Srimad BhagavtamSrimad Bhagavtam 1.2.18-1.1.21 1.2.18-1.1.21

Invocation prayersRecap of last weekSB 1.2.18-1.2.21Session Summary

SmileReferences

SB 1.2.4SB 1.2.4narayanam namaskrtyam narayanam namaskrtyam naram caiva narottamam naram caiva narottamam devim sarasvatim vyasam devim sarasvatim vyasam

tato jayam udirayet tato jayam udirayet

Before reciting this Srimad-Bhagavatam, which is the very means of conquest, one should

offer respectful obeisances unto the Personality of Godhead,

Narayana, unto Nara-Narayana Rsi, the supermost human being,

unto mother Sarasvati, the goddess of learning, and unto Srila Vyasadeva, the author.

SB 1.2.18SB 1.2.18nasta-prayesy abhadresunasta-prayesy abhadresunityam bhagavata-sevayanityam bhagavata-sevayabhagavaty uttama-slokebhagavaty uttama-slokebhaktir bhavati naisthikibhaktir bhavati naisthiki

By regular attendance in classes on the Bhagavatam and by rendering of

service to the pure devotee, all that is troublesome to the heart is almost completely destroyed, and loving

service unto the Personality of Godhead, who is praised with

transcendental songs, is established as an irrevocable fact.

RecapRecapSrila Visvanath Cakraborty Thakura lists

fourteen stages of spiritual life. Five stages 1)Satam Kripa – Mercy of Devotees. It is the

first step.2)Mahat-Seva – Service of devotees3)Sraddha – Faith4)Gurupadasrayah – Seeking shelter of a guru5)Bhajanesu Sprha – Eagerness to worship

So after serving devotees what is next? Krishna reciprocates and acts within the

devotees in such a way that the devotee may easily go back to Godhead.

Recap Recap Krishna is Suhrt, our dearmost friend, well wisher and

benefactor. He removes abhadrani or anarthas, inauspiciousness from our hearts. Srila Vishvanatha Cakravarti Thakura defines the six anarthas

1)Utsaha-Mayi – Enthusiasm indicating pride

2)Ghana-Tarala – Moving unsteadily between diligence and negligence.

3)Vyudha-Vikalpa – Flickering determination.

4)Visaya-Sangara – Ongoing Struggle with sense pleasure

5)Niyamaksama – Inability to improve devotional practices.

6)Taranga-Rangini – Delighting in material facilities that bhakti produces.

What occurs after we become eager to hear, which begins the clearing of the material desires from the heart?

[SB 1.2.18] [SB 1.2.18] nasta-prayesv abhadresunasta-prayesv abhadresunityam bhagavata-sevayanityam bhagavata-sevayabhagavaty uttama-slokebhagavaty uttama-slokebhaktir bhavati naisthikibhaktir bhavati naisthiki

By regular attendance in classes on the Bhagavatam and by rendering of service to the pure devotee, all that is troublesome to the heart is almost completely destroyed, and loving service unto the Personality of Godhead, who is praised with transcendental songs, is established as an irrevocable fact.

Key pointsKey points By hearing Srimad Bhagavatam and serving devotees, all

inauspiciousness (abhadresu) is completely (pradyeshu) destroyed (nasta).

Srila Prabhupada UvacaSo nasta-prayesv abhadresu nityam bhagavata-sevaya

[SB 1.2.18]. Not all cleansed, but praya, say, seventy-five cleansed. At that time, you become fixed-up in devotional service, naisthiki. There are different stages of devotional service. That I have explained several times. First of all, sraddha, sadhu-sanga, bhajana-kriya, anartha-nivrttih syat. When anartha-nivrttih syat, all unwanted things are finished, at that time, nistha, firm faith. So bhagavaty uttama-sloke bhaktir bhavati naisthiki. So, so long there are dirty things, our faith and devotion in Krsna is not very fixed up, sometimes we deviate, we go away. But then nasta-prayesu, when seventy-five percent of the dirty things are cleansed, then our faith in God becomes fixed up. Bhagavaty uttama-sloke.

Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.2.18, August 21, 1972, Los Angeles

Key pointsKey pointsNityam Bhagavata Sevya – Remember

Bhagavatam at all times. Serve Bhagavatas at all times.

