.11|SB 5.9.11, Purport]]:''' Bharata Mahārāja was determined to finish his business in this material world, and he did not at all care for the world of duality. He was complete in Kṛṣṇa consciousness and was oblivious to good and evil, happiness and distress. As stated in Caitanya-caritāmṛta (Cc. Antya 4.176):
'dvaite' bhadrābhadra-jñāna, saba-'manodharma'
'dvaite' bhadrābhadra-jñāna, saba-'manodharma'
'ei bhāla, ei manda',—saba 'bhrama'
'ei bhāla, ei manda',—saba 'bhrama'
"In the material world, conceptions of good and bad are all mental speculations. Therefore, saying, 'This is good and this is bad,' is all a mistake." One has to understand that in the material world of duality, to think that this is good or that this is bad is simply a mental concoction. However, one should not imitate this consciousness; one should actually be situated on the spiritual platform of neutrality.</span>
"In the material world, conceptions of good and bad are all mental speculations. Therefore, saying, 'This is good and this is bad,' is all a mistake." One has to understand that in the material world of duality, to think that this is good or that this is bad is simply a mental concoction. However, one should not imitate this consciousness; one should actually be situated on the spiritual platform of neutrality.</div>
</div>


=== SB Canto 7 ===
<div class="sub_section" id="SB_Canto_7" text="SB Canto 7"><h3>SB Canto 7</h3></div>


<span class="q_heading">'''Because Prahlāda Mahārāja was situated on the spiritual platform, he had nothing to do with his body, which had been born of the modes of passion and ignorance. '''</span>
<div class="quote" book="SB" link="SB 7.9.26" link_text="SB 7.9.26, Purport">
<div class="heading">Because Prahlāda Mahārāja was situated on the spiritual platform, he had nothing to do with his body, which had been born of the modes of passion and ignorance.</div>


<span class="SB-statistics">'''[[Vanisource:SB 7.9.26|SB 7.9.26, Purport]]:''' Because Prahlāda Mahārāja was situated on the spiritual platform, he had nothing to do with his body, which had been born of the modes of passion and ignorance. The symptoms of passion and ignorance are described in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (1.2.19) as lust and hankering (tadā rajas tamo-bhāvāḥ kāma-lobhādayaś ca ye). Prahlāda Mahārāja, being a great devotee, thought the body born of his father to be born of passion and ignorance, but because Prahlāda was fully engaged in the service of the Lord, his body did not belong to the material world. The pure Vaiṣṇava's body is spiritualized even in this life. For example, when iron is put into a fire it becomes red-hot and is no longer iron but fire. Similarly, the so-called material bodies of devotees who fully engage in the devotional service of the Lord, being constantly in the fire of spiritual life, have nothing to do with matter, but are spiritualized.</span>
<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:SB 7.9.26|SB 7.9.26, Purport]]:''' Because Prahlāda Mahārāja was situated on the spiritual platform, he had nothing to do with his body, which had been born of the modes of passion and ignorance. The symptoms of passion and ignorance are described in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (1.2.19) as lust and hankering (tadā rajas tamo-bhāvāḥ kāma-lobhādayaś ca ye). Prahlāda Mahārāja, being a great devotee, thought the body born of his father to be born of passion and ignorance, but because Prahlāda was fully engaged in the service of the Lord, his body did not belong to the material world. The pure Vaiṣṇava's body is spiritualized even in this life. For example, when iron is put into a fire it becomes red-hot and is no longer iron but fire. Similarly, the so-called material bodies of devotees who fully engage in the devotional service of the Lord, being constantly in the fire of spiritual life, have nothing to do with matter, but are spiritualized.</div>
</div>


=== SB Canto 10.1 to 10.13 ===
<div class="sub_section" id="SB_Canto_10.1_to_10.13" text="SB Canto 10.1 to 10.13"><h3>SB Canto 10.1 to 10.13</h3></div>


<span class="q_heading">'''When one is freed from this bewilderment and understands that the soul does not belong to any shape of this material world, one is situated on the spiritual platform.'''</span>
<div class="quote" book="SB" link="SB 10.1.43" link_text="SB 10.1.43, Purport">
<div class="heading">When one is freed from this bewilderment and understands that the soul does not belong to any shape of this material world, one is situated on the spiritual platform.</div>


