2022 Swami B. V. Tripurari: Recent Episodes
Swami B. V. Tripurari
It is difficult to find someone from the West that both understands and can elegantly express the theory behind an Eastern mystical tradition. It is even more difficult to find a modern mystic. In Swami Tripurari we have both: a traditional mystic who can articulate the teachings of an ancient spiritual tradition. A compelling speaker, to hear him and be in his presence is itself a spiritual experience.
Swami Tripurari met his initiating guru, Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, in the spring of 1972. He relates that he felt as though he had met a long-lost friend, as Srila Prabhupada blessed him with his all-knowing glance.
Over the years of service that followed, Srila Prabhupada showered him with affection and repeatedly expressed his appreciation for his selfless service and ability to inspire others. In 1974 Srila Prabhupada instructed him in a widely circulated letter, “So you organize freely. You are the incarnation of book distribution. Take the leadership and do the needful.” Accordingly, Swami Tripurari has set an example of one who is independently thoughtful and capable of making an insightful literary contribution to the world.
In 1975 Swami Tripurari was initiated by Srila Prabhupada into the renounced order of sannyasa.
Questions on today’s Swami call:
Dear Guru Maharaja. My husband does not identify as a Vaishnava, but he is supportive of my practice and also approves of me teaching our children about bhakti. I think of him as a Vaishnava and serve him prasadam. However, he does not like food without onion, and according to deity worship standards, onions should not be offered to Sri Krishna. Can I still serve my husband food with onions, meditating that I am serving a Vaishnava according to his preferences?
Why do demons appear in the lila of Sri Krishna? Is it to show what happens when we turn away from Sri Krishna?
What is the significance of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu worshipping Sri Advaita Acarya with the mantra "yo 'si so 'si namo 'stu te”, meaning "Whatever You are, You are — but I offer My respects unto You”?
What happens with deities that get stolen and end up in a place where there are no devotees around?
How can we dispose of mahaprasad items if we are in a country where such items cannot legally be disposed of in the way our scriptures prescribe, such as burning, burying or putting them a river?
Does Bhagavad-Gita 5.16-17 refer to realizing one’s bhava and seva and entering the spiritual world?
Are there any examples that illustrate Lord Balarama’s being the presiding deity of the rasa of laughter (hasya-rasa)?
Can you explain the differences between eligibility for vaidhi-sadhana-bhakti and for raganuga-sadhana-bhakti?
Pranams, Guru Maharaja. One devotee said that earlier in the history of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, when there were not many members, the small groups of practitioners made for an informal atmosphere suitable for the practice of raga-bhakti. But when it became bigger, things became more formal, and that is more suitable for spreading vaidhi-bhakti to the masses, and then there will be small pockets of people interested in raga-bhakti. What is your opinion on this view?
Questions on today’s Swami Call:
Can you share some advice to encourage our children in Krishna consciousness, especially pre-teens?
If we are not the actual doers of action (as per Bhagavad-Gita 3.27), do we have free will?
Pranams, Guru Maharaja. Regarding the title and artwork of your upcoming book, ”Birds of the Same Feather”, using the analogy from the Upanishad’s of two birds in the tree, isn’t this usually referring to the atma and Paramatma whereas your book is about the atma and Bhagavan?
Dandavats, Guru Maharaja. Is it appropriate to pray to Sri Radha, Sri Krishna’s primary shakti, to keep us away from the external shakti, the material energy?
Hare Krsna, Gurudeva. I hope you are well. How does a falldown from a high level of bhakti to a lower level show itself?
If the devotees in Vaikuntha look the same as Lord Narayana, how do you tell them from one another?
Dandavats, Guru Maharaja. Could it be said that demons live inside us in this age in the form of anarthas?
How would you describe humility?
What books would you recommend to study Gaudiya Vaishnava philosophy in a systematic way?
In the Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Svarupa Damodara says that even a highly advanced Vaishnava who has accepted Sri Krishna as the Lord will change their mind if they hear the Vedanta commentary of Sankaracarya. Why would that be?
What is the connection between Sri Prabhodananda Saraswati and the Radha-Vallabhis?
Pranams, dear Maharaja. Should I be critical of others for their own good, or just focus on my own practice?
Questions on today’s Swami Call:
Did Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s teachings reach the whole world during his manifest lila on Earth?
Good morning, Maharaja. Pranama. What is the difference between Sri Krishna and the sages’ glorification of him?
What is the difference between the unmanifest and the manifest lilas of Sri Krishna?
Dear Guru Maharaja, can you tell us something about the extraordinary devotee Sri Akincana Krishna Dasa Babaji?
Pranama. At what point did it become a practice to offer a gheelamp to Srimati Yasoda Devi binding Lord Damodara?
Why is Sri Gadadhara Pandit not mentioned in Sri Caitanya-caritamrta 3.1?
Is there any separation in the unmanifest lila of Sri Krishna?
Is the rope in Damodara lila conscious?
Can you tell us something about the spiritual teacher Ramana Maharshi?
Can you say something about the festival of Diwali?
Where does transcendental faith (nirguna sraddha) reside?
Questions on today's Swami Call:
In what ways could the Brahma-vimohan-lila be an entry point for those desiring servile (dasya-) or friendly love (sakhya-rati) for Sri Krishna?
Dear Maharaja; in the Bhagavad-Gita, Sri Krishna says he spoke this knowledge to the sun god. How come there is no Surya vaishnava sampradaya?
(Comments from Sajjan about the Kumara sampradaya, the sun god, and the upcoming appearance day of Srila B. R. Sridhara-Deva Goswami Maharaja)
Besides the tenth canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam, are there any other biographies of Sri Krishna?
Dandavats pranama, Guru Maharaja. Is the Srimad Bhagavatam itself sweet and deep, or do the commentaries add those dimensions?
Is it correct to assume that the more advanced a devotee is the less he cares about the qualification (adhikara) of other devotees? Thank you, Maharaja.
Could it be said that the beginner (kanistha) devotee is characterized by faulty discrimination?
My loving obeisances, Guru Maharaja. Is it correct to see our human condition with all its weaknesses as an impetus for surrender to Sri Krishna?
Dandavats, Maharaja. Thank you. What is the significance of the rope binding Sri Krishna's belly being praised in the Damodarastakam?
How should we understand Srila Prabhupada's statement that the Srimad Bhagavatam should be received from representatives of Sukadeva Goswami in the renounced order?
Questions on today’s Swami Call:
What do the terms chaya- and pratibimba-bhakti-abhasa mean?
I fear death since I became a mother, as I wouldn’t be able to care for my children if I died. How can I turn fear into trust?
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura said both that attaining anartha-nivrtti will automatically awaken one’s svarupa and that one needs to focus on artha-pravrtti to attain perfection. How can these statements be harmonized?
Pranama, Maharaja. Why is Sri Krishna’s Damodara-lila especially emphasized during the month of Kartika?
Why is the Damodara month considered to be Srimati Radharani’s month?
Is there a particular calling for each devotee to perform a certain service in their sadhaka-deha?
Some devotees talk about a second wave of bhakti coming over the world. What do you think about this idea?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
If jivas have different origins, such as Maha-Vishnu (for those in samsara) or Lord Balarama (for eternal associates of Sri Krishna), would a jiva going from the material world to Vaikuntha, could this be seen as changing nationality, or is it rather like becoming a world citizen?
Throughout my life I have been attracted to both Gaudiya Vaishnavism and Advaita Vedanta. I am now 50 years old. What do you think I should do?
Could a devotee both be bliss and taste bliss?
Pranama Gurudeva; namaskar. I feel inspired to support Srimati Radharani in her yudha-vira bhava with Sri Krishna. Is that possible?
Can you share something about Sri Jahnava Thakurani’s inner identity and her contribution to our sampradaya?
Dandavats, Swami Maharaja. How could demons enter Vrindavan, which is a spiritual place?
It seems that we can find examples of both spiritually responsible suicide as well as delusional suicide. What is your perspective on this?
Why did Srila Prabhupada say that the stars reflect the light of the sun?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
Sometimes it seems that even spiritually powerful devotees have gone astray theologically. How can this be?
What constitutes sadhu sanga?
Srila Sridhara Maharaja says that devotees need to prepare themselves for times when Sri Krishna will appear indifferent to them. Why are such experience necessary?
Would Srila Haridas Thakura’s getting beaten up in different marketplaces be an example?
How can we inspire faith in the Veda in others?
How to deal with interfaith questions where there are important differences such as Hindus having deities while the Bible says one should not worship graven images?
What are your thoughts on ahimsa?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
Are there demigods in the unmanifest lilas in the spiritual world?
What is the interrelation between Bhagavan, Brahman, and the jivas?
It is said that chanting the holy name will purify us, but it is also said that we need to chant purely for the practice to be effective. Can you explain this seeming contradiction?
Please, would you elaborate on the sixth verse of Gurvastakam by Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura, as much as time allows?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
It appears that Gaura-lila is a meeting place for devotees from different spiritual realms. Is this so only in the pastimes manifest in the world (prakata-lila) or also in the spiritual world (aprakata-lila)?
Are there devotees with the love of servitude (dasya-rati) as their dominant emotion (sthayi-bhava) in Vraja-lila?
Do the pastimes of separation draw jivas into the lila as there is a need for their service there?
Guru Maharaja, please accept my humble obeisances. What is the relationship between our actions and our inner states? On what should we base the latter?
When we go on pilgrimage, for example to Vrindavan, is it enough to see the place as an excitant (uddipana) for our bhakti, or is it important to emphasize as a historical fact that Sri Krishna was physically there 5000 years ago?
What would you answer to the argument that one could meditate on anything, such as a flame, and experience the same results as from meditating on Sri Sri Radha Krishna?
What should I keep in mind as I serve Srimati Tulasi-devi?
Do you have any thoughts or advice to share about today’s lunar eclipse?
The description of the Gopala yantra in Gopala-tapani Upanisad is very complicated and technical. Can you explain it?
The Vraja-vasis are not aware that Sri Krishna is God, but in times of calamity they take shelter of him. Why is that?
Questions on today's Swami call:
Is it common to have stronger feelings for one's own guru than for Sri Krishna?
Today being Sri Radhastami, is there anything you would like to share about Srimati Radharani or any recommendations for reading and chanting on this day? Also, if you have any particular recommendations for those aspiring for manjari-bhava or priya-narma-sakha-bhava, I would be interested to hear those.
It is said that Lalita-sakhi recommends qualified newcomers to enter Sri Radha's group. How does it work for those aspiring for sakhya-rasa? Also, in Jaiva Dharma we hear that two disciples of the same guru can view the guru according to their own rasas. Could you explain this?
How come Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu sometimes encouraged devotees along the lines of a bhava that was different from their own?
What does the word 'sudhama' refer to in your pranama mantra?
Could you say something in glorification of Sri Visakha sakhi?
Can I worship a statue of Sri Sri Radha Krishna that I bought in a shop?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
Dandavats pranama, Guru Maharaja. What keeps the vibhinnamsa-jiva separate from Sri Krishna in liberation?
Would you like to share some verses that you like to meditate on?
Where can I find the story about the hunter who was purified by Narada Muni’s association and chanting of the holy name?
What verses do you like to meditate on for japa?
Pranama, Maharaja. Can one worship Srimati Radharani as a baby, similar to Laddu Gopal?
If the jiva is not a doer, who is performing the action of chanting the holy name?
What is your understanding of Sri Radha’s age? Different sources give different accounts as to when she was born, some saying before Sri Krishna and others saying after Sri Krishna.
How to develop and strengthen one's guru-nistha?
What kind of liberation did the demons attain when they were killed by Sri Krishna?XXXWhat is the idea behind the teaching that one should keep one’s guru a secret?
Questions on today’s Swami Call:
Would you like to say something about Srila Prabhupada on the occasion of his appearance day?
I heard that Srila Sridhara Maharaja would not perform the Jhulan Yatra festival with his deities as it’s too elevated. What are your thoughts on this?
What is the scriptural basis for referring to Lord Balarama as the original guru?
Why are some deities of Sri Sri Krishna Balarama decorated with brahmin threads?
Is the teaching of the Panihati festival that one cannot approach God without the blessing of the guru?
As Lord Balarama is the presiding deity of the rasa of joking and laughter (hasya), what kind of sense of humor does he have?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
Can we break free from our material confinement at once, or do we need to collect many moments of clarity to stay in clarity permanently?
Have you always had the fortune to be in the association of devotees? Could you share any guidance on practicing sadhana in solitude?
(comment from Bijaya Kumara about Trana Karta Dasa’s book “O’Hare Krishna Airport”)
Could you say something about the significance of the numbers 8 and 18 in Sri Krishna’s magic creation and in our tradition?
Does Sri Krishna feel separation from the baddha-jivas?
If a jiva enters brahma-sayujya, would Sri Krishna be longing for that jiva forever?
Hare Krishna, Maharaja. Dandavat pranams. Is there a possibility of attaining vatsalya-rati for Srimati Radharani, seeing her as a daughter?
Dear Guru Maharaja, dandavat pranama. What is Srimati Radharani’s favorite name of Sri Krishna?
Did you have the opportunity to meet Gour Govinda Maharaja? Can you
Questions on today’s Swami call:
Do circumstances like what kind of country we live in and where we live in that country make a difference for our spiritual practice? For example, I have heard that living in the countryside, especially in a Western developing country, may pose obstacles.
It is said to be an offense to preach the glories of the holy name to the faithless. Does this also include simple recommendations to the general public like “chant the holy name and be happy”?
You often say that the lila of Sri Krishna is humanlike, but in one article you wrote that Sri Krishna is both fully divine and fully human. Can you please explain?
Hare Krsna, Gurudeva. Pranama. Could you please share about the significance and conception of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s deities, Sri Sri Gaura Gadadhara?
Is Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu experiencing the type of love with anyone in Gaura-lila that he had with Uddhava in Krishna-lila?
Pranams, Guru Maharaja. Hare Krishna. Can you share something about the different kinds of bhakti in Garuda and Hanuman?
I heard that you have met Srila Sridhara Maharaja. Can you tell us about your relationship with him?
What would be the function of navels in Goloka?
I would like to set a good example of Krishna consciousness for my child. How can I know whether I’m truly practicing bhakti? What would be a good book for me to read as a beginner?
What is your opinion on the worship of Salagrama shilas?
Pranams, dear Guru Maharaja. In Aesthetic Vedanta, commenting on the gopis feeling that they have no devotion, you describe how one feels further from Bhagavan the closer one gets, and also that his presence is both humbling and reassuring. Can you say something more about this?
Questions on today’s Swami Call:
Dandavats, Guru Maharaja. What is your response to members from other sampradayas questioning the validity of ours?
What is the difference between labeling a teaching as valid siddhanta for others although we do not follow it ourselves and labeling a teaching as apa-siddhanta?
We have heard from you that the Kama-gayatri is a form of the Brahma-gayatri and that it is connected with the Gopala-mantra. Can you share something more about its meaning and the effects of chanting it?
You explained in a recent lecture in Poland that Lord Jagannatha’s mercy became available in this world through a blessing of Narada Muni. Could you say something more about why Lord Jagannatha is so merciful?
I feel like an outsider in the Vaishnava community, feeling like others have a relationship with Sri Krishna while I do not. I do, however, feel happy for these devotees. Is this normal or is it a mental problem?
Is it best to avoid preaching to people who are likely to become inimical, as they may offend bhakti, or could we try to give them a chance?
What is your instruction regarding deity worship during one’s menstrual period, and what is your reasoning behind it?
What do you think are the best arguments for reincarnation ?
Questions on today’s Swami Call:
Pranams dear Guru Maharaj. I am curious if Krishna’s words “think of me” in Bhagavad-Gita 9.34 can be also understood as “be with me”? Sometimes I have moments in japa when I feel I want to just stay and be more present, rather than continue chanting at that specific moment.
Jay Guru Maharaja! I have a question regarding Vaishnava aparadha. Could someone’s difficulty in committing themselves to the practice be a result of Vaishnava aparadha in a previous life? If so, how can one become free from its effects? How to counteract it? How to make amends?
In the second verse of his Prapanna Jivamritam, Srila Sridhar Maharaj offers his pranams to the deity called Gaura Sarasvati. I am wondering if he is speaking of his spiritual master in this verse or if there is indeed a deity of Lord Gauranga called Gaura Sarasvati. Could you explain the meaning of this verse, please? Thank you.
Pranama. Hare Krsna. Does Srimati Radharani represent bhakti in our lives?
Pranam Maharaj. I would like to know what in your perspective is the biggest change what happens when one gets Harinam initiation? What happens to practise? And as a follow up question, What kind of requirements you have if one would wish to become your disciple?
What is the proper honorific title for a female sannyasi? Like when we call a male sannyasi simply ”Maharaja”.
What does the word ”gopi” mean to you? I feel like something may have been lost in the translation into English as ”cowherd girl”.
Could you share something about the mood and attitude one should have while trying to distribute devotional books to the public?
Could you share something about your recent research on the different views on Sri Caitanya Caritamrta’s asirvada sloka?
Can you explain the meaning of the statement ”kirtana prabhave smarana svabhave” from Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura’s song Vaishnava ke?
Questions on today’s Swami Call:
How can I improve my japa, considering that I do not have very much time for it every day?
Hari bol. Pranams, Guru Maharaja. Are our fears rooted in the prospects of experiencing the opposites of the qualities of the self (sat cit ananda)?
Jaya Gurudeva. Hari bol. What does the soul actually do if it takes the path of Arciradi after death?
Should the jivas follow Lord Brahma’s example in purifying themselves as he represents the collective of jiva souls?
How come some of the demons that Sri Krishna killed attained sayujya-mukti before they attained love of God?
