19811208 The dīkṣā and Gaura-Keśava mantras

(Disclaimer: The following is a machine-generated transcript and may contain errors or inaccuracies. It will be reviewed and verified against the original audio soon.)

The following is a lecture on the dīkṣā and Gaura-Keśava mantras given by His Holiness Jayapatākā Swami Mahārāja on December 8, 1981 – in Chennai, India.

Kṛṣṇa. Hare kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa Karnamatana.

Fore.

Foreign. Govindamari Gurujami. Agni. So now we’re going to perform. Now we’re going to perform archerman. So the archerman for the diga, take the spoon in your left hand. You put some water in your right hand.

Wait.

Just wait a minute. Then we will chant a mantra. And everyone should repeat the mantra. And then you can put the water in your hand. And then you can sip it and put another drop and throw it away and do that three times. All right? Like this. And then you can pass it to someone else. So everyone should repeat this mantra. Not now. Wait till after the mantra. So everyone should repeat this mantra.

Sam. Of initiation. No, no. Initiation means follow. Follow the orders of spiritual master. In the Bhaktiva Sandra, it is said that as soon as one takes initiation, then at that moment his connection with Kṛṣṇa is established. And when one becomes initiated, it becomes a disciple. And the meaning of disciple means discipline. Therefore, at the moment of initiation, the disciple D before the spiritual master, before the fire, before the Vaishnavis, before Lord Kṛṣṇa. To follow certain discipline and unminded promises which the disciple makes to the guru. The man promises that every day with God failure would chant 16 Malas, 16 Ras Hare Kṛṣṇa Mahamad. So this chanting of Hare Kṛṣṇa, that is the Yuga Dharma, is the perfect method to go back home, back to garden in kali yuga.

In 16 words of hare Kṛṣṇa Mantra, they were specifically meant to counteract all the bad influences which are in Kali Yuga. It isuda Shakarnamna, Kali Kalma Asha Rashna, Kali Yuga. There are so many bad qualities. Very, very difficult times of spiritual advancement. Everyone is very much engrossed in materialistic advancement. Therefore, to want to become spiritually advanced, that is requires a lot of determination. And the initiation is the first step where the body is determined to go back on back to God. So chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa Mantra is the perfection of life. But this Hare Kṛṣṇa Mantra has to be chanted in a transcendental mood. It is transcendental sound. It is not a material vibration. And it cannot be vibrated from material livestock by the material mind and by the material intelligence.

Therefore, if one is not perfect in chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa Mantra, then some negative result will be there in the beginning. So we are suggesting, according to Shastra, that 10 offenses should be avoided by one chain Hare Kṛṣṇa. These 10 offenses are very important. We want you to not accept initiation unless he is ready to chant Hare Kṛṣṇa Mantra and at the same time try to avoid his Offenses. The more one avoids the offenses then the more one can come to the spiritual platform. There are three stages in chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa. The first stage is called Nama Paraj where the devotee is chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa but he is committing one or several offenses. And the second stage is called Namalpas where the offenses have become diminished and the beginning of pure chanting is there.

And the third stage is called chanting with pure name chanting in Naama. So in the Nama Parad stage the first offense to be avoided is to blaspheme the devotees that have dedicated their lives to spread the holy damage Kṛṣṇa all over the world. It is said in the Shastra that the spiritual master dedicates his life to spread Kṛṣṇa consciousness He is non different from Kṛṣṇa Saksha Dari, all the Sats they declare that the guru is non difference from Kṛṣṇa because he is the eternal and very dear and confidential servant of the Lord. Therefore to disrespect the guru or any great devotee who’s dedicated his life to preach Kṛṣṇa consciousness that is very determinable. He cannot one hand praise Kṛṣṇa and on the other hand disrespect what is dear to Kṛṣṇa. Therefore criticizing the devotees of spreading Kṛṣṇa consciousness that is very great offense.

