Question: Often youths who are cultivated and brought up in bhakti life, have to move to other places for jobs and stay there. It not only increases the physical distance from the counsellor, but also dilutes the relationship to some extent since it is not possible for him to come and associate regularly with his devotee family. Also, he may face difficulties in accepting a new authority at a new place. In such situations how can he feel spiritually connected to his counsellor?
Jayapataka...
Question: If in the association of devotees if I am unable to cooperate with a particular devotee, should I maintain distance from him so that I don’t commit any offence?
Jayapataka...
Question: When we are staying in VOICE, at that time we can do our devotional activities very easily, but when we go to our home we become slow in devotional life. At that time, our parents tell that you can take rest, no problem. So at that time, we, specifically, I, cannot get up for attendance and unable to complete 16 rounds. Now I am realizing that without anyone’s pushing or forcing, I cannot develop my devotional life. But I am trying. So my question is: What will help me to come out from this kind of situation and I can develop my taste in Krsna consciousness, without being forced by anyone? I don’t know whether this question is understandable or not?
Jayapataka...
Question: When we are preaching to new students after some time it seems that they will come to our VOICE and practice KC steadily. But due to some reasons, they leave. If we think it is happening repeatedly, it is reducing our endeavor, so please glance on us to maintain our spirit and also that we are 100% with full endeavor, ready for preaching!
Jayapataka...
Question: Not clear but the gist was where did Lord Caitanya came from – Goloka Vrndavana or the milk ocean? [Not audible].
Jayapataka...
Question: Now in the current situation with the corona virus, what would you advise to do? Should we stop hall programs for a while and instead do more street Harinam and outside book distribution?
Jayapataka...
Question: To help us deepen our preaching in Latin America, please can you give us three pieces of advice about preaching effectively in Latin America
Jayapataka...
Question: If we want to feed some pilgrims some prasadam at the Sulabh kitchen on Gaura Purnima or some other Ekadasi day, is it ok? I ask this because Sulabh kitchen only prepares grain prasadam and is it ok to feed the pilgrims grain on Ekadasi day?
Jayapataka...
Question: Vrindavan Krsna Balarama temple is situated in Raman Reti where Krsna and Balarama used to play. Is there a pastime connected to our Mayapur temple campus?
Jayapataka...
Question: Could you kindly tell us how we will be able to work to do something to work along with other Gaudiya lines in South America? How we also, inside ISKCON, can do so?
Jayapataka...
Question: Sometimes devotees have to take homeopathic medicines and it has got alcohol, so what is to be done?
Jayapataka...
Question: How can we understand what is the reason of our suffering? Is it because of our karma or our purification that Krsna arranged for our progress?
Jayapataka...
Question: How to cultivate the mood that I always remain fixed as the servant of the guru and acaryas?
Jayapataka...
Question: Today at Bel Pukur someone said it is in Simantadvip and somebody said it was in Rudradvip. And one devotee chanted a verse, Jai Simantadvip, something, something, about the place. And someone said that Bel Pukur was on the border of Simantadvip and Rudradvip. Can you please explain that?
Jayapataka...
Question: If I have sincere desire to serve Krsna will the Lord and guru award pure devotional service immediately, or one’s heart should be completely purified before that?
Jayapataka...
Question: We understand from your classes how Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu promoted Harinam sankirtan, Kali yuga dharma. During initiation, we promise to do japa, that stressed the importance of japa and we are doing daily. But we don’t do kirtan everyday. Is japa also a form of kirtan? Also a yuga dharma? How performing japa can connect to kirtan?
Jayapataka...
Question: When we see our guru or other senior disciples of Srila Prabhupada, what should be our mood when we talk to them? Can we seek blessings from the senior devotees for our preaching, or should we earn that blessing from our guru and other devotees?
Jayapataka...
Question: A lady who is new to Krsna consciousness called Iskcon Kolkata to book a room at the guest house. But she was told no single lady could stay in an Iskcon guest house! She asked how to understand this, when devotee women are to be protected and sheltered. She also asked me why they don’t have the same rules for men? If they were to restrict any sinful activity, why only restrict women? It gives the impression that there is a lot of discrimination.
Jayapataka...
Question: Couple of days back it was mentioned that Ramanujacarya’s servant told his wife that everything a disciple has belongs to his or her guru. In our parampara, Srila Prabhupada gives the example of Rupa Goswami, 50% to be given to guru and Krsna, to be followed by Iskcon devotees. My question is, is there any sastric injunction in this regard, or the standard differs from parampara to parampara?
Jayapataka...
Question: We understand that Navadvip is non-different from Vrindavana. We know of pastimes in Vrindavana like manifesting Radha Kunda and Shyama Kunda. How do we understand its manifestation in Navadvip dham?
Jayapataka...
Question: How to engage my daughter into spiritual life, Krsna consciousness as I am afraid she will lose interest. We, as parents, are trying our best. We need your guidance in parenting our kids in Krsna consciousness.
Jayapataka...
Question: I desire to serve Jagannath deity at home, What do you think, I will be able to do?
Jayapataka...
Question: Srila Bhakti Vinod Thakur and you also said that by liberating in the Navadvip Mandal parikrama, you liberate the whole world. Could you explain how this is possible? For 30 years Navadvip Mandal Parikrama has been performed by the Iskcon devotees, but it seems like only the world is getting worse! If more devotees participated, would that help purify the world more? Does camping throughout the parikrama intensify the potency of this yagna?
Jayapataka...
Question: While Lord Caitanya fell to the ground, the devotees were in anxiety. Similarly, when we perform devotional service like book distribution, cooking, etc. we have anxieties. Does anxieties in such service purify us or help us in reviving our lost relationship.
Jayapataka...
Question: Who specifically composed Srila Prabhupada’s pranati mantra and when was it composed?
Jayapataka...
Question: Guru maharaj you mentioned that anything good we do in Mayapur we get 1000 times the benefit, however what if someone offends residing in Mayapur and become lazy thinking just because I am in Mayapur, and everything will work fine. How do we see it?
Jayapataka...
Question: What is Mayapur management plan in case we find a corona case? Can she or he be quarantined in Mayapur guest house?
Jayapataka...
Question: Recently one transgender lady wrote me a letter that what is her hope in Krsna bhakti? And can she get the mercy of Mahaprabhu? How to invite and fit transgender persons in our devotee community?
Jayapataka...
Question: What mentality can we serve Krsna by, that we can serve Him very enthusiastically?
Jayapataka...
Question: If we have no intention to hurt any vaisnava, but a vaisnava gets offended due to our behaviour, we don’t want to offend, but devotees feel offended because of their own expectations, how can we overcome from such vaisnava offence when we even don’t know who got offended?
Jayapataka...
Question: Often we make wonderful plans or routine to improve bhakti. But after some days we fail to continue. Why does this happen? And what should we do then?
Jayapataka...
Question: Tomorrow is Aksaya Tritiya and Candan Yatra begins. If you could please speak something on this, please
Jayapataka...
Question: In Panca Tattva, three Prabhus are Lords and Gadadhara Pandit is sakti tattva and Srivasa Thakura is jiva tattva. Is jiva tattva expansion of sakti tattva?
Jayapataka...
Question What is the difference between Dharma and Truth.
Jayapataka...
Question: How to concentrate only on Krsna as our mind is not stable. Am reading Bhagavad-gita and Bhagavatam, and doing japa but not able to focus mind on Krsna?
Jayapataka...
Question: Please guide us how to check our own envy and how to deal with envious people?
Jayapataka...
Question: You talked about vaisnava aparadha. How to be careful to avoid offences that are committed unknowingly, vaisnava aparadhas?
Jayapataka...
Question: How as a disciple can we understand the mood of guru? And his heart?
Jayapataka...
Question: How to recognize a real vaisnava?
Jayapataka...
Question: What pleases you the most?
Jayapataka...
Question: The Lord gave His mercy to the dadi sannyasi by accepting prasada in his home. But we see that He did not give His immediate mercy to king Prataparudra. After many chances and by the help of the Lord’s associates. How to understand these transcendental activities of the Lord?
Jayapataka...
Question: For many years there have been disputes about the correct pronunciation of the Hare Krsna maha mantra in kirtanas and while chanting japa. As we know Srila Prabhupada did not put emphasis on strict rules in this matter. But in our society it is believed that the incorrect pronunciation of the holy name is one of the obstacles to bhakti. Residents of Bengal very often pronounce the holy name with ao. Some people due to the phonetic features of their language, cannot pronounce the holy names. For example, Chinese and others. Please let us know if it is ok to pronounce like Bengalis or which is the correct way?
Jayapataka...
Question: How should we pray to Gadadhara Pandit for our spiritual advancement?
Jayapataka...
Question: In one of the classes you said that nobody will realize the Lord and His devotees, without Their mercy. Please explain how to get Their mercy?
Jayapataka...
Question: How to avoid offending vaisnavas in mind especially when engaged in chanting japa and reading books?
Jayapataka...
Question: I am trying to develop my devotional life according to your instructions and Srila Prabhupada’s teachings. But cannot fall down again and again. How can I be free from this problem? I pray to your lotus feet so that I can be pleased by following your instructions properly and develop my devotional service I can be blessed by you
Jayapataka...
Question: Advaita Acarya got married pretty late. He was in such age when it was time to become vanaprasta, instead He showed an example of a prosperous grihasta. Why is it so?
Jayapataka...
Question: In various lilas of the Lord, the devotees of the Lord exchanged particular rasas with the Lord. In Caitanya lila, can we say that the associates of the Lord, Sri Nityananda Rama, Advaita Acarya and Caitanya Mahaprabhu, were in the mood of ecstatic love for each other, or is it specific rasas exchanged between Sri Nityananda Prabhu and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu?
Jayapataka...
Question: Why without Lord Nityananda’s mercy it is impossible to obtain uttama bhakti?
Jayapataka...
Question: When and how Lord Nityananda got initiation?
Jayapataka...
Question: Would you please explain how Nityananda Prabhu took food from westerners?
Jayapataka...
Question: I always have highs and lows in sadhana. I do few days sadhanas nicely, then it will be on lower side for a few days. How to maintain sadhana in progressively increasing manner?
Jayapataka...
Question: How to stop reacting to any provoking situation and respond to that situation?
Jayapataka...
Question: We should definitely respect and honor all the vaisnavas. But if some vaisnava offends some Guru in ISKCON, as a result I do not agree with him, am I committing a vaisnava aparadha? Even though he is offending (ninda) my gurudev?
Jayapataka...
Question: The living entity gets liberation in any of the forms of liberation. There are five kinds. What is the kind of liberation that we are talking about here?
Jayapataka...
Question: In Caitanya Caritamrita it is said that Sri Nityananda Prabhu is a full expansion and Sri Advaita Prabhu is the incarnation. Please explain the difference between expansion and incarnation.
Jayapataka...
Question: Being a sadaka many times there is a tendency of impersonalism within our activities. So, how can we overcome this tendency of impersonalism as a sadaka?
Jayapataka...
Question: Now that we are locked in all over the world, personal association of devotees is being missed a lot which is rare on its own accord. How do we get enthused without personal association?
Jayapataka...
Question: As per your desire I am trying to preach to a few friends online. I find it difficult to preach to those in the mode of goodness. They say, we are not in distress, we are happy in the present situation. We are good to others and they are good to us. We don’t see the benefit or feel the need to approach God or chant His name. Anyway He is always with us and we are living by His mercy. Guru maharaj, how do we preach to such people?
Jayapataka...
Question: Your disciple and my mother, Sandini Devaki dasi, Sri Sri Radha Govinda Iskcon Mandir, Narayan Ganj, was serving in preparing bhoga for Lord Jagannath. She was unwell for quite some time and last 7th April, 2020, she left her body. In this lockdown situation, no devotees were able to participate in her final rites. Under these circumstance, on 17th April, how will I fulfill the shradha ceremony? What should I do? Kindly advice as the temple is under lockdown.
Jayapataka...
Question: How to rectify the six kleshas and offences? Because I want pure chanting.
Jayapataka...
Question: In the Srimad Bhagavatam it says, nasta prayeshu abhadreshu. What does prayeshu mean?
Jayapataka...
Question: How to chant without mistake and how to correct our mistakes?
Jayapataka...
Question: The six goswamis were sannyasis then why would they wear white clothes? And when did the trend start that sannyasis wore saffron?
Jayapataka...
Question: In your Vyasa puja address you had said that any brahmana takes sannyas, he gets the title swami, any grihasta gets a title of goswami. But Srila Prabhupada had the title Swami and the six goswamis are Goswamis. But Srila Bhaktisiddanta Saraswati Thakur is Goswami. Could you please elaborate on this?
Jayapataka...
Question: What should be the right mood to read the prayers from Srimad Bhagavatam, and what should we imbibe from that?
Jayapataka...
Question: Am I able to satisfy you by doing go seva and completing my rounds?
Jayapataka...
Question: How do we make people understand that there is life after death and previous births?
Jayapataka...
Question: How can we understand what Srila Prabhupada said that 70% surrender is enough to go back to God?
Jayapataka...
Question: We see some impersonalists chanting Harinam who don’t believe in His form, what will be their position after death?
Jayapataka...
Question: Please kindly tell us about self-sufficiency plans for Mayapur?
Jayapataka...
Question: How to convert corona consciousness to Krsna consciousness?
Jayapataka...
Question: In online preaching when new people ask about Radharani, how to answer?
Jayapataka...
Question: How to overcome the habit of sleeping more than required?
Jayapataka...
Question: The saṅkīrtana movement in the time of Lord Caitanya was massive. How come did the movement shrink so much after Lord Caitanya left? Till the point that it seems that only very few devotees kept the movement going for a number of generations, can we say the Golden Age has ups and downs?
Jayapataka...
Question: While chanting or reading, or hearing or speaking the pastimes of the Lord, is it ok to think that the Lord is in front of us or Guru Mahārāja, and all Gosvāmīs being in front of us? And will it truly happen to someone in the platform of sādhana-bhakti?
Jayapataka...
Question: How we as a devotee start taking spiritual life as our top most priority setting apart all other preference without duplicity.
Jayapataka...
Question : Somebody asked, what was Śrīla Prabhupāda’s role in Lord Caitanya’s pastimes?
Jayapataka...
Question: What is the meaning of love of Kṛṣṇa?
Jayapataka...
Question: The demigods were taking the forms of human beings in these wonderful pastimes to walk around with the devotees in different pastimes, is that happening even today that they take the form of human beings to participate in kīrtanas, festivals, etc.?
Jayapataka...
Question: What is the significance of chanting in the brāhma-muhūrta. Not able to practice at home.
Jayapataka...
Question: How will we be absorbed in these sweet pastimes? How to do mananam?
Jayapataka...
Question: I have a question regarding a female devotee. How to keep bhakti strong in her family when no one else is a devotee at home. She faces a lot of difficulties while doing bhakti herself in home and no one is supportive.
Jayapataka...
Question: My devotional service is not consistent. One day I will be doing service or chanting with enthusiasm and some days it is not the same. Why is it like this? I want to improve my devotional service, but laziness has pervaded all over me. Please help me Guru Mahārāja!
Jayapataka...
Question: How shall we develop consistently these transcendental qualities like tolerance and humility. If not like Namacarya Haridasa Thakura but at least minimum requirements which pleases the Lord, vaisnavas and guru?
Jayapataka...
Question: How did Haridasa Thakura receive the Hare Krsna maha mantra at a very tender age? Who was his guru?
Jayapataka...
Question: Was Pundarik Vidyanidhi in Bhava or Prema stage? If so how could he make the mistake of finding fault or was it some arrangement by the Lord to send a message?
Jayapataka...
Question: If a disciple is very much eager to follow his guru’s instructions and please him, still he is unable to do because of obstacles, and because he is unable to do, he feels he is not qualified to follow his guru and wants to give up the task. What should he do in this case?
Jayapataka...
Question: I find faults with everything and everyone. Sometimes I cry because it seems that I really cannot control myself from doing that. I repent every time I commit offence and ask for forgiveness. But this process of committing offence and asking for forgiveness seems unending. I feel hopeless and terrible at the thought that I will never receive the mercy of Lord Caitanya and will have to rot in hell, in different bodies, being deprived of the association of the devotees. I seek your help to overcome this offensive nature of mine.
Jayapataka...
Question: I have children, no devotees, and their mother neither. I don’t live with them but I pay for their maintenance. I need your advice, thus I don’t fall down again. I follow the four principles and chant my 16 rounds and eat only Krsna prasad. I read every day Srila Prabhupada’s books and keep a small altar. I work as a security guard. Thank you for your mercy my dear master.
Jayapataka...
Question: Sometimes the perceptions that we have upon a person due to his past dealing, we become judgmental upon that person. In the future when they approach us or when we deal with them, these previous perceptions make us judgmental and later we speak with them, we learn it is otherwise. We know that people change over time and they may not be the same as before. But these impressions are strong and does not help us to truly help the individual. Kindly advise.
Jayapataka...
Question: Please explain how to enthusiastically perform devotion on a daily basis?
Jayapataka...
Question: How do we know if our tolerance and humility are growing? Is there a self-test as suddenly when a provoking situation comes, I see how intolerant I am.
Jayapataka...
Question: When we chant the holy name, it is recommended to listen to our own chanting. Is it ok also to hear another chanting like Srila Prabhupada, you or other vaisnavas who chant purely?
Jayapataka...
Question: Can we say that those persons who are materially successfully, they were pious Hindus in their previous lives, and can we say that western devotees who are very serious spiritually, they were Indian devotees in their previous lives?
Jayapataka...
Question: During the stormy wind, it was very fearful throughout the night. Even being in Krsna consciousness, being fearful indicates that we have a long way to go to be fearless in such situations. So how to overcome this fearful situation and take shelter of the Supreme Lord completely?
Jayapataka...
Question: In the holy dham there are many nice dhamvasi families who are Muslims. They are very nice people but they do not believe in Lord Krsna or in Lord Caitanya. Where will they go after they leave their bodies?
Jayapataka...
Question: If someone lives in a family where his/her spouse or parents are continuous offenders of sadhu, guru, vaisnavas or Iskcon, could you please advise the procedure to deal with these types of unavoidable relationships?
Jayapataka...
Question: When a person who is aspiring from a bonafide guru and the guru has left the world, and the person still considers him as his spiritual master, how does this work?
Jayapataka...
Question: Guru Maharaj, you said that if the husband is a devotee then the wife can acquire brahmanical qualities. What if the husband is a non-devotee and the girl is a devotee?
Jayapataka...
Question: We sometimes admire the qualities of some people who do not practice Krsna consciousness but they have pious qualities. We cannot determine their devotion but they do not practice Krsna consciousness. Is it okay to admire their qualities? And what qualities should we consider material?