Is it true that if you don’t attain prema in this lifetime you will have to go through the 8 million types of species before getting a human form again?
What were Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s teachings regarding Radha-dasyam?
Is the festival of Ratha Yatra related with the pastime of the Vraja-vasis meeting Sri Krishna at Kuruksetra?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
0:00 News.
1:16 How can one control their anger?
5:50 What does it mean that an ajata-ruci raganuga sadhaka can serve Sri Krishna directly?
9:16 Can you give examples from the lila of how the stages of prema appear in different orders in sakhya- and madhurya-rasa respectively?
20:32 Can a devotee enter the lila as a well-wisher of Sri Sri Radha Krishna in terms of their union without becoming directly involved in bringing about their union?
23:56 On page 335 in Circle of Friends you mention vivarnagra-sakha. Who is that?
26:53 I would like to ask you some spiritual guidance in regards my inner self-doubting critic. I have tried to deal with it on the psychological level, but could you give some advice from the spiritual perspective?
43:34 (Comment from Sajjan)
48:59 Can our own aspiration to be a devotee be our teacher?
52:00 What does it mean that an ajata-ruci raganuga sadhaka can serve Sri Krishna directly? (same question as earlier)
53:26 We are all sorry and shocked to hear that Gopati the peacock passed away. Could you share something about this special mystical soul and his time at Audarya?
56:55 Could you say something about the importance of the Gayatri mantra and how we can chant it properly?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
0:00 Is there any benefit to practice of bhakti if the understanding of it is covered by any of the three modes of nature?
5:49 To what extent do brahmavadis understand or accept the three aspects of the absolute (Brahman, Paramatma, and Bhagavan), particularly the form of Bhagavan?
12:26 Pranama, Maharaja. Have you had the occasion to advice devotee couples in situations where they have felt a sense of disconnect from one another with regards to practicing Krishna consciousness?
20:31 How can a beginner devotee recognize and advanced devotee?
25:45 How important is it to take shelter of a pure devotee?
38:42 Can a devotee serve as a guru on the strength of the holy name although they may not be entirely pure?
39:45 Is it appropriate for devotees to speak proudly of their guru’s purity although it appears that the guru’s qualification does not match the definition of a pure devotee?
44:49 How should be deal with intermediaries between ourselves and our guru when we do not find them trustworthy although our guru trusts them?
55:36 Are Sri Krishna’s friends helping him pass the painful time of separation from Sri Radha by entertaining him?
56:54 What mood should a devotee imbibe in order to carry on happily with practice although they may have lingering philosophical doubts?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
0:00 Pranama, Guru Maharaja. The Upadesamrta instructs that we should be both eager and patient. How can we keep up the eagerness when progress is slow?
12:57 On the occasion of the Panihati festival, can you please share about your experience of visiting Panihati with Srila Prabhupada?
18:40 Can we become free from the fear of death already as sadhakas?
24:14 How are we to understand the idea that some jivas will remain forever in the material world?
42:03 Could you please share some words about the meaning and significance of the song Jaya Radha Madhava?
55:14 Speaking of the Panihati festival, something that stands out to me in that lila is Lord Nityananda’s spirit of inclusivity. Can you comment on this?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
0:00 News
2:59 It is described that Sri Krishna and Lord Balarama changed into Vasudeva and Sankarsana when they left Vrindavan for Mathura. Did the cowherd boys also change when they went to attend the wrestling match in Mathura?
11:30 Is the change from Sridama sakha to Garuda a change in tattva?
17:00 Good morning, Maharaja. How should we understand the teaching that Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva are related to the gunas of rajas, sattva, and tamas?
28:17 I am aspiring to receive initiation from your godbrother HH Sacinandana Swami. Can you share what you know of him so that I may get to know him from your perspective?
34:25 Pranama. Can you share some advice for devotee couples where the partners have different gurus?
56:44 Why is Lord Shiva called Gopishvara? Isn’t Gopishvara a name of Sri Krishna?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
0:00 Pranama, Guru Maharaja and assembled devotees. How does a neophyte devotee cultivate steady detachment from the material world?
13:00 Why did Lord Vishnu ask Lord Shiva to spread the mayavada doctrine?
21:09 Sri Vrindavan Das Thakura is identified with both Srila Vyasadeva and the cowherd boy Kusumapida. How does that work?
32:48 Is the Brahma-Vimohan-Lila happening once in every day of Lord Brahma?
35:19 Can you explain the word tivrena that qualifies bhakti-yoga in Srimad Bhagavatam 2.3.10, especially in the case of someone who is full of material desires?
50:31 You have explained that there is compassion with regards to the physical and mental suffering of others and compassion with regards to their being unaware of their relationship with Sri Krishna. Would it make sense to cultivate the first kind and let the second kind arise by itself?
54:00 With regards to the second kind of compassion, as it is significantly harder to make someone else aware of their relationship with Sri Krishna than it is, for example, to feed someone who is physically hungry, is that feeling enough in itself to help others?
56:54 Is it a good practice to name one’s child or pet after Sri Krishna?
Questions on today's Swami Call:
0:00 Dandavats, Gurudeva. What is the best prayer to Lord Narasimhadeva?
6:04 Can you elaborate on how Giriraja Govardhana appears in different ways to different devotees?
20:29 Do chapters 82-84 in the tenth canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam correspond with the Ramananda Samvad and Brhad-Bhagavatamrta with regards to bhakti-tattva?
28:38 Can you explain Srila Jiva Goswami's statement that jivas sometimes play the role of Narada Muni?
41:23 What does it mean exactly that one becomes more attached to the object of love (Sri Krishna) than to the love itself (bhakti) in the stage of asakti?
45:19 Could the limb of saranagati called raksisyatiti-visvaso be interpreted to mean that Sri Krishna protects our faith and turns difficult situations into opportunities for spiritual growth?
49:00 What is your take on the teaching that ajata-ruci raganuga sadhakas can think of themselves as fallen maidservants?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
0:00 News.
0:38 What’s the difference between sastra-yukti and sastra-nipuna?
10:05 Can you expand on the teaching that most jivas in the spiritual world are nitya-siddha tatastha-sakti-jivas?
35:37 How can we speak our truth to worshippers of the devas and devis without offending or discouraging them?
51:59 It is said that we should not disturb people with jnana if they are not eligible, whereas bhakti can be shared with anyone. But it seems that bhakti has a fair amount of jnana baked into it. How can we balance our sharing of bhakti in this regard?
1:02:43 It is said that there is no time in the spiritual world, and yet Sri Krishna’s daily pastimes are divided into eight time periods. What does this mean?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
Is it correct that one should only attend to the sound of the holy names during japa, or could one also engage in visualization?
Do priya-narma-sakhas engage in play fighting with Sri Krishna?
How do the stages of bhakti from sraddha to prema correspond to the levels of adhikara from kanistha to uttama?
Dandavat pranams and good morning, Guru Maharaja. In Bhakti Rasamrta Sindhu 1.3.54, Srila Rupa Goswami says that by a slight offense to a devotee of the Lord one’s bhava will become of an inferior type. Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura comments on this verse that “Madhurya-rati becomes dasya-rati. Dasya-rati becomes santa-rati.” I was confused about how one’s bhava could change like this being that the jiva has an inherent svarupa. Could you please clarify this? Thank you.
Does Subala-sakha have feminine qualities?
Can you clarify the gradation of devotees as given in Sri Brhad Bhagavatamrta?
Pranams, Guru Maharaj and assembled devotees. My question is about jivas and the journey back to Godhead. How does a jiva fall in the first place? Or is that a category error?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
0:00 In Circle of Friends, you wrote that the devotees never cease to be amazed at seeing demons in the disguise of devotees. Can you explain this?
13:44 Why is the relationship between Sri Gadadhara Pandit and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu described in terms of friendship rather than romantic love?
21:52 Dandavats Maharaja. Do you think we can dissipate our shadow sides simply by shedding the light of our own awareness on them?
28:59 What do you mean when you describe Sri Krishna’s flute sound as haunting?
31:56 Does Akrura have a Vraja-lila svarupa?
34:08 At what point does it become unfavorable to bhakti to focus on the dark side of the world or of oneself?
45:56 If every jiva has an inherent svarupa, does the imply that those jivas who attain brahma-sayujya were destined to do so?
57:56 if a jiva is stuck in Brahman, is there a unique Vraja-lila svarupa stuck there that will never enter Krishna-lila?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
0:00 News.
0:20 Bhakti is ever-fresh and will naturally express itself in newer and newer ways through acaryas. At the same time, the desire to share bhakti in new ways could be an anartha, and so could the desire to hear about bhakti in new ways. Can you help me understand the distinction?
5:09 Srila Rupa Goswami writes that an uttama-adhikari is sastra-nipuna, a scriptural genius. How can we differentiate such a devotee from someone who is merely interested in presenting bhakti in novel ways?
15:43 It seems that modern society has a boredom phobia, and it also affects devotees. Is it not okay to simply accept that our sadhana can be boring sometimes?
20:01 Is there a hidden or special reason that Lord Balarama did not side with the Pandavas during the Kuruksetra war?
24:20 Guru Maharaja, I feel that you have exemplified the true character of sannyasa ashram. Even so, would you ever consider renouncing the renounced order?
32:35 I was wondering if you could also speak on babaji vesha or an orderless vow of renunciation for devotees in the Bhaktivinoda parivara?
43:32 Pranama. Could you please share some insights about the panca-tattva?
48:56 Pranama, Maharaja. Could you kindly share some essential teachings about the limb of bhakti called kirtan?
56:10 Can you shed light on that ontological relationship between Lord Balarama and Sri Ananga Manjari?
Questions on today's Swami Call:
Dandavat pranama, dear Guru Maharaj. In circle of friends, during the first meeting of Sri Radha and Sri Krishna, Subal Sakha instructs Rupa Manjari to fan Krishna. Kindly reveal more about how Krishna’s sakhas also act as leaders to manjaris.
Is the fact that the manjaris have dasya for Srimati Radharani the reason that dasya is so prominent in Gaura-lila?
It appears that in Gaudiya Vaishnavism there is a broad range of views on many topics of our philosophy,
Dandavats, Srila Gurudeva. Can you elaborate more on the relationship between omniscience, madhurya and aisvarya in regards to prayer? Also, what does it mean to be a saranagata when presenting prayers to Sri Krsna?
Questions on today's Swami call:
0:00 News.
2:29 Dandavats, Maharaja. A friend from a traditional Vaishnava lineage shared with me one of their teachings, saying that a devotee will keep reincarnating in this tradition due to the particular contributions it provides to the development of bhakti. What is your opinion on this?
19:40 My dandavats, Maharaja. Is an aspiring devotee obligated to believe in the cosmology as presented in our scriptures? Would it be an offense to the Vedas not to believe in those descriptions?
33:21 What is the value of simple worldly faith such as village superstition? Conversely, what is the value of faith in scripture based on theory rather than experience?
50:05 (Comment from Gurunistha on the origins of curd)
51:48 How can I get rid of negative traits and cultivate bhakti towards Sri Krishna? I have been trying. Can you please advise me?
59:55 Would you like to say something on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Krishna Balarama Mandir in Vrindavan, which also coincides with the 50th anniversary of you taking sannyasa?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
0:00 News.
1:16 Why did Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu show himself as Lord Vishnu to Sri Raghava Pandit?
4:27 What is the difference between prema-bhakti and vishrambha-bhakti?
11:48 What is the role of Lord Shiva in Krishna-lila and Gaura-lila?
17:32 Is mount Nandisvara related to Lord Shiva?
21:03 There is an ashtakam dedicated to Lord Shiva attributed to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Can you comment on this?
25:40 I’m attached to the idea of God protecting the helpless. Sometimes it appears that he does not, and it makes me feel resentful. How can I overcome this obstacle?
31:40 Can one be a peaceful sadhaka? Is peace contradictory to bhakti?
49:40 There is are ways for madhurya-rati upasakas to meditate on deities of Sri Sri Krishna Balarama when having darshan of them. What could be a meditation for sakhya-rati upasakas having darshan of Sri Sri Radha Krishna?
53:55 Can you say something more about Lord Shiva taking on the form of a cowherd boy in Krishna-lila?
58:14 Could it be that Sri Krishna is showing his qualities of playfulness, wittiness, and compassion to lower-level sadhakas by answering their prayers through synchronistic events?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
It is said that if we have the right intention, our bhakti practice will please Sri Krishna even if we happen to make technical mistakes?
Pranama, Guru Maharaja and the assembled devotees. Is there any scope within Gaudiya Vaishnavism to see God as one’s father, like in Christianity and other faith traditions?
How does the moods cultivated in saranagati, seeing God as one’s protector and maintainer, compare to seeing God as the father?
(Comment from Gurunistha das regarding the sweetness and majesty of God as they manifest in the form Sri Guru)
Is Sri Krishna aware of his majesty as Lord Brahma prays to him at the end of the Brahma vimohana lila?
How can we meditate on following the lead of Sri Radha while chanting the Brahma gayatri?
The Uddhava Gita teaches to make service to others the sole reason for one’s existence. How does this relate to serving Sri Krishna?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
0:00 It is said that the role of the guru is to correct us, but a guru should also be free from the propensity to criticize. Is this a contradiction?
35:06 (Comment from Sajjan das regarding affection and criticism)
37:36 Do you think that it should be specified at initiation what the format will be for further instruction from the guru?
40:27 (Comment from Gokulacandra das regarding sweet and bitter medicine)
43:38 Is the story of Srila Rupa Goswami chastising Srila Jiva Goswami relevant to us as sadhakas?
50:50 If we do not understand the instruction of the guru, would you recommend to sit with the unknown and discomfort and have trust that acceptance will eventually come by practice?
56:10 I have heard that one can take birth on Sri Krishna’s planet, Goloka, by accumulating good karma. What happens there?
1:00:29 What is the relation of the rasa of fear (bhayanaka-rasa) to madhura-rasa?
1:02:45 Dandavat pranams, Guru Maharaja. Can you explain the concept of eligibility (adhikara) for study and practice of Gaudiya Vaishnavism?
1:09:03 Jaya, Guru Maharaja. I hope you are well. I have a concern about associating with devotees. Sometimes I experience that associating with other devotees simply turns into gossip and criticism. Is it better to try and find just a few like-minded devotees to associate with rather than a big community?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
0:00 What’s the difference between when sthayi-bhavas are mixed and when they are bundled?
7:30 Dear Guru Maharaja; some pure devotees set the example of not speaking or hearing negative things about other devotees even when those things are true. Others set the example of criticizing the misbehavior of other devotees to show the correct path. Which example are we to follow?
15:20 Dandavat, Guru Maharaja. Sometimes we are disillusioned about material life, but that does not necessarily make us inspired to serve Sri Krishna. How can we turn this mere disillusionment into something positive?
20:06 Dandavat, Maharaja. You recently mentioned representatives of other parivaras criticizing Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura and Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura. Can you elaborate on this or direct me to where I can find out more about this topic?
40:06 The Gita describes the soul as a ten thousandth of the size of the tip of a hair. How does such become form in the spiritual world? Is it analogous to how it animates form in the material world?
47:20 On page 152 of Circle of Friends, you refer to the suhrt-rati that the gopas and their parents have for one another. Can you explain how this works?
51:08 (Follow up to previous question) Thank you, Guru Maharaja; pranama. So the love of the friend (suhrt-rati) is going both ways between the parents and the young gopas?
52:24 Pranama. In your commentary on Bhagavad-Gita 2.59 you mention that a drop of spiritual experience coming from following the teachings of the scriptures is more confirming than an ocean of scriptural mandates. Yet we are generally not encouraged to share about deep spiritual experiences as this could bring about pride. It seems, however that sharing could also be inspiring for others. How should we approach spiritual experiences? And on the other hand, how do we explain the instances where devotees practice for many years without having any deep spiritual experiences?
1:01:34 It’s an absolute pleasure to meet you, Swami. Could you share what it was that made you accept Sri Krishna as the highest form of the Godhead?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
0:00 Nityananda Trayodashi
12:43 Is a vrtti something like a samskara?
14:09 Dandavats pranama, Guru Maharaja. How did Subala-sakha manage to save Srimati Radharani from being caught by Jatila?
17:36 Pranama, Gurudeva. On this special day of Sri Nityananda Trayodasi, can you speak something about how Lord Nityananda reflects the light of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu? Do we need this reflective light as the direct light of Sri Caitanya would be too strong?
29:42 Is Hadai Pandit in Gaura-lila identified with Vasudeva in Krsna-lila?
31:18 Did Lord Balarama choose not to be present for the killing of Aghasura?
39:19 When you speak about the jiva as a dravya, is that the same thing as a vastu?
41:20 Dandavats, Maharaja. Today we are celebrating Sri Varaha-dvadasi in Europe. Can you say something about why Sri Krishna appeared as a boar?
44:39 Can you kindly elaborate on Srila Prabhupada’s connection to the lineage of Lord Nityananda?
51:25 Is the love that the manjaris have for Srimati Radharani part of their sthayi-bhava?
0:00 With regards to Srimad Bhagavatam
11.19.3, who does it mean that the perfect knowledge of the transcendentalist maintains God in happiness?
3:50 In text 38 of the same chapter, it says that truthfulness means to speak the truth in a pleasing way. I have also heard that the truth should be spoken whether it's pleasing or not.
Can you comment on this?
16:38 Guru Maharaja, how can we see our work as part of our sadhana when it appears to be entirely mundane?
25:10 With reference to Srila Prabhupada's purport to Bhagavad-Gita 2.34, how do I ensure that I am not misusing Sri Krishna's friendship, and what are some ways I might be misusing it?