And to the degree that the devotee is advanced in Kṛṣṇa consciousness to that degree the offense will be magnified. Specifically offenses against Guru, offenses against advanced Vaishnavis they are just like what they call Mata Hathi. The elephant creates the elephant in the digītāl garden and it will destroy the whole garden. Similarly, if one makes an offense against the spiritual master but against an advanced devotee then all his devotional creepers his garden of devotional service becomes smashed.

The second offense is to consider the names of the Devikas the Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma to be equal to for independence the names of Mahuishn in Bhagavad Gītā Lord Kṛṣṇa says Mahamadiri Devana I am the origin of all the different Devas and all greater chariots conquer the Narayan, Vishnu Kṛṣṇa he is beyond the material manifestation Even Shankaracharya he’s very famous for his saying that Nārāyaṇa Parada those Nārāyaṇa is beyond the supreme creation. Therefore he is not on the same level as the demigods who have taken birth in this material world. Well known fact the Lord Brahma took birth the lotus flower who came from the neighbor and it is also well known that.

It’s also well known that Lord Shiva took birth from Lord brother and Lord kindred to birth to Lord Brahman in this Way all the different demigods, they are coming from Lord Narayan and Lord Narayan is beyond the material world. And the conclusion is that they’re not at the same level. Therefore, if one thinks that Lord Shiv and Lord Brahma, that is the same Adition, that is a greater fancy, is also determined for advancing his personal life. One should not think that by chanting Kale, Kali or Durga, Shiva, Shiva, you will get the same results in chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa. Hare Kṛṣṇa is a Mahā mantra and it cannot be. It cannot be compared to any other name. The name of Kṛṣṇa is not different from Kṛṣṇa. And you cannot compare it to the nation of Devī gods. When you find powerful personality.

The third offense is to disobey the orders of the spiritual master. Spiritual master. Naturally, being the spiritual father of the disciple, he has his disciples best interest of heart. So if one does not follow the instructions of his father, then it is counterproductive and there cannot be any harmony. Tell him in the kitchen to keep quiet. Therefore follow the orders of the spiritual master, that is perfection of life. And if one does not follow the order of the spiritual master, then his spiritual power needs to check. One must understand that the spiritual master is very expert. And from his position he can very easily tell the degree of advancement of each one of his disciples. And he can also tell how much what is necessary for his disciple to make further advancement.

Therefore, the spiritual master, out of kindness, he guides the disciple to make further advance in his spiritual life. And if the disciple follows the instruction of the spiritual master, then that is purity. That is when he’s chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa with this kind of mentality and with master of Nasser is so kind in helping me to advance the spiritual life. It is my duty to follow his instructions that in this way pure chanting develop within the heart. The Pope offends you should bless you. In the Vedic literature or literature is written in pursuance of the Vedic version, there is a group of people who do only accept. They only accept the forbearers, they do not accept any other literature. There is another group of people, they accept the Vedas and they will punish us. And in Brahma sutras they don’t accept any other Vedic literature.

But actually the Vaishnava understanding is that any literature which is written following the path of the original Veda, any literature which expands the knowledge of the Veda and gives us a clearer understanding, our additional knowledge, which of our relationship with God that is called Vedic literature. Any literature which helps us understand God and our relationship with him that is considered Veda. Therefore One should respect this literature because it is Shabda Brahman. It is Lord Kṛṣṇa. It is the supreme Brahman Kṛṣṇa in the form of sound Vedic knowledge is written. But actually when we are chanting the Vedic knowledge for hearing the Veric knowledge, we are getting this knowledge. We are absorbing this knowledge in the heart through the meaning of sound through the medium of Lord Kṛṣṇa as Paramātmā in the heart. Therefore this is called Shabda Brahman.

It is Lord Kṛṣṇa in the form of sound. To disrespect Lord Kṛṣṇa and at the same time chant his name, it goes to counterproductive. Fifth defense is to consider the chanting of Hare Kṛṣṇa. The glories of chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa imagination Sometimes people say that in the Shastra it is mentioned that it is very. It is so wonderful to chant Hare Kṛṣṇa. And they were giving such fantastic descriptions of the power of the Holy Name. We all know the story of Ajameer and so many other stories. The stories about me here. And some people say that the reason the Shastra is mentioning these stories is just to trick us into sharing. It is just. Just like sometimes in the market the salesman or the businessman he will make so many claims. Oh yes, my merchandise is the best. You cannot buy my merchandise anywhere else.