Jayapataka...
Question: You have just read that kirtana yagna is the best yagna for the age of Kali yuga. How does kirtana compare to japa? Is the benefit greater in kirtana than in japa?
Jayapataka...
Question: How do we know if our attachment for Krsna is increasing?
Jayapataka...
Question: [Audio break] 2020 as inauspicious, due to the pandemic. But many devotees of Krsna and many new people are taking to the process of Krsna consciousness. So how should we see this Gurudev?
Jayapataka...
Question: If somebody having different faith is not inclined to chant Hare Krsna, how can they be inspired to chant Hare Krsna?
Jayapataka...
Question: How can we achieve in our spiritual life, that every moment, we are trying to please Srila Prabhupada? What is the process to achieve this consciousness?
Jayapataka...
Question: Now during these troubled times, many people are getting realizations about how they should take their relationship with the Lord more seriously, care for mother earth, care for each other, etc. But when things get better, what is to prevent them from losing their resolve to do better and going back to the same old ways? If it pleases you, what are your thoughts on the matter?
Jayapataka...
Question: When I am chanting the holy name, my mind is not supporting me. It always thinks different issues. How can I control and continue my chanting smoothly?
Jayapataka...
Question: We know there are 14 worlds, there are 7 worlds above and 7 under. Those who do pious activities, they go to the upper worlds. And those who commit sins, they go down like Patala, etc. But Bali maharaj even after attaining the Lord went to the Sutala loka? And the Lord also was there as his gatekeeper. Why is it so?
Jayapataka...
Question: I am from a Christian background and now he is a new devotee and Krsna conscious. How to increase my inspiration and enthusiasm to practice Krsna consciousness.
Jayapataka...
Question: We are so attached to Hare Krsna maha mantra. How best can we be attentive in chanting the Hare Krsna mantra.
Jayapataka...
Question: How do we preach in a strong Muslim and Christian community in Nigeria?
Jayapataka...
Question: You mentioned that by preaching a devotee’s sins start to get cleared quicker. I am desirous of preaching, however, I am fearful of imparting incorrect/incomplete information due to my imperfect knowledge. What is the best way to begin the process of preaching for any devotee?
Jayapataka...
Question: I sometimes become very much afraid or panic a lot for some small, small, health issues. I cannot keep myself steady and start thinking negative and worry that what will happen to me next? But Gurudev we have always seen you so much motivating and steady, even when you had gone through serious health issues! How will that same determination come in us? I often tend to break down!
Jayapataka...
Question: Besides connecting with disciples or well-wishers do you use the social media now connecting with leaders, managers and for other managerial purposes?
Jayapataka...
Question: So besides this program being a big part of you connecting, I think it is one of the biggest medium through which you connect to your disciples and well-wishers, but you have so many of them across the globe. Would you also like to share what are the other ways you also connect? So many numbers, you probably have hundreds of devotees writing to you, wanting to get inspiration from you. So besides this program is there any other form of communication, any modes of communication you follow during this lockdown period?
Jayapataka...
Question: With the program being such a huge success, how do you feel? Would you like to continue this even after the lockdown? How do you see this program going forward?
Jayapataka...
Question: Maharaj, do you feel a difference in your relationship before you started this program when there was before COVID when you were connecting to devotees by email or Facebook or even face to face, versus now when you have the home visit programs? Do you feel this has enhanced your connect to your disciples and devotees?
Jayapataka...
Question: What is the most compelling factor that inspired you to start the home visit program?
Jayapataka...
Question: When we are together, there are times when we have arguments and I suffer. How do I take this?
Jayapataka...
Question: Can the conditioned souls participate in Lord Gauranga’s pastimes after developing love for Him and being engaged in His service?
Jayapataka...
Question: Since the Lord is unlimited and always expanding can we say that at every moment there are more jivas expanding or emanating from Him. Is the number of jivas increasing?
Jayapataka...
Question: Can we apply varnas to devotees, in what cases and how important are varnas for devotees? When a devotee serves the deities in the temple, doing different kinds of services, can we say he is doing services in a particular varna?
Jayapataka...
Question: (it is a repeat question): Prahlada maharaj was always thinking of Krsna but Krsna appeared in a from of him as Nrsimhadeva. So in which loka does Prahlada maharaj stay? After His disappearance, someone said that Nrsimhadeva has His own loka in the spiritual world.
Jayapataka...
Question: Lord Balarama seemed to be more merciful to Duryodana, accepting him as His disciple, and He wanted Subadra to be married to Duryodana. And also did not approve of the way Bhima killed Duryodana. While Lord Krsna was always siding Pandavas. How to understand these apparent differences between the Lords?
Jayapataka...
Question: What are the signs that can be observed when a devotee unknowingly or unwillingly commits vaisnava aparadha?
Jayapataka...
Question: How can one further enhance the mood of devotional service in spite of the material challenges one may face in their lives.
Jayapataka...
Question: Can we meditate on Lord Balarama as the Rama in the maha mantra? If so, how can we meditate on the Hare before Balarama? Is it okay to still meditate on Srimati Radharani, or does Lord Balarama have His own internal potency?
Jayapataka...
Question: How to develop internally or grow internally? What extra efforts are required apart from chanting?
Jayapataka...
Question: We learn that Lord Gauranga is Krsna and Lord Nityananda is Balarama. So where was Lord Nityananda when Lord Caitanya was taking the mood of Balarama? Does this mean that Lord Caitanya feels everything that Balarama or Nityananda feels? Since He is His first expansion?
Jayapataka...
Question: My query is, which service is better? Previously when I was involved in deity related services like making flower garlands or jewelry making, I used to feel a strong connection with the Lord. Then my leader asked me to go and do preaching activities. Now when I am trying to preach, I am not feeling the same attachment for the Lord. Thus I am confused. Which seva is better? To do deity seva in the temple, or to go out and do preaching activities?
Jayapataka...
Question: I am a regular listener of your classes and hear the classes with attention. But not able to keep them in memory. What should I do to keep these in memory?
Jayapataka...
Question: Lord Siva being a great vaisnava, why can He not take anyone to Krsna? Also, being in the Rudra sampradaya being a bona fide sampradaya, they cannot go back to Godhead someway?
Jayapataka...
Question: If we break fast today with Ekadasi prasadam I remember you saying that it helps one if one has accidentally broken Ekadasi fast and also it is related to guru, right? Could you please elaborate on this?
Jayapataka...
Question: When Hiranyakasipu glorified Brahma he says that Brahma is the Supersoul of all beings. We read from the Bhagavad-gita that Krsna is the Supersoul. We see the same glorification of Lord Siva also when He drank the poison. Please helps us understand this Guru Maharaj.
Jayapataka...
Question: If someone misunderstands am I guilty of offence?
Jayapataka...
Question: Even with so many obstacles, how do I preach with determination?
Jayapataka...
Question: In this pathetic situation of COVID-19 pandemic personally we are distributing grain prasadam of khicri, etc. On Ekadasi day or Nrsimha caturdasi, is it right to distribute grain prasadam? If we do, will we be committing sin?
Jayapataka...
Question: How do we understand by what science that a devotee went to the spiritual world after leaving his or her body?
Jayapataka...
Question: Prahlada Maharaj was always thinking of Krsna but Krsna appeared before Him as Nrsimhadeva. So in which loka Prahlada maharaj stays after his disappearance?Someone says that Nrsimhadeva has His own loka in the spiritual world?
Jayapataka...
Question: In this lockdown situation, how can we staying at home, observe Nrsimha Caturdasi? Could you please tell us something.
Jayapataka...
Question: How can we serve Lord Krsna constantly, without getting into sense gratification?
Jayapataka...
Question: I heard that the only thing that Lord Gauranga asked to His mother was to follow Ekadasi. Why is it so important to follow Ekadasi?
Jayapataka...
Question: Sometimes, in the temples they ask to which gotra we belong? Please Guru Maharaj what shall we say?
Jayapataka...
Question: It is written, the Bhagavad-gita is Lord Krsna’s spoken words and Srimad Bhagavatam is the description of pastimes and activities of Lord Krsna. But some unscrupulous people they claim to be God and have all kinds of mental concoctions. How can these people come out of the clutches of these cheaters and how can they get the nectar of Krsna consciousness?
Jayapataka...
Question: I mostly chant my 16 rounds in the early morning, and sometimes extra rounds during the day, while feeding the children, and sometimes while cooking if possible. Guru maharaj, will that be considered as nama aparadha as I am not attentive.
Jayapataka...
Question: In one of the previous chapters we heard that prasadam is so auspicious that even if it falls from a dog’s mouth, it can be taken. But when any relatives come to our home, who are not practicing bhakti yoga, they left prasadam on their plates – can it be taken too?
Jayapataka...
Question: It was mentioned that the sannyasi with Saraswati title will be very attached to music, by the mercy of Goddess Sarasvati. Was our Parama Guru Acarya His Divine Grace Bhaktisiddanta Saraswati Thakura Prabhupada very good in singing?
Jayapataka...
Question: How to neglect or ignore the evil chatter of the mind?
Jayapataka...
Question: How can we preach to my relatives, who are fully in different moods and practice different so called sahajiyā paths?
Jayapatākā...
Question: During those times when this līlā with Chand Kazi took place, did people in Bengal know Christianity?
Jayapatākā...
Question: If all the places that Śrīla Prabhupāda visited are holy places, then please can you explain why Śrīla Prabhupāda still encouraged the devotees to visit the holy dhāma, in particular, Māyāpur and Vṛndāvana?
Jayapataka...
Question: Guru Mahārāja, in the night when we put our Deities to sleep, can we keep Prabhupāda chanting near the Deities, the whole night, is it ok or we should not do it?
Jayapataka...
Question: If I get pains by someone that time, I feel stressed in myself. So, is it my karma or attachment? How do we control?
Jayapataka...
Question: How to know which path we should opt when we are confused, as both being devotional?
Jayapataka...
Question: Arjuna being a nitya-siddha, he always accompanies the Lord in various pastimes. How about the souls like Duryodhana? Do they also accompany the Lord or different souls?
Jayapataka...
Question: What can we do to help the Golden Age start from now? I am chanting extra and recommending near and dear ones to chant. Also preaching in YouTube to chant, but is there is anything I can also do to help the Golden Age start from now?
Jayapataka...
Question: 1. If Lord Brahmā is subject to birth, death, old age and disease, then why Bhagavān has created different worlds instead of one world, where all can reside together? As the material world entities have limited potential? 2. Why so many lokās in this material universe when all living beings are subject to birth, death, old-age, and disease?
Jayapataka...
Question: I can feel always that you give mercy to me though I am very fallen and unpurified soul. Without guru’s mercy, I cannot do anything. But sometimes I feel a great distance from the spiritual master in my mind. Dear beloved father, how can I feel, perceive that you, guru, are always with me and I am at your lotus feet?
Jayapataka...
Question: In the Caitanya-bhāgavata, description, it describes that Lord Caitanya’s procession went through many towns from here to the Chand Kazi’s house, and afterwards to Śrīdhara aṅgana. The distance from here to the Chand Kazi’s place and Śrīdhara aṅgana is quite short, and some of the mentioned towns and villages mentioned are far from here like, Gādigāca etc. Please can you kindly explain?
Jayapataka...
Question: How can we understand the contradictions in the details of the Lord’s pastimes? Though they don’t cause much difference in the pastimes, how can we know which one is correct?
Jayapataka...
Question: Is it appropriate for ISKCON devotees to charge money from audience by teaching Krsna consciousness philosophy and kirtana, and maintain their household life from that income. I am asking this because usually we do everything free in the temple but when some new people meet devotees, who charge money for teaching Krsna consciousness philosophy and kirtan, the new people get confused thinking that maybe they are going after money.
Jayapataka...
Question: When we preaching how do we count people? What should we not do and how should we preach? Please tell us.
Jayapataka...
Question: I have a daughter who is 9 years old and I am running a company. I have lot of things to do service. Sometimes my daughter gets angry. As a grihasta how to make balance between services and grihasta life?
Jayapataka...
Question: I live far away from the association of devotees how can I keep myself Krsna conscious?
Jayapataka...
Question: How do I preach to people who already have their own tradition like Buddhism, Shintoism, because when I talk to my mother, she is really understanding of me but she doesn’t really get deeper from that, of course she understands what I am doing, and she likes the photos of RukminiDwarakadish and everything but I find it sometimes hard to preach to her, because she already has her own belief in Shintoism and Buddhism. So I was wondering how to preach to people like that, I think there are a lot of people like that in Japan?
Jayapataka...
Question: To please Krsna we must preach Guru Maharaj, so how can we please Guru Maharaj you?
Jayapataka...
Question: My question is related to giving charity. In the current situation due to corona, we see that many around us are suffering in various ways. One of our acquaintances has asked for financial help, as she was alone, away from home and sick, and we helped that person. But when we give charity to causes other than those related to Kṛṣṇa consciousness, does it incur karma. How do we transform it as a service to the Lord, then just to alleviate someone’s suffering? How can we offer help without any karmic involvement of both the parties?
Jayapataka...
Question: Is it also the same conducting the funeral rites by the side of the Ganges, as when we bring the ashes of the departed soul to the banks of Gaṅgā, and do the prayers there?
Jayapataka...
Question: Sometimes we get attached to any specific seva we have been serving for a long time. Is it considered aasakti, if so how to get rid of the same in our sadhana?
Jayapataka...
Question: What is the difference between detachment and renunciation?
Jayapataka...
Question: In which parampara are we – Bhagavata parampara or siksa parampara?
Jayapataka...
Question: Śrīvāsa Paṇḍita’s son had the opportunity to take part in Lord Caitanya’s pastimes. I couldn’t understand how he could choose to go back to Godhead, that this opportunity?
Jayapataka...
Question: How could I get back my pure devotional sense to guru and Vaiṣṇavas and Their Lordships, Nitāi Gaurāṅga?
Jayapataka...
Question: How to increase our adhikāra, dear Guru Mahārāja, in order to increase our good fortune to get love of Kṛṣṇa, just by tasting the remnants of Lord Gaurāṅga?
Jayapataka...
Question: In some countries there are regular disciples’ meeting,in some not yet. Please explain how important is it for you that your disciples come together and glorify you, read your books, etc. Can meetings be online or are periodic face to face meetings important too? How important is it for your disciples to unite and build a family atmosphere among themselves?
Jayapataka...
Question: Our temple is located on the fourth floor in a residential building. Is it an offence if we do not dance at ārati but simply stand or sit because the neighbors are disturbed?
Jayapataka...
Question: Sometimes we hear that Nārāyaṇī by taking Lord Caitanya’s remnants, she felt ecstatic symptoms for Lord Kṛṣṇa. But sometimes we see we get Pañca-tattva’s mahā-prasāda from the temple, we accept the prasāda of the Pañca-tattva, but we are not feeling such ecstatic symptoms, why is it so?
Jayapataka...
Question: We hear that many materialists are suffering personal clashes due to living together all the time at home. What mood should devotees adopt to avoid such clashes at home and live harmoniously?
Jayapataka...
Question: If I aspire for a guru and unfortunately lose my body, will my aspiration or desire be fulfilled in the next birth, or carry forward?
Jayapataka...
Question: When we try to move toward Krsna consciousness why we are rolling more and more in the hindrance of this material world? How to overcome this and take the path of Krsna consciousness without deviation?
Jayapataka...
Question: Sometimes we see that a particular service is not done in a very organized manner. I do get some ideas on how to improve and correct it. But I may not have the adhikara to interfere. Would it come under fault finding? What is the best approach in such matters?
Jayapataka...
Question: How do we keep ourselves in the mood of serving your instructions?
Jayapataka...
Question: In Bhagavad-gita, Lord Krsna says that He remembers everything, what we have done in the past, present and future. But He doesn’t have a beginning, middle and end to know about the secret. He says one has to reach Vaikuntha. Question is: how come Lord Krsna has no beginning? Eager to understand how He has no beginning? Second is can you advise, why soul in this material world is actually separated from the spiritual world?
Jayapataka...
Question: How to do book distribution till the normal situation gets back?
Jayapataka...
Question: How can we measure our bhakti?
Jayapataka...
Question: I am confused about my duty. We girls always busy in serving our family, do not get time for service to guru and temple. Devotees say that taking care of our family members is also service to guru. Is it so gurudeva? But I am feeling bad that I am not doing any sevā for you. Is it ok gurudeva? If I do my sādhana at home and serve my family, and do no to do any service to temple? Please bless me guru maharaj to get time and strength and chance to do sevā at your lotus feet.
Jayapataka...
Question: I am not able to concentrate on one service. My mind is fickle minded. Whenever I see a new service, I am attracted to the new service. Please tell me how to keep my mind fixed in one service and in this way I will be a proper disciple who will be serving you for your pleasure.
Jayapataka...
Question: Daily I read Śrīmad Bhāgavatam but I also want to read other books like Bhagavad-gītā, Kṛṣṇa Book and other books. How do I manage my reading of different books?
Jayapataka...
Question: How to preach that Krsna is the Supreme Lord? Especially to those family members who are far away from us. They are pious but consider all gods equal.
Jayapataka...
Question: I have heard that it is not good to offer praṇāma to anyone, taking japa beads in hand. But in chanting time when Vaiṣṇavas come there and then what can we do? If we stop chanting to do praṇāma to the Vaiṣṇavas then it will be tough to complete 16 rounds. Again, if I do not show respect to Vaiṣṇavas for chanting, then it will be a vaiṣṇava-aparādhā.
Jayapataka...
Question: It is due to the sukṛti that me and my husband cannot live with the devotees and be happy advancing in our Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Is Kṛṣṇa who decided that? What can we do?
Jayapataka...
Question: Could you please explain why the soul need to take a new body in the spiritual world? Whether the soul itself is sat-cit-ānandamaya?
Jayapataka...
Question: Kindly advise how to overcome ego and jealousy?
Jayapataka...
Question: The verse in the Caitanya-caritamrta Madhya-lila, 13.30 gopi bartopadakalmalayor dasa dasanudasaha – it is so nice to hear, read and understand the verse. We may say your servant but find it very difficult to follow Srila Gurudev.
Jayapataka...
Question: In this material world we have several kinds of relationships like father, mother, husband, sibling etc. and sometimes we get into too much attachment with them. Hence this love, attachment, becomes a bane for our devotional service. How can we get rid of this kind of over attachment?
Jayapataka...
Question: If someone is unable to distribute books but instead if they sponsor the books, will that be considered as book distribution?
Jayapataka...
Question: Many times we have to plan to perform devotional service and because of physical stress or mental stress or some reason we are not able to do our devotional service as we planned for. Seeking your blessings of how to overcome this mental sickness.
Jayapataka...