Devotee Bhagavata is as good a the book Bhagavata because the devotee Bhagavata leads his life in terms of the book Bhagavata. So they are both identical. Bhagavata is a direct representative of Krishna, of Bhagavan, the supreme personality of Godhead. So by pleasing a devotee Bhagavata, one can receive the benefit of the book Bhagavata. E.g Narada muni.

Message of Bhagavatam has to be received from the devotee Bhagavata.

Srila Prabhpada UvacaSrila Prabhpada UvacaSo bhagavaty uttama-sloke bhaktir bhavati naisthiki. That fixed up

bhakti is required, not oscillating: sometimes this side, sometimes that side. So this can be possible, fixed up devotional service, by nityam bhagavata-sevaya [SB 1.2.18], regularly worshiping the bhagavata-grantha and the devotee bhagavata. Because without hearing about God authentically, how we can fix up? So we should hear, srnvatam sva-kathah krsnah. Sva-kathah krsnah [SB 1.2.17]. Krsna's word is given by Krsna. Just like Bhagavad-gita. Sva-kathah means "His own words." So this is bhagavata. And sva-kathah, Srimad-Bhagavatam is also sva-kathah. The Puranas also, sva-kathah. Because all these books are given by Vyasadeva. Vyasadeva is incarnation of Krsna. So that is also sva-kathah. So we have to hear about Krsna which is given by Krsna. Bhagavad-gita is given by Krsna, and Bhagavata and other Puranas and Vedic literature given by Krsna Dvaipayana Vyasa. And the method is taught by Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu. So therefore, everything is Krsna's. Krsna directly, Krsna as Vyasadeva; Krsna as Caitanya Mahaprabhu devotee.

So we have to follow this. Sri-krsna-caitanya prabhu nityananda, sri-advaita gadadhara srivasadi-gaura-bhakta-vrnda. Krsna is teaching how to approach Krsna. That is bona fide. We cannot take any other method. This is the authorized method.

Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.2.18, August 21, 1972, Los Angeles

Srila Prabhupada UvacaSrila Prabhupada Uvaca Prabhupada: So here it is said bhagavata-sevaya, not

bhagavan-sevaya. Bhagavan is Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and bhagavata means in relation with Bhagavan, who has got relationship with Bhagavan. So here it is recommended bhagavata-sevaya, not bhagavan-sevaya. The idea is that you cannot approach Bhagavan, God, directly. That is not possible. First of all, you. have to serve bhagavata, the devotee bhagavata.

So the question was, "Which worship is best?" So Lord Siva replied, aradhananam sarvesam visnor aradhanam param: "My dear Parvati, of all methods of worship, Visnu worship is the topmost." There are many demigods' worship, even Lord Siva's worship, but Lord Siva says, "Visnu worship is the best." Then he says again, tasmat parataram devi. "My dear Devi, better than that Visnu worship is tadiyanam samarcanam." Tadiya. Tadiya means those who are in relationship with Visnu, tadiya. Just like His devotee, tadiya. Tulasi-vrksa. Tulasi is tadiya. Or temple tadiya. Preaching tadiya. Tadiyanam samarcanam. This is bhagavata. So Lord Siva recommends that "Of all methods of worship, Visnu worship is the best, and better than Visnu worship is to worship His devotee or things in relationship with Him."

Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.2.18, August 21, 1972, Los Angeles

The next 3 stages spiritual The next 3 stages spiritual developmentdevelopment

6) Bhaktih – Bhakti. All good qualities automatically appear in a Bhakta and no separate endeavor is needed.

The cultivation of activities that are meant exclusively for the pleasure of Sri Krsna, or in other words the uninterrupted flow of service to Sri Krsna, performed through all endeavors' of the body, mind and speech, and through the expression of various spiritual sentiments (bhavas), which is not covered by jnana (knowledge aimed at impersonal liberation) and karma (reward-seeking activity), and which is devoid of all desires other than the aspiration to bring happiness to Sri Krsna, is called uttama-bhakti, pure devotional service.“ (Sri Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu 1.1.11)]

In brief, the meaning of the verse is this: Pure bhakti is the continuous, unbroken cultivation of all activities of the body, mind, words, and spiritual feelings which are meant exclusively for the benefit of Sri Krsna, which are completely free from all other desires, and which is not covered by karma (fruitive activities), jnana (knowledge), yoga, and other things.