You cannot buy my merchandise anywhere else. This is the best goods anywhere in the market. You will go, you will not find. But of course we know that he’s simply saying this because he wants to sell you is good. But it is not the same with the Hare Kṛṣṇa Mantra. When you read in the Shastra the Hare Kṛṣṇa Mantra, the chanting one time Hare Kṛṣṇa can neutralize more sins that you can commit in millions of lifetimes. You should not think that this is simply an exaggeration to get us to chant that is an offense. The glories of chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa are non different from the glories of Kṛṣṇa himself. And we all know how glorious is Kṛṣṇa.

But that we must understand and the six of is to give some interpretation in the glories of shining Hare give some interpretation to the shining of Hare Kṛṣṇa in the holy name of Kṛṣṇa. Just like Kṛṣṇa means black and Kṛṣṇa also means teeth. But we don’t say that Hare Kṛṣṇa means we are glorifying some black teeth. Actually we are glorifying the sense of the supreme personality of God. So we should know each other one time.

(Side B of the Cassette)

I had some very wonderful interpretation of the holy name of Kṛṣṇa. I want to Please listen to my interpretation of the name of Kṛṣṇa. He has written some book about the glories of Kṛṣṇa. But Chaitanyama Prabhupāda immediately told you. No, I don’t want to hear. I don’t easily accept any interpretation of the name of Kṛṣṇa. I can only understand that Kṛṣṇa means Yashodanandan means. I understand that the name of Kṛṣṇa means that Kṛṣṇa is the son of Mother Yashoda. And he’s so kind that he is accepting service from his devotees even to the level of becoming somebody’s son. And I understand that Kṛṣṇa means Sham Sundar. It is very beautiful blackish complexion. And beyond these two meanings, I have no other meanings to the name of Kṛṣṇa.

So in this way we should follow in his footsteps and don’t make any interpretations will change your body about Kṛṣṇa. Simply accept that Kṛṣṇa and Kṛṣṇa’s name is no different and that Kṛṣṇa means the wonderful coward boy Govinda. If you simply stick to the simple understanding of Kṛṣṇa, then very easily we can reach the Lord. Because Lord Kṛṣṇa is reached not so much by our own endeavor. You cannot reach Kṛṣṇa by your own work, by Karma, by Gyan. But we reach Kṛṣṇa by submissive service, by the mercy of Kṛṣṇa, by the mercy of the spiritual Master and by our endeavors we can reach Kṛṣṇa. If we think that we can make some interpretation and manufacture our own way to reach Kṛṣṇa which is not sanctioned by Shastra or the spiritual master, then that is offensive.

Seventh offense, which is the greatest offense is to commit sinful activities on a string of chanting the woolly man of fish. Just like now. You have to promise that if I take because I am taking initiation from a spiritual message, then I will refrain from meat eating, intoxication, gambling, illicit sex and by chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa. All my previous sins will be neutralized. But if you think that I will promise today and then tomorrow, even if I commit some simple activity, I can simply chant Hare Kṛṣṇa. I can simply carry on my devotional service. And by the date of my devotional service and my chanting, my offenses will be eliminated. That is the greatest offense. So we must avoid against it. Of course, sometimes there is some fault. Sometimes one may trip, one may make some small mistake out of bad habit.

But one should not consciously think that I will commit. Center of the indigenous chain, Hare Kṛṣṇa. Everything will be all right. You may be forgiven one time, two times. But anyone will not forgive someone who’s standing with you. 8th of fence is considered enchanting of Kṛṣṇa. As One of the auspicious ritualistic activities offered in the section of the Veda known as Karma Khanda. This chanting of Hare Kṛṣṇa, as I have already explained, is transcendental activity. It is a direct link up to the Supreme Lord. It has nothing to do with the material world. It has nothing to do with going to the heavenly planet. It has nothing to do with getting nice material facilities either gross or suffering. Chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa simply means that I want to engage in the service of the Lord.