37:41 What is the best process for our bhajana?
39:38 Why is the path of yoga recommended in the scriptures when it appears that it only brings the practitioner deeper into illusion as they become attached to the yogic siddhis?
44:01 Dandavat pranama, Guru Maharaja. I was very moved by what you said in a lecture about the yajnapatnis, the wives of the brahmins in Krishna-lila. You said that the cowherd boys were very attracted to see the yajnapatnis after hearing about the sacrifices they had made. Can you elaborate more on this? Does it make a difference if the one who has sacrificed is a sadhana- or a nitya-siddha?
51:09 How may sadhakas in the lower stages of sadhana approach descriptions of the aprakata-lila so as not to become confused about it's apparent mundanity?
57:48 Dandavats, Srila Guru Maharaja. Can you speak on the idea that Arjuna and Kunti exist within the prakata-lila perpetually?
Questions on today's Swami call:
0:00 News.
1:06 There are scriptural statements that can be taken to mean that everyone is encouraged to become gurus. But it seems that many people are unqualified for that task. Is it then okay to not become a guru?
35:49 What does it mean when it is said that in the stage of ruci one is more attached to bhakti than to Sri Krishna, whereas in a sakti one becomes more attached to Sri Krishna directly?
45:27 Hare Krsna, Maharaja. What is the difference between the prakata and the aprakata lila?
48:01 How is possible that matter is inert but Maya-devi is a person?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
0:00 News.
1:34 Sometimes it is said that one can simply practice surrender (saranagati) if one is not able to practice the limbs of bhakti. Other times it is said that surrender is practiced by practicing the limbs of bhakti. Can you resolve this apparent contradiction?
11:02 What does Sri Krishna wear in the winter season?
17:44 Hare Krishna, Maharaja. My cat passed away recently, and it felt like it had a truly Krishna conscious passing. Is that possible?
22:51 Did Srimati Radharani have divine qualities before meeting Sri Krishna?
27:40 Srila Prabhupada writes in his commentary to Caitanya-Caritamrta Adi Lila 1.19 that beginners, intermediate devotees, and perfect devotees worship Sri Madan Mohan, Sri Govinda, and Sri Gopinatha respectively. Can you explain how this works practically?
37:38 How much is our gurunistha shown by our avoiding association of people who do not appreciate our guru?
55:28 The Vedanta-sutra says that the world is created out of God’s lila. I heard from devotees that certain jivas become envious of Sri Krishna, and that’s why they are in the world. Can you comment on this?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
0:00 Among the nine processes of bhakti listed by Sri Prahlad Maharaja, what does ‘sakhyam’ refer to?
0:05:40 Can you comment on the position of Madhumangala, as he is curiously both a brahmana and a priya-narma sakha?
0:10:33 Would failure to follow the regulative principles and chant 16 rounds of japan prevent one from delving into deeper topics of Krishna consciousness, and does following these practices indicate that one is not taking Krishna consciousness cheaply?
0:20:23 What is the history of the term ‘sahajiya’ as it is used in the Gaudiya sampradaya?
0:24:56 The Bhagavatam states that if one is engaged in service to Sri Krishna one does not have any debt to anyone else, as everyone is a part of him. But wouldn’t one want to serve others if one sees them as parts of Krishna?
0:30:25 Forgiveness is a natural quality of brahmanas. How could people dominated by lower modes of nature learn to practice forgiveness, and what about if one is suffering from physical and emotional abuse?
0:37:25 What is your opinion about the Jiva Institute?
0:45:12 Does the conditioned jiva act through the maya-shakti, or is it rather acted upon by that same shakti?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
0:00 News.
0:00:28 It appears that narrations of Sri Krishna’s sakhya-rasa pastimes are easier to digest for beginners than the madhurya-rasa pastimes. Is this true?
0:12:13 Is the belief that one has to be psychologically balanced to enter Krishna-lila tantamount to karma-misra bhakti or the belief that one has to be accomplished in karma and jnana before practicing bhakti?
0:15:24 If a madhurya-rasa bhakta is preaching the glories of other rasas, might that sound different from when bhaktas in those rasas preach about the same thing, given the different vantage points?
0:19:33 Is it offensive to believe that one has to be psychologically balanced to enter Krishna-lila?
0:20:18 Sometimes it is said that Narada Muni is a sadhana-siddha and at other times that he is a nitya-siddha. Can you explain this?
0:25:18 Did Sanskrit use to be spoken popularly or has it always been only an academic language?
0:27:04 How is it possible for demons to enter the lila?
0:31:27 Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura states in his commentary to Bhagavad-Gita 9.26 that a woman cannot make offerings to the deities during her period. Why is that so and in what other circumstances would women or men be unqualified to make offerings?
0:39:47 What is the referent of the word “self” according to Gaudiya Vedanta? Do individual jivatmas have unique forms?
0:45:35 If the jiva is a doer, what does it do?
0:52:36 As the jiva comes closer to the goal of bhakti, does its will express itself directly and naturally, uncovered by the mind?
0:54:55 Does the pure will of the jiva correspond with the siddha-deha?
57:02 Does the individuality play itself out in the material world?
1:03:13 Are some jivas destined to follow Advaita Vedanta?
0:00 News.
00:40 Guru Maharaja, I’m wondering why Srila Prabhupada chose Sri Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura’s Gurvastakam for mandala arati. I also wonder why in Iskcon the last verse of the song is not sung. And why is there a song for Sri Guru during the morning arati and a song for Sri Gauranga during the evening arati?
09:10 Who’s song is Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s Gaura-arati based on?
11:05 Does Navadvipa dhama exist eternally on earth? Is there a Navadvipa planet in the spiritual sky?
14:48 Dandavats, dear Guru Maharaja. It is said that bhakti, requiring only our faith, is more generous than the paths of jnana or yoga which have many prerequisites. At the same time it is said that if bhakti practices are taken up without surrender then the practice is lifeless. Surrender is very difficult. How can we reconcile this?
24:18 Srila Prabhupada made the point that Sri Krishna is more generous in the form of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, because in the Bhagavad-Gita he required surrender whereas in Gaura-lila he freely gave out bhakti. It seems then that Srila Prabhupada separates faith from surrender. Can you explain this?
26:12 What are some ways of surrendering to Sri Krishna in the midst of the movements of the gunas in terms of directing our attention?
42:33 How to best practice tolerance of the material dualities?
48:18 It is said that when Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Nityananda Prabhu met for the first time, most of their communication was non-verbal. What emotions and so on did they communicate in that way?
52:13 Is the pastime of Sri Nityananda Prabhu and Sri Haridasa Thakura going from door to door preaching an eternal lila?
56:57 Is there any loss in reciting the prayers of our acaryas translated into our mother tongue if our mother tongue is neither Sanskrit or Bengali?
0:00 Could you recommend poetic works dealing with Krishna lila?
04:15 Should we direct our prayers to Sri Krishna or to Lord Caitanya, or Sri Radha or to different appearances of the absolute according to the circumstance or level of advancement?
27:57 Do you have any advice for dealing with stress and anxiety in the moment as it is affecting one?
34:00 Is Yoga-maya present in Vraja-lila?
36:06 In what rasa is the Kaliya serpent with Sri Krishna?
38:20 How is the Kama-gayatri understood from a sakhya-rati point of view?
52:55 Could it be said that all of Gaudiya Vaishnavism is poetry?
57:53 What is the most important part of deity seva, the physical or the mental aspect?
0:00 News.
00:00:59 You sometimes make the point that 'I' is the smallest, most used, and least understood word in the English language. Have you read that somewhere?
00:01:30 Was Lord Brahma really able to overpower the cowherd boys in the Brahma vimohana lila?
00:07:11 Did Sri Krishna experience sakhya-rasa during the year that he took the form of the other cowherd boys?
00:09:15 Is selfless love in this world akin to the prema of the spiritual world?
00:13:08 As sadhakas we try to see Krishna everywhere, and everything in Krishna, yet we feel separation from him. What is this separation if he is actually present everywhere?
00:16:31 What do you mean by ontological good and evil?
00:21:50 Is the following of rules or the expression of love that pleases Sri Krishna? I am wondering because of the story where Sri Krishna sends Narada Muni to gather footdust from Krishna's devotees to cure Krishna's headache.
00:29:02 Why did Sri Krishna not make any effort to bring Pradyumna back when he was kidnapped? Was it because they are aware of actually being sakhas from Vraja-lila taking these new forms in Dvaraka rather than feeling as father and son?
00:30:42 Why must a sakhya-rati upasaka enter Krishna-lila during go-dhuli and at no other time?
00:37:47 Was Sri Krishna betrothed to the gopis during the year of the Brahma vimohana lila?
00:46:40 What would be the Vedic perspective on experiences of deja vu?
00:48:40 Why is Sri Radha sometimes jealous?
00:53:14 Why did Lord Balarama take time off from cowherding after coming out of Sri Krishna's spell during the Brahma vimohana lila?
0:00 News.
00:02:56 Is chanting Sri Krishna’s names a service to Krishna?
00:33:52 What is lila-kirtana?
00:40:39 Do other angas of bhakti depend on kirtan?
00:45:46 Is Sri Haridas Thakura’s threefold practice of kirtan something that can be followed by anyone?
00:54:18 Why does Sri Krishna not speak directly about bhakti in the Vedas?
0:00 News.
00:00:25 Can you say something about the elaborations on the maha-mantra by our acaryas?
00:10:12 I have heard about one way of seeing the maha-mantra as being names of Sri Krishna chanted for the pleasure of Sri Radha. Is this bona fide?
00:18:48 One of the offenses to the holy name is to give interpretations. How should we understand this offense, given that our acaryas have given elaborations of the maha-mantra?
00:21:00 Some people say that since even Lord Shiva is affected by lust, we have no hope of overcoming it. This does not sound right to me. How should we see Lord Shiva and our own predicament?
00:35:43 In the Ramananda-samvad, Ramananda Raya speaks about Sri Krishna and Sri Radha taking one another’s place. What does this mean?
00:40:44 Some time ago you mentioned that there is a difference between loving the guru and loving the guru’s knowledge. Would you like to say something more about this?
00:48:46 Is there a difference between serving the guru and following the guru’s instructions?
00:50:02 Is it okay to share one’s deep spiritual realizations widely, or should one keep them to a small circle?
0:00 News.
00:01:44 Jaya, Maharaja. You speak very naturally about higher topics. Have your insights come from your own practice or through the guidance of a particular sadhu?
00:11:49 What is the significance of Kuruksetra with regards to madhurya rasa? As Radha and Krishna could not have full union in that setting because of the social circumstances, is it also that sadhakas in lower stages get in the way of their guru uniting with Krishna?
00:25:50 Would service of Sri Radha in Kuruksetra be rendered in the prakat-lila to intensify one’s prema and enter into the aprakat-lila?
00:28:18 What is the definition of diksa? When and why is it needed?
00:47:12 Is Madhavendra Puri a disciple of the Madhva lineage?
00:51:06 Would it be helpful to someone who is ill to the point of dysphoria and unable to enjoy anything to connect with Krishna?
00:54:05 Hare Krsna, Guru Maharaja. You mentioned a couple of times in Poland that if someone is aspiring for priya-narma sakhya-bhava, it is a good combination to follow Subala sakha and Visakha sakhi. I am aware this is a high topic, but if you think it would be helpful for the devotees, could you say something more about this?
uestions on today's Swami call:
In Gaudiya Vaishnavism it is taught that devotees embody five types of love. How is the type of love chosen?
How do the attributes of the soul play a part in our lives or reflect into our everyday lives if in any way?
Can you explain how a samskara that happens in time can have an effect on an eternal svabhava?
Can you explain the analogy of the gold box and the gold-plated box that is used to describe different types of perfected persons?
Srila Saraswati Thakura said that there is no need to erase everything that was there in our life before we came in contact with bhakti. A preacher, using a tech analogy, said that we should ctrl+alt+delete everything that is not bhakti. Can you comment on this?
How balanced do we have to be in terms of sattva-guna to be able to approach high topics such as bhava and lila?
Is varnashrama needed to keep devotees morally upright?
0:00 News.
01:19 How come we cannot shorten the realization gap between disciple and guru faster? Why does it need to take several lifetimes?
14:38 On this long path, how do we make sure to not go astray?
21:11 In the Uddhava-Gita it is said that there are three ways to worship: Vedic, Tantric, and mixed. Can you elaborate on this?
24:51 Some devotees are of the opinion that the book distribution in the early years of ISKCON not only gave the mission a bad reputation but also harmed those who were involved. What are your thoughts on this?
38:31 You have said that there are two windows of opportunity in Gaudiya Vaishnavism. Have I understood it correctly that those are manajari-bhava through Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and sakhya-rasa through Sri Nityananda Prabhu?
51:00 In the lilas of Sri Krishna and Lord Ramacandra, both humanlike, they take birth like human beings while their consorts, Sri Radha and Sri Sitadevi, do not. Is there a special significance to this?
54:30 Can we worship deities that are not made of the arca-vigraha materials listed in the Srimad Bhagavatam?
0:00 If one prays to Sri Krishna for a material boon before one learned that it is more wise to simply ask for devotional service to Sri Krishna, and the boon was granted, should one keep the boon or return it?
04:35 What would your opinion be of a devotee giving harinama initiation to others after having distanced themselves from their own guru who was engaged in bad conduct?
09:16 Dandavat pranama, Guru Maharaja. In your book Circle of Friends you outline the progression from sthayi-bhava and through the stages of prema in sakhya-rati. Would this outline also apply to madhurya-rati?
11:46 Hare Krishna. I have a question about my deity worship. I received deities of Jagannatha Baladeva Subhadra but without the Sudarsana cakra that usually stands next to them. Do I need to find a Sudarsana cakra for them?
14:53 How did Lord Jagannatha get the title ‘Swami’?
17:38 Hare Krishna, Guru Maharaja. What is the significance of Sri Krishna’s makara-shaped earrings?
23:17 Obeisances, Guru Maharaja. Do you have any recommendations for the month of Kartika with regards to study, sadhana, or observances?
29:22 Obeisances, Maharaja. What is your opinion on the statement that “Prabhupada has already given us everything”?
42:37 Pranama, Gurudeva. Are there more personalities in Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu other than Radha and Krishna, such as different avataras of Krishna? Gaura-ganoddesa-dipika appears to suggest so.
47:45 Sri Jiva Goswami states that the cowherd boys despite their strength have no inclination to kill the demons that appear in the lila as they are prevented by Yoga-maya. In Nectar of Devotion, however, it says that the younger friends of Krishna are eager to fight the demons. Is it only this group of friends who are eager to do so, and do they only want to fight but not kill?
53:58 Why does Sri Krishna not appear clearly to me when I chant?
0:00 Technicals details.
0:46 Is the division of Vishnu into Karanadakasayi, Garbhodakasayi, and Ksirodakasayi unique to the teachings of the Gaudiya sampradaya?
6:06 Dandavats, Maharaja. Thank you for maintaining your association with us every Sunday. Can you please share an explanation of the term ‘aesthetic rapture’ that you often use?
25:56 When did Sri Sukadeva Goswami study the Srimad Bhagavatam?
30:34 Why did Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu need the permission of Sri Advaita Acharya to leave the public sphere and do internal practice?
38:21 Why is it that Pariksit Maharaja, in the first canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam, chapter 17, text 26, refers to Lord Sri Krishna as an Incarnation? Isn’t Krishna present in His original form?
42:40 What is the difference between the satya-sankalpa and satya-kama attributes of the jiva?
44:59 Please accept my obeisances, Maharaja. What is your opinion on holding kirtan sessions for a non-devotee audience and charging money for them?
1:09:27 Is charging for a kirtan session essentially any different from selling books on the street?
0:00 News.
00:01:37 What is the origin of harinama-initiation in Gaudiya Vaishnavism? Who is Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's harinama-guru? Is someone with only harinama-initiation a full member of the tradition?
00:13:47 Can you share something about the pastime of Srila Jiva Goswami appearing to Srila Prabhupada at Radha Damodara mandir?
00:18:42 It is common for religious groups to consider themselves the chosen ones, that the form of God they worship is the highest, and that the names they use to refer to God are the most appropriate. How do we as Gaudiya Vaishnavas justify our belief that we are supposed to dress in Indian clothes and use Sanskrit names of God?
00:33:29 How do we explain that the Vishnu-avataras appear all over the universe but not outside of India on Earth?
00:40:57 What should our mood be when preaching so that we are inviting rather than proselytizing?
00:46:16 Is it common for a sadhaka's personal deity to communicate to the sadhaka through the mind and heart?
00:50:18 Do you have a recommended order for reading your books?
00:56:33 What did you mean when you wrote that Kaliya became both the asraya- and visaya-alambana?
Questions on today's Swami call:
0:00 Appearance day of Bhaktivinoda Thakura
00:20:38 Working as a counsellor, I sometimes feel depleted when having to deal with the grief of many people. What can I do in my Krishna consciousness to handle situations like this?
00:28:37 How should we think about the details of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s inner life, given that his relationship to his diksa-guru, who is said to have revealed those details to our Thakura, appears to have been distanced at some point?
00:56:03 Sri Krishna says that he cannot repay the gopis for their service. Is this also true for the service of the priya-narma-sakhas?
Questions on today's Swami call:
0:00 How should we understand arcana? Regardless of the different standards of worship found in different temples and homes, what are your general guidelines regarding arcana?
00:21:52 How should we understand the statement of Sri Krishna, “ācāryaṁ māṁ vijānīyān”?
00:36:00 In Brhad-Bhagavatamrta, Srimati Radharani refers to Janasharma as her devotee as he is worshipping Durga, who is her expansion. Is Srimati Radharani’s blessing Janasharma because he is destined to be a priya-narma-sakha?
