20220226 Question and Answer Session

Bhavatāriṇī Rādhikā devī dāsī: Is sincerity to guru based on our past karma?

Jayapatākā Swami: One’s sincerity to the guru is transcendental. If one has very good karma, it may help. But generally, one’s sincerity is something individual.

Varsha, Madurai, India: Do we need to plan our life ahead or will Kṛṣṇa take it ahead?

Jayapatākā Swami: If one is a gṛhastha or going to be a gṛhastha, then usually they plan their life ahead. And if one is a brahmacārī or a sannyāsī, then they may leave their life up to Kṛṣṇa. But even if we plan our life, we depend on Kṛṣṇa.

Harihara Kṛṣṇa Caitanya dāsa: The Lord and His pure devotees have compassion for everyone but if someone does wrong to me, that impression lasts forever. How should I rectify myself? Please enlighten.

Jayapatākā Swami: There is no reason why you should remember something wrong done to you forever. You can also think, I mean, for a short time and then go on. We learn from the mistakes of others.

Raṁya Subhāṅgadā devī dāsī, New Pānihāṭi Dhāma, Atlanta, USA: Among many instructions that you have given is there one instruction that if your disciples follow, you will be very pleased. Śrīla Guru Mahārāja, could you please let us know what that one instruction would be?

Jayapatākā Swami: I never think like that and if someone asked me, whatever comes to my mind, I say that. But we want to do what is pleasing to guru and Kṛṣṇa. In the material world, materialists are trying to enjoy their senses. In the spiritual world we are trying to satisfy Kṛṣṇa and in the material world we serve the guru as representative of Kṛṣṇa. So, as far as your question, which instruction, I request disciples to read Śrīla Prabhupāda books, to help in the preaching and so those who read, who help in the preaching, I am very happy.

Kṛṣṇa Karuṇāmūrti dāsa: Child in the mother’s womb remembers Lord Kṛṣṇa, but once he or she comes out forgets Lord Kṛṣṇa. If forgetfulness is Lord Kṛṣṇa’s mercy, then how the living entity is responsible for it? Kindly enlighten us.

Jayapatākā Swami: Kṛṣṇa Karuṇāmūrti dāsa, we take birth again and the ātmā is eternal. So then when we die the body dies, the ātmā goes to another body and transmigrates. So, we start with a fresh life and that is Kṛṣṇa’s mercy, because if we are caught up with the memories of our previous lives it will be a disturbance. So Kṛṣṇa’s mercy is that every life we start afresh. Of course, if we follow Kṛṣṇa consciousness we go back to the spiritual world and don’t have to take birth again. Now what is your choice? Haribol!