Question: We know that chanting our rounds is our utmost priority. But sometimes there is an urge to do other things. Can you share some general things we should consider whether we should do the activity or japa?
Jayapataka...
Question: After a person leaves the body, during the 11 or 13 days after that, is the soul still around in the material world around his previous family or is he already taken to other worlds for jurisdiction based on karma? Why is there the 11 day period of abstinence from deity service?
Jayapataka...
Question: Sometimes if we get the reversible result of any service, how to take it positively and how to overcome that situation with enthusiasm?
Jayapataka...
Question: I am an aspiring devotee. What is the best way to prevent the mind from thinking of the past and the future when chanting the holy names.
Jayapataka...
Question: What is the benefit of writing realizations by listening to guru’s lectures? Can it be done daily or only on Vyasa puja day?
Jayapataka...
Question: I want to bring deities. I want to serve but I am not very good at deity service. I like surrender,I like bhava. I am actually most unqualified materially and spiritually. But I desperately want Gaura Nitai and Jagannatha Baladeva Subhadra maiya at home. Please give your precious advice.
Jayapataka...
Question: In the class last week we heard that it is ok to accept the prasadam of Lord Siva, thinking that he is the foremost of vaisnavas. Similarly, if the prasadam of other devatas like Ganesa, Kartikeya, etc. are offered to us, should we accept thinking that they are also servitors of the Lord? Is it considered offensive if we don’t take the prasadam?
Jayapataka...
Question: What if a disciple breaks his initiation vow?
Jayapataka...
Question: You always say there is heart to heart connection between guru and disciple, but please tell what is the position and relationship of your aspiring disciple? How can we connect with you?
Jayapataka...
Question: In the Siskastakam in the 8th verse Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu says that even if Krsna makes be broken hearted by not being present before Me, He is completely free to do everything. But practically it is very difficult to imbibe this mood. How we have to be in this mood?
Jayapataka...
Question: How to develop compassion and merciful attitude towards other vaisnavas, keeping all the conditioning of one’s mind aside?
Jayapataka...
Question: We can clearly see in these pastimes, how these great devotees of Lord Caitanya became the recipient of the Lord’s mercy. But in our life as a sādhaka, not all days go good. But we can understand that whatever we are, is purely the Lord’s mercy. But sometimes we feel we are worthy of being the recipient of the mercy of the Lord. So how can we overcome this mind speculation?
Jayapataka...
Question: Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme knower, I don’t know still, if I have some trouble or need something, should I pray to the Lord for the same? Or believe that the Lord knows it and will provide what is needed?
Jayapataka...
Question: Today we heard that Lord Caitanya says Śrīvāsa Ṭhākura as senāpati of His devotees. And we heard that Śrīla Prabhupāda is the senāpati-bhakta. So, in every period will there be a senāpati-bhakta appearing to spread the movement, like Narottamadāsa Ṭhākura, Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura, and our Śrīla Prabhupāda?
Jayapataka...
Question: In today’s class, what feeling made Śrīvāsa Ṭhākura cry, holding Lord Caitanya’s feet?
Jayapataka...
Question: How can we develop even a drop of loving, surrender to Lord Caitanya like Śrīvāsa Ṭhākura?
Jayapataka...
Question: What was the destination of the soul of Śrīvāsa Ṭhākura’s son, the son says I am now going to another father and mother. But because he died hearing Gaurāṅga Mahāprabhu’skīrtana, will he have rebirth or go back to Godhead?
Jayapataka...
Question: Bhaktivinoda Thakura worked in Odisha but we don’t get to hear the names of vaisnava saints from Odisha as much as we hear from Bengal. Any specific reasons?
Jayapataka...
Question: Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s books are mostly high philosophy. So would it be appropriate for anyone to read them?
Jayapataka...
Question: My question is what are the top three things that we can learn from Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s life? That we can practice as grihastas to perfect our lives?
Jayapataka...
Question: Amongst the Navadvipas, Ritudvipa, Jahnudvipa and Modadrumadvipa apparently seem far away. Do they touch Antardvipa directly as the part of the eight petals surrounding Antardvipa?
Jayapataka...
Question: Your role in fulfilling Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s prediction and obviously Srila Prabhupada has accomplished that and you have been very instrumental in this. What is your realization in seeing all these predictions becoming a reality in all these decades of you being one of the main leaders of the ISKCON movement, and how can we all contribute to further in this legacy from Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura?
Jayapataka...
Question: Guru maharaj you earlier referred to Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura preaching in very adverse circumstances, when the British were ruling India. Sometimes as grihastas, we may say these different kinds of opposition in some circumstances, some cultures may accept Krsna consciousness to different extents. How can we learn from Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, what were his strategies in dealing with opposition and successfully preach Krsna consciousness?
Jayapataka...
Question: Guru maharaj, you mentioned the Godruma Kalpatavi. We know that Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura was a prolific writer and you have commented on one of his books, and we hope you comment on many more. But regarding the Sri Godruma Kalpatavi, what is the importance and what can we learn from that book? Can you please explain?
Jayapataka...
Question: Now you mentioned the namahatta, what does namahatta exactly mean? As I understood it is the marketplace of the holy name. Can you please describe further what the namahatta actually is – is it some extraordinary marketing strategy or there is something else to it?
Jayapataka...
Question:. You mentioned also how Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura reestablished Krsna consciousness in India in the 19th century. And he is known as the precursor of the revival of the sankirtana movement, in this modern age through the namahatta.
Jayapataka...
Question: You mentioned that Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura was a grihasta, he had many, many children, he had a job, he had many regular responsibilities. How can today’s grihastas, family people, married devotees, learn from his super excellent example? How can we follow these sort of examples?
Jayapataka...
Question: Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur is revered as the pioneer of Krsna consciousness. So in honoring his legacy, today on his disappearance day, we would like to hear from you what does it really mean to follow his footsteps?
Jayapataka...
Question: Parīkṣit maharaj was cursed to die in 7 days and being a pure devotee he did not get angry or depressed that for a small mistake he is being cursed to die. He just took it as the will of the Lord and surrendered to the Lord, and then became the instrument for Śrīmad Bhāgavatam to be delivered through Śukadeva Gosvāmī. How do we as sadakas, we develop this mood of surrender and complete dependence on the Lord?
Jayapataka...
Question: Is there any pastime connected with Hari Hara deity. What is the significance of this rūpa of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and His dear devotee Śiva?
Jayapataka...
Question: Lord Śiva as ksetrapalaka is also applicable for all ISKCON temples?
Jayapataka...
Question: We knowingly or unknowingly do vaiṣṇava aparādha, to control that what we want to do at that time? Guru maharaj please guide me.
Jayapataka...
Question: If some temple there is no president in the temple. There are temple council members managing. In that area, some devotee, they are not following devotee worship standards, not following rules and regulations. How can we cooperate with them?
Jayapataka...
Question: How can we take care of devotees? We see that some devotees come for a time and after, they run away. This is very frustrating. Please help me to understand the proper care of the devotees.
Jayapataka...
Question: I have a question related to chanting japa mālā. Sometime back at a program while chanting time, I did not have my mālā and I was chanting on a counter, clicking. Then someone handed me a japa mālā from one of the many malas kept there for devotees to chant. Then I accepted it. Then someone else told me, no, you being initiated should not chant on any mālā used by other people. Is it really so? Can’t we chant on any japa mālā in a situation where we don’t have our own? Kindly bless me to have a taste in chanting and chant more.
Jayapataka...
Question: We understand from the Bhāgavatam that when Brahmā created Rudra, he found his descendants dangerous and asked him to do penance. We also hear Rudra was initiating a sampradāya. It looks contradictory. Requesting you to enlighten us.
Jayapataka...
Question: When we have done some sinful acts before we came to Kṛṣṇa consciousness, whenever we come across someone showing that act and showing our mistake, how to take it? But now I am in a great movement, doing all services, and doing my regular sādhana and following all the instructions, and in the association of devotees. Please help me, how to face these incidents and become stronger in my sādhana?
Jayapataka...
Question: Lord Kṛṣṇa says in the Bhagavad-gītā, whoever remembers Me, comes back to Me. So it is already predestined in people’s karma that at the time of death, a certain individual may remember Kṛṣṇa and go back to Godhead. Is it a personal choice or freewill?
Jayapataka...
Question: If any of our relatives leave their body, for how many days should we observe and not touch the altar? As I am not initiated, so how many days should I observe and how many days should an initiated disciple observe? Please kindly enlighten me Gurudeva.
Jayapataka...
Question: As a manager, how to solve disputes between devotees?
Jayapataka...
Question: It was a revelation to hear the Sivastakam as recited by Lord Caitanya. But we don’t seem to recite in our temples nor do we celebrate Śiva Rātri in our temples, highlighting this. Please correct me if I am wrong Guru Maharaj, and enlighten us.
Jayapataka...
Question: When our authority misunderstands us, how to deal with that devotee, so that we do not lose the relation? Please show some light on it dear Guru Maharaj.
Jayapataka...
Question: Why Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura is thinking that he is fallen in this material world?
Jayapataka...
Question: Many girls in our group are chanting 16 rounds and reading Bhagavad-gītā, vegetarians and attending regular classes,and are aspiring to take initiation from you, Gurudeva! But when it comes to śikṣā papers, they get stuck in the 8 rounds paper, because it has no onion and garlic. Most of the girls want to leave onion and garlic because of staying with parents and pressure that they get from them; they are not able to leave. Gurudeva, what can we do under such situations?
Jayapataka...
Question: How can we also develop the surrender and love what ŚrīvāsaṬhākura had?
Jayapataka...
Question: All the devotees from the spiritual world, Yaśoda, Nanda Mahārāja, etc. were nitya-siddhās who appeared in Gaura-līlā, but Śrīvāsa had a wife and children in Gaura-līlā, how do we understand this?
Jayapataka...
Question: When praying for our spiritual master, we are desperate to have their association and when we pray for their stay here, we cannot really say, from the heart, the phrase ‘if Kṛṣṇa desires’ because that means we are okay to accept, even if the Lord desires otherwise, is it due to my deep rooted bodily concept of life? Please help me to be sincere in my prayers.
Jayapataka...
Question: Are insects and animals that die during kīrtana get liberation from material bondage? and what could be the destination of a mosquito after being killed by a devotee, while chanting the holy name, and what could be the reaction to the devotee?
Jayapataka...
Question: I heard that Śrīvāsa Paṇḍita is the embodiment of a devotee of Kṛṣṇa. Could you tell us more about him, I understand that he always accompanies Lord Caitanya in His pastimes, who is he in the pastimes of Lord Kṛṣṇa?
Jayapataka...
Question: When is a devotee qualified to start a bhakti vrksa? If a bhakti vrksa has more than 15 devotees, but they are not ready to form small bhakti vrksas, what can be done?
Jayapataka...
Question: Our intention is to preach more and more, but sometimes we offend devotees who are creating hindrances in our preaching activities. How do we avoid this? Or sometimes we take offence to those hindering our preaching activities. How can we avoid these?
Jayapataka...
Question: What is the qualification of sradhavanjana? How does he act? Does he act blindly on blind faith? What are the qualifications for shradavajana
Jayapataka...
Question: This bhakti vrksa work for new devotees. However in our movement we have so many young people who grew up in the movement, but as adults even after having tasted the nectar all their lives, are not practicing Krsna consciousness actively. They may in their hearts love Krsna, but they don’t chant and participate in ISKCON activities. How do we “preach” to them?
Jayapataka...
Question: How does karma work for those who commit suicide? Is it their free will or is it because of their previous karma?
Jayapataka...
Question: I heard you want your disciples to have a good sādhana? What is considered to be a good sādhana for a lady with a little child, as it is difficult to get up early, and I have to finish my rounds throughout the day, not early in the morning.
Jayapataka...
Question: You had mentioned before yesterday, about Bharata Mahārāja, who even though he was very advanced in spiritual life, he took birth as a deer. In the Bhagavad-gītā 2.40, it is mentioned that any advancement in this path can protect us from most dangerous type of fear, and Śrīla Prabhupāda said, at least we will have a chance to be born as human being. Please explain.
Jayapataka...
Question: ŚrīlaPrabhupāda told his disciples that when he is no longer in this planet, he would be present with them as caitya-guru. That he would be with them through dreams and their heart. Can you tell us about this relationship? And if this relationship is also same with all other gurus?
Jayapataka...
Question: This 21st June is solar eclipse and half day fasting due to the appearance day of Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura. How can we observe that fasting? Kindly guide us.
Jayapataka...
Question: Herein Śrīvāsa doesn’t lament at the death of his son but rather advises not to lament. Whereas Advaita Ācārya lamented when His son Gopāla, fainted and fell unconscious while dancing. How do we understand this apparent contradiction?
Jayapataka...
Question: How can we get the mercy of Śrīvāsa Ṭhākura and how do we pray to him?
Jayapataka...
Question: When the soul leaves the body with a certain mentality, he the soul, will get a body keeping the same mentality? Even though he had been chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa for years?
Jayapataka...
Question: When we fall into trouble and misery, it is very difficult for us to stay calm. Different thoughts and tension arise in our mind. In that time, how to fix our mind to Śrī Guru Mahārāja and Kṛṣṇa.
Jayapataka...
Question: Are there any signs by which we can understand that Kṛṣṇa accepted our service to Him?
Jayapataka...
Question: Please explain what a devotee or a servant of the Lord means? Is there any difference between them? What does it mean to want to become a devotee?
Jayapataka...
Question: In recent years my team and I have been spreading the holy name and distributing Bhagavad-gītās. Even though many people chant and read, still they are not elevated to the level of spiritual realization. Please mercifully tell us the secrets of spreading the holy names.
Jayapataka...
Question: In the context of King Bahulāśva and the poor brāhmaṇa episode, There is largely growing concern in the masses that ISKCON society, internationally, it only belongs to the rich, opulent in high material positions,and considered as good devotees, and also they are more close to gurus and sannyāsīs. Whereas meek, humble and submissive poor devotees are considered less fortunate,and even those lose their position, their opulence, are bereft of the mercy of less mercy from gurus and sannyāsīs. Similarly, their humble, poor offerings are considered less significant. How should we deal with it within the society and with public at large?
Jayapataka...
Question: Due to work I need to contact non-devotees from time to time, sometimes more than four or five hours constantly, and I felt that my consciousness was affected. For a few days the quality of my chanting dropped directly, how can I maintain my consciousness to be undisturbed?
Jayapataka...
Question: Nāradamuni is a pure devotee of the Lord and comes to the material world in a spiritual body as and when he likes to preach and make devotees. However, we see that Krṣṇa sends all our ācāryas, and Śrīla Prabhupāda and you, who are pure devotees, to this world in material body for preaching. The material body means suffering for the ācāryas, spiritual master, and even we disciples are very much pained in our heart to see such suffering of the ācāryas spiritual master. Why does Krṣṇa not send our ācāryas in a spiritual body? Because for him to do this is very easy.
Jayapataka...
Question: When Lord Caitanya came to Rāmakeli, He was told not to go to Vṛndāvana with many people. But today we see devotees bring many others to Vṛndāvana, is it wrong or not?
Jayapataka...
Question: My question is based on yesterday’s lecture. What does it mean to listen with full faith?
Jayapataka...
Question: We come to Kṛṣṇa out of love and sometimes out of grief and sorrow. I heard that Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura, once said to the Lord that He can do as He pleases, whether push him away or embrace him. My question is, if we go with sorrow to Kṛṣṇa, will He embrace me or push me away as He likes? How to understand the mood of the Lord?
Jayapataka...
Question: How can we enhance the mood of treating family members practicing Kṛṣṇa consciousness as devotees rather than family members?
Jayapataka...
Question: My question is that I heard Gaura Nitāi cannot be offered Dvādaśī-bhoga on Ekādaśī fasting day? Is that so?
Jayapataka...
Question: Devotional service is always pure and transcendental, but Lord Kapiladeva says to His glorious mother Devahūti, about devotional service in goodness, passion and ignorance. How can it mix with material or material mix with devotional service?
Jayapataka...
Question: It is said that the Chand Kazi is Kaṁsā in Kṛṣṇa-līlā. Would you care to speak on this?
Jayapataka...
Question: While offering bhoga I sometimes get late due to which my family members get irritated maybe because they are too hungry, or they need to take prasāda and go out for work. So, they tell me to hurry up and do some shortcut of this offering process. But I don’t know any shortcut bhoga offering process. I do as per you taught us. Bur generally it takes time, they become very impatient. It seems that instead of wanting to offer to Kṛṣṇa, they want to have it first.
Jayapataka...
Question: What happens if one devotee does not forgive another devotee?
Jayapataka...
Question: We hear in the pastimes of Lord Caitanya that the Lord and His devotees gave out so much mercy. My question is how can we make the best use of the mercy?
Jayapataka...
Question: I feel that I don’t get the same interest in hearing Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta as I have for Bhagavad-gītā or Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, I found it difficult to understand anything even after reading it many times, I feel it is beyond my understanding.
Jayapataka...
Question: Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu is the most merciful no doubt. But why didn’t Mahāprabhu accept Choṭa Haridāsa after he pleaded for his mercy, after committing a sin and eventually gave up his body in His separation. Please enlighten Gurudeva.
Jayapataka...
Question: When can one call your spiritual master as Mahārāja or gurudeva, when one takes initiation or when one accepts him in the heart?
Jayapataka...
Question: Kazi was offensive to the Vaiṣṇavas. He even arranged for the beating of the Vaiṣṇavas. But he got the vision of Lord Narasiṁhadeva,and also special meeting with Lord Caitanya, which would be difficult to imagine for a sādhaka like me. So kindly please help me understand this episode.
Jayapataka...
Question: If in my opinion, I did some service really not good enough and I do not dare to offer it, can I offer my motives, desires, thoughts, for that very service? Sorry for my ignorance.
Jayapataka...
Question: Caitanya Mahāprabhu controlled the Chand Kazi as Narasiṁhadeva. But my question is that how will Mahāprabhu kill the lusty desires in me? and another question is, when we are not able to chant for some reason then is it okay to just hear the recording of the chanting of Srīla Prabhupāda or Gurudeva?
Jayapataka...
Question: When we see the ladder in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, niṣṭhā comes after anartha-nivṛtti. So, is that I will become steady in practicing devotional service after I become free from all anarthas?
Jayapataka...
Question: Sometimes our affection and compassion to someone turns to attachment. As a result, we experience suffering from that attachment. Kindly guide us the procedure to deal our personal relationships without being attached.
Jayapataka...
Question: When one dreams of one’s spiritual master and receives instructions from him, can we consider these dreams completely real?
Jayapataka...
Question: How can I get rid of mental speculations?
Jayapataka...
Question: It is mentioned that only after self-realization one attains the stage of understanding devotional service. That one who is in the bodily concept of existence cannot understand the process of devotional service. Nārada-bhakti-sūtra1. Could you kindly elaborate on this?