My dear Kṛṣṇa and dear Rādhārāṇī, simply please engage me in the service of Harrisna. This is chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa. So we should chant Hare Kṛṣṇa. For this reason we should not develop any material method. Material reason for chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa. If we do, we should that will be offensive and determined to our advancement. And the tenth offense, the ninth offense is to instruct a faithless person on the glories of chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa. Sometimes people who are demoniac, they are not very much attracted to the Hare Kṛṣṇa movement and they are only saying the Hare Kṛṣṇa movement is an external activity. They do not believe in the potency of the Holy Name nor do they believe in the potency of Kṛṣṇa.

Therefore, if such a person who does not believe his approach and the glories of Kṛṣṇa given to him, he may not accept and he may think it is just an exaggeration and he may become offensive. Therefore, in the beginning one should distribute the Holy Name by Kīrtana and by distributing literature and knowledge books. And if one is not favourable, one should not preach to him about the unlimited potency of Kṛṣṇa and Kṛṣṇa’s Naan. If you do, then the person may become more antagonistic committed princess. In this way spiritual life will be even more happy. Therefore, it is offensive to instruct faithless person enchanting or Hare Kṛṣṇa. An intense offense is not to have complete faith enchanting and to maintain material attachment. Even after hearing so many guru instructions.

We have seen in the history of the Shastra how effective the chanting of Hare Kṛṣṇa is. We have seen the life of Harida staples. We have seen the lives of six Dasanis. Therefore, we should not doubt these things. We should accept these things and be faithful in the chanting. Be specifically enjoying that the devotee must be patient and determined. So our patience and determination must be there. And we must develop these qualities in order to be able to become pure. And we should give up our material attachment. We also enjoy whatever is not favorable for devotional service. We should give up and the such activities the holiness of Kṛṣṇa will raise in our heart. We don’t have to do any other activity. It is said that love of God is already established in the heart of everyone.

Nitka, Siddha, Kṛṣṇa, Prema, Kamunaya, Shravananadi, Sudha, Chitta. Simply by hearing and chanting, it automatically rains within the heart. Just like the sun, it is already there. Just like a small baby, his ability to walk is already there. You don’t have to train him how to walk automatically. When he grows big enough, he will begin to walk. Even though he may stumble and fall, he does not stop his attempts to walk. And the eventual success of walking is almost guaranteed. There is no cases of anyone, any small child who has grown up and not been able to walk. They all walk, even they sometimes fall down several times. But every child learns to walk. So similarly, every human being is Kṛṣṇa conscious.

Simply by following this hearing and chanting process, by taking initiation and following the Buddhist institutional master, hearing and chanting every day, chanting Harris automatically love of God will appear within them. That is guaranteed. So that faith is necessary. Because of good faith, we can have sufficient strength not to be disturbed with a raised mind. So today, on.

The ritual advantage, we are having initiation ceremony which is a most auspicious.

Occasion.

Our distinguished His Holiness Bhakti Sarop Swami has very kindly and eloquently expressed the 10 offenses to chanting the Holy Name. These 10 offenses are technical mistakes that one makes while chanting. Of course, in modern day civilization, people shy away from such things like population or sin or punya, pious activity or offenses. In the modern context, people think these are quite archaic and obsolete type of dogmatisms. But this is because. The world we live in has not been properly expressed to us in terms of real Vedic understanding. And the relationship between ourselves and this world is also not very clearly understood. That in this material world we are working, We are active, and for every action we are doing, we are responsible. Human life means that we are responsible as different from animal life, as different from other forms of life.