00:42:06 With Sri Radhastami coming up, is there a particular way that someone aspiring for priya-narma-sakhya bhava can petition Srimati Radharani for blessings?
00:43:18 There is a statement from Srila Rupa Goswami that vraja-bhakti can only be attained by intense eagerness. What does he mean when he says that it has to be purchased at any cost if available anywhere?
00:52:27 I recently became a father. How can I make sure taking care of my son will not become a distraction to my Krishna consciousness?
Questions/topics on today's Swami call:
Lord Balarama and the sandhini-sakti
It appears that Nityananda Prabhu does not manifest vatsalya-bhava as much as he does as Lord Balarama. What could be the reason for that?
What can I do when I desperately need sadhu sanga, but my immediate situation does not allow it?
What are the fundamental teachings that you impart to your married and unmarried students with regards to chastity/sexuality?
Sri Krishna says we should think of him and love him, but under the spell of illusion, I sometimes think, “Who am I to love Krishna?” What can I do to overcome this mindset?
Questions on today's Swami call:
0:00 Dandavat pranams, Maharaja. My question is, why did Srila Sridhara Maharaja not like the phrase “thank you”?
00:13:23 What does it mean that some rasas are incompatible?
00:25:11 Does Bhagavad-gita 9.14 explain how we can worship Sri Krishna with love despite our western unfavorable upbringing?
00:31:39 What is bhajana? How does one progress from anisthita bhajana-kriya to have bhajana?
00:45:17 I have heard that the naimittika lilas of Sri Krishna are going on even when the material world is unmanifest. How is this possible?
00:48:42 What kind of selflessness might not be conducive to our practice?
00:56:07 Could you speak a little about Sri Krishna’s svarupa-sakti and Yogamaya? What are their functions and how do they interact?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
0:00 Does the stage of unsteady devotional practice (anisthita bhajana kriya) manifest differently in eastern and western practitioners?
00:09:20 In my understanding, true bliss can only be experienced in love, and love requires a lover and a beloved (asraya and visaya). Still it is said that there is ananda in Brahman. Can you explain this?
00:34:15 With the simplicity, lack of majesty, and focus on nature and animals in Vraja-bhakti, could we say that Gaudiya Vaisnavism is a suddha-sattvic form of paganism?
00:38:00 When jivas are manisted from the Viraja, what is the cause of that, as they do not have previous samskaras?
00:58:07 Tomorrow is Lord Balarama’s appearance day. Would you like to share something about that?
0:00 News.
00:01:28 What do you think of the idea that we should tolerate our own anarthas and that we should not tolerate others anarthas.
00:10:44 Does Balarama catch the coded messages that Krishna gives to the narma-sakhas?
00:15:03 Please can you share a few words about the meaning of Nityananda Gayatri?
00:23:15 The Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu mentioned that some of Krishna"s enemies attain sarupyabhasam- a form similar to God's form in which they remain absorbed in the happiness of Brahman. How can they have a form while being in the formless Brahman? Is their absorption a kind of bhakti?
00:29:16 Does the jiva fall from santa rasa?
00:37:19 Could the cause of falling be that we are not doing anything?
00:37:55 Could you explain the term Bhavollasa?
00:48:34 The description of meditating on the Gopala mantra given in Gopala-tapani Upanishad seems to be full of aisvarya. Could you explain why this is the case.
00:53:56 How can we balance our pursuit of transcendence with fulfilling our material needs? How can we practically support devotees to help them maintain harmony between spiritual development and everyday life?
0:00 Introduction
00:02:47 Srila Sridhara Maharaja Tirobhava Mahotsava
00:52:35 Can you comment on the final days of Srila Sridhar Maharaja being with us?
00:53:57 To what degree should we engage our intellect when receiving siksa.
01:10:20 What are the books written by Sridhar Maharaja? Which ones would you recommend for us?
01:14:05 What can you share with us about Pujyapada Sridhara Maharaja's inner mood and his siddha deha? Any examples or hints?
01:30:15 Would you say Sridhara Maharaja was especially attracted to Gaura lila? From all I have heard about him, he seems to have some special connection to Mahaprabhu and Navadvipa. Or was this preoccupation just his humility to not want to rush into Krsna lila?
01:37:30 Can you comment on the sadhaka deha vesa of the gopas in regards to their preaching.
Questions on today's Swami call:
0:00 Technical details.
00:01:47 Can you explain the division among the pioneers of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s movement into gopalas and mahantas?
00:08:49 How does the devotional practice of remembrance (smaranam), as recommended and exemplified by Prahlada Maharaja, relate to the time factor?
00:16:45 If Sri Krishna’s quality of being a meticulous dresser (suvesa) is an excitant (uddipana) only for sakhya-rasa, what about the times that Sri Krishna dresses to impress the gopis?
00:22:33 Although Lord Balarama is the maryada-purusa in Sri Krishna’s life, he allows him to do things that externally is against dharma, but not against the spirit of dharma. Similarly he appeared to Sri Krishnanda Acarya and told him to give up a vow for the sake of service. With this in mind, can one pray to Lord Balarama for when to and when not to follow rules in the course of service?
00:28:19 How should we take it when our acharyas make strong statements like saying that other paths are of the devil?
00:40:38 Sri Advaita Acarya is mostly identified with Maha-Vishnu and Sadashiva, but some vaishnavas have identified him with Sri Ujjvala-sakha. Can you elaborate on this?
00:47:42 Can you speak more about Sri Krishna leaving many of the cowherd boys in the care of Lord Balarama at midday but taking the priya-narma-sakhas with him? Also, when both Krishna and Balarama are with all the cowherd boys together, is it as if the cowherd boys have two Krishnas?
00:55:41 Srimati Saraswati Devi is said to be the wife of Lord Brahma, who is jiva-tattva. She is also said to be an expansion of Lakshmi-devi. How does this go together?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
0:00 Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura wrote about how some devotees focused on Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu as the life-force of Sri Nityananda Prabhu, while others focused on him as the life-force of Sri Gadadhara Pandit. Is this related to what you talk about as the two windows of opportunity--sakhya and madhurya--in our sampradaya, one given by Sri Nityananda Prabhu's lineage and the other by lineages stemming from other associates of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu such as the six Goswamis?
00:15:10 It is said that Sri Uddharana Datta Thakura established deities of Sri Sadbhuja Gauranga, Sri Nityananda Prabhu, and Sri Gadadhara Pandit. Would this be indicative of his priya-narma-sakhya bhava?
00:18:55 When gurus in our sampradaya are spoken of as having certain identities in the spiritual world, where does this information come from? Do you have personal insights into such identities?
00:39:21 What does Sri Jiva Goswami mean when says that one has to be identical with God in order to worship God?
00:47:40 Can our conceptions about the goal of our spiritual path get in the way of realizing it, as it cannot be captured by thought?
Questions on today's Swami call:
Why did the cowherd boys fearlessly march into the mouth of Aghasura, assured of Krishna's protection, but when there was a forest fire they became frightened and cried out to Krishna?
How did Sri Krishna deal with the fact that he could not marry Srimati Radharani?
What is a balanced way to see the importance of guru, sadhu, and shastra on the one hand, and the caitya-guru on the other hand?
Can one take guidance from the caitya-guru directly in higher stages?
Are the wives of Sri Krishna considered to be embodying sambandha-rupa or kama-rupa bhakti?
Can you explain about the appearance of pranaya in the hearts of sadhakas, gopas, and gopis, respectively?
Does Sri Krishna ever have mana?
Was it pranaya that brought Gopakumara forward on his path?
Why did Indra attack Sri Krishna later in the Mahabharata when he had already understood who Sri Krishna is though the Govardhana-lila?
00:02:33 What is the definition of santa-rasa, and how does it relate to Srimati Radharani?
00:24:29 Pranamas, Guru Maharaja. Good morning. Can you explain the nature of camatkara (spiritual astonishment)? Is it something produced in the devotee, or part of the ocean of svarupa-sakti that the devotee is allowed to step into?
00:29:41 Dandavats, Maharaja. As you have explained the concluding verse of the Bhagavad-Gita, can you please do the same for the Srimad Bhagavatam and Caitanya-caritamrta?
00:36:07 Knowing what we know with regards to the significance of the Holy name, can we chsnt for rain in times of drought?
Questions on today's Swami call:
Thank you for your kind mercy. Can you share something about the moods and bhavas of the wives of Sri Caitanya's associates?
Is the Haridas Goswami you mentioned the same person that founded the Bankey Bihari temple in Vrindavan? Is it possible that what Haridas Goswami taught was about Sri Gauranga's relationship with his wives before taking sannyasa?
In the madhya-lila of Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, there is an instance where Sri Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya offers food to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Mahaprabhu then comments that he hopes the food has been offered to Sri Krishna, as there are Tulasi flowers on it. If we are to worship our deities of Sri Sri Gaura Nityananada in the mood that they are pursuing, when we offer them food, would they prefer it to have been offered to Sri Krishna first?
Is there a significance to the sequence of how the deities are placed on the altars at Srila Prabhupada's temple of Sri Sri Krishna-Balarama in Vrindavana?
Do you think that people like Martin Luther would have heard about Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and been inspired by him in their work?
It is said that Sri Gauranga appears in other Kali-yugas as Gaura Narayana rather than Gaura Krishna. What would be the purpose of such avataras?
Do you have any thoughts on accepting money for religious services?
Would you like to say something in memory of Sriman Jagadananda Prabhu, who passed away this week?
There is a verse in the Padyavali that describes Mother Yashoda telling Sri Krishna about Lord Narasimhadeva. Did this event take place in the spiritual world or in the lila here on Earth?
Could you recommend any Gaudiya Vaishnava or Vaishnavi who has explained madhurya-rasa in the same way that you have explained sakhya-rasa?
How can one maintain the commitment of a beginner (kanistha) devotee while striving to become open-minded like an intermediate (madhyama) devotee?
Is the maha-mantra a Vedic mantra or not, and what difference would that make?
When you read the Bhagavad-Gita, should it be taken more as allegorical and interpreted or as an actual eventa
Questions on today's Swami call:
When the sadhana-siddha enters the spiritual world, do they forget the baddha-jivas of this world?
Once when asked about why there are so many religions in the world, Srila Sridhara Maharaja answered, "There must be religious differences, but one who can catch the real internal meaning of the truth will be saved." Can you help me understand this statement?
Srila Sridhara Maharaja also said that since people are so fallen in Kali-yuga, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu had to bring the highest conception of the Godhead to save them. Is it then ultimately to our advantage that we are so fallen?
Is it also an advantage that things like cheating and parakiya is not so foreign to us and therefore we can better relate to Sri Krishna?
When Sri Nimai Pandit was disturbed about unqualified people having entered the kirtana at Srivasa Angan, was his ecstasy actually diminished, or was that something he said to create a teachable moment?
When chanting the maha-mantra, should we focus on something particular such as the syllables or the spirit of service?
When we receive diksa, is it the nature of the maha-mantra that changes to give us a deeper experience or is it our body changing into a sadhaka deha that makes us more receptive to what is already there in the mantra?
The Bhagavatam's contrast between the highly demoniac father, Hiranyakasipu, and his most saintly son, Prahlada is considerable. What is the text seeking to convey to its readers by this contrast?
Why do we refer to Srila Sridhara Maharaja with the title Deva?
Sri Pundarika Vidyanidhi was at one point critical of the pujaris in Jagannatha Puri for covering the deities in new cloth without washing out the starch. In response to this, Lord Jagannatha and Lord Balarama appeared to him in a dream an slapped him on his cheeks. Can you explain the significance of this pastime?
Earlier in Gaura-lila, Sri Gadadhara Pandit criticized Sri Pundarika Vidyanidhi which he later realized was a grave mistake. Here Pundarika Vidyanidhi is critical. This makes me wonder, who is Pundarika Vidyanidhi in Krishna-lila?
What is the role of the unconscious in Krishna consciousness?
What is the relationship between the mind and the brain, and what is the function of the brain?
Why do we refer to Srila Sridhara Maharaja with the title Deva?
If Sri Ramananda Raya is identified with Pandava Arjuna, and Arjuna is identified with Nara-Narayana, who is VIshnu-tattva, might this be the reason that Ramananda Raya is also identified with many other personalities, as Vishnu-tattva may have several sthayi-bhavas simultaneously while jivas do not?
00:01:03 Dandavats, dear Guru Maharaja. In the Bhagavad-gita, Sri Krishna instructs us to fix not only our mind but also our intelligence on him. In verse 2.41, is “fixed intelligence” (vyavasayatmika buddhir ekeha) the same as the Vedantic practice of reflective contemplation (mananam)?
00:13:33 How important is it for us as sadhakas to know that we are units of eternity, consciousness and bliss (sat-cit-ananda)? When we are unaware of this fact, we are vulnerable, and perhaps this vulnerability is conducive to surrender (saranagati), for example, seeing Sri Krishna as our only maintainer and protector.
00:30:43 Sri Rupa Goswami and Sri Jiva Goswami present slightly different perspectives on whether sakhya-rasa or vatsalya-rasa affords greater intimacy with Sri Krishna. What might be Sri Krishna’s perspective?
00:39:13 Is there any connection between the vanara-monkeys in Rama-lila and the monkeys to whom Sri Krishna feeds butter in Krishna-lila? I have heard thet the vanara monkeys endeared themselves so much to Lord Rama that they were given birth in Krishna-lila to continue associate with him there.
00:47:42 You mentioned in an answer to an earlier question that while we speak in this world about a hierarchy in the spiritual world, in the spiritual world it is not perceived as such. Would this principle extend outside of the different rasas of Vraja to, for example, Mathura, Dwaraka, Ayodhya, and Vaikuntha?
00:49:19 Considering that there may be different valid spiritual perspectives pointing to different abodes in the spiritual world, do you think there is room for a religious tradition to present its truths as universal/absolute even if they do not align with the truths present in other traditions?
0:00 News
00:00:41 Dandavats pranam, Guru Maharaja. Why is it that Sri Krishna sometimes refers to himself in third person in the Bhagavad-Gita?
00:01:59 Should we always refer to Sri Krishna himself or should we sometimes use terms like Paramatma?
00:11:18 Is Bhaktivedanta a title given to devotees who have studied at a high level?
00:18:45 Would you like to share about what the difference was between the version of the sannyasa-mantra you received from Srila Prabhupada and the one you received from Srila Sridhara Maharaja?
00:24:20 Sometimes it is taught that we should worship Sri Krishna because the spiritual world is the only place where we will be happy, whereas the material world only brings suffering. In my case, I worship Sri Krishna because I am interested in who he is and what he wants from me. At the same time, I want my material situation to be good, including relationships. Does this mean I have not yet let go of the thought that one can find happiness in this world?
00:37:19 Some devotees say that Lord Jagannatha is Srimati Radharani in the mood of Sri Krishna, whereas Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is Sri Krishna in the mood of Srimati Radharani. Have you heard anything about this?
00:42:51 Devotees in higher stages feel themselves fallen whereas beginners may want recognition for being good devotees. Is this an obstacle for the beginner devotees?
00:55:03 Is something lacking in hearing the guru speak on the Srimad Bhagavatam online that is there if one attends in person?
0:00 News
00:02:34 You have mentioned that you received additional diksa-mantras from Srila Sridhara Maharaja. Can you tell us more about that? Are you still chanting those mantras regularly, or are they for special occasions such as when worshipping certain deities?
00:17:52 Before attaining steadiness (nistha) in our sadhana, what would be an appropriate experience of Sri Krishna to aspire for?
00:29:59 Are ghosts real and is it true that they are the cause of mental illness?
00:42:36 Is Rahu a real planet?
00:49:01 What is the origin of the term acintya?
00:57:40 Should we be strict about breaking ekadaśi at the designated time?
0:00 A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada has reiterated many times that his Guru Maharaj instructed him to publish and distribute books and this is what he has done and what he wants his disciples to do. What is the one main instruction that we should remember from you and you want us to achieve on your behalf?
00:19:28 Dandavats to Guru Maharaja and all devotees. If one receives siddha-pranali and meditates as prescribed on one’s siddha-deha, how does one know whether that is merely mental projection or actual spiritual experience?
00:44:22 Hare Krishna, Dandavats. Dandavats to everyone. Do you know of any mantra, sloka, or pastime to study that is helpful for improving our very capacity to memorize slokas?
00:50:39 In Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Antya Lila 4.176, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu says to Srila Sanatana Goswami: “In the material world, conceptions of good and bad are all mental speculations. Therefore, saying ‘This is good’ and ‘This is bad’ is all a mistake.” Why then is it important for devotees to behave “well” in the world?
01:02:12 Sadly, some time ago, a devotee friend of mine became attracted to monism, then buddhism, and then left our path. Have you seen such cases throughout your life in the Gaudiya Vaishnava world? Is it common?
0:00 Why does shastra divide the living beings into moving and non-moving?
00:05:09 It is said that the soul is immovable, and yet consciousness appears to move in the case of the moving living beings. How is that possible?
00:06:54 Sometimes Krishna-lila is said to come from Gaura-lila, and other times it is said that Gaura-lila comes from Krishna-lila. Can you comment on this?
00:11:47 Can you explain Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s teaching in Sri Jaiva Dharma that one may offer Sri Krishna’s prasadam to the devas and devis before accepting it oneself?
00:28:59 Can you shed light on the terms bala, jnana and kriya in the parasya saktir vividhaiva sruyate-verse? Is bala related with Sri Nityananda Prabhu?
00:36:04 What is the significance of the diksa mantras, and why do we chant them?
00:48:53 Are the diksa mantras the same as the gayatri mantras?