Jayapataka...
Question: King Pratāparudra and Rāmānanda Rāya both were externally materialists, having opulent positions, but internally pure devotees. Why Lord Caitanya kept King Pratāparudra away because he was wealthy and materialistic, but discussed most confidential pastimes with Rāmānanda Rāya? Same is the case with Puṇḍarīka Vidyānidhi, who was externally exhibiting himself as a materialist, but internally he was a pure devotee. What is the difference between King Pratāparudra externally a materialist, and Rāmānanda Rāya and Puṇḍarīka Vidyānidhi externally a materialist or have opulent, material positions?
Jayapataka...
Question: In the Nectar Of Instruction, Srila Prabhupada said that devotional service is ahaitukiapratihata. Bhakti is not affected by any mundane cause or curtailed by any material interruption. My question is, how do sinful activities slow one’s progress in devotional life?
Jayapataka...
Question: What is the difference between liberated soul and conditioned soul?
Jayapataka...
Question: Just like you have mentioned that devotees should be like Haridasa Thakura, that we should try to decrease the worry of Lord Caitanya, can you please elaborate this Guru Maharaj?
Jayapataka...
Question: What can I do so that you become most happy? Kindly tell me.
Jayapataka...
Question: On behalf of CDM from Mayapur How can we assist congregational members all around the world in their service to Srila Prabhupada?
Jayapataka...
Question: Some people are not taking up Krishna consciousness seriously, in spite of preaching to them for a long time. What do we do and how long we should try?
Jayapataka...
Question: We have been fortunate to receive your spiritual instructions. Can you also give us some instructions how to conduct our material life, especially our official life, which we do like eight hours daily? What would be our mood in doing that? I basically work for an IT company as a consultant. How can I utilize this duty of mine also by aligning to instructions, of what Krishna mentioned that whatever duty you do, do it for Him?
Jayapataka...
Question: When new people come to Bhakti Vrksa, they see we are doing potluck prasadam. And they also want to bring something for offering. We tell them to use a clean vessel, not used for nonveg. And do not use garlic and onion. Even if they are eating meat. Is it okay?
Jayapataka...
Question: Chand Kazi stopped saṅkīrtana, devotees were beaten by him still Lord Caitanya showered His mercy upon him. At that time there were some people in Navadvīpa who were brāhmaṇas and others, who were accepting the scriptures although they were envious to devotees. But the Lord did not give them mercy. How can we understand this?
Jayapataka...
Question: How is a devotee empowered to preach and distribute Krsna consciousness to everyone? Seeing the condition of the people, I am feeling to preach. But how can I be able to do so? As a person in society, as a common person, if I preach to any of my friends or neighbors etc. they will see and consider us differently, like as we come from another planet.
Jayapataka...
Question: Like Chand Kazi, my mind is always trying to hog my progress. Please bless me so that I can serve you in a more humble way.
Jayapataka...
Question: What should be our mood while celebrating Panihati festival?
Jayapataka...
Question: How do I get the mercy of Nityananda Prabhu?
Jayapataka...
Question: Is there any equivalent pastime in Krsna lila with Panihati?
Jayapataka...
Question: During this lockdown, how can we celebrate Panihati festival at home?
Jayapataka...
Question: Did this pastime happen after Lord Caitanya left this world? Is that why Lord Caitanya was invisible?
Jayapataka...
Question: Who was the first person who organized the hot milk, condensed milk, yoghurt, banana with fruits, sweets, who was the first organizer?
Jayapataka...
Question: During the lockdown, many people are relaxed and staying at home, not showing an interest in spiritual life. How can we inspire them to value and appreciate Kṛṣṇa.
Jayapataka...
Question: How can I increase my faith to guru and Gaurāṅga that they will give mercy to me surely although I am a very fallen soul? I have no quality to serve them and get Their mercy.
Jayapataka...
Question: How to avoid negativity amongst devotees? Transgressing the devotees sometimes due to certain actions of some devotees brings negativity and we end up transgressing them either mentally or in person.
Jayapataka...
Question: Still, people are persecuted while they attempt to preach in communist Government. countries. So how can devotees relate to these pastimes while seeing Mahāprabhu leading civil disobedience?
Jayapataka...
Question: How to preach to Durgā-devī worshippers without offending them? They are getting angry if we call her Māyā-devī.
Jayapataka...
Question: Please tell me how can I guide the person, who is asking how to select or get a spiritual master? He is desiring to get a guru very seriously.
Jayapataka...
Question: Tomorrow is Pānihāṭi festival. Devotees in China do not have ciḍā. They are asking what they can cook to offer and how they can celebrate?
Jayapataka...
Question: Sometimes I try to serve or do something good for Vaiṣṇavas, but sometimes they misunderstand me. Then I have also lost my desire to serve Vaiṣṇavas,in that case, how can I handle these situations? How can I prosper my desire of service to those Vaiṣṇavas?
Jayapataka...
Question: How come even an atheist be so hard hearted that even on seeing Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu dancing, their heart didn’t melt?
Jayapataka...
Question: How should we observe Nirjalā Ekādaśī?
Jayapataka...
Question: How can an aparādhī be elevated to the ‘kīrtanīyā sadā hari’ stage?
Jayapataka...
Question: We are organizing Bhisma Pancaka in Gita Bhavan, Mayapur. Those who are staying in Mayapur, they, for the past few years are doing this. But from different parts of the world devotees are asking questions. How to observe the Bhisma Pancaka? How to do the Dvadasi parana, etc. So Guru Maharaj, can you please enlighten us with a few word on this? Also asking blessings from you that we are able to observe the Bhisma Pancaka successfully.
Jayapataka...
Question: When one’s material life is too problematic; how should we take it as Krsna’s special mercy or settlement of karma?
Jayapataka...
Question: We are living in a society where there is no Krsna conscious environment. So how can we comment behavior in another person and give a gift of spiritual environment to our daughter?
Jayapataka...
Question: There are many initiated prabhus and matajis and their families in grhastha asrama, but their children even though they are connected to Krsna conscious families, they do not follow the devotional life style. They eat outside food and are oblivious to Krsna conscious life. If children act this way will that affect the lifestyle of the Krsna conscious parents? Kindly elaborate on this.
Jayapataka...
Question: Being a grhastha how can we understand that we are actually grhastha or grhamedi? And in Srimad Bhagavatam it is already described how one should follow the grhastha life, what happens if we don’t act according to the scriptures and go on satisfying our lusty desires?
Jayapataka...
Question: Sometimes question arises that Maharaja Pariksit being such a great devotee, why did he put the dead snake around the neck of the great sage? What should we understand from this act of Pariksit Maharaja?
Jayapataka...
Question: Wanted some guidance from Guru Maharaj, how to distribute books during the Marathon this year and deal with the situation this year.
Jayapataka...
Question: I stay in a rented place near my work place, far from devotee association. Somehow trying to keep my bhakti life alive. Since everyday I have to do all the house work myself, it is becoming very difficult to find time for book reading and other devotional services, after coming back from office. I can only somehow finish my 16 rounds. In such situation what should I do so that I can stay fixed at your lotus feet?
Jayapataka...
Question: I am in non-devotee association due to this lockdown situation. I am trying to chant, but am not able to continue more than a week and I fall again. It happened to me many times. Guru maharaj how can I overcome this situation and practice in this situation?
Jayapataka...
Question: How to remain steady in brahmacārī āśrama. What are the things to be specially taken care of to be fixed in brahmacārī āśrama?
Jayapataka...
Question: Can a gṛhastha devotee serve Kṛṣṇa equally like a brahmacārī?
Jayapataka...
Question: By hearing from you about Lord Gaurāṅga’s saṅkīrtana movement and hearing different advanced devotees like Śacīnandana Swami, etc. I remember that the holy name is the beginning, the middle and the end. But then we do one service or another that almost forget the most important thing, going from Kṛṣṇa’s name to Kṛṣṇa’s qualities and pastimes. How to be focused on that always?
Jayapataka...
Question: With the present scenario, can you please let us know how we should go about with the Snāna-Pūrṇimā festival for Jagannātha Baladeva and SubhadrāMayī?
Jayapataka...
Question: Someone that has never prayed before is asking me about it. He is in a suffering condition and ready to try anything evidently. If it pleases you, can you speak to us of offering prayers?
Jayapataka...
Question: Sometimes atheist people complain that our God always likes narcissism. As a result, He [God] is not ready to hear His criticism and always becomes angry, and tries to kill and curse atheists. Could you please help to explain it?
Jayapataka...
Question: In the Harināma Cintāmaṇi it is mentioned that before giving the name to general people, we should create faith in the person first. Which is the best way to create that faith in the holy name, in the hearts of people?
Jayapataka...
Question: Sometimes if the Tulasī is big, I am unable to swallow it completely. What should we do because we cannot chew or break it? Please guide.
Jayapataka...
Question: What should be the attitude of a devotee while hearing the pastimes of Mahāprabhu?
Jayapataka...
Question: What is the way by which a practicing devotee can understand how close to or how far he is away from anartha -nivṛtti? How can one expedite his progress to anartha -nivṛtti? Are these stages distinct, or can there be some overlapping, i.e. can niṣṭhā start only after 100% completion of anartha-nivṛtti or can it start, say when anartha-nivṛtti has been 90% achieved?
Jayapataka...
Question: Many naturo-therapies and Ayurveda recommend tulasī in their medicine, which has to be cut and boiled. Is it allowed Gurudeva?
Guru...
Question: What must a devotee do, if he or she feels lonely? I feel very lonely Guru Mahārāja, at times, as I think I am very far away from Kṛṣṇa and His devotees, especially from you Guru Mahārāja. I try to keep my mind busy with some other activities, but I cannot keep my mind focused.
Jayapataka...
Question: How long in bhakti does it take one to become brahma bhuta Prasannatma, no socati na kanksati.
Jayapataka...
Question: Did you ever with Srila Prabhupada celebrate Jhulan Yatra pastime? Please tell us your Prabhupada pastime.
Jayapataka...
Question: Can we swing any other deities other than Radha Krsna, like Jagannath, Gaura Nitai, Gopala?
Jayapataka...
Question: How to celebrate Jhulan yatra in our home?
Jayapataka...
Question: Should the society of Vaiṣṇavas around the world, start planning for an emergency situation, coming possibly in December this year? Based on the prediction of several astrologers? Things that could happen are: Shortage of food, unsustainable livelihood in cities due to some possible war or aggravation of the pandemic, or other heavy kleśa.
Guru...
Question: Aren’t the people of Kali-yuga most fallen, yet most fortunate. We got the name of Hari, but still why is it sometimes so hard for us to chant, knowing that it is the only way back home?
Jayapataka...
Question: What should we do if we mistakenly break our caturmāsya vrata?
Jayapataka...
Question: If someone commits an offence to a pure devotee in the mind, will you accept that person as your servant?
Guru...
Question: In this class we learn that if we take the dust from the lotus feet of a devotee, or a great personality, our sins are transferred to that Vaiṣṇava. How can we understand whether one should seek the dust from the lotus feet of our spiritual master or not? This same question goes for taking the remnants of your maha-prasāda.
Jayapataka...
Question: Here we see that the devotees they were feeling that they were the offenders. Even though we know the associates of Lord Caitanya were highly qualified and there is no scope for them to commit any offences. But still they were feeling, because the Lord was distressed, they were feeling that they were the offenders. But in our situation, we see that even though we commit offence, we tend to say that I didn’t do this, and we always try to protect ourselves. So how to develop that mentality that the associates of Lord Caitanya had, when they were with Him?
Jayapataka...
Question: How the youth in Malaysia as an Islamic country, can propagate or share about the importance of cow protection?
Jayapataka...
Question: Please tell us how enthusiastically you were engaged in Krsna consciousness, with Srila Prabhupada when you were a youth? Please tell us how we can also remain in ISKCON and be enthusiastic like you maharaj so that we will never leave ISKCON and remain as enthusiastic as you are till today.
Jayapataka...
Question: I am following only three of the four principles, which is intoxication. Yet, I am using Tulasi beads. Is that okay?
Jayapataka...
Question: Gurudev, as a young grihasta currently, my focus is more to material commitments and temple seva is getting limited due to the commitments. Please advise how to balance both.
Jayapataka...
Question: How to manage with our services and sadhana while managing children? Usually whenever I have temple services I try my best to engage my two sons. At the same time I am in little fear that I might be neglecting them. In this situation, how do I handle them?
Jayapataka...
Question: How am I supposed to keep compassion on someone who has done wrong to us?
Jayapataka...
Question: Where did the great sage Dvaipāyana Vyāsadeva receive the inspiration to compile this great literature?
Jayapataka...
Question: How can we train our lazy mind to get the taste of reading the transcendental books of Śrīla Prabhupāda?
Jayapataka...
Question: We sometimes are particularly attached to some deities of some temple. Example, of Rādhā Mādhava in Śrīdhāma Māyāpur, or Rādhā Govinda in Kolkata temple. Is it ok as Govardhana-dhārī Gopāla told Mādhavendra Purī that He and Gopīnātha are non-different?
Jayapataka...
Question: Day before yesterday, a mātājī had a question on the class of Guru Mahārāja on the subject of Mādhavendra Purī. Guru Maharaj had said that the Gopāla and Gopīnātha are the same deity. Therefore, Gopāla had said that if you smear sandalwood and camphor paste on Gopīnātha, I will also cool down. In our Rajapur Jagannātha temple, there was a little tussle between Lord Jagannātha and Girirāja, over the acceptance of bhoga. Guru maharaj had made a solution to that, that day he gave the answer but I would like to hear that again from Guru Maharaj.
Jayapataka...
Question: Why did Narottama das Thakura say ‘mosama patita Prabhua na paibe ara’. He was an exalted and pure devotee. Where do we stand from this prayer by him?
Jayapataka...
Question: How can we achieve a balance between our studies of the sastras and our practical service?
Jayapataka...
Question: How is that the great and rare soul Madhavendra Puri was inclined and dedicated to worship the Gopal Deity which is more in parental rasa? Since he was capable of experiencing Prema similar to the Bhava of Srimati Radharani.
Jayapataka...
Question: Srila Prabhupada became famous as a devotee and how he dealt with people who were jealous of him.
Jayapataka...
Question: Today we see that service of Gopala accepted by Gopinathaji. However, in Rajapur temple, we heard from Your Divine Grace that the Govardhana shila and Jagannatha were complaining that the bhoga is being finished by Govardhana shila. How to understand this Gurudeva?
Jayapataka...
Question: How can we go deep in the studies of scriptures? How can we study properly Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam?
Jayapataka...
Question: We had been chanting Panca Tattva mantra, and heard from a senior devotee that we should not chant in the head bead, and also this was not practiced during early days. Please tell us what to do.
Jayapataka...
Question: Is it possible to remember the Lord when we are in sleep? How to be Krsna conscious during sleep?
Jayapataka...
Question: What is the significance of offering lamp to Yasoda Damodara, four times at the lotus feet, three times at the body and two times at the lotus face? What does this number signify? What if one does not follow this when offering the lamp?
Jayapataka...
Question: How do we connect new people to the deities? Usually before COVID we could engage them in services but now with everything online, how do we connect them to the deities and temple, as being connected to the deities is very important?
Jayapataka...
Question: What should I do if someone touched my feet intentionally. The reason I do not know. I failed to avoid it.
Jayapataka...
Question: Sometimes in our dealings with elders, sometimes we have to touch their feet. Mostly, they are non-devotees. So how to deal with this and can we have to take their karma by touching their feet?
Jayapataka...
Question: It is said in Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Antya-līlā, 16.60, that the dust of the feet of a devotee, the water that has washed the feet of a devotee and the remnants of food left by a devotee, are three powerful substances. So how can we take them, without causing trouble to the devotee?
Jayapataka...
Question: How to always remember the pastimes of the previous acaryas?
Jayapataka...
Question: Is a ghosti anandi expert in bhajana, same as bhajana anandi?
Jayapataka...
Question: Due to lockdown here in Mathurādeśa, Balarāma Jayantī and Janmāṣṭamī celebrations will be possible online only, like other places. What are your suggestions, or are there any specific instructions to make it the most glorious, online, outreach program and can attract more and more new devotees?
Jayapataka...
Question: How to see good in a person who did wrong to us? Please enlighten us Guru Mahārāja.
Jayapataka...
Question: NimLhamu Sherpa, my English is not very good. Hare Krsna Guru Maharaj. Thank you very much for blessing us with your presence. I can fell energy and feel blessed to be in the presence of your grace. I have been associated with Iskcon Gangtok for a while and from last June 2019, I started chanting 16 rounds a day. Now I have been chanting 16 rounds every day. My question is, many times as we progress, I have been chanting for a while, but I am not able to, when I am chanting I feel great connection with the Supreme Lord but I am from a Buddhist family and have a family deity we pray to. I have a small altar in my room and I try to connect. However, I don’t get the same power. But I feel with the blessings of all the Guru Maharajas I will grow in bhakti. It has been my problem since the beginning. I have not been able to connect with rupa or with the deity. So Guru Maharaj if you can bless me and suggest what I can do, I shall be grateful Guru Maharaj.
Guru...
Question: We worship Sīmantinī-devī in Sīmantadvīpa and see how dear she is to Lord Gaurāṅga. But in this jīvjāgo song, Lord Gaurāṅga calls māyā-piśācīra kole. What is her fault, as we, the jīva have the tendency to fall and we have volunteered to choose this material world? Is it the jīva’s fault? Then why is it she is called this way in the song?
Jayapataka...
Question: What mood one should have when we meet demigod worshippers?
Jayapataka...
Question: Just as kṛṣṇa-prasāda is offered to the demigods, can the same be offered to our loved ones who have left their body, regularly or should this only be done on their disappearance tithi?
Jayapataka...
Question: Kindly explain how to apply the third verse of the Sīkṣāṣṭakam in practical life?
Jayapataka...
Question: I am unable to follow one very important instruction of Śrīla Prabhupāda, which is to wake up early in the morning for attending maṅgala-ārati. I try for few days and then I lose my enthusiasm. Gurudeva, could you kindly elaborate on the importance of maṅgala-ārati and waking up at the brāhma-muhūrta?
Jayapataka...
Question: Normally we see that our ācāryas have said that we celebrate Śiva Rātri, seeing Lord Śiva as a devotee of Lord Kṛṣṇa. But sometimes we hear that we cannot celebrate such festivals. What is the actual thing we should do, Guru Mahārāja?
Guru...
Question: Is that after our death we have to be alone and there will be no one with us? Is it our guru also has the responsibility till we are alive in this body and post, he also leaves us?
Jayapataka...