Human life means that we are responsible for everything that we do. A dog, cat, if they go across the red light, no, leave the door open, there was someone out there wandering around can help them to come in. If a dog or cat goes across the red light, who is going to object? But when the automobile goes by, people will object why he is not obeying. Human life means responsible. So coming with responsibility means that for every action that one does, there is a reaction, just like in physics, for everything that is done has a reaction. Similarly, in our human life, whatever action we’re doing, there’s A reaction for that. We may not see that reaction, how it is working, but it is there. So what type of reaction a certain activity brings that has been categorized into two basic categories.

An action, if we do it, that brings back a material effect which is pleasing to us, which makes us feel happy, gives our senses a pleasant condition that is known as punya or pious activity, such as giving things in charity, planting trees alongside the road, helping a poor man to get his daughter married, so on and so forth. These type of things are services to others. In return, we get a good reaction in the future. Therefore it has been titled Punya. But on the other hand, an activity done which is harmful to our own self, to our spiritual advancement, to our own body, mind, to others, bodies and minds, which is cruel or careless or callous. That type of action is known as a vikarma or an activity which the result will cause us pain. Because we have caused others discomfort.

Therefore we have to also suffer. So that has been categorized also as pop or sinful activity. Because the nature of the activity is such that the reaction will be only painful to us. In a very scientific understanding, it is not just some type of an artificial or a dogmatic thing. That has been also very clearly said that there are different degrees. But as in very common terminology, what we cause pain to others, that comes back to us. But all these things are in relation to the body. They’re in relation to our present life and our future lives. In a very physical, mental sense. But when we talk about opera, that means the relationship to Kṛṣṇa offense is in relationship to Kṛṣṇa. Just like we see india that the politicians appear to be almost above the law, right or wrong.

To a certain degree they seem to enjoy some immunity. And they can sometime make some mistake which ordinarily a common man. If we would do something, we would be suffering a big litigation. But even a devious offense, some politically protected person may do. And somehow all the files are destroyed and all the things are disappeared and everything just is forgotten. But in the same person, when he tries to do some revolt against the party command, then the next thing we see is that he’s in big trouble. He’s kicked out of his paws. Suddenly so many legal things are thrown against him, so on, so forth. So of course, in the material world there’s no perfect example. Because everything in this material world is a little bit dirty. But everything in connection with Kṛṣṇa is to that pure.

But in a similar type of way, when one is serving Kṛṣṇa may make some mistake, may do something even good, but that result he can’t claim it. Just like if someone working for the party, he may open up a bridge. But ultimately who gets the credit? The party gets the credit. He may have his name there, so and so opened a bridge. But everyone knows this on behalf of the party. Like that when someone is doing service to Kṛṣṇa, he may do something, but because ultimately that power is coming from God himself. So he takes the humble attitude and gives the credit to the Lord and to the previous guru. Doesn’t take the good credit by any means. He might get some residual credit. But basically he wants to give it all to the Supreme Lord.

Similarly, in performing his duties, if by chance he should make a mistake or if there should be some discrepancy in the material activities, that also is corrected by Kṛṣṇa himself for the devotee. That’s why it says even a Sudhura Charo. Even someone says Sudhura Charo. Even he’s a very abominably acting person. He seems to perform the great abominable act. Still he’s to be seen as a saint, as a Salu. Because somehow he’s in the path of devotion, Bhakti Yoga. He’s rightly situated. So like that, even a small mistake when one is carrying out his devotional activity, that also is corrected. But the way it is described that Kṛṣṇa, he is known as Bhavagrahi Ja Nardhana. He takes our mood just like a faithful party worker is working. He makes a few omissions, commissions.

But if he’s actually dedicatedly working to the party, then somehow another they cover up. Of course, nobody is pure in this material world. But the devotee does a different standard of activity. So that’s why the example is not very appropriate. But because there are some similarities only therefore I am citing it, that the devotee, he’s trying to carry out the will of the Lord. So the Lord of course doesn’t desire that anything be done which is detrimental to other different than maybe the things that happen in this world. But even by chance, if something happens, Kṛṣṇa adjusts. But if with Kṛṣṇa directly there is some discrepancy, some type of biro or opposition directly with Kṛṣṇa in a subtle or gross way, then that is an obstruction for that type of shelter that we want from Kṛṣṇa. That’s known as an opera.