00:53:31 It is said that devotees do not go to hell, but why then do many devotees have to go through very difficult situations in life?
0:00 How can one serve Sri Nityananda Prabhu and attain his grace?
00:09:39 How can we preach what we consider authentic Krishna consciousness to others while still allowing them to have their own inspired experiences of Sri Krishna?
00:16:42 What is the significance of Sri Nityananda Prabhu being likened to the moon and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu being to the sun?
00:26:45 Why did Sri Nityananda Prabhu break Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s danda? In Srila Sridhara Maharaja’s favorite painting of Sri Nityananda Prabhu, the Prabhu is holding a staff. Would that be before he was married?
00:36:23 Is there a special reason why in our tradition it is considered necessary that the devotee takes birth in Krishna-lila on earth before entering the spiritual world? In other traditions, a perfected devotee is believed to go directly from the material world to the spiritual world.
00:52:21 If it is necessary for us to take birth in Krishna-lila on earth, why does Sri Krishna say in the Bhagavad-gita that one who approaches him will not take birth again?
00:55:32 How come Sri Sankaracarya, since he is the founder of monistic vedanta, said he would like to retire on the banks of the Yamuna and hear Hari-katha?
0:00 What is the significance of the name Rama in the maha-mantra? Is it referring to Balarama? If so, why do we always emphasize the virtues of Harinama, but do not often talk about Rama-nama?
00:18:52 Some say that in the Kalisantarana Upanisad, the maha-mantra begins with Hare Rama and that Mahaprabhu changed it to beginning with Hare Krishna because Upanisadic mantras should not be shared in public. Do you agree with this view?
00:23:52 Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura said that one’s svarupa will be revealed by the chanting of the holy names, and the guru will assist in this process. Will the guru’s blessing make the holy names more inclined to reveal one’s svarupa?
00:26:17 What prayers do you recommend for praying to Sri Govardhana?
00:33:04 Some spiritualists believe one chooses one’s next birth in between lives in order to best learn necessary lessons. If this is true, it appears one would have to be outside of maya for a moment and then absorbed into maya again when one takes birth. What are your thoughts on this?
00:42:46 Can one consider oneself a Christian and a Gaudiya Vaishnava at the same time?
00:50:00 Some Christians perform a kind of smaranam, meditating on the end of the life of Christ. Would their internal experience be similar to that of raganuga-bhaktas?
00:54:00 Should we take seriously if a desire comes naturally in our heart towards a specific relationship with Sri Krishna?
Questions on today's Swami call:
0:00 Did Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura dance in kirtana?
00:01:53 Did Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura coin the term yukta-vairagya?
00:10:57 In what ways could our study of the Srimad Bhagavatam be enriched by understanding the teachings of the six classical schools of Indian philosophy?
00:23:45 What would be a good way to present to academicians the idea that Krishna consciousness is a science?
00:41:05 Would people who are suffering pain be more receptive than academicians to Krishna consciousness?
00:43:57 Why did Mahaprabhu first appear as a scholar and only later as a vaishnava?
00:47:28 Are bhakti and jnana mutually exclusive, or can they be seen as two complementary wings allowing us to fly?
00:51:35 If there are no rules for chanting the Holy Names, why are there offenses to the Name and so on?
Questions on today's Swami call:
0:00 How can we use feelings of sadness about the impermanence of relationships in this world as negative impetus for practice?
00:13:50 The attainment of bhava is said to come out of sadhana, but should we see bhava as the goal of our practice or focus on our practice as an end in itself?
00:23:39 Kashmiri Shaivites also speak about spiritual emotions, and Sri Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya recognized symptoms of spiritual emotions in Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu the first time he saw him. How is it that Shaivites and Advaitins have an understanding of spiritual emotions even though bhava-bhakti is not their goal?
00:32:31 Is it offensive to believe that jivas can fall from the spiritual world? Will misunderstandings about our philosophy hamper our progress?
Questions on today's Swami call:
0:00 When we encounter obstacles, it is often for us to learn something. We suffer when we cannot see the meaning behind the obstacles, end we get inspired to endure tribulations when we do see the meaning. Why does Sri Krishna sometimes keep that meaning hidden?
00:07:56 Does chanting the holy name purify the ego?
00:13:33 It is said that there are thee desires experienced in the stage of ruci: the desire to serve Krishna favorably (anukulya-abhilasa), the desire to attain a specific service to Krishna (prapty-abhilasa), and the desire to establish an affectionate relationship with Krishna (sauharda-abhilasa). If you think it would be favorable for us to hear, could you elaborate on this?
00:31:32 What is the significance of the name Aghabid being used for Sri Krishna in your pranama-mantra?
00:38:53 In the Brhad-Bhagavatamrta, there is an instance in Dvaraka dhama where Sri Krishna faints, and the inhabitants build a facsimile of Vrindavana dhama to alleviate his pain. Can you speak about the significance of this?
There is also an instance in the same book where Uddhava’s grandmother is attracted to Sri Krishna’s madhurya-lila. Can you explain this as well?
00:51:34 In the Srimad Bhagavatam, Sri Krishna tells Uddhava that he is more dear to him than his own brother. The name used for Sri Krishna’s brother in the original verse is Sankarsana. If Sankarsana would refer to Balarama in Vrindavana, how are we to understand this statement of Sri Krishna?
00:57:47 News.
Questions on today's Swami call:
0:00 News
00:04:42 Some say it is not good for householders to worship Lord Narasimhadeva as the Lord may side with one of them and separate the couple. What is your take on this?
00:14:08 In today’s Western society people are bent to demystify anything spiritual. How can we make Krishna consciousness relevant in such circumstances?
00:32:36 In the Bhagavad-Gita, Sri Krishna encourages Arjuna to engage in battle, arguing that it will be righteous to do so, and conversely, that he would be incurring evil by avoiding to fight. He further said that warriors are happy for opportunities to engage in dharmic battle because it opens to doors to heaven. Did the Kauravas also go to heaven since it was a righteous war and Sri Krishna was present? Would the Israeli and Palestinian soldiers also go to heaven as they both consider their cause ordained by their respective religion?
00:39:17 Some devotees believe it is not appropriate to chant the maha-mantra in kirtana but only during japa. When did it become a practice to chant the mana-mantra in kirtana?
00:45:57 How to deal with a mind that desires moksa (peace and quiet) rather than focusing on the holy name of Sri Krishna?
00:53:06 It is hard to see how the higher levels of bhakti, such as those exemplified by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu in the Gambhira, are based on peace. It appears that there is extreme agitation. Can you explain this?
01:03:22 Further news
Questions on today's Swami call:
0:00 News.
00:05:04 The rasa-lila is also called kama-vijaya, victory over lust. Can lust be seen as a negative impetus to study the rasa-lila, or does one need to be purified from lust in order to approach those chapters of the Srimad Bhagavatam?
00:21:43 What is the meaning of the tenth offense to the holy name, sometimes translated as maintaining material attachments although having understood the instructions given in this regard?
00:29:22 What is sambandha-jnana, beyond intellectually comprehending the core teachings of our scriptures?
00:37:12 Would you advise chanting the names of Jesus to people who hear about Krishna but wish to remain faithful to their own religion?
00:43:58 Why is Nityananda Prabhu described as having a glossy black complexion in the fifth chapter of the adi-lila of Caitanya-caritamrta?
00:47:20 Why did Lord Ramachandra worship Lord Shiva?
00:52:09 Srila Prabhupada followed certain instructions from his guru only years after they were given. How should we take the instructions of our guru? Should we follow them immediately or wait until the time, place, and circumstances are favorable?
Questions on today's Swami call:
0:00 Pranama, dear Guru Maharaja. Thank you for the opportunity to receive your guidance. Can you suggest a good way to explain the problem of evil (theodicy) to a group of 16 year-olds?
00:24:18 How can we learn from our past mistakes in previous lives if we cannot remember them?
00:29:18 Is the cycle of reincarnation meant for us to learn something?
00:36:33 When the vaishnava disciple learns to see guru-tattva in everything, what will their relationship to their vaishnava guru be?
00:52:39 How do we know when we have truly learned something from guru-tattva manifesting itself in our surroundings?
01:12:34 What do you mean by the word transrational?
Questions on today's Swami call:
0:00 Is there a point in praying for the health of devotees when everything in their life is anyway arranged by Sri Krishna?
00:23:02 Is the Siksastakam in Bengali or Sanskrit?
00:35:07 What did you mean when you said that the cowherd boys dethroned Lord Brahma?
00:39:29 How did Sri Krishna leave this world, and what happened to Radha when he did?
00:47:16 How should we deal with fear of death in the earlier stages of sadhana?
Questions on today's Swami call:
Can you explain the relationship between the place of Kuruksetra and Sri Krishna’s being drawn to think of Vraja-bhakti when speaking the Bhagavad-Gita?
Before attaining attachment to Sri Krishna, if one has attained some level of inner peace in the course of one’s sadhana, is it okay to enjoy this inner peace?
In the chapter of Nectar of Devotion dealing with existential ecstatic emotions, it is said that these emotions are divided into three levels: moist, dried up, and burnt. What is the meaning of these terms? Are they based on Sanskrit terms from the original text? Is the meaning lost in translation?
When Arjuna asks Sri Krishna to show his four-armed form instead of the universal form, might it be that he is remembering their earlier joint appearance as Nara-Narayana Rsi?
If Narayana does not offer relationships beyond dasya-rasa, how is it that there is friendly, parental, and romantic love in Dwaraka?
If the members of the lila outside of Vraja are aware that Sri Krishna is God, how could they turn down his attempts at peace negotiation before the battle of Kuruksetra?
What does it mean to offer one’s sensual activities to Sri Krishna when those activities may be mundane such as having sex with one’s partner?
How should we understand the statement of Srila Narayana Maharaja that madhurya-rasa has the unique quality of putting Sri Krishna in debt?
Questions on today's Swami call:
0:00 News
00:00:30 How much outreach do we need as part of our sadhana? How to remain inspired when the world appears to get worse despite our preaching efforts? Can you share something about your own experiences in this regard?
00:32:08 How can a madhyama-adhikari bhakta help other devotees?
00:33:05 If the Bhagavad-Gita is ultimately about Vraja-bhakti, why did Sri Krishna choose to speak it to Arjuna, who is from outside of Vraja? Did Arjuna later change his sthayi-bhava?
00:49:54 If Sri Krishna hears our prayers despite being absorbed in Vraja-lila, are all situations in our life meaningful in a way that we can draw his answers from them, or are some situations in life completely meaningless and could be seen as something like the silence of God?
Capitoli
Questions on today's Swami call:
0:00 News
00:00:32 How did Sri Krishna come into existence?
00:17:44 Is it possible to accept the teaching that everything depends on Sri Krishna’s mercy and still maintain our efforts in sadhana?
00:35:56 If among cheaters Sri Krishna is gambling as he says in the Bhagavad-Gita, does that not mean that he caused the Mahabharata war? How is there love in that?
00:43:15 I am planning to do academic research on Gaudiya Vaishnavism. What are some more specific topics in this field you think would be interesting?
Capitoli
Questions on today's Swami call:
0:00 There appears to be innumerable possibilities of ways to meditate on the holy name during japa, such as the sound of Sri Krishna’s name itself, his form(s), qualities, pastimes, mercy, etc. Should one try to focus on something particular?
00:10:57 Is it true that Lord Narasimhadeva has three eyes?
00:16:22 When you come to the spiritual world, will there be godbrothers there waiting fo you and recognizing you, or will they get to know you afresh as a new person?
00:32:42 Should we see our work in the world as an extension of our spiritual practice and give ourselves fully when we are there, or should we rather spare our energy there?
00:43:24 In the Haribhakti-vilasa it is recommended to live on inherited money if possible, or to do the minimum work necessary for one’s maintenance and do as much sadhana as possible. Srila Prabhupada, however, recommended that we try to be the best in our field in our career and give the honor to Sri Krishna. Was the first recommendation meant for Indians 500 years ago and the other one meant for modern westerners?
If one were to apply Srila Prabhupada’s recommendation to the field of law and try to become the best lawyer, how would one have time for sadhana?
00:50:01 Pranams, Guru Maharaja. In the Bhagavad-Gita, text 10.10, when it says that Sri Krishna gives spiritual intelligence, letting one understand how one will reach him. Is there a shift at a certain stage from using intelligence given by Sri Krishna and hearing him give advice directly from within?
00:55:05 How is Radha-dasyam different from dasya-rasa? And do priya-narma sakhas have Radha-dasyam?
Questions on today's Swami call:
Can it be said that advaita vedanta has an advantage in that it begins with something we know (the self) whereas theistic vedanta begins with faith in something we don’t know (God)?
What are the most prominent ways in Gaura-lila to see Sri Sri Gaura Nitai as Krishna Balarama (to see them as relishing sakhya-rasa although their mission was to propagate madhurya-rasa)?
Hare Krishna, Guru Maharaja. Pranama. I have never performed proper arcana. What would be a good sequence of prayers and actions I could offer to pictures of deities?
If Rama-lila was in the mood of aisvarya, how is it possible that a woman in the same lila was offering Lord Ramachandra chewed berries?
That seems like a raga-oriented type of bhakti.When chanting japa for Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, what mood is the most pleasing to them?
It’s easy to think of how to please them when doing public harinama sankirtana, as they are famous for that, but what about japa?
What are some of the main lessons we should take from the pastimes of Vritrasura’s appearance, speech, and actions in the sixth canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam?
Questions on today's Swami call:
The fact that there is a list of offenses to the holy name implies that Sri Krishna may take offense. However, there is also the story of Bhrigumuni kicking Lord Vishnu in the chest, and Vishnu not taking offense and even considering himself to have offended Bhrigumuni. How can we reconcile these ideas?
I have noticed that in Hinduism in general, Vishnu is seen as the source of Krishna. When did the alternative view appear of seeing Krishna as the ultimate source of all other forms of divinity?
Related to the first question, does Lord Nityananda take offense, or would he be willing to give his mercy to everyone indiscriminately?
Questions on today's Swami call:
Dandavats, Guru Maharaja. Could you share with us about how Srila Sridhara Maharaja instructed you about the worship of Sri Giriraja Govardhana?
Why did Sri Gadadhara Pandit read the sections about Dhruva and Prahlada from the Bhagavatam hundreds of times to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu? Why did he not read from the tenth canto?
Is it best to not go on pilgrimage in India if it would be too overwhelming for one’s personality type?
Please accept my obeisances, Guru Maharaja. Can you please tell me how I can increase my adhikara to participate in the lila of Radha, Krishna, and Balarama?
As one tolerates karma and lets it go, does kama also go away?
Swami B. V. Tripurari Live Q&A November 12, 2023: Deliberations on Govardhana-Tattva
Questions on today's Swami call:
0:00 News
00:01:07 If Sri Krishna protects his devotees, why do we see devotees die tragic deaths, for example, in car accidents, covid, etc.?
00:24:57 Why were the cowherd fearless in the face of Aghasura but fearful in the forest fire?
00:26:18 How often does Sri Krishna appear in the world in his own Vraja form?
00:32:20 When the Gaura-avatara is Gaura Narayana rather than Gaura Krishna, does Gadadhara Pandita retain his Radha-bhava?
00:35:08 Some Vaishnavas see mount Sri Govardhana as Srimati Radharani. What is the Gaudiya Vaishnava view on this idea?
Questions on today's Swami call:
Does the book Prema-Samputa by Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura have a chronology that makes it especially suitable to read during the month of Kartika?
What is the significance of all the dates related to the Rasa-lila, such as the ones at the beginning and end of Kartika? Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu upon rediscovering Radha-kunda stated that Sri Sri Radha Krishna performed Rasa-lila on its banks every day.
Tomorrow is the appearance day of Srila Sridhara Maharaja. Would you like to share some words about him to help us appreciate this auspicious day?
Pranama, Guru Maharaja. Have you written anything on the pranama-mantra to Srila Sridhara Maharaja that could help us to delve deeper in our prayers to him?
Is it helpful to Mother Earth and to pilgrims when a perfected sadhu is buried in a samadhi-tomb rather than being cremated?
Did Mahaprabhu leave a legacy that will eventually purify the entire universe?
Questions on today's Swami call:
How should we understand descriptions of Gopis in their highest state of love merging with Krsna from a devotional vs. monistic perspective?
Radha is known as Kartika (born of Kirtida). Any reading to do this month on how Radha is connected to Radha?
Recommendations for sadhana during Kartika to make spiritual advancement?
Does one’s material psychology have any impact on how much one can surrender in Bhakti?
What is a meditation to have going into marriage and grihasta ashram?
How to understand a friend converting to Christianity after experiencing the divine light of the cross in his heart?
Questions on today's Swami call:
Can one go directly from tamo-guna to suddha-sattva, or does one have to pass through rajas and sattva?
What did Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura mean when he said that he saw his home turn into Goloka Vrindavan?
If one has had a semblance of bhava (bhava-abhasa), will the memory of that be helpful for one’s progress afterwards?
Dandavats, Guru Maharaja. Can you explain what Srila Madhvacarya’s relationship to Srila Vyasadeva is?
Which autobiography of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura can help us to understand him closely?
How should we see Lord Shiva?
What edition of the Srimad Bhagavatam is the best to read?
Questions on today's Swami call:
How can we follow Vedic culture in its essence while living in the modern western world? What is Vedic culture in essence?
Is the mantra that Syamananda Pandit received from Subala the Subala gayatri?
In the Laghu-bhagavatamrta, Srila Rupa Goswami gives many examples to show that Vraja Krishna is the source of all other forms of the Godhead. Some of them are difficult to understand, at least in the translation I am reading. For example, it says that was Lord Balarama manifested in the Aghasura-lila, that the milk ocean was produced from Sri Krishna’s cows, and that this ocean was churned by the cowherd boys. Can you comment on this?