Question: What is the relationship between Mother Lakṣmī and Goddess Pārvatī in the spiritual dimension?
Jayapataka...
Question: We know Kṛṣṇa as an expert dancer on the hoods of Kāliya. Also, Lord Caitanya expert dancing in Bindu-Mādhava temple or in front of Lord Jagannātha cart. Is there a difference in the dancing of Lord Kṛṣṇa and Lord Caitanya?
Guru...
Question: As we hear these pastimes from you, opening up new revelations everyday, we feel very blissful, especially today, when we see Gaurāṅga manifesting the form of Mother Goddess, even we became fearless of māyā. Is it not dangerous to lose fear of māyā? And is it not a non-humble attitude to be fearless? Will this please Gaurāṅga Mahāprabhu?
Jayapataka...
Question: Dear Gurudeva, what tapasya we have to do in this caturmāsya time.
Guru...
Question: You instructed the devotees to go out in their balconies in three sandhyās every day at 5.30, 12.30 and evening 7.15 and sing a loud kīrtana for 20 minutes. Why is it important to do this at this time, and what is the reason? Are these reasons suitable for Moscow and Russia, or do we need to calculate the time for each area?
Jayapataka...
Question: Today in the class it was mentioned that Jaratī is the Yogamāyā but earlier we heard that Paurṇamāsī was Yogamāyā. Can you please make me understand more clearly, Gurudeva?
Guru...
Question: How to read Srila Prabhupada’s books daily without fail? I am skipping frequently from reading.
Jayapataka...
Question: When a person lives with their family, who are non-devotees and they cook with onion and garlic, and they expect you to eat that food, is it okay to offer to Krsna and have it afterwards? How can I make it less sinful?
Jayapataka...
Question: We hear these verses that deity worship is done elaborately. However, I worship Gaura Nitai deities in my home, with very basic standards. What should be one’s mood when worshiping Gaura Nitai?
Jayapataka...
Question: Srimad Bhagavatam, 1st Canto, 6th Chapter a little boy before, Narada, was so detached by the devotees’ mercy, and he didn’t cry when his mother died. But myself, I am so much attached with my family, especially my mother. She is my homeschool teacher. All my family is helping me for devotional service. Is it ok to have attachment with parents?
Jayapataka...
Question: What is the best way to honor the spiritual name that we have received?
Jayapataka...
Question: How to make our hearts softer?
Jayapataka...
Question: How to encourage a devotee to render unalloyed service to the Lord? And in doing that, how can I have that state of mind, of being patient, and help that devotee to serve and love Krsna?
Jayapataka...
Question: As we have been hearing from all the sannyasis,your lotus mouth, and also from Guru Maharaj that vani is very important, and that it is more important than vapu. We understand that we have to develop that mood and serve Guru Maharaj more seriously, but at the same time we feel very devastated in the absence of his personal association and times like this, I always feel this question, with prayers to Guru Maharaj, will I ever get any reciprocation back from Guru Maharaj? Please enlighten, as you know Guru Maharaj was very, very, personal, he used to reply our emails, he used to call us on the phone, and he was extremely personal, and he showered a lot of love on us. So my only concern is that will he ever reciprocate with us maharaj?
Jayapataka...
Question: It is usually said, we should not listen to the mayavada bhasya. But while we are taking Gita Mahatmaya and Jagannath Astakam, even though Sankaracarya preached mayavada philosophy also?
Guru...
Question: Why is it that only the deity form of Lord Jagannatha leaves the temple for the procession like this? What is the significance of this form of Krsna giving the special darshana?
Jayapataka...
Question: What is the difference bhajana anandi and nirjana bhajana?
Guru...
Question: We consider Krsna’s mercy in everything. How do we see this in this pandemic?
Guru...
Question: In this nāṭaka, Advaita plays the role of Kṛṣṇa but it seems that His age is higher than Lord Caitanya’s. Please give some light.
Guru...
Question: Mahārāja, why in our sampradāya the most exalted devotees are honored with samādhi. In purport of Śrīla Prabhupāda, in second chapter, of the seventh canto of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, he mentioned that not only materialistic people but some yogīs are also attached in the bodily concept of life, which won’t allow them to burn their guru’s body until it starts to smell. And here, we are also keeping the body of our gurus in samādhi. How is this different from the yogīs’ conception? How keeping the body of the ācāryais not a material concept?
Guru...
Question: It’s said that if there is one Tulasī plant at home it is known as Vṛṇdāvana. So, do we live in Vṛṇdāvana?
Guru...
Question: There were many devotees all over the world who were aspiring and waiting to take diksa from His Holiness Bhakti Caru Swami maharaj. Now how should they go ahead in their life and how should they see this event in their life?
Jayapataka...
Question: Please advise us how to serve Guru Maharaj and be fixed in our service and cooperate with other disciples and grihastas. When Guru Maharaj had been here, he had said that there could be problems when the guru leaves the world. We were afraid of that and we are not sure if that will happen. So please guide us.
Jayapataka...
Question: Bhakti Caru maharaj had promised us that he would come and stay a week with us in Panihati, but that will not be possible now. We would want to request you if you could please come and give us your blessings after the lockdown ends.
Jayapataka...
Question: As we are not able to attend the samadhi utsava, what mood we must keep in our thoughts?
Jayapataka...
Question: How to practice cooperation and perform seva in the association of different guru disciples, where there are many differences?
Jayapataka...
Question: Guru maharaj had said that in 2012 that Bhakti Caru Swami Guru Maharaj had requested Srila Prabhupada. And similarly in Vrndavana, when Srila Prabhupada had wanted to leave then, he brushed aside Tamal Krsna Goswami Guru maharaj, Bhavananda Prabhu and left the world. Today away from Ujjain, and especially from India, he left his body far from here. Is there any sastra that if any of our previous acaryas want to leave their body, specially that they will have some difficulties? Is there any such mention in our Vedic sastras?
Guru...
Question: HH Bhakti Caru maharaj had started and was preaching in Bengali language very enthusiastically and that had influenced a lot of people to get Krsna conscious, and a lot of the elite class as well. We know that Krsna has taken him away. But under the current circumstances, he is not with us personally, so how are we to go about the Bengali preaching Guru Maharaj?
Guru...
Question: Why don’t we get any benefit from hearing Srimad Bhagavatam from professional reciters and atheists?
Guru...
Question: I am now taking Bhakti Vaibhava course and although I am enjoying it immensely, I sometimes feel that Srimad Bhagavatam is so advanced that I find it difficult to understand – particularly, the 5th Canto. How should we approach the Bhagavatam or how should or could we understand better?
Guru...
Question: In the present situation where as grihastas, we want to take vanaprasta and lead a life reading the Srimad Bhagavatam and being Krsna conscious, the situation is such that I cannot disentangle myself because of various reasons. How to deal with this situation? Please guide dear Gurudeva.
Guru...
Question: As you mentioned we need to train different divisions of services, can you please clarify Guru Maharaj, what should be the basis of this training?
Guru...
Question: Many people, after hearing Srimad Bhagavatam from different speakers out of ISKCON become somewhat attracted to spirituality. However, later after even coming in contact with ISKCON, and understanding its authenticity in presenting Krsna consciousness, still remain attached to those speakers. For whatever emotional reasons, and considering them as patha pradarsaka gurus. How can we encourage them to hear only from bonafide representatives of Srila Prabhupada?
Guru...
Question: How can we develop a mood of austerity, myself in austerity that is required? How can we perform more austerities for our spiritual life?
Guru...
Question: How can we act when the other devotees in a temple see our preaching activities as a competition towards their online initiatives like Food for Life, Krsna West, etc. and do not integrate?
Guru...
Question: One devotee daily chanting 16 rounds, but character is not changing. Always finding fault with others and fight at home. How to help such devotees, Guru Maharaj?
Guru...
Question: Is our parampara Bhagavata parampara or diksa parampara? Please excuse me for asking a question outside of the class subject.
Guru...
Question: I get more joy when I chant after mangala arati in the morning. But Guru Maharaj, if any other service comes at that moment, which one should be given more importance – service or chanting? While doing that service again, think that japa will not be good today. So there is no such interest in the service again. What will I do then?
Guru...
Question: What is the process of deity worship at home for grihastas? Is there any book we can refer for deity worship at home?
Guru...
Question: How are we able to strengthen our heart’s connection with our spiritual master?
Guru...
Question: What book should I read, what chapter in the Damodara month?
Guru...
Question: I love chocolates but I know we should not consume that. How to control that feeling of taking chocolates?
Guru...
Question: I have a question related to meditating on Deities in the temple in the dhāma while chanting. Does it give us the same benefit as physically being there? What about offences when mentally being there? Are there risks of offences to the dhāma?
Guru...
Question: You gave me initiated name as Varunapati Govinda das, but fellow devotees address me as Varunapati, therefore I started requesting them to address me as VP Govinda das, so everyone could rather take the name of Lord Govinda, rather than an adjective which is Varunapati. Could you please reassure me if that is ok? I am blessed that you have given me initiation and would like to make the most of that spiritual name.
Guru...
Question: If any initiated devotee breaks one of the regulative principles, still a local authority is happy with his sevā, then is it proper or not? And what is his fate?
Guru...
Question: Can we do deity worship if the blood test for sugar is done through the finger?
Guru...
Question: As grihastas are we allowed to do financial planning?
Guru...
Question: Can sheltered devotees have deities at home?
Guru...
Question: Why don’t we offer ārati to Śrīmad Bhāgavatam after Śrīmad Bhāgavatam class?
Guru...
Question: Like Gaura Nitāi are pleased by kīrtana, Jagannātha Baladeva Subadra devī are pleased by nice bhoga offering, how can we please Bala Gopāla or Laddoo Gopāla deity? Please advise.
Guru...
Question: What is more powerful – hearing the pastimes about Kṛṣṇa, or hearing the philosophy about Kṛṣṇa?
Guru...
Question: Why we have to offer obeisances to demigods on the right side and for Viṣṇu by the left side?
Guru...
Question: Can we take demigods’ prasādam, if we are not taking that is that an aparādha?
Guru...
Question: As devotees of Lord Caitanya are we allowed to have deities or photos of Lord Śiva and Gaṇeśa in our altar home temple. How should we worship them and please them?
Guru...
Question: I see many devotees chant 64 rounds and more sometimes but they cannot overcome ego. My humble question, how to overcome it?
Guru...
Question: When we see that our non-devotee relatives are wasting their valuable human life, and not giving any attention to spiritual life, even if by requesting them to chant, by sharing the importance of chanting, they are not responding positively. Then we feel compassionate for them but we are not able to do anything. What can we do in this stage? Should we keep trying or avoid them?
Guru...
Question: In the auspicious Kārtika month how should we serve Rādhārāṇī to please Her, as it is Her favorite month? What kind of mood should we have while doing the service?
Guru...
Question: How to deal with envy of a person cultivated by one’s self in Kṛṣṇa consciousness?
Guru...
Question: The chanting was very good for a couple of days after initiation, but now it is not going so great after that. Please help me Gurudeva.
Guru...
Question: Do prayers made to guru through his picture reach him? Is it a good practice to share the daily report and challenges to our guru, through his picture?
Guru...
Question: When I am hearing lectures, studying spiritual books, doing any kind of sevā, how do I feel that I am doing this for my Guru Mahārāja’s happiness?
Guru...
Question: Why do we call Hare Kṛṣṇa or Haribol when someone addresses us Rādhe! Rādhe!? Why don’t we say Rādhe! Rādhe!? Especially those of us who are ISKCON devotees? Is Rādhārāṇī only for Vṛndāvana that only the Vrajavāsīs can call her?
Guru...
Question: When Lord comes in the form of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam then what form His mother comes?
Guru...
Question: How to establish Lord Caitanya in our heart? What is the process?
Guru...
Question: When I do guru-pūjā, what should be the state of mind? What should the consciousness of those who are taking darśana during guru-pūjā be?
Guru...
Question: Many times while doing devotional services there are devotees who hurt us so much, so in that case how should we react? If we talk anything, it will become an offence. So how should we act in that situation Guru Mahārāj?
Guru...
Question: What happens to devotees who follow the four regulative principles, believe in Kṛṣṇa and Rāma, but don’t chant 16 rounds? What happens to them?
Guru...
Question: Can we use mustard oil in the month of Dāmodara?
Guru...
Question: How can we understand whether we have received the mercy of Lord Nityānanda, and how can we become qualified to receive the mercy of Lord Nityānanda?
Guru...
Question: Can Mātājīs worship Śālagrāma-śilā?
Guru...
Question: I have two questions. First question is what is the significance of breaking Ekādaśī-vrata on time? Is it an offence if I fail to do so? If it is so, what is my atonement? If at all we break fast after the said time, is it equivalent to not fasting at all?
Guru...
Question: How can we understand the true nectar of Caitanya-līlā with very limited knowledge? Please enlighten.
Guru...
Question: I try to chant the holy names of Kṛṣṇa sitting still with straight back. But no matter how hard I try I cannot stand it and I have to get up. I do not have enough patience to endure the pain of the body. What to do?
Guru...
Question: Please guide us how can I help my parents to take shelter of Kṛṣṇa so that I can at least do something for them for they have given me this life.
Guru...
Question: Being in gṛhastha life, is it ok not to plan our future if we have no interest to do so? Or is it an act of irresponsibility? I am not interested to take anxiety on that matter. Kindly advise.
Guru...
Question: What is the meaning of serving Vaiṣṇavas according to the instructions of Śrīla Prabhupāda? Should we fulfill all the desires of the devotee, or this is limited to certain types of service?
Guru...
Question: Yesterday it was said that when devotees have glorious qualities, we automatically appreciate them. But when we see that there are sometimes faults in the personal behavior of some devotees, how to practice seeing the good qualities in them, ignoring the faults?
Guru...
Question: When and where did Bhakti Caru Swami meet Srila Prabhupada?
Guru...
Question: Guru Maharaj told us in his last Zoom meeting with Bangladesh devotees that he wished to come here in Bangladesh. And even he wanted to continue the Regular Life classes. If he had planned for departure, why did he tell so?
Guru...
Question: I am Krsnamoya das, staying in Mathuradesh and a disciple of your dear Godbrother Bhakti Caru Swami. But I have no godbrother here, how will I observe the disappearance day of my Guru Maharaj? How will I preach here? Kindly advice and instruct me.
Guru...
Question: Who will represent our Guru Maharaj now? Will his disciplic succession finish here or will there be any representative of his?
Guru...
Question: As we all know His Holiness Bhakti Caru maharaj returned to Srila Prabhupada to join him in his preaching, in maybe another universe. So, are the pastimes of Srila Prabhupada in other universes same as in this universe or different?
Guru...
Question: I cannot tolerate this separation. There is a fear in my mind that if we lose all our guru varga like this, what will happen in my life? We know that there is happiness only in Krsna consciousness, but I feel there is a lot of pain also. Is it right Guru Maharaj?
Guru...
Question: How will we get your darshan?
Guru...
Question: Some disciples after the disappearance of their guru if they commit suicide, is that ok? Please advise what should we do?
Guru...
Question: In the program of 7th July, everybody is not able to go to the temple. So can we do it at home and what do we do?
Guru...
Question: What do we learn from a great acarya’s disappearance?
Guru...
Question: If some devotees have taken shelter from Bhakti Caru Swami, then will they again have to take shelter of another guru, or will they directly be able to get initiation?
Guru...
Question: If you could get His Holiness Bhakti Prema Swami maharaj to become an initiating guru, that will be really nice. Because Maharaj is Bhakti Caru Maharaj’s loved disciple. If I have committed any offence please forgive this servant.
Guru...
Question: Now where is Maharaj and what is he doing? Could you please tell us?
Guru...
Question: I have not met you personally. When will my desire be fulfilled to see you in person?
Guru...
Question: We have lost our guru and father. We don’t want to lose you. You please stay with us for some more time, please have mercy.
Guru...
Question: Some days ago I had a dream where I saw Bhakti Caru Swami maharaj. Can I narrate that to everyone in the Smriti sabha?
Guru...
Question: Whether Haridāsa Ṭhākura went back to Brahmaloka or to Goloka?
Guru...
Question: Why the full glorification of the Vaiṣṇava is done only after they leave their body and not before? So, we all can appreciate them more – respect love and look to serve them when they are still with us physically?
Guru...
Question: We see that Śrīla Bhakti Cāru Swami has left this planet and we see that the God brothers of Bhakti Cāru Swami Mahārāja are appreciating him so much and they are feeling so much of separation, and we can see that they are expressing their love towards him. How can we develop such attachment and affection towards our own God brothers?
Guru...
Question: Maharaj, there is so much emotion of grief and sadness in the heart. Is that ok? Should we try to overcome by some means?
Guru...
Question: What happens to Guru Maharaj (Bhakti Cāru Swami Mahārāj) after death? Does He go immediately to Goloka or does it wait for samadhi?
Guru...
Question: Will Gurudev be forever our Gurudev after taking so many instructions? We love, respect and wish to serve all GBCs, but will we be considered Gurudev’s disciples, as we are sheltered?
Guru...
Question: Is there any possibility that all those acaryas who leave this material world will again come back to the material world to preach?
Guru...
Question: When preaching to a very new comer, what aspects of Krsna consciousness should be given more focus?
Guru...
Question: Sometimes I voluntarily accept to be illusioned by Mayadevi. The mind takes control of me. How to keep the mind always under the control of intelligence?
Guru...
Question: In our devotional life how does a wife respect her devotee husband?
Guru...
Question: How can we get pardoned from vaisnava aparadha?
Guru...
Question: We sometimes plan to serve Krsna in a particular way, but because of someone or some circumstances, we are deprived of that devotional service. So how should we understand whether it is our karma that we could not do the service, or Krsna has not sanctioned this service for us because we are not qualified?
Guru...
Question: Since we jiva souls are infinitesimal and act with minute quantities of Krsna’s potencies, is the best way to please Krsna to serve the servant of His servants, because He is close to the lowest first?
Guru...
Question: If you take second initiation from another guru who is the actual guru? Whom do you worship on the altar?
Guru...
Question: Will Srila Prabhupada be happy to put his dearest devotee in such a situation when a small virus defeated all the devotees’ prayers?
Guru...
Question: Why did Guru Maharaj (Bhakti Caru Swami) have to leave his body in America? Devotees would love to leave either in Vrndavana or sacred, holy place.
Guru...
Question: Many devotees who got first initiation, what about their second intitiation? Whom should they look for that?
Guru...
Question: How can a disciple with little association of spiritual master, go lifelong serving him? It seems difficult.
Guru...
Question: In the next ten to 15 years, most of Srila Prabhupada’s disciples will leave us. How shall we take this movement ahead? Most of the devotees are attached to Srila Prabhupada’s disciples and movement is united because of Srila Prabhupada’s disciples and devotees like yourself.