So Kṛṣṇa is not simply alone. There are three type of devotee. Kanishtamadhya Rutham, the Kanista or neophyte devotee. He thinks that only there’s God. God is in the temple of the Masjid or the church, he’s in Naipuja room. But he doesn’t see that along with God, along with the Supreme Lord, there are so many of his devotees, just like there is Nārada, Garuḍa, Hanuman, the four Kumaras, Sukhadeva and others also. There are so many dedicated workers in this world who are also carrying out to the best of their ability, the desire of the Lord and so many other things like guru, like scripture, like understanding about the Lord. So. And so he described these 10 offenses. So in that way, if we.

If we do something directly with the Lord, which is a little, which is inconsiderate of his position and of those beloved and dear ones to him, then that is an obstacle which is far more serious for a devotee who is already considered to be more or less above the influence of material nature because he’s directly working under Kṛṣṇa’s shelter. Just like the intelligence branch of the government, they somehow seem to avoid all type of laws. Like if were to tap someone’s phone or open someone’s mail, and so on, so forth, naturally we would immediately become severely chastised by authorities. But it appears that the intelligence agency or the government, they’re able to do anything they like, tap phones, listen in open mail, whatever they like, because the government said this is needed so they can do.

But they have to keep their connections very loyal with that government. So in the same way the devotee doesn’t bother, of course, he has to also consider that social situation for preaching. But his real intention is he wants to please Kṛṣṇa, because then Kṛṣṇa will cover up if there’s any minor mistake, we’re bound to make a few mistakes. So then he goes on trying very hard to please Kṛṣṇa. And therefore for him it’s more important to avoid offending Kṛṣṇa than it is if he’s not perfect in all the social and all the other type of activities. Because just like we’re doing business or we’re doing our family life, we’re doing many things, we’re bound to make a few mistakes. It’s understood that we might make a mistake in our material activity due to so many years and births of association.

But if we keep our connection with Kṛṣṇa very clear and we’re trying to follow his instruction, then we’re protected. So before one takes initiation, actually what is happening is it’s like a practice. Just like someone going to university but is not enrolled in the course, he may be very friendly with the teachers, he may have learned many different things, but he’s not yet enrolled in the course, so he can’t get the degree. He’s not committed himself yet with that university, hasn’t paid the fee. If he pays the fee immediately, of course, whatever he’s done, he will get some credit for that. He can sit for the exam and he already knows the things, very easy. But ultimately he has to make the registration, otherwise he can’t get the degree. Even he may know the subject matter.

There’s some weakness on his part, some weakness on the part of that candidate because he’s not yet enrolled in the course. So in the same way, the initiation means it’s a commitment that the disciple has understood that there’s no higher truth than Kṛṣṇa and that ultimately the real secret to success in life, the real secret to happiness in life, lies only by having his shelter. Without his shelter we may try in so many ways to be happy.

We.

May make so many schemes and plans, but they will all be foiled, not only for us, but for also big philosophers, big pundits, big politicians, big military men, whether Napoleon Bonaparte or whether Alexander the Great, or whether Aristotle’s or anyone. Ultimately, if they cannot come to the understanding of Kṛṣṇa, of supreme Lord and take his shelter, then in the ultimate issue, they are still bewildered about what to do and where to go. That’s why, after Kṛṣṇa had given so many different proposals to Arjuna, he told him, Become my devotee. Think of me, bow down to me and perform worship of me. Then you will come to me. This is my promise. Surrender unto me. Give up all the type of priorities. Dharmas. This doesn’t mean that Kṛṣṇa is advising us to take a dangerous path, because he’s saying that he’s going to protect us.