It seems that some Buddhist traditions embrace simultaneous form and formlessness. Could this be seen as an expression of acintya-bhedabheda-tattva from the perspective of perennialism?
Is there a reason why Srila Sridhara Maharaja mentions Sridama and Sudama as examples of sakhya-rati in his commentary on the Brahma-gayatri?
What does Sri Krishna and his friends do when it rains a lot?
How come that even when the Vedic brahmanas in the Vraja-lila had understood that Sri Sri Krishna Balarama are God they were still afraid or King Kamsa?
Questions on today's Swami call:
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura stated that only those who have developed madhurya-rati (transcendental conjugal affection) are able to understand the madhurya-rasa pastimes. That makes sense to me. However, he also said that those who have developed vatsalya-rati (transcendental parental affection) are able to appreciate the sweetness of those pastimes. What did he mean by that?
Would it be more effective to chant a mantra explicitly focused on Srimati Radharani in my sadhana rather than the maha-mantra if my aim is to worship the maha-shakti and connect with her?
We hear that Devi Saraswati is the consort of Lord Brahma, but also that she is an expansion of Laksmi-devi. Does jiva-tattva and Vishnu-tattva combine in Lord Brahma (as Laksmi-devi is Lord Vishnu’s consort)?
How should we understand the many heads of the different forms of Lord Brahma? It is said that some have millions of heads.
Please accept my respectful obeisances, Guru Maharaja. My question is about the difference between the atma and the jiva. If atmas and jivas are separate categories, are there jivas without an atma?
Questions on today's Swami call:
In what light should we see Lady Subhadra as she stands between Lord Baladeva and Lord Jagannatha?
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura writes in the niyamagraha section of Sri Bhaktyaloka that what is helpful for us at one stage maybe become an obstacle as we are advancing to the next stage. What are some examples of things that would be helpful in the stage of nistha but could become an obstacle as we advance to the stage of ruci?
Can you explain the hierarchy of the different types of sakhis in Krishna-lila? Sometimes the parama-prestha-sakhis are said to be the highest, but in Gaudiya Vaishnavism we emphasize the manjaris.
Is it possible for a jiva to alter the karmic reactions that were determined before one’s birth?
How can one be an orthodox Gaudiya Vaishnava in the modern society?
Questions on today's Swami call:
Dandavats pranams, Srila Guru Maharaja. Can you explain the divisions of devotees into kanistha, madhyama, and uttama and the further divisions into kanistha-kanistha, kanistha-madhyama, and kanistha-uttama and so forth? Would the illiterate brahmana that Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu met in south India be an example of a blend of kanistha and uttama as he did not have much scriptural knowledge but had deep love for Sri Krishna?
How are we to understand that Sri Haridas Thakura was an incarnation of Lord Brahma? Did Lord Brahma step down from his position to be in Gaura lila? Is Haridas Thakura a partial manifestation of Lord Brahma? Could it be that he is a manifestation of the Lord Brahma in Goloka, since it is said that there are devas in the eternal lila? Is it better to not be concerned with this at all?
I can think of three motivations for chanting the maha-mantra, one being to end our suffering here, another being to attain happiness in Vrindavan, and the third being simply to please Sri Sri Radha Krishna. Can we direct our mind into any of these even if we are not on the level of the higher motivations?
Dandavats. Good morning, Guru Maharaja. I have heard devotees reference Raga-Vartma-Candrika saying that there is a realm in Goloka with more apparent opulence for those who are attached to vaidhi. Can you explain this?
What is the significance of the gopis being compared to elephants?
What does Sri Nayanananda Thakura mean when he writes in his Preyo-Bhakti-Rasarnava that the priya-narma-sakhas serve Sri Krishna in sakhi-bhava?
If Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu taught that service to Sri Krishna is the natural function of the jiva in the liberated state, how can we as Gaudiya Vaishnavas accept sayujya as a type of mukti?
What did Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura mean when he said that Vrindavana is for shallow thinkers and that the ideal place for bhajana is Kuruksetra?
Should we make commitments based on how we feel or try to increase our feeling for Sri Krishna by making commitments?
Srila Sridhara Maharaja said that Jesus may have progressed from where he was at when he taught his doctrine. Is it possible that Mahaprabhu could also have progressed since the time he taught his?
You have many times said that faith is our deity. Can we conceive of our guru’s faith as a deity and worship it with the aim of getting out of the limiting world of our mind?
What is the significance of the kunjas of the gopis being situated in certain directions around Radha Kunda?
What source would you recommend to study to understand the concept of maha-shakti?
I have heard that some devotees enter both Gaura and Krishna lila, while others enter only Gaura or Krishna lila. How could a Gaudiya Vaishnava enter only Krishna lila when Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is so central to our understanding of Krishna lila?
How can a sadhaka engage sustainably in atma-nivedanam?
Do you know whether Sri Krishna feels guilty about creating jivas that are susceptible to come under the material energy and suffer?
I feel that my desire to have a close relationship with Krishna is self-centered, and self-centeredness leads to suffering. It would seem that this desire needs to be purified before it can bear fruit. What do I need to do to achieve balance in this pursuit?
Pranama, Guru Maharaja. Is it true that Sri Madhavendra Puri was a wish-fulfilling tree in Vraja lila?
In Sri Caitanya-caritamrta there is mention of a love-quarrel between Lord Jagannatha and Saksi-Gopala. Is this described further anywhere?
One school of philosophy argues that reality is ultimately the sum of all emotions and qualitative experiences. They also acknowledge the force of time. Can you comment on this with regard to our view that identifies Krishna with time?
Whose voice was it that spoke to Kamsa from the sky during Vasudeva’s and Devaki’s wedding ceremony?
How did demigod worship begin? Was Hinduism originally monotheistic or has polytheism always been there?
Can you explain the term panentheism?
Dandavats, Maharaja. Thank you for your kind mercy. What is the most effective way to receive Sri Nityananda’s mercy?
Dear Guru Maharaja, what are the most important Vaishnava qualities that enable someone to truly change the hearts of others, rather than merely attracting them with worldly charm?
How should we think of seniority when we see people who are supposed to be senior but who are lacking compassion and humility in their hearts?
Is there an eternal/invisible (aprakat) form of Mahaprabhu’s sannyasa pastimes, for example in Jagannatha Puri?
Can you explain what it means to see the synchronicity of everything in a devotional context? What is the relationship between karma and the svarupa-sakti in this regard?
What would you suggest as a meditation for the days leading up to Sri Krishna Janmastami?
Should one actively search for a guru or patiently wait for the guru to appear out of their own mercy?
What is the significance of draping the brahmin thread around the right ear when going to the bathroom?
In the chapter on sakti-tattva in Java-Dharma, it is said that cit-sakti, jiva-sakti, and maya-sakti are three aspects of svarupa-sakti. Furthermore, it is said that hladini, samvit, and sandhini are three manifestations of svarupa-sakti that acts on the three aspects. Can you explain this?
In the Bible it is said that humans should be good stewards of nature. Is there any similar statement in our scriptures?
How can humility and leadership be reconciled?
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura said that Vaishnavas sometimes glorify Bhagavan directly by praising him and other times indirectly by opposing non-Vaishnava thought. Can you comment on this?
I heard from Srila Narayana Maharaja that kirtan performed without the presence a madhyama bhakta is like the barking of dogs. What do you think about this?
Is vatsalya-rasa superior to sakhya-rasa?
Why would Sri Krishna want me in his life?
Could it be said that madhurya and sakhya are the two superior rasas as Sri Sri Gaura Nitai are distributing them?
Why did Balarama not fight at Kuruksetra if he was a ksatriya?
How would you recommend us to meditate on the Jhulana-yatra?
If we have received mantras from more than one guru, should we think of one of the gurus as primary?
Is diksa not as important as the blessing to chant the holy name?
Some spiritual practitioners have one focus, such as Lord Rama, but we have both Sri Krishna and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Should we think of them as one person alternating moods or highlight their difference?
Can excessive attachment to truth, both relative and absolute, be an obstacle on the path to prema?
Can a Sikh become a Hare Krsna?
What is the best way to please the spiritual master for a disciple who has not received any direct instructions? Other than general services such as studying and spreading the teachings, can such a disciple serve the mood of the guru in their heart as per their understanding?
Does our sangha represent an understanding of bhakti different from that of ISKCON? What if someone is inspired by the Bhagavad-gita but finds Srila Prabhupada’s purports hard to digest in terms of social conservatism?
How can we discriminate between which senior devotees it will be helpful or not helpful to associate with?
What is your opinion on the Lalita-sakhi sampradaya?
What to do if we are attracted to Radha-bhava and feel the lack of her personal presence in Gaura-lila?
Is it proper to offer everything to Sri Krishna, including our shortcomings? If so, what is the proper way to do it?
How can a tiny jiva attract Sri Krishna?
We are encouraged to practice pure devotion but also to be aware of our qualification (adhikara), which may not be very high. How do these two go together?
How comes Madhumangala goes out with the cowherd boys herding cows although he is a brahmana?
Is it true that Madhumangala is seven years older than Sri Krishna and wears a mustache?
What prayers can I say to Sri Krishna in the morning?
Questions on today's Swami call:
If a sadhaka is given different services from Radha and Krsna simultaneously, whose service should be done first?
What should be our mood in doing services contrary to our personality?
What is your history of preaching with Bhakti Abhaya Narayana Maharaja?
Does the relationship between soul and intelligence change according to one’s advancement?
Why does Visnu appear to Dhruva if Krsna is the main deity of the Bhagavatam?
Does our present personality have any bearing on our eternal role in Krsna lila?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
Can you elaborate on the power of the holy name and its relation to our inability to honor the holy name?
Can you explain the difference between the kinds of humility explained in the second and third verses of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s Siksastakam?
Can one who is chanting with impurities in one’s heart hope that their chanting will benefit others?
Can you explain Srila Sridhara Maharaja’s commentary to the Brahma-gayatri? How does he relate this mantra with Radha-dasyam? How would someone conceive of this mantra if their ideal is sakhya-rasa?
Can you tell us something about Sri Krishna’s less known siblings?
What makes you happy?
How would you encourage people who are new to the holy name to chant?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
How can someone's brain become so munted that they think the Earth is flat? Why do some devotees place so much importance and spend so much time and energy on weird explanations of phenomenon in this temporary world? How to deal with devotees who conflate such conspiracy theories with Krishna consciousness?
If I understood right, the Bhagavatam speak of the Earth and surrounding planets as islands in an ocean. That does not seem to fit with neither the globe or the flat Earth ideas?
Is it okay to sing the Brahma gayatri in public kirtan?
Toward the end of his life, Srila Sridhara Maharaja said he had a dream where he had lost all his scriptural knowledge but still had his faith, and this was all he needed. Can you comment on this?
What was it in his faith that made it be enough without scriptural learning?
How to look at and deal with victim mentality in the context of Krishna Consciousness?
Can we have prasadam even if we do not have a deity at home? Is it possible to offer food that was not cooked by devotees?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
Pranama. Can you explain what you meant when you stated that Sri Krishna’s lila on earth involves elements of karma?
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura has stated that in Brahma-sayujya the opulences of knowledge and renunciation are derived from the opulence of fame. What did he mean by that?
What does it mean when it is said in Sri Caitanya-caritamrta that there cannot be pure love of Krishna in this world because pure love involves separation, and such separation would not be bearable here?
Is it harder to practice bhakti in this yuga as there are so many distractions?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
If someone is addicted to alcohol, does one come in contact with Sri Krishna from the moment that one first calls out to him? Is it wrong to keep calling out for Krishna’s help even if one falls back into old habits one time after another?
Is the will of the jiva the same as atma-jnana?
Is our only real will as an atma to serve Krishna?
Some people say that they are spiritual but not religious. What has religion done for the spiritual life of people?
Are there gopas who desire to serve only Sri Balaramaji and not Krishna?
Is it common for the gopas to call Balarama Dauji? Is he seen as an older brother by all the cowherd boys?
How can I preach to people in a way that they get something out of it and without turning them away?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
How did such a nice devotee like Akrura get mixed up with such a bad guy like Kamsa?
What is your favorite story from the lives of the six goswamis of Vrindavana?
As there are sakhas with an influence of madhurya, are there gopis with an influence of sakhya?
In Bhagavad-gita 9.30, what is the meaning of ananya-bhakti? Furthermore, what is the proper understanding of this verse? It seems like it could be used as an excuse to engage in sinful behavior.
During the forest fire in Vrindavan, the cowherd boys appear to be praying to Sri Krishna in the mood of aisvarya, which would not be natural for them. Can you comment on this?
What is the significance of a deity having a particular name, since Sri Krishna has so many names?
What should we be the most optimistic about, and what should we be the most pessimistic about?
In the second chapter of the Bhagavad-gita, it says the soul does not slay and is not slain. This raises the question for me, where does the jiva’s will reside? Can we align our will with Sri Krishna’s will and still have our own individual will?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
Pranama. Sometimes scripture says logic and reasoning will not give us any standing in absolute reality. At other times, healthy debate is encouraged as it will strengthen our resolve. What kind of debates should we avoid and which ones will be helpful?
I read in a book from another tradition about seeing God as one’s husband. Is there a way to translate that into our tradition? Because we are not aspiring to become spouses of God in the lila.
Do we sometimes have to wait for certain phases of karma to pass so that we can practice more deeply? Sometimes, it seems that one is too covered by karma to really practice.
What is the difference between lila smaranam and imagination?
Is it possible to name a single founder of Hinduism?
How can we know that we are doing seva and not just pleasing our senses?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
What does it mean that Sri Krishna is dependent on his devotees in a perfect, more perfect, and most perfect way in Dvaraka, Mathura, and Vrindavana dhama respectively?
Can you elaborate on Srila Sridhara Maharaja’s observation that Srila Prabhupada was saktyavesa?
If Sri Krishna did indeed eat dirt in his childhood pastimes, why would he do that?
Some disciples of Srila Sridhara Maharaja will on principle not read Srila Rupa Goswami’s Ujjvala-nilamani as Srila Sridhara Maharaja said he did not read it. What is your take on this?
Is it possible for a devotee to perform sankirtana alone?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
What does it mean to ask the right questions spiritually? Is the same for everyone?
Should we serve and be submissive to everyone and everything in life?
How can we harmonize our own limited view with the view of the uttama-bhagavata that everything is fine and all that happens is according to the will of Sri Krishna?
Sometimes Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura uses the word sahaja with a positive connotation, whereas were are used to hearing it with a negative connotation (sahajiya). Can you explain this?
Some argue that the fetus in the early stages is only a combination of cells and that abortion therefore is not killing a person. Can you comment on this?
What is the source of the teaching that the Bhagavad-gita deals with five topics?
Regarding abortion, tumors are also alive, but we don’t consider them as beings. Can you comment on that?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
In one place in Jaiva Dharma, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura says that in raganuga bhakti, bhava produces ruci from the very beginning. Here it sounds like the order of the stages of bhakti as they are usually explained is reversed. Can you explain this?
Is it better to do more practice even though it’s shallow or to do less in quantity but qualitatively more substantial practice?
If we understand that we should not pray for material things but do not yet have the desire to pray for devotion, what should we do?
Is Lord Balarama’s consort Revati an expansion of Srimati Radharani? What is her position?
How do we balance the aspiration to overcome material ego which includes family attachment with our day-to-day family responsibilities?
Can we talk to others about Sri Krishna at any stage or does it require some level of qualification?
What is your understanding of the teaching that one should keep one’s guru a secret?
Why do some Gaudiya temples have a deity of Sri Jagannatha without Lord Balarama and Lady Subhadra?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
Are all worshippers of God from the different religions realizing the lila of Sri Krishna according to their approach?
Does Narada Muni have a place in the intimate lilas of Krishna in Vrindavan?
How can we assess statements from practitioners outside of our tradition who claim they have attained perfections that we see as unique to our tradition?
If a saint outside of our tradition appears to have had visions related to our tradition, can we assume that they belonged to our tradition in a previous life, and in their next life had old impressions resurface?
What does it mean when it says in Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu that Sri Narasimhadeva is the presiding deity of vatsalya-bhava? Can a devotee see the Lord as a parent?
What does it mean when it says that Sri Madana-mohana, Sri Govindadeva, and Sri Gopinatha are the presiding deities of sambandha-, abhidheya-, and prayojana-jnana respectively?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
Is the worship of Sri Sri Krishna-Balarama unique to our lineage? If not, is the form worshipped by Srila Prabhupada unique to our lineage?
You have told the story of your sannyasa-initiation. Can you also share the stories of your first and second initiations?
Recently, you posted on Facebook: “If the knower is not known...” What did you mean by that?
Sometimes, it is said that Krishna married the gopis while he was in the form of all the cowherd boys during the Brahma-vimohana-lila. Is this in accordance with sastra or mere folklore?
In your commentary to text 29 of Gopala-tapani Upanisad you state with support from our acaryas that the term brahma-sayujya can be used for the goal of raganuga-bhakti. Can you explain this?
Why is the Damodara-lila so prominent during Kartika, the most important month in the Gaudiya Vaishnava calendar?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
What is the actual difference between bhakti and other paths such as yoga in terms of prerequisites for practicing?
May I add the singing of Nitai Pada Kamala to my sadhana? Is it appropriate to share my love for Sri Nityananda Prabhu with others? Not doing it feels like a waste of heart.