Guru...
Question: One dear friend of mine saw a dream of His Holiness Bhakti Caru Swami, and few months ago she thought maybe she would be initiated by Bhakti Caru Swami, but now she is totally heart broken. She lost her Guru Maharaj! What should she do now? Can you please explain?
Guru...
Question: Can all of us go to where Srila Prabhupada is? If we just simply desire it?
Guru...
Question: Since Krsna says in Bhagavad-gita ‘name bhaktya pranasyati’, how did it happen that the words of a pure devotee did not come true? When His Holiness Bhakti Caru Swami said, if we have faith in Krsna, corona cannot do anything! Is it not an injustice to the words of a pure devotee?
Guru...
Question: Why Krsna did not allow His Holiness Bhakti Caru Swami to stay, just as he did for you? It is so painful.
Guru...
Question: Guru maharaj (Bhakti Caru maharaj) is coming to India or not for samadhi?
Guru...
Question: How will we bear this separation of vaisnavas, please advise us.
Guru...
Question: There are many questions in my mind about His Holiness Bhakti Caru maharaj’s departure. Is it that so many prayers, so many sacrifices, Krsna has not heard any of this? How to accept this truth that we are not this body and we are the soul? How to accept about going back to Godhead? How to comprehend Krsna’s decision?
Guru...
Question: I am a disciple of Bhakti Caru swami and what should I do now, could you please advise me?
Guru...
Question: Our temple is very small. But the devotees are so many. So if all come to the temple then it would be difficult to keep social distancing. Can we organize online smriti sabha for Guru Maharaj (HH Bhakti Caru Swami)?
Guru...
Question: Without father (HH Bhakti Caru Swami), what should the duty of the son be?
Guru...
Question: If in our spiritual like, if we have any doubts or questions, can we approach you, like we used to approach Guru Maharaj(HH Bhakti Caru Swami) ?
Guru...
Question: Now we have not got initiation from Guru Maharaj (HH Bhakti Caru Swami )but have mentally accepted him as our Guru Maharaj, what will happen to us?
Guru...
Question: Bhakti Vijay Bhagavat Swami: After the Sandhya arati can we do a smriti sabha for Bhakti Caru Swami Maharaj?
Guru...
Question: With regards to Cāturmāsya, this time Puruṣottama māsa is coming in the middle of the third month of Cāturmāsya. The third month is between 2nd to 30th October where we fast from milk. Puruṣottama māsā is from 17th September to 16th October. Can we take milk in between during the Puruṣottama māsā?
Guru...
Question: In regard to ajñāta-sukṛti, is it possible for someone that has no intention to be Kṛṣṇa conscious, to become a devotee involuntarily? By the mercy of devotees or Kṛṣṇa Himself? A mouse in a temple approached a burning lamp that was about to get extinguished. At that moment, his moustache which caught fire, lighted the lamp again. And he died due to fire and because of this he was promoted to Vaikuṇṭha. How can the Lord seemingly favor one and not the other? Is not Lord Caitanya changing in a way, the statements made by Lord Kṛṣṇa in Bhagavad-gītā?
Guru...
Question: In the first month of Cāturmāsya we are supposed not to eat śāk. Could you please clarify on this point if the abstention is only for a specific kind of śāk, or includes any other kind of leafy vegetables? There are many kinds of śāk like spinach, pālak, lāl, polmi, sweet potato leaves, water cress, etc. And what about the leaves from the trees like moringa or drumstick leaves?
Guru...
Question: When we will be ever able to understand such a great drama (in Chaitanya Lila), in what mood should we understand this?
Guru...
Question: What pleases you the most?
His...
Question: My friend has left Kṛṣṇa consciousness, I don’t know how to communicate with her now, because I am afraid to adopt the wrong mindset. But at the same time, I hope that she will return and somehow, I try to keep in touch. Dear Gurudeva, please kindly tell me how to act in this situation?
Guru...
Question: Why the women Vaiṣṇavīs were not engaged in these dramas? Lord Gaurāṅga and Lord Nityānanda were dressed up for the female characters but now we see that in our society, ISKCON, in dramas, Vaiṣṇavīs are acting on the stage. How can we follow the same standards in the footsteps of the Lord?
Guru...
Question: Nowadays we can often see people while fighting or arguing, they curse very easily. Should we be scared of this curse or does this curse really affect us?
Guru...
Question: How can we deal with conflicts? I am going through various conflicts in spiritual life, as well as at work. It is very difficult to overcome conflicts. I feel insulted always at work, and with devotees.
Guru...
Question: In a family where everyone is a devotee and they are all vaisnavas, we think of them as members of our own family it seems very common to us. But sometimes when we go to live together, we do some bad things to each other. Then is that too vaisnava aparadha? What should we do then?
Guru...
Question: It is said that without serving Gaura Nitai deities, we cannot obtain Krsna Prema. But we have Radha Krsna deities. What should we do in this kind of situation?
Guru...
Question: Did Lord Caitanya fulfill His word that He will come and take bath in the Ganges after living in Jagannatha Puri?
Guru...
Question: I am a housewife. I have to do household work and take care of the family throughout the day. How do you expect your housewife disciples to serve this movement? Please enlighten.
Guru...
Question: During this pandemic we see many negative things and hear the negative things. How do we stay fixed in devotional service and not get affected by such negative atmosphere?
Guru...
Question: In a recent class we heard that if Krsna doesn’t desire, by all our endeavors, we cannot eat. And if He sanctions, even if we are in the forest, we can eat. So does that meant that one doesn’t need to put any endeavor to earn his livelihood because in any case he will get what is sanctioned?
Guru...
Question: One of my friends has this question that every time she gets a new Tulasi at home, it doesn’t stay so long. Just for a week, something and dies. This has been going on for about two years till now. Before there was one Tulasi plant which grew very nicely and it was removed due to some changes in their home. She feels this is happening due to removing that Tulasi devi from home. How to understand this guru maharaj? Is she cursed by Vrnda devi not to grow again?
Guru...
Question: Srila Prabhupada mentions in the book, Science of Self-realization, page 118, those who have firm faith in God and spiritual master, the meaning of Vedic scriptures is revealed. How to establish firm faith on guru and Krsna?
Guru...
Question: Gurudev, why did Srila Prabhupada ask us to hear Hare Krsna Maha Mantra from pure devotees only? Or it will be like a venomous snake. What did he mean by that? Please kindly enlighten.
Guru...
Question: I heard from Srila Prabhupada’s lecture that if you want God realization, then we need to do austerity. But when I perform austerity, I become niyamagrahi. It gives me false ego and my mind becomes distracted thinking when will I come back to my normal life? So to get rid of this, I avoid extra austerities like taking havisanna, on special months. Will it be another type of sense gratification?
Guru...
Question: How to pray to Sudarsanaji when in fear?
Guru...
Question: In a pastime Caitanya Mahaprabhu assured everyone of Sudarsana’s protection. The questions are sometimes the devotees tend to take risk quoting the awe-inspiring pastimes like that. How do we learn how to balance between responsibility and dependence on Lord Hari?
Guru...
Question: You had mentioned in class that Śacīmāta is the eternal mother of the Lord, that all His associates are eternal. How do we understand our position and how do we associate with the Lord’s eternal associates? Please enlighten me
Guru...
Question: Why does it feel like our ignorance is dispelled only during the time we are chanting or associating with devotees but once when we are back to our daily activities and our work, it appears like we get distracted. How do we balance this and stay fixed in our spiritual life?
Guru...
Question: Please instruct how we should be more strong in our devotional service before marriage, especially who is already engaged?
Guru...
Question: As it was explained in Caitanya-līlā how prasāda and mahā-prasāda and mahā-prasāda are transcendental. Can we honor the prasāda the next day if it is more though materially they seem to be stale?
Guru...
Question: I have observed Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī or the gopīs do not have tilaka as Kṛṣṇa does in temple Deities. Please enlighten me Gurudeva
Guru...
Question: I find it very difficult to balance my academic studies and Kṛṣṇa consciousness. If I study for long hours, I feel as if my mind is completely absorbed in the subject matter. How to maintain the Kṛṣṇa conscious mood all the time?
Guru...
Question: Why is it that Lord Caitanya is not well-known in India? If it was not Śrīla Prabhupāda, I do not think I would have ever heard of him.
Guru...
Question: I realized that my faith is shaking in testing situations. Gurudeva, I try to follow your divine example, remember Kṛṣṇa in pain. But it was not easy. Please guide me dear father.
Guru...
Question: I take a lot of time to chant my rounds. Sometimes I take three hours to finish 16 rounds. I find it is very difficult to chant faster and more effectively.
Guru...
Question: Here in the USA, due to COVID, flu shots are mandatory for everyone, but it has egg yolk in it. Though there are very few egg free vaccines, they are only for about 18 years. My son is 14 years and initiated. Please kindly advise us what to do?
Guru...
Question: We can attain Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa by the mercy of Lord Gaurāṅga. What about those who live in Vṛindāvana? They all love Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa, but not so much about Gaura-Nitāi. Is it necessary for them to take shelter of Gaura Nitāi?
Guru...
Question: What must be the mood of the devotee while serving the dīkṣā-guru and sīkṣā-guru, who is more important?
Guru...
Question: We heard in one of the recent classes that whoever hears this pastime will achieve the wealth of Kṛishna-prema. Are there any conditions applicable for this declaration to get fructified?
Guru...
Question: I am in a dilemma Guru Mahārāja! You are giving this nectarean class on Caitanya-līlā and I transcribe it and hear it and cannot miss it. At the same time, the Navadvīpa Maṇḍala Parikramā is going on, and even though I keep that on my i-Pad, not able to relish that as much, the timings are so clashing. I don’t know, am I committing any offences doing this?
Guru...
Question: I have a humble clarification. From tomorrow the Pañcarāti-vrata is recommended to follow during this Puruṣottama month. Could you please elaborate on this? How to follow this?
Guru...
Question: Why some initiated devotees are still having hatred on some people, even after practicing Kṛṣṇa consciousness for more than 25 year? Where has all the śravaṇam and kīrtanam gone? How to come out of this icchādveśa platform? Are we missing something in our sādhana?
Guru...
Question: It is said that at the time of death one experiences as much as the bite of forty thousand scorpions. Do devotees also face the same pain?
Guru...
Question: I am a banker. (Guru maharaj: WOW!) The job takes a lot of time. So changing job or going for higher education after resigning, is it a good option to give more time to bhakti process?
Guru...
Question: I am facing difficulty in practically applying the teachings of the Bhagavad-gita even though I have read a particular verse, when it comes to applying in a situation, I forget it. Need your guidance.
Guru...
Question: How did Srila Prabhupada want us to preach to college youth? How to make them serious practitioners of Krishna consciousness?
Guru...
Question: How can we preach to our relatives and neighbors who generally think that earning money and caring only for the bodily maintenance is the goal of life? Chanting, following spiritual principles, etc., are waste of time.
Guru...
Question: If even after knowing, many a times, what would be favorable for me in Krishna consciousness, the desire to do it in proper mood to get the blessings of senior devotees is weak. How to respond in these situations?
Guru...
Question: While doing preaching services, I face discouragement from different people a lot and I feel very upset. Please give your blessings how to overcome it? Please bless me, I want to become your good disciple, to help you in all aspects to fulfill the mission of Srila Prabhupada.
Guru...
Question: How to control lusty thoughts and desires while practicing bhakti alone? Sometimes due to lusty desires, I am not able to chant properly. So how to overcome this?
Guru...
Question: How to preach and convince people in short duration of time? Eg. Train, marketplace, etc.
Guru...
Question: What is character? How to build a character? Sometimes it takes a lot of courage to face real problems of life. How to overcome that?
Guru...
Question: Could you please kindly help us in genuinely inspiring others? Practically I face challenge in getting my audience to follow what we try to preach in line with Srila Prabhupada’s books. It requires a number of times repetition, and when we say it again and again, they think that oh, I have heard this. But they don’t consider that they are not following. How to convince them?
Guru...
Question: My question is even while doing service, the mind will say that current service is not good. While doing sadhana, mind tells us to do some service. Kindly guide me how to overcome this.
Guru...
Question: During this pandemic time, when we are inspiring the new person, they chant for some days, after than they are giving up gradually, despite follow up. How to convince them?
Guru...
Question: How to avoid hesitation in encouraging and convincing others to practice Krishna consciousness?
Guru...
Question: What is good to do if we have a problem – to write to Guru Maharaj or to pray to his picture as many times, as our doubts may be very silly or annoying?
Guru...
Question: Sometimes it is happening that due to more office workload, we are not able to do our prescribed services for Krsna, like preaching. What to do in these cases? Can we think that Krsna wants us to leave the current office?
Guru...
Question: Very humbly want to ask, what would Srila Prabhupada comment if he saw that hundreds of people are walking with shoes to Srila Bhakti Vinoda Thakura’s Bhajan Kutir “Bhakti Kutir” which has turned into a restaurant?
Guru...
Question: While preaching to smarta brahmanas often times it becomes difficult to make them unlearn and learn newly, the teachings of Lord Caitanya. How should we practically deal with such challenges?
Guru...
Question: How can we practically adopt time management following in the footsteps of Srila Bhakti Vinoda Thakura, knowing well that our mind is not willing to stay in a single place?
Guru...
Question: When you tell us Caitanya-līlā it all floats before our eyes like pictures. This comes and goes without wanting to imagine. Is it an offence?
Jayapatākā...
Question: We are very soon near to Puruṣottama month. What kind of service and sevā will please Śrī Śrī Rādhā Mādhava and you Gurudeva?
Jayapatākā...
Question: Is fasting nirjalā on every Ekādaśī a standard we can aspire to rise to? Or is it too much austerity that makes the heart hard. Please guide us.
Guru...
Question: How do we pray to get mercy to help in our spiritual growth?
Guru...
Question: While doing preaching services sometime we feel there is growth and suddenly there is a dip in the preaching. Due to which we feel demotivated. Either girls have so much problems from family, and are not able to chant their regular rounds also, one girl get married to a non-devotee, and these girls are all 16 rounders. How to deal with such situations?
Guru...
Question: Ganga coming due to Vamanadeva and Ganga coming due to King Bhagiratha is the same?
Guru...
Question: How do you know for yourself Guru Mahārāja in the physical absence of Śrīla Prabhupāda, what decision you make will be pleasing to him?
Guru...
Question: What should one do when one sees their spiritual master in dream? Is it real or just illusion? What to do if we don’t understand the dream and the message or guidance given by the spiritual master in the dream?
Guru...
Question: We kind of remain calm and peaceful, but if the person or situation is provoking, then we manifest our real svarupa of being impatient and get involved in vaisnava aparada. It is a big challenge to remain undisturbed in provoking situations. Kindly guide us.
Guru...
Question: As per Srimad Bhagavatam, 12.13.13, it says that if someone donates Srimad Bhagavatam on Bhadra Purnima, they will go back to Goloka. Can a person donate in the name of a person who left the body, and can the person who has left his body also go Back to Godhead?
Guru...
Question: Can you further explain how the tongue is the representation of mother Saci?
Guru...
Question: Could you please let us know whether we try to develop material assets for our child, or do we try to leave it to karma of our child? Do we consider this the duty of a parent?
Guru...
Question: You said somehow develop affection or love of Kṛṣṇa. Please distinguish between sentimental bhakti from ecstatic love for Godhead.
Guru...
Question: How much should we give importance to new devotees versus encouraging and giving time to already practicing devotees?
Guru...
Question: How can we overcome the bondage of relationships of this material world? Even after chanting the holy names why is it so difficult sometimes to overcome the attachment with our family?
Guru...
Question: In Srimad Bhagavatam Prahlada Maharaj says we should bathe from the dust of the lotus feet of pure devotees, nothing to do with material activities. Is it practically possible to take the dust and bathe? What is the instruction that Prahlada Maharaj is telling us?
Guru...
Question: I want to know what is the nice mood to take initiation test?
Guru...
Question: Even after we may make mistakes and do not do things as well as we may have liked to have done, how can we stay positive and continue to preach or try to practice our devotional service?
Guru...
Question: I have understood and learnt that the word appearance and disappearance is only used for the acaryas and the spiritual masters, but now of late I am seeing that everybody is using that word for devotees’ birthdays. I just want to know if we can use it for few of the senior devotees who have dedicated themselves in Srila Prabhupada’s service over a period of time? Can you please enlighten me?
Guru...
Question: We distribute Bhagavatam sets to people who are already devotees during Bhadra Purnima, does that count? Should we target to distribute Bhagavatam to only those who are not yet devotees? Sometimes people who are devotees also buy Bhagavatam or to gift it to someone.
Guru...
Question: How to get the mood of pure devotees like Srila Prabhupada and to overcome separation from them and to have pure devotional service without obstacles.
Guru...
Question: Who is Swami Narayan projected as the Supreme source by the BAPS temple in Gujarat? When we are preaching to the Gujarati community here, they have brought this question. And they have quoted various scriptures like Visnu Purana, Skanda Purana, Visnu Dharmotara purana, to prove that Swami Narayan who appeared 250 years ago is an avatari of the Lord.
Guru...
Question: My question is that in the Bhagavad-gita 9th chapter, 5th verse, Krishna says all beings are in Me, but I am not in them. Can you please explain that?
Guru...
Question: Today during the class you mentioned that if the parents failed to make their children devotees according to the sastra they are called a swine, pig. My question is, what if the parents are making efforts in every possible way to make their children Krishna conscious, but the children are not taking up Krishna consciousness seriously. Are the parents still responsible for this?
Guru...
Question: There are a few devotees who say that we have fallen from the spiritual world, and some devotees say that we never went to the spiritual world. Can you please clarify, what is right?
Guru...
Question: How can we come to a state where we don’t see obstacles in spiritual life as obstacles? How can we develop that appetite for Krishna consciousness that we are not worried about any obstacles?
Guru...
Question: What can we as parents do to make our children strong, determined devotees like Dhruva Maharaja?
Guru...
Question: It was just read in your class that the scripture says that a mother who gives birth to a Krishna conscious child is glorious. But if the child grows up and does not perform Krishna consciousness in adult life, even though the parents do, can you give more insight on this topic?
Guru...
Question: We have heard that demigods, being Krishna’s administration team, help the vaisnavas for progress in Krishna bhakti. But here we see the demigods are creating many obstacles. How can we reconcile with this?
Guru...
Question: Please tell me. I am 15 years old and my parents are not devotees. Now I have problems with one regulative principle. My parents are forcing me to eat chicken and fish. I cannot persuade them to let me be a vegetarian. What should I do? It seems the only thing I can do is pray to Krishna.
Guru...