<span class="SB-statistics">'''[[Vanisource:SB 10.1.43|SB 10.1.43, Purport]]:''' The soul is the eternal servant of Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, but when put into the material modes of nature, it takes different bodies, sometimes as a demigod, sometimes a man, a dog, a tree and so on. By the influence of māyā, the illusory potency of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the living entity thinks that he is this person, that person, American, Indian, cat, dog, tree or whatever. This is called māyā. When one is freed from this bewilderment and understands that the soul does not belong to any shape of this material world, one is situated on the spiritual platform.</span>
<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:SB 10.1.43|SB 10.1.43, Purport]]:''' The soul is the eternal servant of Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, but when put into the material modes of nature, it takes different bodies, sometimes as a demigod, sometimes a man, a dog, a tree and so on. By the influence of māyā, the illusory potency of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the living entity thinks that he is this person, that person, American, Indian, cat, dog, tree or whatever. This is called māyā. When one is freed from this bewilderment and understands that the soul does not belong to any shape of this material world, one is situated on the spiritual platform.</div>
</div>


== Sri Caitanya-caritamrta ==
<div class="section" id="Sri_Caitanya-caritamrta" text="Sri Caitanya-caritamrta"><h2>Sri Caitanya-caritamrta</h2></div>


=== CC Madhya-lila ===
<div class="sub_section" id="CC_Madhya-lila" text="CC Madhya-lila"><h3>CC Madhya-lila</h3></div>


<span class="q_heading">'''When one is situated on the spiritual platform, there are no bodily and mental differences.'''</span>
<div class="quote" book="CC" link="CC Madhya 17.184" link_text="CC Madhya 17.184, Purport">
<div class="heading">When one is situated on the spiritual platform, there are no bodily and mental differences.</div>


<span class="CC-statistics">'''[[Vanisource:CC Madhya 17.184|CC Madhya 17.184, Purport]]:''' When a person has no ulterior motive, there is certainly oneness and agreement of principles. Since everyone has a different body and mind, different types of religions are needed. But when one is situated on the spiritual platform, there are no bodily and mental differences. Consequently on the absolute platform there is oneness in religion.</span>
<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:CC Madhya 17.184|CC Madhya 17.184, Purport]]:''' When a person has no ulterior motive, there is certainly oneness and agreement of principles. Since everyone has a different body and mind, different types of religions are needed. But when one is situated on the spiritual platform, there are no bodily and mental differences. Consequently on the absolute platform there is oneness in religion.</div>
</div>


== Lectures ==
<div class="section" id="Lectures" text="Lectures"><h2>Lectures</h2></div>


=== Srimad-Bhagavatam Lectures ===
<div class="sub_section" id="Srimad-Bhagavatam_Lectures" text="Srimad-Bhagavatam Lectures"><h3>Srimad-Bhagavatam Lectures</h3></div>


<span class="q_heading">'''Being situated on the spiritual platform, automatically you achieve your original status, constitutional position.'''</span>
<div class="quote" book="Lec" link="Lecture on SB 3.25.43 -- Bombay, December 11, 1974" link_text="Lecture on SB 3.25.43 -- Bombay, December 11, 1974">
<div class="heading">Being situated on the spiritual platform, automatically you achieve your original status, constitutional position.</div>


<span class="LEC-statistics">'''[[Vanisource:Lecture on SB 3.25.43 -- Bombay, December 11, 1974|Lecture on SB 3.25.43 -- Bombay, December 11, 1974]]:''' Being situated on the spiritual platform, automatically you achieve your original status, constitutional position, brahma-bhūtaḥ prasannātmā [Bg. 18.54]. Then you are able to enter into the kingdom of God, or the spiritual world. Tato māṁ tattvato jñātvā. Here also it is said, praviśanty akuto-bhayam. Praviśanti. You have to enter. You are not destroyed. Just like we are praviśanti in different types of body in material existence, tathā dehāntara-prāptiḥ [Bg. 2.13], so when you are free from this material contamination, then you praviśanti in the spiritual world. The praviśanti is there. In the material world you are praviśanti from one body to another, and you are suffering.
<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Lecture on SB 3.25.43 -- Bombay, December 11, 1974|Lecture on SB 3.25.43 -- Bombay, December 11, 1974]]:''' Being situated on the spiritual platform, automatically you achieve your original status, constitutional position, brahma-bhūtaḥ prasannātmā [Bg. 18.54]. Then you are able to enter into the kingdom of God, or the spiritual world. Tato māṁ tattvato jñātvā. Here also it is said, praviśanty akuto-bhayam. Praviśanti. You have to enter. You are not destroyed. Just like we are praviśanti in different types of body in material existence, tathā dehāntara-prāptiḥ [Bg. 2.13], so when you are free from this material contamination, then you praviśanti in the spiritual world. The praviśanti is there. In the material world you are praviśanti from one body to another, and you are suffering.
So long you get this body, you must suffer. Either you get the king's body or the cobbler's body or ant's body or dog's body, to accept material body means suffering. There cannot be akuto-bhayam. Unless you enter in the spiritual world with your spiritual body, there is no question of akuto-bhayam. So that akuto-bhayam is possible when you are practiced to bhakti-yogam.</span>
So long you get this body, you must suffer. Either you get the king's body or the cobbler's body or ant's body or dog's body, to accept material body means suffering. There cannot be akuto-bhayam. Unless you enter in the spiritual world with your spiritual body, there is no question of akuto-bhayam. So that akuto-bhayam is possible when you are practiced to bhakti-yogam.</div>
</div>