During the year that Sri Krishna played the roles of his cowherd-boy friends in the Brahma-vimohan lila, Krishna in his original form could not experience the same rasa as he could with the cowherd boys. The form of the boys during this year are said to be svamsa-expansions of Krishna. Sri Balarama is also said to be a svamsa-expansion, and Krishna is able to have sakhya-rasa with him, so why not with those other cowherd boy forms?
When the bengali brahmin took Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s footwash as prasadam during the Gundica-marjana lila, why did Mahaprabhu manifest anger?
Why are there in some temples a crown next to the deity of Sri Krishna instead of a murti of Srimati Radharani?
What made Lord Krishna, Lord Balarama, and Lady Subhadra take on the forms that we see in Jagannatha Puri?
There is a verse in Sri Laghu-Bhagavatamrta that appears to suggest gopis and gopas acted as suras and asuras during the churning of the ocean. Can you comment on this?
Does the jealousy between Srimati Radharani and Srimati Candravali affect the relationships between their respective priya-narma sakhas?
Is Subala-sakha a sambandha-rupa or kama-rupa devotee?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
How can a sadhaka get a glimpse of their potential? How can we stay motivated when it feels like no effort in this path is enough?
Can you say something about the nature of friendship between Vaishnavas and how we can reciprocate appropriately to a Vaishnava’s affection?
How can I make amends to Vaishnavas who have passed away since I offended them?
How would you define a spiritual personality?
Is it possible to attain Vraja-bhakti in other ages than Kali-yuga?
Are Iskcon gurus bona fide? Are ritvik gurus bona fide? Can they bring us back to Godhead?
If Iskcon is the only sanga available in a certain location, and one might lose that sanga by looking for a guru outside that institution, is it worth it?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
How are we to think of our participation in Gaura-lila as it unfolds in the present day?
Will Jaya and Vijaya appear in Kali-yuga?
How can I attain perfection despite the distractions that are there and given the fact that one could get burnt out by trying too hard? Could you also explain what the fifth dimension is?
Are there unconventional ways to get absorbed in bhakti?
What does it mean to have an eternal spiritual master?
There is a strong emphasis in today’s society to not care about what others think of oneself. To me it makes more sense to consider whose opinions we care about and for what reason. Could it be seen as part of sadhana to see oneself through the eyes of Sri Guru and Sri Krishna?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
What is the importance of the order in which the name, form, qualities, and pastimes of Sri Krishna are realized?
If it’s easier for me to meditate on harinama while seated in kirtana, is it best if I remain seated even if others get up and dance?
In the Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu, dancing before the deities is listed among the angas of sadhana-bhakti. Can you comment on this?
Regarding the three aspects of the absolute—Brahman, Paramatma, and Bhagavan corresponding with sat, cit, and ananda—it is said that in realization of the Paramatma feature, cognizance is prominent. What is lacking in terms of cognizance in the Brahman feature? Also, it is sometimes said that a sadhaka passes through the realizations of Brahman and Paramatma on the way to Bhagavan realization. What does this mean, given that a bhakta is not focused on the Brahman and Paramatma features?
If Krishna is present in his name, what stops him from appearing in his complete form when his name is chanted?
If the distinct realizations of Brahman, Paramatma, and Bhagavan are final for their respective aspirants, how do we explain cases like Sukadeva Goswami or the four Kumaras who first realized Brahman and later Bhagavan?
What is the significance of name we receive at initiation?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
Is it okay to pray to Sri Krishna and the higher Vaisnavas for help when we are in bad physical health or feel down emotionally?
There is an idea that since the guru-disciple relationship is eternal, if the guru rejects the disciple, the guru cannot be bona fide. Can you comment on this?
When did misogyny become prevalent in ISKCON? Did it originate with Srila Prabhupada? I have heard that he said things like “women are less intelligent” but also that he was very respectful to his female disciples.
Is it better to try to think of the form of Sri Krishna or to simply call out to him through harinama and trust that he will reveal himself in time, as the mind can anyway not touch Krishna directly as only the soul can?
Why do some disciples and grand-disciples of Srila Prabhupada believe that Srila Prabhupada is serving in madhurya-rasa?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
Why don’t we follow all that is in the Vedas? Why do we focus only on Sri Krishna?
Sometimes, material suffering is too overwhelming for one to be able to practice. How to remember Krishna in such times?
Some say we should always strive to improve ourselves, and others say that we are good as we are. How do these views relate to the practice of bhakti?
Even if Buddhism is a different practice from ours, wouldn’t devotees also strive to follow the eightfold path of the Buddha?
Can you please say something about the sameness between Sri Navadvipa dhama and Sri Vrindavana dhama?
What are some methods to keep us humble and to guard us against feelings of elitism directed towards non-devotees and other religions and even other sanghas?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
How are we to understand the statements from scripture that say the jiva is one with Brahman?
Sometimes, it appears that the experiences of the saint Mirabai are downplayed by representatives of our tradition. As Sri Krishna has all rights reserved, is he not free to reciprocate with Mirabai in the way she approached him?
If we have more enthusiasm for kirtana than for japa, how can we bring that enthusiasm with us when we engage with in japa?
Can one replace japa with kirtana?
Do you call yourself a sanatani (a follower of sanatana dharma)?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
Some pastimes of Sri Krishna are intimate and secret. Yet an infinite number of sadhakas are aspiring to attain them. How does this fit together?
Can you explain about the ways of saranagati?
Can you share something about Sri Balarama and his group of cowherd boys and what they do in relation to the pastimes with Srimati Radharani?
Some say that Sriman Mahaprabhu was introduced to Radha-bhava by Sri Nityananda Prabhu when the latter came to Navadvipa. Can you comment on this?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
Sometimes animals come into the lives of devotees, and they seem special and inclined to bhakti in some ways. Could it be that they come to devotees because it’s their last birth before they will take on a human form?
How is it that material opulence makes people forget about spiritual life, especially if material opulence comes as a result of previous pious acts?
If one prematurely imagines one’s siddha-deha, what problems could arise and how can one solve them?
What does being surrendered actually mean?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
What does it mean to have a soft heart?
Is the uttama-bhagavata’s vision more true than that of the madhyama-bhagavata? If so should the kanistha-bhagavata follow the uttama perspective because it’s more real or follow the madhyama perspective as it is more close to their own?
Some people argue that Srila Prabhupada engaged his disciples beyond their qualification. What would you respond to that?
Which edition of Jaiva Dharma would you recommend?
Can you say something about repetition and competition in the lila?
Can one become a sakha in the lila but be disposed towards peacefulness rather than wrestling, etc?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
I have heard you say that Sri Madhvacarya taught that jivas are of three kinds; sattvika, rajasika, and tamasika. Only sattvika jivas are eligible for liberation. How did he support this view? Might this view be influenced by the caste system where only brahmins are eligible for liberation? What does it mean to identify as a Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya Vaishnava when Madhva’s view is so different from the Gaudiya perspective on the jiva?
In his commentary to Bhagavad-Gita 12.16 that a practitioner may give up certain types teaching scripture if it becomes unfavorable for bhakti. Why would teaching scripture become favorable for bhakti?
How do we serve Guru?
Sometimes we hear that one can chant less if one has other services, and sometimes that one can sleep less in order to be able to chant more. Which instruction is the most important?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
Is it that we first learn to study sastra under guidance and then we become able to study it on our own?
Can the principle of thesis-antithesis-synthesis be seen in the different types of personalities of our lineage?
Is the ability to see the svarupa sakti manifesting itself in different ways something that will come with advancement?
What is the origin of Ayurveda?
Why are Sri Srivasa Thakura and Srila Haridas Thakura used as examples of external practice in the Caitanya-Bhagavata?
Are we destined for certain amounts of material distress and happiness in this life and should therefore not care to strive for happiness and avoid distress?
Sometimes it is said that we should try to be humble, and other times it is said that humility comes naturally with bhakti. If it comes naturally with bhakti, why should be try to be humble?
Can one be self-assertive for the cause of bhakti?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
Today being the appearance day of Jesus Christ whom we consider a saktyavesa-avatara, do you have any insights about him or his lila that you would like to share?
Sometimes when we want to go all in with our bhakti practice it is disturbing to others. What would be a good way to prevent or deal with that?
Sometimes it is said that different descriptions of the same lila are due to the fact that the lila occurred differently in different kalpas. Can you elaborate on this point?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
How to maintain one’s sadhana in turbulent times?
Does the vow taken at initiation to not take intoxication extend beyond the obvious intoxicants like drugs and alcohol to other things that may be intoxicating such as social media or tv-series?
What is the Gaudiya Vaishnava view of Lord Jagannatha? Is his form representing a moment of ecstasy or a permanent reality in the spiritual world?
Can you elaborate on the term “braindead bhakti” as it relates to trusting one’s heart and the heart of one’s guru?
Swami B. V. Tripurari — December 11, 2022 — Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura Tirobhava
Questions on today’s Swami call:
How are we to understand the statements from scripture that say the jiva is one with Brahman?
Sometimes, it appears that the experiences of the saint Mirabai are downplayed by representatives of our tradition. As Sri Krishna has all rights reserved, is he not free to reciprocate with Mirabai in the way she approached him?
If we have more enthusiasm for kirtana than for japa, how can we bring that enthusiasm with us when we engage with in japa?
Can one replace japa with kirtana?
Do you call yourself a sanatani (a follower of sanatana dharma)?
Questions of today’s Swami call:
The wives of the brahmanas in Krishna-lila are said to have been sadhakas. Are there other instances of Vraja Krishna interacting with sadhakas?
Some people say that guru and Sri Krishna speak to us through sastra. As the mind is fickle, how can we know whether we are hearing guru or Krishna speaking through sastra and not just finding what we want to be true?
Is it possible to just let go of our karmic baggage without engaging in spiritual bypassing?
Was it that Srila Rupa Goswami defined sraddha as faith in the meaning of sastra and then Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura unpacked the definition?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
It may be confusing for people to hear that the Bhagavad-gita was spoken on a battlefield and that Sri Krishna told Arjuna to kill. This may sound like jihad or parallels may be drawn to people who claim that God told them to kill someone. Can you explain this?
It is very discouraging to me to hear that Dhruva Maharaja only saw the Lord once. If it is so hard even for pure devotees to get a vision of the Lord, what to speak of us? Can you offer any consolation?
Who was it that said, “Don’t try to see Sri Krishna. Try to act in such a way that Krishna would like to see you”?
Who was it that said, “Repeated experience does not constitute realization”?
In the Brahma-vaivarta Purana it is said thet Tulasi-devi came to this world due to being cursed in the spiritual world. This is confusing to me. Can you explain?
Can you say something about the possible pitfalls of attempting to become a saragrahi vaishnava? It appears that one may forget the essence in the process of giving up the externals.
Did there use to be a daiva-varnashrama system in India that gradually degraded to the caste system of today?
Have you written on Srila JIva Goswami’s Sandarbhas other than the Tattva-Sandarbha?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
Is it good to encourage children to chant japa, or is it better for them to wait until they are mature enough to understand the deeper meaning of the practice?
Who was it that first said there are no hard and fast rules to chanting the holy names of Sri Krishna?
The statements about the holy name speaking of its extraordinary power, as shown by the transformation of persons like Valmiki and Ajamila, seem contradictory to the warnings about the ten offenses, etc. There seems to be mixed messages. Can you comment on this?
What did Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura mean when he said we can find sakhya-rasa in Christianity?
When Christians say “Holy Father”, could this be seen as a reversed form of vatsalya-rasa?
A nondualist asked me for advice on spiritual practice. He is not interested in a personal manifestation of divinity yet. Is there something you think I can tell him to create a bridge from nondualism to personalism?
How can someone be influenced by bhakti if they haven’t first gone through the paths of karma and jnana?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
Can you clarify what it means when Sri Krishna’s associates expand along with him from one lila to another, such as from Vrindavana to Dvaraka?
Bharata Maharaja was reborn as a deer for becoming attached to a fawn he was taking care of after its mother died. How are we to understand this story in light of the teaching that our practice should soften our heart?
Sastra says that Krishna is our dear friend. But in each individual case, there is or was a time before we realize/d this. I’m interested in this point where a devotee realizes Krishna to be a dear friend. Would you like to share your personal story?
Why did Krishna speak karma-mimamsa philosophy in the Govardhana-lila?
When the relative does not align with the absolute, we need to side with the absolute.
Questions on today’s Swami call:
3 min
Sometimes the guru’s behavior may seem awkward, but at the same time it can’t be expected of the guru to conform to every disciple’s sensibilities. Instead, the disciple is expected to accept the guru as he or she is. At the same time, there are extreme examples of people who are supposed to be gurus but behave very badly. Considering all of this, how do we harmonize the absolute and relative aspects of the guru?
34 min
How can I overcome the fear I feel when I’m surrounded by materialistic people?
43 min
What is a tamasic person like?
52 min
Sri Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita that the soul has no birth. We also hear that a perfected sadhaka takes birth in the prakata-lila. How can we reconcile these teachings?
59 min
How to deal with the pressure of one’s family’s expectations, knowing what they want is only in relation to our temporary dharma?
Questions on today's Swami call:
1 min
If desire for material gain was purified through bhakti (as in the case of Dhruva Maharaja), how come desire for liberation is not (as in the case of jnanis who do bhakti and end up in sayujya-mukti)?
20 min
If someone has a desire for mukti as their foremost desire, I assume there is no place in Krishna-lila for them. Does that include Dwaraka? Would such a sadhaka be relegated to Vaikuntha?
27 min
How do we really know the true nature of our selves? I know how to serve and love Krishna and the devotees? What is my true nature? What does it even mean?
38 min
If we are destined for a particular rasa, will association with sadhus of other rasas not change that?
41 min
It is said that some gurus have two feet in the spiritual world and extend one foot into this world; some have two feet in this world and extend one into the spiritual world, while a third kind have two feet in this world but their eyes completely on the spiritual world. Is this talking about gurus with different levels of qualification?
52 min
In the first verse of Sri Siksastakam it says that harinama sankirtana "...swells the sea of blessedness" and "gives the taste of deathless nectar at every step." Is this first verse supposed to correspond with the earliest stages of bhakti?
Questions on today's Swami call:
2 min:
Have our gaudiya acaryas differentiated between the atma and the jiva?
8 min:
Consideing the differing descriptions of details in Sriman Mahaprabhu's lila given in Sri Caitanya Bhagavata and Sri Caitanya Caritamrta, how much historical credibility do these biographies carry?
16 min:
What does it mean to chant the holy names as a service?
21 min:
Can chanting be seen as smaranam as well?
30 min:
What is your opinion on your disciples taking part in ISKCON's activities?
47 min:
Do we get purified by the holy name even if we do not get fully absorbed in our practice?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
0 min
Sometimes Sri Sri Gaura Nitai are depicted as white and sometimes golden. Is there any special significance to this?
0 min
Considering the circumstances of Junior Haridas begging rice from Madhavi, Sriman Mahaprabhu’s treatment of him is hard to understand. Can you explain this?
14 min
Could the descriptions of seva in the song Radha Krsna Prana Mora apply to priya-narma sakhas?
19 min
How do we actually surrender to Sri Krishna?
33 min
Sri Krishna says in the Srimad Bhagavatam that he cannot give himself exclusively to the gopis although they give themselves exclusively to him, as he also has to tend to his other devotees. Can you elaborate on this?
41 min
Can you comment on the differences between Gaudiya Vaishnava groups in how they observe holy days?
0min
When one part of the Sri Krishna’s lila has been played out in this universe, is it that it immediately begins in another universe?
15min
Are the aprakat and the prakat lila two separate things, or is there any overlapping? Is one the expansion of the other?
23min
What kind of love does Krishna have for sadhakas?
39min
What is the significance of the time of the day that Gopa Kumara enters Krishna’s lila in Brhad-Bhagavatamrta?
45min
In Jaiva Dharma, it is explained that in madhura-rasa the other sthayi-bhavas act as sancari-bhavas. It is also said that in this rasa the sancari-bhavas are attributes rather than limbs of the rasa. Regarding the first point, how is this either different from or similar to sankula-bhavas where for example vatsalya and sakhya are bundled? And regards to the other point, what does that mean with regards to how the sancari-bhavas are played out?
57min
Follow up question: Can you explain the difference between sancari-bhavas and uddipanas in this connection?
1h 1min
If someone is attracted to worshipping Bhagavan in awe and reverence, would it be better that they join another sampradaya than the Gaudiya sampradaya?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
0min
What is the difference between an avatara and an expansion of Sri Krishna?
4min
Why does Krishna take different shapes when he comes to this world?
16min
Are the sakhas ever amazed at Krishna’s aisvarya manifestations such as killing demons?
20min
Is there a difference in meaning among terms like muni, rishi, etc.?
21min
Are Prabhupada’s letters to you available for reading?
23min
Is it permissible to recite the diksa mantras out loud if no one else is around?
25min
The overall story of the Lord Brahma that appears in the Brahma-Vimohan-Lila points to Brahma being in sakhya-rasa. Yet one commentary on Sri Brahma Samhita speak of him as attaining the position of a maidservant. Can you comment on this?
42min
Is there evidence of Brahma being a priya-narma-sakha?
48min
Are there any parts of Sri Haridas Thakuras life story that would point to Lord Brahma being particular kind of sakha?
51min
What was the age of Vrindavana Dasa Thakura when he wrote the Sri Caitanya Bhagavata? And can you explain the differences in his and Srila Krishna Das Kaviraja Goswami’s ways of describing the lila of Mahaprabhu and his devotees visiting the home of the Chand Kazi?
Swami B. V. Tripurari -- August 20, 2022 -- Sri Nandotsava and Srila Prabhupada's Appearance Day
Swami B. V. Tripurari -- August 14, 2022: Japa Retreat 2022 -- Pranama is the Essence of Vandanam
Questions on today’s Swami call:
0min
Where should we draw the line about how much and to who we can speak about confidential aspects of bhakti?