Question: Dear Guru Mahārāja,You mentioned Lord Kṛṣṇa mentions I will not give My mercy to people who are not initiated. Guru Mahārāja here initiation refers to first or second initiation? Uninitiated devotees do not qualify for the mercy of the Lord. How do we relate this to the age of Caitanya Mahāprabhu and Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu, where Śrī Nitāi Gaura gave out Their mercy without any qualification? Can you please explain?
Guru...
Question: What is the role of austerity in developing bhakti? Is it only to practice sense control or is there any other benefit?
Guru...
Question: How to get determination like Dhruva Mahārāja in our devotional service?
Guru...
Question: Do we get same benefit by virtually taking Deities’ darśana or virtually attending abhiṣeka, as personal attendance?
Guru...
Question: After Mangala Arati then we do Tulasi Arati, but during Gaura Arati time, first we do Tulasi Arati then Gaura Arati. Why?
Guru...
Question: How can we have a blissful family life with all serving the Lord together cooperatively?
Guru...
Question: How can I make advancement in devotional life? I try to chant 16 rounds but I don’t get much time to read books. How can I improve in all aspects of spiritual life? I am fortunate that I could get your darśana!
Guru...
Question: I am not able to do devotional services like before, for example I am unable to read books like before, what should I do in this situation?
Guru...
Question: We have promised you during initiation that we will help you spread Śrīla Prabhupāda’s mission, but now in this lockdown we are not able to help in preaching. What do we do?
Guru...
Question: While generally preaching to others, especially youth, they question why maintain celibacy or stay away from lust, when Krishna Himself had His lilas with the gopis? When we tell that it is on the transcendental level and not mundane, they question back saying we are doing it for our convenience. In that case, what do we do Guru Maharaj?
Guru...
Question: How can I balance both in my material and spiritual study? Is not material study a hindrance in our spiritual preaching preparation?
Guru...
Question: Guru Maharaj, Prabhupada and sastra say women should dedicate their lives to husband and children, and always engage in their service. But goal of life is to attain Krishna prema and for that a lot of bhajana, Harinama, and seva is required. So I am always anxious that the asrama duties would hinder me in attaining the ultimate goal. Is it possible for a woman to attain Krishna prema in one lifetime Guru Maharaj? If yes, kindly guide what we should do?
Guru...
Question: Dear Guru Maharaj how to overcome lethargy and laziness?
Guru...
Question: It is mentioned in the sastra that the Kali yuga has the special benediction where anyone can just by chanting the holy names, can go back home, back to Godhead. Is this specially for this Kali yuga where Lord Caitanya appeared or for every Kali yuga?
Guru...
Question: How can we be honest to Krishna in our conditioned state?
Guru...
Question: Srila Prabhupada is our siksa guru and you are our siksa guru and diksa guru. We know our spiritual master is our life and soul. So how can I concentrate on both of you? If I concentrate on Srila Prabhupada, I feel I am missing you. Please forgive my offences committed knowingly or unknowingly. I pray for your good health, so that you can be with us for a long time, if you wish.
Guru...
Question: Sometimes in the cause of helping someone who is depressed, we also get affected by their problems. So how can we help them without getting carried away by the problems?
Guru...
Question: I have been given a Shaligram Shila. Please can you tell me a correct way to worship Him?
Guru...
Question: My son is reading the scriptures regularly and understanding well. But realization and application is not to the level of understanding. What can we do?
Guru...
Question: If someone, a grihasta is serving in the temple and taking Lakshmi for maintaining his family – my question is that what should be his mood? And could that service be selfless?
Guru...
Question: What is the significance of dantetrinadhori – holding a straw between the teeth?
Guru...
Question: I have realized in my limited Krishna consciousness, that by following the instructions of seniors, I am always protected, and that is what pleases Guru and Gauranga. But in some instances, maya attacks me and I become blindfolded and I fail to follow their instructions. How do I develop the unflinching faith that I never go against my seniors?
Guru...
Question: If a disciple has committed offences against Guru Maharaj, what is the process of atonement? How can we rise to serving offenselessly?
Guru...
Question: Can we just chant Hare Krishna and go back to Godhead?
Guru...
Question: What should we do to bring Krishna in the chariot of our lives?
Guru...
Question: How much important is austerity for self-realization?
Guru...
Question: I have read in the Nectar of Instruction that if one wants to go to Vrindavana, we have to take the permission of Guru and Radharani. We, as family, wanted to go to Vrindavana, so many times, but we could not make it. Somehow, it would get cancelled. Please bless us that we would make it in the near future.
Guru...
Question: We hear from senior devotees that everyday you read Srila Prabhupada’s books at least 15 minutes without fail. What motivates you to do that everyday in spite of difficulties with your health, etc.?
Guru...
Question: We are ever so grateful to you and to Srila Prabhupada, and cannot stop thanking both of you for your mercy. One question, please pardon me if it seems a little odd. You said the episode of Srila Prabhupada picking the cockroach by the back and a big cockroach, and then throwing it out of the window. Srila Prabhupada was very fearless and all, but guru Maharaj when I see a cockroach, the first thing that comes to mind is to kill it, say Hare Krishna and kill it. What should we do to be like you and Srila Prabhupada to be magnanimous and let that thing go. Flies and all are ok, but cockroach is deadly!
Guru...
Question: How can we understand that I can satisfy Srila Prabhupada and how can I understand that I am doing such a service that will hurt Srila Prabhupada?
Guru...
Question: Srila Prabhupada traveled all over the world, but he never came to Bangladesh. Was there any special reason for that?
Guru...
Question: We see that Srila Prabhupada’s disciples all of them, they have so much love for Srila Prabhupada. How do we develop that kind of love?
Guru...
Question: There are different incarnations with different purposes. Can we worship all the incarnations just like in the material world, they worship Lakṣmīdevī to get opulence, to get riches. Saraswati to get material knowledge, like that are there any incarnations we can worship to destroy our anarthas, like kāma, krodha, lobha, etc.?
Guru...
Question: What is the difference between a vaiṣṇava and a pure vaiṣṇava?
Guru...
Question: Can we chant Hare Kṛṣṇa on beads in unclean condition?
Guru...
Question: There are many people who strictly follow so called religions like Jainism and are headstrong in their philosophy. Are they considered demoniac? What is the hope for them? How will they get the mercy of Lord Caitanya?
Guru...
Question: How to stop fault finding. I do it even if I don’t want to. How to give up this bad habit?
Guru...
Question: We can see here in these pastimes that the associates of the Lord are all absorbed in the pastimes and in the service of the Lord. So what does it mean to be absorbed in our service to the Lord? And how can one develop this mood of absorption in our service that we are rendering to Guru and Gaurāṅga? Kindly enlighten, Guru Mahārāja.
Guru...
Question: When we are in service of Krishna many times we are not so conscious of Krishna. So how can we always remind ourselves, the purpose of our service is to always remember Krishna, especially being in this COVID time, being alone, and doing devotional service, we seem to be forgetting the purpose of pleasing Krishna.
Guru...
Question: Every year this is a very blissful time for all the devotees and also many thousands of devotees come to the ISKCON temples. This time, very difficult to visit and have the association, participate in many services and honor prasadam. So that is completely missing this time. However, we are not feeling the same satisfaction despite, everyone understands that this is not a congenial time for that kind of association. How they can perceive the same blessings available online?
Guru...
Question: Guru Maharaj, please guide me how can I avoid forgetfulness of Krishna, which sometimes covers us?
Guru...
Question: I have heard or read somewhere that Srila Bhakti Vinoda Thakura had said that there are 20 different pastimes of Lord Krishna by which we can overcome 70 difficulties in our devotional life. What are those 70 different obstacles in devotional life?
Guru...
Question: Are Devaki and Rohini the eternal parents of Lord Krishna in the spiritual world? If so, then how could they become parents of Lord Krishna in this world after performing austerities?
Guru...
Question: Did mother Yasoda give birth to twins?
Guru...
Question: Lust is the greatest enemy in spiritual life, how can we overcome it. How can we avoid being devoured by lusty desires?
Guru...
Question: If you can kindly tell us about the exciting moments, beautiful moments with Bhakti Caru Maharāja?
Guru...
Question: What should I do to become a good devotee?
Guru...
Question: Why Janmāṣṭamī is on both days 11th or 12th, nobody is able answer properly whether we have to fast on 11th or 12th. How can we easily convince them that why actually Janmāṣṭamī is on 12th?
Guru...
Question: We were residing in Bhagavad Dhāma, my question is Bhagavad Dhāma is eternal Dhāma, Cinmaya, if we are there we never have to come back to this material world, then why did we take birth again in this material world, as no desire or lust prevails there?
Guru...
Question: We fast till midnight on Janmāṣṭamī day but why do we fast only till noon time, mid noon for Bhagavan Balarāma and Rāmacandra?
Guru...
Question: If the husband and wife they have different guru’s, their pictures will be on two separate altars, so what should we do while offering bhoga?
Guru...
Question: What is the meaning of ‘uttama-śloka’ from third canto of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam?
Guru...
Question: Gurudev, this pandemic is really draining us. I feel what I am doing is very mechanical, like chanting, reading. Please tell how to overcome this. Your spiritual daughter, Sumalini Lalita devi dasi.
Guru...
Question: In the second month we do not take yogurt. Is it okay to drink buttermilk in this month?
Guru...
Question: I was reading Nectar of Devotion, there it is said that the pleasure derived from material enjoyment is insignificant in front of the pleasure derived from devotional service. We read and hear this but I am not able to practically realize and feel this due to which I fall prey to material enjoyment. What should we do in this situation? Your servant, Rasasindu Advaita dāsa
Guru...
Question: Hare Kṛṣṇa dear Guru Mahārāja! Please accept my respectful obeisances unto your lotus feet. All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda. Is it okay to meditate on Māyāpur Dhāma while chanting? I feel separation from Māyāpurdhāma. Hence I meditate on it. Hence kindly enlighten Gurudeva.Your insignificant and aspiring servant, Keya Rāṇī
Guru...
Question: We all really feel very much aggrieved when a great Vaiṣṇava or a close family member, or a friend leaves this world. In view of this fact, could you please elaborate how we should correctly understand Lord Kṛṣṇa’s statement in the Bhagavad-gītā, chapter 2, text 11. Those who are wise, lament neither for the living nor for the dead.
Guru...
Question: Maharaj, you mentioned that taking bath in Prema sarovar and getting Krishna prema and as we heard that in Radha Kunda also if we take bath then we will get Krishna Prema. I am not getting that. My speculative mind I am thinking that may be sincerity and faith is lacking, that’s why I am not getting Krishna Prema. How to develop sincerity and faith?
Guru...
Question: Krishna says to Vrajavasis while leaving to Mathura that He would come back. He goes and He even sends Uddhava to tell the Vrajavasis that Krishna would come back but He doesn’t come back. How do we understand this? RamyaShubhangada devi dasi.
Guru...
Question: Why did Vasudev and Devaki have to go through so much pain like being in the jail? seeing their six children killed in front of them? Why Krishna appeared in a Jail? Did Vasudev and Devaki have to suffer because of Kamsa or was it Krishna’s plan?
Guru...
Question: The demons in Krishna lila like Putana, Kamsa, Trinavarta should we look at these demons as demons or should we look at them as blessed special souls who played a part in Krishna’s lila?
Guru...
Question: Hare Krishna Guru Maharaj, please accept my respectful obeisances at your lotus feet. Guru Maharaj, my question is on Janmashtami we do the fasting and we are supposed to please you, and sometimes we are not aware of that. How we can develop that attitude while fasting that we are actually doing for pleasure of you and Krishna?
Guru...
Question: Hare Krishna Maharaj, Dandavat Pranam. Please accept my humble obeisances. Thank you for the wonderful lecture. I am from Atlanta, Georgia, New Panihati Dham. Maharaj my question to you was, you described Panchatattva enacting and mother Sachi passed out because she had ecstatic symptoms and then you said that the drama was performed so beautifully that everybody fell in love with Krishna.So I have a question that can we also enact dramas as devotional practice as a method of preaching to attract people towards Krishna Consciousness? Is that something which we can do at New Panihati Dham is that something you would recommend?
Guru...
Question: Guru Maharaj we are reading Krishna book but when we hear Krishna katha and when we read from Krishna book or Srimad Bhagavatam, when we do that what mood should we have so that we can enjoy the nectar more?
Guru...
Question continued by Shobhini Radha mataji: Maharaj, I am speaking to you from Phoenix Arizona in US, with this pandemic – we used to do big celebration for Janmashtami inviting lot of students from University and celebrate until midnight. So this year we are very heart broken that we cannot do it, so we need your blessings and mercy to continue to celebrate Janamshtami, and any guidance you can give us how to celebrate this special day Guru Maharaj ?
Guru...
Question: What is the specialty of Janmashtami if it is on Monday or Wednesday?
Guru...
Question: Dear Gurudeva! Please accept my respectful obeisances. All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda! Guru Mahārāja, in His childhood pastime, Lord Caitanya once told His parents that He would not take sannyāsa. He would do gṛhastha dharma. Why now He is taking sannyāsa? Why the Lord is breaking His words? Is breaking words a part of His pastime? Your servant,Trilokinī Sakhī devī dāsī
Guru...
Question: Sumitra Krishna prabhu: (Guru Maharaj: Our Chennai Temple President) Chennai devotees are very happy that you are constantly giving us good association. I was just realizing that Devaki and Vasudeva were locked down by Kamsa for more than eight years. And we have been locked down for four months. So our lockdown compared to Devaki and Vasudeva is nothing. By thinking of that, our suffering are nothing compared to Devaki and Vasudeva.
Guru...
Question: Jivana Gaura Hari das. (Guru Maharaj: My Tamil translator) PAMRO. In the pastime that happened at the house of Nandana Acarya, Lord Advaita claimed that He Himself and Haridasa Thakura were deprived of the mercy, whereas Lord Caitanya was distributing love of Godhead to others. But we see that the night pastimes occurred at the house of Srivasa Thakura. So why did Advaita Acarya mention that Haridas Thakura was also deprived of Lord Caitanya’s mercy?
Guru...
Question: Hare Krishna Guru Maharaj: There are two days on which Janmashtami falls in some places in India. If someone follows the other day, not the Vaisnava day, will they get the same benefit? Anuttama Gandarvika devi dasi.
Guru...
Question: You said that it is more auspicious if Janamastami falls on Monday or Wednesday, why is it so?
Guru...
Question: Gurudev, we hear your Chaitanya Lila class and you are so enthusiastic and absorbed. How we can imbibe the same mood, Gurudev? Deepapriya Vrajeswari Devi Dasi and Devapalaka Nitai Das.
Guru...
Question: Why are devotees not able to participate directly in the Janamastami utsava in the temple due to COVID -19 and we are not able to perform services in the temple. Why is this year 2020 having so many problems for all including devotees due to this corona virus pandemic? What is the reason for this worldwide problem? Is there any scriptural answer?
Guru...
Question: Chaitanya Mahaprabhu gave mercy to Ramananda Rai who was a governor and rich, but He did not give His mercy easily to king Prataparudra so easily. What is the reason?
Guru...
Question: Hare Krishna guru Maharaj: If someone is having illness and cannot observe nirjala on Janamastami, is it ok to take anukalpa prasadam?
Guru...
Question: In Bengali. Dear Guru Mahārāja!Please accept my respectful obeisances. When there is a devotee in the vyāsāsana, who is a senior devotee or a sannyāsī, but not Gurudeva, then what should we do when they enter? Your spiritual son, ŚacīputraAvatāradāsa
Guru...
Question: Guru Mahārāja, the Lord acts independently, as He is Paramātmā in our hearts knows our desires and necessities. So, when we have problems in material life, should we offer prayers for that or just keep chanting and depending on the Lord,that He will give the intelligence to act. Your servant, Padmāsakhī Devī Dāsī
Guru...
Question: Hare Krishna Guru Maharaj. How do we understand Nitai’s mood and Balarama’s mood? Sucarita Jahnava devi dasi.
Guru...
Question: Guru Maharaj, you mentioned that Lord Balarama is the Adi Guru. So is Balarama Purnima a special day to worship the spiritual master since the spiritual master is the representative of the Adi Guru who is present within the planet with us?
Guru...
Question: About unity with Gaudiya mattas, what does it mean to unite with them? Should we now associate with them freely? Listen from them, etc. Vasanta Ranjani.
Guru...
Question: I always look for some recognition for the work I do which may be either spiritual or material. Like why not me, why not that service for me? How to leave this pride behind and serve you and Gauranga wholeheartedly? Kavita.
Guru...
Question: When I increase the quantity of service, the quality of service gets affected. How do I balance it? It is difficult also to multi-task. How do I develop that quality? Anandamay Gopinath das.
Guru...
Question: How do we avoid materialistic things’ emotion in our devotional life? How do to do seva with nice concentration? Nivedita.
Guru...
Question: In the Bhagavad-gita 4.34 purport, Srila Prabhupada mentions satisfaction of the self-realized spiritual master is the secret of advancement in spiritual life. How should we try to satisfy and please Guru? Hari Hara Krsna Caitanya das.
Guru...
Question: What is the difference between material and spiritual separation? What are the different moods of separation with guru? Is separation feeling from Guru as same as separation feeling from Gauranga? Your sheltered spiritual daughter, Puja.
Guru...
Question: Divya Visvambara das, Shyamadesh. Hare Krishna Guru Maharaj. Thank you for the wonderful class. What is the difference between sannyasis and babajis. In our guru parampara, we have Jagannatha Das babaji and Gaura Kishore das babaji. Please advise on this.
Guru...
Question: You, as always have a lot of young audience who are also watching the classes on Facebook and Zoom. So the question is more focused on the younger audience. At such a young age it is difficult to find determination and come out of laziness, to be able to perform service. If you had the drive and you had to give us the advice about the drive, what is the biggest factor that really motivated you to take up this service so diligently?
Guru...
Question: (question presented by one of the hosts, HG Jagannatha Kirtananda das)You are seen as Prabhupada man. All the instructions that Srila Prabhupada gave you, you are taking to heart and you are trying to do that diligently throughout. So the question is how can we all become more like that and become Prabhupada men and women to really get that closeness to Srila Prabhupada?
Guru...
Question: (presented by one of the hosts, HG Chiranjiva Shyam das) In the Bhagavad-gita 16th chapter, purport, Srila Prabhupada mentions how the first qualification of a sannyasi should be Abhaya or fearlessness. And you did this when you moved to India at such a young age and accepted so many responsibilities. So how do we devotees cultivate this spirit of Abhaya or fearlessness, from our leading sannyasis in the movement for our preaching activities?
Guru...