== Conversations and Morning Walks ==
<div class="section" id="Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" text="Conversations and Morning Walks"><h2>Conversations and Morning Walks</h2></div>


=== 1974 Conversations and Morning Walks ===
<div class="sub_section" id="1974_Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" text="1974 Conversations and Morning Walks"><h3>1974 Conversations and Morning Walks</h3></div>


<span class="q_heading">'''So Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement means educating people how to be situated on the spiritual platform and be happy. This is the sum and substance of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.'''</span>
<div class="quote" book="Con" link="Reporters Interview -- June 29, 1974, Melbourne" link_text="Reporters Interview -- June 29, 1974, Melbourne">
<div class="heading">So Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement means educating people how to be situated on the spiritual platform and be happy. This is the sum and substance of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.</div>


<span class="CON-statistics">'''[[Vanisource:Reporters Interview -- June 29, 1974, Melbourne|Reporters Interview -- June 29, 1974, Melbourne]]:''' We living entities, we are spirit soul. We are not this material body. Unfortunately our system of education is so dull that the authorities do not know that we are not this body, we are spirit soul. Still, they are big, big philosopher, big, big politician and big, big leader and social authorities. But real thing is mistaken. He is accepting this body as self, or he is thinking that "The bodily comforts will make me happy." But that cannot be because the body is made of matter and we are spirit soul. The same thing: From water, you catch the fish and put on the land; it will never be happy. So long you'll continue to have this material body, there cannot be any happiness. And so many problems. The main problem is birth, death, old age and disease. So this is due to this material body. Therefore an intelligent man should know that "I am not this body; I am spirit soul; my field of activities are on the spiritual platform; and then I will be happy." So Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement means educating people how to be situated on the spiritual platform and be happy. This is the sum and substance of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.</span>
<div class="text">'''[[Vanisource:Reporters Interview -- June 29, 1974, Melbourne|Reporters Interview -- June 29, 1974, Melbourne]]:''' We living entities, we are spirit soul. We are not this material body. Unfortunately our system of education is so dull that the authorities do not know that we are not this body, we are spirit soul. Still, they are big, big philosopher, big, big politician and big, big leader and social authorities. But real thing is mistaken. He is accepting this body as self, or he is thinking that "The bodily comforts will make me happy." But that cannot be because the body is made of matter and we are spirit soul. The same thing: From water, you catch the fish and put on the land; it will never be happy. So long you'll continue to have this material body, there cannot be any happiness. And so many problems. The main problem is birth, death, old age and disease. So this is due to this material body. Therefore an intelligent man should know that "I am not this body; I am spirit soul; my field of activities are on the spiritual platform; and then I will be happy." So Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement means educating people how to be situated on the spiritual platform and be happy. This is the sum and substance of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.</div>
</div>
</div>

Latest revision as of 19:45, 19 May 2018

Bhagavad-gita As It Is

BG Chapters 7 - 12

Only those who have passed their lives in practicing the regulative principles of religion, who have acted piously and who have conquered sinful reactions can accept devotional service and gradually rise to the pure knowledge of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Then, gradually, they can meditate in trance on the Supreme Personality of Godhead. That is the process of being situated on the spiritual platform.
BG 7.28, Translation and Purport: Persons who have acted piously in previous lives and in this life and whose sinful actions are completely eradicated are freed from the dualities of delusion, and they engage themselves in My service with determination. Those eligible for elevation to the transcendental position are mentioned in this verse. For those who are sinful, atheistic, foolish and deceitful, it is very difficult to transcend the duality of desire and hate. Only those who have passed their lives in practicing the regulative principles of religion, who have acted piously and who have conquered sinful reactions can accept devotional service and gradually rise to the pure knowledge of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Then, gradually, they can meditate in trance on the Supreme Personality of Godhead. That is the process of being situated on the spiritual platform. This elevation is possible in Kṛṣṇa consciousness in the association of pure devotees, for in the association of great devotees one can be delivered from delusion.