He’s promised that I will protect you from any power, from any type of misfortune. And that assurance, the devotee takes up the service of Kṛṣṇa, takes his shelter. This doesn’t mean externally giving up Dharma is a type of occupational duty. But the real thing of giving up or dharmotyak is simply to distinguish or emphasize the fact of accepting Kṛṣṇa as the only shelter. If we say that surrender to Kṛṣṇa, there still may be doubt in our mind. But what about some so many other things I have to do, so many other responsibilities I have. So just to clarify, that first is a Saharba Dharma for a dad. All other responsibilities take a secondary platform. Just like a policeman. Policeman, he’s got his wife and family. Policeman has got so many things. But actually policeman is never off duty.

Anytime that there’s some, at least Officially this is supposed to be. So far I know it’s supposed to be their karma that anytime there’s some crime or anytime even they’re going to the bazaar or they’re going here or there, if they see something within there, within their jurisdiction, they must take an action. Whether it’s midnight or whether it’s in the morning or wherever it may be, that’s their first duty. Otherwise they have on duty, off duty like that. It’s not that a person stops eating, stops sleeping, stops his family life. It doesn’t necessarily mean that how can he stop all these things? But what it means is now his connection is with Kṛṣṇada. That’s his prime duty. You must serve Kṛṣṇa. It is not very difficult in this Khaliju because Lord Chaitanya made it very simple to think of Kṛṣṇa to be his devotee.

Requested simply chant Hare Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa Hare Hare Ram Hare Ram Ram Hari our Param Guru Devī no Thakur. He was a Vihasta. He was a magistrate in the government under the British rule. And he was considered to be one of the best, if not the best magistrate that they had. Because he could hear. At those days, magistrates were both executive and judicial. So he could hear the case, give a judgment, give the orders in record time, in just a matter of minutes. Didn’t have to go through so many jari mana is and there’s so many different type of hearing and rehearing. He could pick up the essence of the thing and make a judgment. And not one of his cases could ever be squashed by a higher court. He was so perfect in his judgment.

But every morning he’d get up early, chant his Hare Kṛṣṇa Rams, he’d meet people, read in the morning in scripture, see his children and his wife take prasad, go off in the morning for his office work. He finishes cases early, about 2 o’ clock when everyone else or 12 o’ clock even when everyone else is working till 5 or 6, do a tour of his jurisdiction, come back home, take his bath, take his meal again, spend a little time with his children and wife and in the evening, early evening again do some spiritual practice and then take rest and then get up early in the morning again. Sometimes writing poems, books, chanting, like that. So in this way he advised that what a person should do who is unmarried, what a person should do who’s married, that there are different sets of responsibilities.

For one who is considered really jaggy. That means a person who is got no connection with the house. For him this is some set of rules. He’s supposed to simply use all of his time in preaching and serving and so on. But for someone who is a married man then he’s got responsibility, try to engage his wife as much as possible. It’s actually her responsibility as Saha Daimini to be companion in karma, to assist the husband and to practice herself spiritual life. And the prime responsibility is that the children should be raised in a Kṛṣṇa conscious atmosphere, in a God conscious atmosphere. And they should be considered to be the property of Kṛṣṇa that they have been given by Kṛṣṇa.

Therefore they should be as far as possible trained to be devotees of the Lord that ultimately when they become 1618 then they’re going to choose their own way whether they will be devotee in their life or whether they’re going to follow a purely materialistic path. But father and father, they are the first guru of their children. Nowadays the modern ideas don’t force anything on the children. Let them pick up whatever they like by random process. Complete nonsense. There’s no such thing as random. Prahlad Maharaj has very clearly said that we are like mirrors. Whatever association, we keep that association we reflect in our own character, in our own personality. So similarly children are going to school, they’re having so many other friends, they’re having so many nonsense cinemas, movies, bad books, so on and so forth that are always affecting their consciousness.

So how to become purified? They also have to be given a positive association, a God conscious association. With that then they can get a real perspective. Then when they grow up then they have a choice. Otherwise there’s no choice. They’re just being brainwashed or conditioned by their present day society. But the Kṛṣṇa conscious conditioning is something which is going on for millions of years.