Question: Hare Krishna maharaj. You are one of the first disciples of Srila Prabhupada to take sannyasa asrama, at a very young age and got to spend a lot of years as a sannyasi with Srila Prabhupada. Were there any specific behaviors or instructions from a sannyasa asrama perspective that Srila Prabhupada had given you, or given you as a guidance? HG Pundarika Keshava das.
Guru...
Question: You being one of those sannyasis carrying from the initial days of ISKCON, and today we have some 100+ sannyasis,, you being a visionary how do you see this asrama 25 years ahead? HG Caitanya Avatari das.
Guru...
Question: What should we pray to Lord Balarama on Balarama appearance, what should be our mood of prayer? And what should we be asking for?
Guru...
Question: Whenever you talk you always are meditating on the pastimes of Lord Chaitanya, so how do you do that? How can we constantly meditate upon Lord Chaitanya? It is very hard when we are going through our day to day activities.
Guru...
Question: Despite all adversities you have always continued to serve Srila Prabhupada without any interruption and we see sometimes devotees, they get upset on small things and they leave their services. And that really compromises everybody’s service to Srila Prabhupada. So how can we continue in your mood that not to leave services when offended and work together? Please guide us.
Guru...
Question: Srila Prabhupada gave you many instructions when you were in Mayapur, and so many times, multiple instructions. How did you actually work on them and take them to heart and how did you go about doing them all simultaneously?
Guru...
Question: Maharaj spoke about how Rukmi’s hair was cut and Balarama almost chastised Krishna that this not how you cut people’s hair. That brings us to the point of forgiveness – how can we build on this quality because it is so important right now to have this mood of forgiveness, because it actually impacts our service?
Guru...
Question: How can we expand prachar of Srimad Bhagavatam?
Guru...
Question: How to remain Guru Conscious throughout the day?
Guru...
Question: Can we do abhishek for Nitai Gaura on Balarama Purnima?
Guru...
Question: Please tell us how we can increase our attachment to the Holy Names of the Lord?
Guru...
Question: How to draw a line between happiness and pride?
Guru...
Question: Is Krishna a friend or companion?
Guru...
Question: As per Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Madhya-līlā and Caitanya-candrodayaNāṭaka, chapter 5, it is Nityānanda Prabhu who tricks Mahāprabhu and takes Him to Śāntipura. While Ācāryaratna (Candraśekhara Ācārya) is sent to Navadvīpa to fetch devotees to Śāntipura. Whereas in Caitanya-maṅgalaand Caitanya-bhāgavata, Nityānanda Prabhu is sent to Navadvīpa to fetch the devotees to Śāntipura. How to reconcile the difference in the narration?
Guru...
Question: Could you please explain the importance of hardcopy of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books over softcopy and other way around? When we distribute, devotees say we will read soft copy.
Guru...
Question: Why are we calling sannyāsīs as Mahārāja?
Guru...
Question: How much is it important to have a physical copy of Srimad Bhagavatam at home? And what is the significance of Bhadra Purnima and distribution of Srimad Bhagavatam?
Guru...
Question: I find it very difficult to practically follow the third verse of the Sīkṣāṣṭakam. How can a neophyte beginner become prideless and humble?
Guru...
Question: How does karma from previous or this life play a role in one’s devotional life? Do the reactions of karma come in between one achieving the wealth of Krishna-prema?
Guru...
Question: How can we overcome the kaniṣṭha-adhikārī platform and quickly become madhyama adhikārī devotees?
Guru...
Question: How to increase the love to read Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books?
Guru...
Question: Sometimes it so happens that we lose our determination. How to gain consistency in devotional service?
Guru...
Question: How have you developed such deep respect for all, irrespective of age, gender, and position, etc.?
Guru...
Question: How do we get out of the trap of negative memories which lead to harmful and ugly thoughts? Please bless me that I may develop greater devotion and surrender to Guru and Gaurāṅga by overcoming these obstacles.
Guru...
Question: What vrata should be performed in the month of Purusottama which is equal in strength to shraadha ceremony performed in Gaya. I have no opportunity to visit India.
Guru...
Question: Regarding Purushottama vrata, what was Srila Prabhupada’s instruction regarding havishanna?
Guru...
Question: If everything happens by the sanction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, how can we term accidental deaths as untimely deaths?
Guru...
Question: Can you please explain on how are we supposed to use the free will given by Krishna? In our day to day life decisions, how do we know if we are not using our free will against Krishna’s will? How do we know what is Krishna’s will?
Guru...
Question: Which is more important, karma or dharma?
Guru...
Question: What is the standard of austerity which we should observe during this Purushottama month?
Guru...
Question: How to remain balanced while working in office and at home when our sadhana practices are affected. How to keep going without being affected, as we are unable to feel connection with the deities, time management, association with Gurudev through virtual media?
Guru...
Question: I am unable to remember Kṛiṣhṇa when I am doing my office work, as much as I can remember Kṛishna when I am doing devotional activities. Kindly guide me how to remember Kṛiṣhṇa, even when doing office work.
Guru...
Question: At the point when the thought of sense gratification comes, and tries to drag us away, how to trick the mind?
Guru...
Question: Śrīla Prabhupāda never ever said for us to be vegan and to preach vegan. What does this mean Guru Mahārāj? It is a bit confusing for me about veganism. Please guide Gurudev.
Guru...
Question: Do we get aparādhā while reading or hearing, since sometimes we lose attention due to mind shifting away to unnecessary thoughts.
Guru...
Question: In Bhakti-vṛkṣa preaching, everyone in the Bhakti-vṛkṣa is progressing at a different pace, based on circumstances, family and faith. If someone is struggling but faith has been established, how do I help? Many times, they don’t open-up
Guru...
Question: Gurudeva, how can we meditate on our Gaura-Nitāi Deities in our temple for improving our service to Them?
Guru...
Question: How should we protect ourselves to not compare our services with other devotees’ services and get into subconscious envy and spiritual jealousy?
Guru...
Question: When you give lectures we feel very blissful but after some time we forget everything. How to do anusmaran?
Guru...
Question: Why is that even if we make our goal to serve Guru and Gauranga life after life, we face so many obstacles, which at time feels like taking us away from the goal?
Guru...
Question: Can we offer lamps for departed souls and count that as part of our scores for Purushottama month?
Guru...
Question: My mother in law left her body on the day of Rādhāṣṭamī. What can we do for her, and in this situation what can we do and what can we not?
Guru...
Question: During Purushottama month if we are not consuming grains, then how do we open Ekādaśī fast?
Guru...
Question: How do we follow Purushottama month? Are there any prescribed activities to follow, and what should we do and what should we avoid?
Guru...
Question: As we need to take extraordinary or important decisions in our life, we need to consult our guru Maharaj. At some point, due to various reasons, we are unable to reach Guru Maharaj, whom can we consult to get guidance from?
Guru...
Question: Why do we keep distracting while chanting in spite of our regular try? What do we need to do to have concentration during chanting?
Guru...
Question: To install or welcome Śrī Śrī Gaura Nitāi, do we need to take permission from our dīkṣā guru only, or can we welcome the deities after permission from our yatra leader or any other senior devotee or vaiṣṇavas or sannyāsīs? And also how can we serve Gaura Nitāi nicely? Please guide us.
Guru...
Question: I have Jagannātha Vigraha in my house but it has not been installed yet. Guru Maharaj, would you be merciful to me in installing the vigraha and for me to do sevā?
Guru...
Question: How to protect ourselves from the pride which may arise from the little knowledge of scriptures, our sādhana, our preaching efforts and to genuinely remain humble?
Jayapataka...
Question: Some of the bhakti vṛkṣa devotees interested in cooking, kīrtana and other activities except chanting. How to guide them to do chanting?
Guru...
Question: In the spiritual world is there infinite amount of souls or is there a limited amount. If there are infinite number of souls, does this mean that new souls are never created in the spiritual world?
Guru...
Question: When I informed my pregnancy news to guru Maharaj, guru Maharaj instructed us to do garbodana samsakara, but due to this situation, what is the alternative we can do? Now is my seventh month.
Guru...
Question: We tried to take care and grow Tulasī mahārāṇī but she doesn’t grow and stay is it because we are dry in bhakti and Tulasī does not want to stay with us? Please help us so that we can serve Tulasī and all the devotees.
Guru...
Question: I want to know if after the age of 50 should I move back to India, or work here, serve here? Please tell me how to engage children in Kṛiṣhṇa consciousness movement, when they grow up to the age of 16.
Guru...
Question: Can someone who is endeavoring to follow his Guru’s instructions sincerely and is making his guru’s instructions and desire as his life and soul, but hasn’t got the chance to take formal initiation, can such a person go back to Godhead, achieve the highest goal of Krishna Prema in this very life, and also achieve his Guru’s service eternally?
Guru...
Question: Some devotees are taking the association of devotees and start doing chanting and enjoying the process of Krishna consciousness, but when their relatives or parents say something negative about ISKCON immediately they leave without informing. It is painful for me that how I missed that soul to serve. How to understand this situation? How to overcome and how to help them? Please guide me Gurudev
Guru...
Question: How do we maintain relations with non-devotees especially while at work? How do we inspire them to come to Krishna consciousness?
Guru...
Question: In the pastimes of Lord Caitanya we hear the separation mood and the emotional feelings of His pure devotees, are these feelings of being very insignificant and useless developed by some process or the mood can be developed only by the causeless mercy of Guru and Gauranga?
Guru...
Question: Please could you enlighten us different ways in which we can fully convince new devotees who have questions about Lord Chaitanya being Lord Krishna Himself ?
Guru...
Question: How can we understand the mood of Srila Prabhupada to improve our relationship with him and the same way with you?
Guru...
Question: How can we develop greed, laulyam for raganuga bhakti?
Guru...
Question: How could we help someone who needs help, but they turn away for various reasons after sometime?
Guru...
Question: How do we remain calm in provoking situations, although we try not to get affected we react and regret later?
Guru...
Question: Why are we not showing camara and peacock feather while doing Tulasi arati?
Guru...
Question: What is the benefit for the atheists of Navadvip from having the darshan of Lord Gauranga for 24 years and sometimes hearing Lord Chaitanya’s chanting? Did they also feel some separation from Lord Gauranga when He left?
Guru...
Question: How can a neophyte first initiated devotee who has broken the vows taken at the time of initiation resume his spiritual life for the pleasure of the Guru?
Guru...
Question: How should we develop a feeling of gratitude and humility while serving one’s Guru?
Guru...
Question: How should we be determined in the service of Guru and Krishna without being swayed by maya?
Guru...
Question: Lord Chaitanya took sannyasa at the age of 24, what inspired you to take sannyasa at an young age of 21?
Guru...
Question : How to remain enthusiastic in devotional service?
Guru...
Question: If a devotee child falls down from devotional service, should we lament for that devotee child?
Guru...
Question: When were the present Radha Govinda Deities installed in Kolkata – which year?
Guru...
What was Srila Prabhupada’s vision for preaching in India?
Prabhupāda...
How does lord reciprocate with demons?
So even...
why do we celebrate Ratha Yatra?
So we...
what is the benefit of chanting?
Krsna...
what is the purpose of human form of life?
But this...
What is life?
In...
Question: How can we maintain the intense mood of praying?
Guru...
Question: Many times we are enthusiastic to take services for which we may not be capable or qualified, both materially and spiritually. So how can we decide because we don’t want to be a disturbance for your mission.
Guru...
Question: What does it mean to fix one’s mind in the lotus feet of the Lord? Is it to meditate on different symbols of His lotus feet?
Guru...
Question: What is more important: Chanting or Service?
Guru...
Question: When we read Srila Prabhupada’s books, how do we get connected with Srila Prabhupada?
Guru...
Question: What is the attitude that a devotee should maintain while engaged in serving his or her spiritual master? Either his vani or vapu?
Guru...
Question: Sometimes I don’t get taste and feel tired at the time of chanting but not able to find out the reason for this condition. So what process should I follow to get interest in chanting with taste again and again?
Guru...
Question: What can be the reason for not having success in Bhakti Vrksa preaching in spite of trying?
Guru...
Question: Today is Srivas Thakur’s appearance day. Can you tell us what prayers we can offer to Srivas Thakur today?
Guru...
Question: Why do we not celebrate Lord Laksmana’s appearance day? But we celebrate Lord Balarama and Lord Nityananda’s appearance days?
Guru...
Question: How can the youths preach effectively so that people can understand us and take us seriously too? What are the limits on what we should do and we shouldn’t do, so that we can contribute more to Srila Prabhupada’s mission and his movement?
Guru...
Question: How can the youths preach effectively so that people can understand us and take us seriously too? What are the limits on what we should do and we shouldn’t do, so that we can contribute more to Srila Prabhupada’s mission and his movement?
Guru...
Question: In order to avoid vaisnava aparadh, can we be selective in our association, or can we keep away from such vaisnavas whom we are not comfortable with?
Guru...
Question: We often hear you say, “it is a slow process”. Then is it valid to think that it is understandable or even okay if initiated disciples are not chanting and following strictly?
Guru...
Question: When we see a senior devotee or someone in higher position doing something not right, what are we supposed to do?
Guru...
Q: If two senior devotees have a misunderstanding or a fight, what should be the position of the junior devotee, that he has to go and solve the problem or what should be his situation?
G: If...
Question: When we are trying to preach Krsna consciousness to others, in the process there is a chance that we get affected by recognition and a devotee gets caught in that position of fame and gets envious of other devotees. How should one do preaching without falling in these traps?
Guru...
Question: What is the importance of initiation and after initiation how do we serve guru and Krishna?
Guru...
Question: How could we please you Guru Maharaja?
Guru...
Question: When devotees pray in the line of mama janmani janmananisware – let me serve you birth after birth – I was wondering this maya’s world is filled with risks that could distract one from pure service. Please reveal the mood behind this prayer?
Guru...
Question: I want to serve guru and Gauranga throughout my life. But I am not able to decide whether to be enter brahmachari ashram or grihastha ashram. Please help me.
Guru...
Question: Why did Lord Chaitanya leave the planet at 44 years, why did He not stay here longer?
Guru...
Question: What do we do for Akshaya Tritiya?
Guru...
Why do you wear a mask?
(I ASK...
Question: We were reading Bhagavad-gita and Bhagavatam to a pregnant woman mother. Just two weeks before her delivery she lost her baby because of strangling of cord. People expect blessings for the baby and read. How to understand such unfortunate incidents?
Guru...
Question: How to continue in devotional service in difficult situations?
Guru...
Question: Acute sensitivity to people and situation, could this be an obstacle to Krsna consciousness?
Guru...
Question: How to continue in devotional service in difficult situations?
Guru...
Question: Rupa and Sanatan caused distress to their family members by leaving home. Why could they not keep their jobs and just add Krishna to their lives?
Guru...
Question: How to develop vaishnava qualities?
GM: We...
Question: Why a disciple has to write Vyasa Puja homage to spiritual master?
Guru...
Question: You were saying that the smarta brahmanas they follow the rules and regulations but they don’t have devotion. So what makes the difference if I follow the rules but I don’t have devotion. Won’t we develop devotion by following the rules and regulations consistently?
Guru...
Question: How to repent for the offences committed to devotees so far unknowingly in this day and age?
Guru...
Question: Can we bring some serious issues to the court if devotees are involved, if we cannot solve the issue among devotees in a peaceful way, civil matters like money, heritage and property?
Guru...
Question: Is the spiritual progress of a person dependent on his material status?
Guru...
Question: What pleases you the most?
Guru...
Question: When Bhakti yoga is the ultimate and topmost process, why is it kept rare/confidential? And why Lord Gauranga is gupt avatar if He is known in all the universes? Then all conditioned souls can easily be delivered but why He is rare?
Guru...
Question: If I have a material desire, but I also want to advance in Krishna consciousness, then can we do both the things? Why does one round of chanting have 108 repetitions?
Guru...
Question: Can devotees who are not yet chanting 16 rounds keep Gaura Nitai deities at home for worship?
Guru...
Question: How can a disciple get strong determination to serve his or her guru?
Guru...
Question: How can one gain the firmness or devotion in the words of his gurudev?
Guru...
Question: Lord Nityananda was an avadoot. Can you tell us more?
Guru...
Question: If a devotee who is initiated falls down…? Question: If a devotee who is initiated falls down due to enjoying sense gratification and breaks his regulative principles and has lost the holy name and vaishnava devotees, how can such devotee advance in devotional life ahead and what is his duty towards his spiritual master and how can he be sincere enough to get back to Krishna prema and serve Srila Prabhupad’s instructions again?
Guru...
Question: What is the qualification to receive Krishna Prema from Nityananda prabhu?
Guru...
Question: How do we inspire western bodied contacts to take up process of chanting Hare Krishna daily?
Guru...
Question: When there is a difficult situation in family life that brings lot of suffering, how being a mataji I can develop detachment?
Guru...
Question: When the soul departs a body and it needs to take shelter of another material body, does it immediately take the next body or can it be without a body for some time?
Guru...
Question: How can one gain the quality of Shikshashtakam, trnad api verse in devotional like?
Guru...
Question: How will we experience the Dham?
Guru...
Question: How can we receive the benediction from the holy dham when we are doing Navadvip parikrama?
Guru...
Question: What is the intimate secret of the relationships between Lord Gauranga and Nityananda? Why Nityananda is more dear to Lord Gauranga than His own life?
Guru...
Question: You said that Prabhupad told you to take care of your body. How can we as disciples visiting Mayapur, assist you in good health?
Guru...
Question: How a conditioned and extremely fallen soul like me can be saved from the sudden and acute attack of maya? Question: How a conditioned and extremely fallen soul like me can be saved from the sudden and acute attack of maya in the form of desire for sex and lust. What should he do at that moment to stop such type of thoughts immediately so that he can save himself from further fall down and the entanglement of maya? How can he develop strength to fight and win against maya?
Guru...
Question: How can I learn to depend on guru and Krishna in every circumstance?
Guru...
Question: How to keep our mind steady in Krishna consciousness when we are having family problems?
Guru...
Question: For the Hams Vahan deity, when Lord Shiva comes to hear Caitanya Bhagavan, do you know anything of the speaker that told about Lord Shiva was coming to hear Lord Caitanya?
Guru...
Question: If someone selects a guru and he does not have eagerness to serve his guru, how can he get that eagerness to serve his guru?
Guru...
Question: As aspiring devotees how can we also have that desire that we want only pure devotion and we do not get affected by material benedictions?
We went...
Question: I was just wondering, what is the best method to get rid of false ego? And how do you distinguish between what is our real ego and false ego? Could you tell?
Guru...
Question: How can we appear humble when we have received a little bit of mercy of the Lord?
How can...
Is the spiritual progress of a person dependent on his material status?
No....
Can we bring some serious issues to the court if devotees are involved, if we cannot solve the issue among devotees in a peaceful way, civil matters like money, heritage and property?
Obviously,...