Srimad-Bhagavatam

SB Canto 3

Unless one is situated on the spiritual platform, he is not sat; he is asat.
SB 3.25.12, Purport: Those who have actual spiritual interest are called sat, or devotees. Satām prasaṅgāt. Sat means "that which eternally exists," and asat means "that which is not eternal." Unless one is situated on the spiritual platform, he is not sat; he is asat. The asat stands on a platform which will not exist, but anyone who stands on the spiritual platform will exist eternally.
A materialistic devotee is not completely situated on the spiritual platform; rather, he is in the lowest stage of devotion.
SB 3.29.16, Purport: As stated in Bhagavad-gītā, a paṇḍita, one who is learned, sees equally a very learned brāhmaṇa, a śūdra, a hog, a dog and a cow. He does not see the body, which is only an outward dress. He does not see the dress of a brāhmaṇa, or that of a cow or of a hog. He sees the spiritual spark, part and parcel of the Supreme Lord. If a devotee does not see every living entity as part and parcel of the Supreme Lord, he is considered prākṛta-bhakta, a materialistic devotee. He is not completely situated on the spiritual platform; rather, he is in the lowest stage of devotion. He does, however, show all respect to the Deity.
The system of philosophy enunciated by Lord Kapila before His mother is the background for situation on the spiritual platform.
SB 3.33.1, Purport: The system of philosophy enunciated by Lord Kapila before His mother is the background for situation on the spiritual platform. The specific significance of this system of philosophy is stated herein as siddhi-bhūmim—it is the background of salvation. People who are suffering in this material world because they are conditioned by the material energy can easily get freedom from the clutches of matter by understanding the Sāṅkhya philosophy enunciated by Lord Kapila. By this system of philosophy, one can immediately become free, even though one is situated in this material world.

SB Canto 4

One cannot serve the Lord without being situated on the spiritual platform.
SB 4.28.42, Purport: For the perfect devotee, the energy and the energetic are nondifferent. Thus the so-called material world becomes spiritual (sarvaṁ khalv idaṁ brahma). Everything is intended for the service of the Supreme Lord, and the expert devotee can utilize any so-called material thing for the Lord's service. One cannot serve the Lord without being situated on the spiritual platform. Thus if a so-called material thing is dovetailed in the service of the Lord, it is no longer to be considered material. Thus the pure devotee, in his perfect vision, sees from all angles.

SB Canto 5

By austere activities, one's heart can be cleansed of material contamination, and as a result one can be situated on the spiritual platform.
SB 5.5 Summary, Purport: The human life is especially meant for the revival of our relationship with the Supreme Lord, and to this end all kinds of austerities and penances should be accepted. By austere activities, one's heart can be cleansed of material contamination, and as a result one can be situated on the spiritual platform. To attain this perfection, one has to take shelter of a devotee and serve him. Then the door of liberation will be open.
He was situated on the spiritual platform, and, being in His spiritual glory, He did not care for all these material insults.
SB 5.5.30, Translation: Ṛṣabhadeva began to tour through cities, villages, mines, countrysides, valleys, gardens, military camps, cow pens, the homes of cowherd men, transient hotels, hills, forests and hermitages. Wherever He traveled, all bad elements surrounded Him, just as flies surround the body of an elephant coming from a forest. He was always being threatened, beaten, urinated upon and spat upon. Sometimes people threw stones, stool and dust at Him, and sometimes people passed foul air before Him. Thus people called Him many bad names and gave Him a great deal of trouble, but He did not care about this, for He understood that the body is simply meant for such an end. He was situated on the spiritual platform, and, being in His spiritual glory, He did not care for all these material insults. In other words, He completely understood that matter and spirit are separate, and He had no bodily conception. Thus, without being angry at anyone, He walked through the whole world alone.
One should actually be situated on the spiritual platform of neutrality.
SB 5.9.11, Purport: Bharata Mahārāja was determined to finish his business in this material world, and he did not at all care for the world of duality. He was complete in Kṛṣṇa consciousness and was oblivious to good and evil, happiness and distress. As stated in Caitanya-caritāmṛta (Cc. Antya 4.176):

'dvaite' bhadrābhadra-jñāna, saba-'manodharma' 'ei bhāla, ei manda',—saba 'bhrama'

"In the material world, conceptions of good and bad are all mental speculations. Therefore, saying, 'This is good and this is bad,' is all a mistake." One has to understand that in the material world of duality, to think that this is good or that this is bad is simply a mental concoction. However, one should not imitate this consciousness; one should actually be situated on the spiritual platform of neutrality.