11min
How can we understand the different descriptions of how Mahaprabhu dealt with Prakasananda Sarasvati in Caitanya-Bhagavata and Caitanya-Caritamrta?
30 min
Why did the war described in the Mahabharata take place at Kuruksetra, a place of pilgrimage?
46min
Can we say that the statements of scripture about matter are relative since matter is ever-changing?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
1min
What mantras would be suitable to teach at an interreligious workshop for young people?
9min
What can we reply to people of other faiths who question our faith in a personal form of God?
13min
How would you present Krishna consciousness to someone who does not believe in God?
21min
What do the terms svanistha, parinistha, and nirapeksa mean?
28min
Mahaprabhu sometimes appeared very impulsive although he is beyond mundane impulsiveness. Is this behavior a result of him being the combined form of Radha and Krsna, whereas in other yugas when Narayana appears as Gaura he would behave more sattvic?
42min
In the pastime of Maha-Vishnu stealing five children of a brahmana to get the darshan of Krishna, why did he call Krishna his expansion?
47min
What does it mean that the saves of Naimisaranya did a thousand-year sacrifice when Kali-yuga had already started? Can people leave that long in Kali-yuga?
51min
Was Maha-Vishnu feeling the ecstasy of separation from Krishna as he came from him?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
0min
Is there place for unconditional forgiveness in Gaudiya Vaishnavism?
24min
If we have gone through millions of species before human life, how come we still have so many desires and may even have to take birth again to fulfill them?
32min
Why do personalities with awe and reverence for Bhagavan appear in Gaura-Lila when Gaura-Lila is all about distributing a mood of intimacy?
36min
Why was Nimai Pandit teaching grammar when there were more prestigious topics he could have taught?
39min
Can you please explain the connection between vaidhi-bhakti practices and the development of raga?
48min
How would you advice a novice Gaudiya Vaishnava to approach other faiths?
Swami B. V. Tripurari -- Sri Krishna's Manifest Kishora-Lila, Part 4: The Slaying of Pralambasura; July 17, 2022
Swami B. V. Tripurari -- Sri Krishna's Manifest Kishora-Lila, Part 3: The Fearless Sadhaka; July 16, 2022
Swami B. V. Tripurari -- Sri Krishna's Manifest Kishora-Lila, Part 2: Becoming a Member of the Vraja-Lila; July 16, 2022
Swami B. V. Tripurari -- Sri Krishna's Manifest Kishora-Lila, Part 1: Literal Plus; July 15, 2022
Swami B. V. Tripurari -- Who Is the Most Important Member of the Panca-Tattva?; July 14, 2022
Swami B. V. Tripurari -- Sri Sanatana Goswami Tirobhava Mahotsava 2022: Sriman Mahaprabhu’s Favorite; July 13, 2022
Questions:Questions on today's Swami call:
0min
Why does Sri Krishna use other philosophies instead of bhakti when he tries to convince Nanda Maharaja to worship Giriraja Govardhan instead of Indra?
8min
How did Lord Brahma know that the cowherd boys were Vishnus rather than devotees in sarupya-mukti in the Brahma-Vimohan-Lila?
16min
Is it okay to speak of common devotees as appearing in the world rather than taking birth? And if it's wrong and people still do, is it okay to correct them?
33min
If I understood correctly, you said that mysticism is controlled objective subjectivity and that Krishna's form is self-manifest according to the love of the individual devotee. Can you confirm this?
36min
Is it possible that we may not be in touch with Mahaprabhu's dispensation in our next life?
39min
(Continues answer to question asked at 33min)
55min
What does it mean that the siddha-deha is eternal?
58min
Did you see my siddha-deha when you gave me initiation and then I use my sadhaka-deha to work towards that?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
1min
How come the gopis use names of Sri Krishna that highlight his aisvarya when they are in the mood of separation?
6min
In Srila Rupa Goswami’s Radhastakam, Srimati Radharani is referred to as the mother of the cowherd boys. It appears that the priya-narma sakhas would be an exception to this. Can you comment on this reference?
12min
There is another text where Krishna is referred to as a parent and care-giver. Can you comment on this as well?
16min
What does it mean for you to have a real practice, and what advice would you give to neophytes who have not yet found balance in their practice?
27min
Why did Mahaprabhu show himself in three ways to Nityananda Prabhu: a six-armed, a four-armed, and then a two armed form?
38min
There are many statements in Sri Caitanya-caritamrta that are ascribed to Mahaprabhu, Rupa Goswami and others, but it appears that it’s the author, Srila Krishnadas Kaviraja Goswami who makes them. It seems he’s taking a lot of license. Can you comment on this?
46min
Can a Gaudiya Vaisnava worship a deity of Sri Laxmi-devi?
54min
Sivananda Sena’s son was disturbed when Nityananda Prabhu kicked his father. He then went to Mahaprabhu who consoled him. Can we perhaps learn from this example that having unfavorable thoughts is not necessarily the same as committing aparadha, but one may simply be hurt?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
0min
What kind of questions can a disciple ask to inspire the guru?
8min
The last time you said you talked with Krishna. Was it in a dream? What did he say?
13min
People say to just chant and be happy, but this may take the shape of spiritual bypassing. Should we take responsibility for our mental wellbeing or just try to surrender without caring for that?
28min
What does it mean to be integrated in the world in an enlightened way?
48min
What do you think are the 10 most important verses of the Bhagavad Gita?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
0min
Sri Baladeva Vidyabhusana is said to have said that the gopis were betrothed to the gopas during the year of the Brahma-vimohana-lila, and are thus secretly betrothed to Krishna. Can you comment on this?
9min
Today is the commemoration of the Panihati festival. Would you like to say something about it?
17min
What would be the most important lesson to learn from the story of the Panihati festival?
20min
Can you explain the significance of Bhagavad Gita 8.17 that says you can understand what day and night are by understanding Brahma’s day and night?
25min
People ask me why I believe in Krishna if I haven’t seen him. I know we don’t have to see Krishna to believe him, but I would like to ask, have you seen Krishna?
32min
If bhakti comes from bhakti, how do we explain that some who are born in devotee families become inimical to bhakti?
43min
How can we navigate differences of opinion within our sangha with regards to important points of siddhanta?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
1min
How do I go about a systematic study of our scriptures?
22min
Who does Rama in the maha-mantra refer to?
34min
Should we try to make more devotees come to our programs or just focus together with those who come spontaneously?
37min
Who does Rama refer to in “Rama Krsna guna gay”?
40min
Where is it described that Mahaprabhu accepted two principles from each of the four main Vaishnava sampradayas, and what were those principles?
48min
Has mount Govardhana always been long and not broad?
50 min
Can you say something about the song Sri Gaura Mangala Mahima that you wrote?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
0min
Does Sri Krishna have babyhood pastimes in Goloka Vrindavana?
19min
If Sri Krishna needs to come to the material world to take birth, does that mean he is dependent on the maya-sakti to perform a lila like that? It sounds problematic that the svarupa-sakti would not be able to facilitate that in the spiritual world?
23min
Can there be different siddhantas depending on the author and what vantage point they come from in the lila?
32min
Can the stories of our tradition be retold in a secular way?
40min
I’m curious as to why Srila Vrindavana Dasa Thakura speaks about Sriman Mahaprabhu more as Narayana than as Krishna in his Caitanya Bhagavata. Can you share your thoughts in this?
53min
Srimati Laksmi-priya Devi is identified with Sita-devi and Queen Rukmini. Who is Srimati Vishnu-priya Devi identified with?
Questions on today’s Swami call:
0min
How can we navigate conflicts among the members of our sangha without committing offenses?
9min
Am I going to be shunned by the Vaishnava community if my wife and I divorce?
22min
Sometimes it is said that any of the nine angas of bhakti enumerated by Prahlada Maharaja are powerful enough to give perfection. Other times it is said that without kirtana the other angas are incomplete. Can you explain this?
29min
Can you explain the two similar verses that both contain the words “Vyaso vetti na vetti va”?
39min
What is the etiquette for bathing in Radha Kunda?
44min
Is it okay to study about rasa theoretically or should one wait until one is at a higher stage?
50min
Where in the Srimad Bhagavatam does Sri Krishna talk about gandharva-marriage?
52min
I’m having difficulties understanding what manjari-bhava means. It is supposed to belong to madhurya-rasa but seems to be more about sakhya and dasya. Can you explain?
Questions on today's Swami call:
0min
What is Prahlada Maharaja’s ultimate destination?
4min
I have heard that there is an ugra form of Sri Narasimhadeva and a more sweet form. I have also heard that Hiranyakasipu actually died from not being able to handle the loving glance of Narasimhadeva. Can you comment on this?
8min
Is there anything said about the disappearance of Sri Narasimhadeva? I heard a story that he went to wash his hands in a river in Mayapura after killing Hiranyakasipu? Do we accept that story as authentic?
14min
Do radical politics fit into Krishna consciousness? I look at our planet as being created by Krishna and that it is our service to protect it.
30min
Today is said to be the appearance day of Lord Buddha. Would you like to say something about this?
40min
In Madhva sampradaya they mention three types of souls, one type seeming not to be eligible for self-realization. This is not the view in our sampradaya, yet we accept Madhvacarya as authentic. So would we see his angle of vision as a different angle of perfect spiritual vision? Is there an official view in our sampradaya of Madhva’s teachings?
50min
It is said that Lord Narayana told Lord Shiva to take birth in Kali-yuga as a brahmana and preach against Krishna consciousness. If Krishna wants us to go to Him, why would he give such an order?
Questions on today's Swami call:
0min
Is it okay to bring outsiders to our gatherings or would it be a disturbance?
3min
In Murari Gupta’s Sri Caitanya-Carita Mahakavya, there is a Krishnadasa guiding Sriman Mahaprabhu on a tour of the 12 forests of Vraja. Who is this Krishnadasa?
5min
The same book mentions a stotram of names of Sriman Mahaprabhu by Advaita Acarya. Do you know whether this stotram is available somewhere?
6min
What are your thoughts on the tradition of bathing Jagannatha-deva in preparation for Ratha-yatra?
10min
How to understand ontologically that Krishna never leaves Vraja?
22min
Why are the disappearance days of Sita Thakurani, Jahnava Mata, and Visnupriya Devi not celebrated while their appearance days are?
29min
Can you explain Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura’s verse beginning pujala raga-patha gaurava bhange?
48 min
Where does the false ego get its nourishment from?
Questions on today's Swami call:
0min
I have heard from some of our gurus that one does not need to be a renunciate to make progress in bhakti. But I’ve also seen a statement from a sadhu to the effect that to enter the mysteries of manjari-bhava one does need to become a renunciate. Can you harmonize these points?
12min
What are your impressions of Sri Murari Gupta’s biography of Sriman Mahapabhu, the Sri Caitanya-Carita-Mahakavya?
20min
We are taught to think of Sri Krishna at the time of death so that we will go toward him, but what if one dies a sudden death and does not get a chance to think of him?
25min
Some say that the character Hercules in Greek mythology was inspired by stories of Sri Krishna. What is your opinion on this?
37min
How is it that Sri Govardhana is both Hari and Haridasa, the Lord and his servant?
46min
Who was the guru of Sri Gadadhara Pandita before he was initiated by Pundarika VIídyanidhi?
49min
I very much cherish sadhu-manga and devotional life but find that as I get older it’s harder for me to chant. What should I do?
53min
Sri Krishna is not mentioned much in the original Vedas, but more so in the later texts. Could it be said that he gradually reveals himself?
0min
Sometimes it’s said that offering the fruits of one’s work can be seen as part of one’s bhakti-sadhana while at other times it is said to not be part of sadhana-bhakti. Can you explain this?
13min
If someone is aspiring for raga-bhakti through regulated practice, is that practice vaidhi-bhakti?
15min
Srila Bhakti Pramoda Puri Goswami said that he appreciated when devotees were lamenting about their spiritual condition. What can we meditate on to develop this spirit?
22min
How can I detach from ideas about myself that are not favorable to bhakti?
30min
In what way does the lila of Sri Narasimhadeva answer the question in the Srimad Bhagavatam as to Bhagavan’s impartiality?
35min
How can we love Sri Krishna for who he is and not for his opulences?
39min
How is it that I can go to sleep feeling very inspired about bhakti and then wake up the next morning and the inspiration is gone?
42min
What part of the arcana is vaidhi and what part is raga?
53min
How can an offense to a devotee be rectified?
0min
How can astrologers foretell details about the lives of great devotees given that bhakti is independent of karma?
10min
If one is not able to focus only on the sound of the holy name during japa, would you recommend adding practices such as thinking of the symbols of Sri Krishna’s feet while chanting?
17min
Is it possible to have real faith even while still being materially conditioned?
21min
Who hears my prayers if I’m not yet advanced?
34min
Does bhakti necessarily have to come from sadhu sanga, or could it also come from Sri Krishna himself?
39min
Is there any esoteric meaning to Bhagavad Gita 4.42, and could all the verses of the Gita be seen as being spoken by Vraja Krishna?
52min
Do you still have plans to write more commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita?
54min
You mentioned writing a book about Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. What angle are you considering?
1min
In the Rasa-lila, if the gopis saw that Krishna was dancing with each one of them, did that create a feeling of aisvarya in them?
7min
Will they think it’s the doing of Narayana?
7min
When Arjuna is stunned during the virata-rupa darsana in the Bhagavad Gita his voice chokes up out of bhava. At the same time, it is said that his sakhya-bhava receded at that time. Can you comment on this?
10min
What role has doubt played in the course of your sadhana over the past five decades as a monk?
51min
Can you say something about the teaching that bhava can be downgraded by offense? I’m uncomfortable with the idea that someone could become a cowherd boy rather than a gopi as a result of offense.
55min
Is Laxmidevi’s devotion to Lord Narayana comparable to Srimati Radharani’s devotion to Sri Krishna?
4min
Is Yogamaya covering Mahaprabhu in Gaura lila?
35min
How can we let ourselves get absorbed in taste for bhakti but guard ourselves from crashing afterwards?
41min
Can you please elaborate on why Srila Sridhara Maharaja was against the idea of celebrating Ratha Yatra in Navadvipa?
46min
We are supposed to transcend material gender identification. At the same time, we aspire for a siddha-deha which will be make or female in some sense, as Sri Sri Radha Krishna are female and male in some sense. Can you explain this?
52min
Can you elaborate on how madhurya and aisvarya are seen in Gaura lila?
56min
It is said that the age when Sri Krishna appeared was the age where deity worship was the main process for spiritual realization. Was Krishna teaching deity worship?
58min
Can we take birth in the prakata Gaura lila?
1h 12min
Srila Sridhara Maharaja has said that Yogamaya is the wife of Lord Balarama. Can you explain this?
1h 16min
It is said that Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu chanted on a knotted rope. Was it customary in his times to chant on Tulasi beads?
0min
What mantras did Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu receive from Sri Isvara Puri?
13min
Regarding the verse in Caitanya-caritamrta stating that krsna-mantra gives liberation and krsna-nama brings one to the lotus feet of Sri Krishna, what about Gopa Kumara? Didn’t he go all the way with krsna-mantra?
17min
What is the use of descriptions of the holy dhama in the form of a yantra when there are clear descriptions of how it looks with its rivers and forests etc.?
23min
What does Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura mean when he says that one should carry out one’s duties in this world while at the same time remembering the worship of one’s deity?
29min
Why is it that mudras are no longer used in the deity worship of our tradition?
36min
What does it mean that the obstacles to bhakti are almost uprooted in nistha? What does “almost” mean in that regard?
42min
Is yogamaya operative in Gaura-lila?
46min
What are some instances of the gopal or gioia chanting the maha-mantra in Krishna-lila?
50min
It is said that we should give up material life but not hanker for liberation. Can you explain this?
2min
Is it possible to surprise Sri Krishna since he already knows everything?
12min
Do all the material elements, including ahamkara, have equivalents in the spiritual world?
23 min
I have two questions:
Can you clarify the instruction that one should not think of the guru as an ordinary human being and how that extends to sadhus?
Can you also share something about your time with HH Tamal Krishna Goswami?
55min
Can clarify the instruction that one should not share one’s bhajana while at the same time Gaudiya Vaishnavism is very much about sharing with others?
Questions on today’s Swami call: 0min
Can you clarify the difference between karma-misra-bhakti and aropa-siddha-bhakti?
7min
It is said in the Vraja-Vilasa-Stava it is said that Balarama’s mother Rohini sees Balarama and Krishna equally, yet she loves Krishna a million times more. Can you talk about this?
16min
What causes a devotee to be attracted to a particular rasa?
37min
When is lobha attained along the progression from sraddha to prema?
48min
Can you say something about apparent synchronicity and divine revelation?
Questions on today’s Swami call: 1min
Our to-be parents in the lila are listed as one of the ekadasa-bhavas. Sometimes characters in the lila are also referred to something like props. So are those characters really there, or does it just feel like they are there?
25min
How does the svarupa-sakti and karma work on the sadhaka simultaneously?
33min
Is ajata-ruci raganuga bhakti different from vaidhi-bhakti other than their respective goals?
40min
Where can I read more about the different types of gopis as they are not described in detail in the Srimad Bhagavatam?
48min
In his commentary to Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu, Srila Jiva Goswami counts the four most prominent priya-sakhas as priya-narma-sakhas. What are you thoughts on this?
55min
What was your involvement in the publishing Srila Prabhupada’s book The Science of Self-Realization?
Brahma Vimohan Lila & Brahma Stuti, part 9: The Three Manifestations of the Cowherd Boys