SB Canto 7

Because Prahlāda Mahārāja was situated on the spiritual platform, he had nothing to do with his body, which had been born of the modes of passion and ignorance.
SB 7.9.26, Purport: Because Prahlāda Mahārāja was situated on the spiritual platform, he had nothing to do with his body, which had been born of the modes of passion and ignorance. The symptoms of passion and ignorance are described in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (1.2.19) as lust and hankering (tadā rajas tamo-bhāvāḥ kāma-lobhādayaś ca ye). Prahlāda Mahārāja, being a great devotee, thought the body born of his father to be born of passion and ignorance, but because Prahlāda was fully engaged in the service of the Lord, his body did not belong to the material world. The pure Vaiṣṇava's body is spiritualized even in this life. For example, when iron is put into a fire it becomes red-hot and is no longer iron but fire. Similarly, the so-called material bodies of devotees who fully engage in the devotional service of the Lord, being constantly in the fire of spiritual life, have nothing to do with matter, but are spiritualized.

SB Canto 10.1 to 10.13

When one is freed from this bewilderment and understands that the soul does not belong to any shape of this material world, one is situated on the spiritual platform.
SB 10.1.43, Purport: The soul is the eternal servant of Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, but when put into the material modes of nature, it takes different bodies, sometimes as a demigod, sometimes a man, a dog, a tree and so on. By the influence of māyā, the illusory potency of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the living entity thinks that he is this person, that person, American, Indian, cat, dog, tree or whatever. This is called māyā. When one is freed from this bewilderment and understands that the soul does not belong to any shape of this material world, one is situated on the spiritual platform.

Sri Caitanya-caritamrta

CC Madhya-lila

When one is situated on the spiritual platform, there are no bodily and mental differences.
CC Madhya 17.184, Purport: When a person has no ulterior motive, there is certainly oneness and agreement of principles. Since everyone has a different body and mind, different types of religions are needed. But when one is situated on the spiritual platform, there are no bodily and mental differences. Consequently on the absolute platform there is oneness in religion.

Lectures

Srimad-Bhagavatam Lectures

Being situated on the spiritual platform, automatically you achieve your original status, constitutional position.
Lecture on SB 3.25.43 -- Bombay, December 11, 1974: Being situated on the spiritual platform, automatically you achieve your original status, constitutional position, brahma-bhūtaḥ prasannātmā [Bg. 18.54]. Then you are able to enter into the kingdom of God, or the spiritual world. Tato māṁ tattvato jñātvā. Here also it is said, praviśanty akuto-bhayam. Praviśanti. You have to enter. You are not destroyed. Just like we are praviśanti in different types of body in material existence, tathā dehāntara-prāptiḥ [Bg. 2.13], so when you are free from this material contamination, then you praviśanti in the spiritual world. The praviśanti is there. In the material world you are praviśanti from one body to another, and you are suffering. So long you get this body, you must suffer. Either you get the king's body or the cobbler's body or ant's body or dog's body, to accept material body means suffering. There cannot be akuto-bhayam. Unless you enter in the spiritual world with your spiritual body, there is no question of akuto-bhayam. So that akuto-bhayam is possible when you are practiced to bhakti-yogam.

Conversations and Morning Walks

1974 Conversations and Morning Walks

So Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement means educating people how to be situated on the spiritual platform and be happy. This is the sum and substance of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
Reporters Interview -- June 29, 1974, Melbourne: We living entities, we are spirit soul. We are not this material body. Unfortunately our system of education is so dull that the authorities do not know that we are not this body, we are spirit soul. Still, they are big, big philosopher, big, big politician and big, big leader and social authorities. But real thing is mistaken. He is accepting this body as self, or he is thinking that "The bodily comforts will make me happy." But that cannot be because the body is made of matter and we are spirit soul. The same thing: From water, you catch the fish and put on the land; it will never be happy. So long you'll continue to have this material body, there cannot be any happiness. And so many problems. The main problem is birth, death, old age and disease. So this is due to this material body. Therefore an intelligent man should know that "I am not this body; I am spirit soul; my field of activities are on the spiritual platform; and then I will be happy." So Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement means educating people how to be situated on the spiritual platform and be happy. This is the sum and substance of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.