"By glorifying the process of Bhakti directly...one is also glorifying the object of devotion, or one is glorifying Krsna directly. Because bhakti is manifest by the internal potency of Krsna, and the internal potency is non-different from the Lord, so the Lord is being glorified."

-- Srila Romapada Swami, 3/13/00 IITD, Bhag. 1.8.33-41

The next 3 stages spiritual developmentThe next 3 stages spiritual development7) Anarthapagamam – Disappearance of obstacles. Anarthas are

Unwanted and dirty things that are hindrances in our path of bhakti.

Remember to Hate the sin not the sinner. Obstacles are to be conquered.

According to Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, the Sakatasura demon represents the load carrying mentality. By that he means we have old habits, bad habits, from this life and previous lives, and we carry that bad habit mentality with us lifetime after lifetime, moment to moment. Krsna kicks aside that mentality by His lotus feet. Also, Bhaktivinoda Thakura describes the lethargy and dullness of living entities. If we take shelter of Krsna, and Krsna shows His special kindness, this obstacle on the path of spiritual life becomes removed by Krsna.

Sakatasura represents bad habits. It required so many stout cowherd men to put the cart together and pile up all the utensils, but a mere touch of Krsna's lotus feet smashed the cart to pieces and scattered all the utensils. Similarly, we've been carrying the burden of our bad habits for many lives. With our own efforts we can not do anything, but by Krsna's mercy our bad habits can be destroyed in a moment. We feel the load of stuff and don't know what we would do without it. When moving on the path to Krsna, Krsna relieves us of that sense that we have to carry this heavy load of our bad habits.

-- Adapted from a lecture by Srila Romapada Swami

The next 3 stages spiritual developmentThe next 3 stages spiritual development8) Tatha Nistha – then Steadiness is acheived. "When a person develops sraddha (faith), he can think about

a subject and understand it, wheareas one cannot do so without sraddha. Indeed only a person with sraddha can reflect on anything." -Chandogya Upanishad (7.19.1)

Faith is the unflinching confidence that upon attaining one thing --- Krsna-bhakti --- one is provided with all other desirable achievements. Absolute faith, unflinching faith, rests in Krsna-bhakti only. Faith in any other result or any other process will be unavoidably transient and ultimately disappointing. Attaining this faith rests upon guru-kripa, which includes very careful guidance and training.

Faith brings intelligence and realization, which fix the mind in undeviating determination. The medium of cultivation of faith is service -- humble and devoted service. This is KC'ness!

A strong faith that by Krsna consciousness one will be elevated to the highest perfection of life is called vyavasayatmika intelligence.

Srila Prabhpada UvacaSrila Prabhpada UvacaSo that is required. Tato nistha rucis tatah, athasaktis tato

bhavah, sadhakanam ayam premnah pradurbhave bhavet kramah. Anartha, when the... The same thing is described by Rupa Gosvami. As it is said here, nasta-prayesu abhadresu. These abhadra, these anartha... Anartha-nivrttih syat. Bhakti, when, if one takes seriously to bhakti path, then the test is that he has given up all nonsense unwanted things. Not that he's a bhakta, and still smoking. He's not a bhakta. He's not a bhakta. That is the test. So these things are to be noted very carefully, and to try to associate with devotee. Tandera carana-sebi-bhakta-sane bas. Try to serve the superior acaryas, Gosvamis. Ei chay gosai janr mui tanr das. Make a conviction, firm determination, that "We shall follow only the, the path chalked out by the Six Gosvamis. We shall not deviate." With this determination, if you can go on, everything is clear, and there is no difficulty to become liberated or become a devotee of Krsna.

Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.2.18, October 29, 1972, Vrndavana

So what occurs after a devotee reaches Nistha, steadiness?

[SB 1.2.19] [SB 1.2.19] tada rajas-tamo-bhavahtada rajas-tamo-bhavahkama-lobhadayas ca yekama-lobhadayas ca yeceta etair anaviddhamceta etair anaviddhamsthitam sattve prasidatisthitam sattve prasidati

As soon as irrevocable loving service is established in the heart, the effects of nature's modes of passion and ignorance, such as lust, desire and hankering, disappear from the heart. Then the devotee is established in goodness, and he becomes completely happy.

Key pointsKey pointsNormal constitutional position is brahma

bhutta or atma-annandi (State of self satisfaction)

Devotional Service is not inactivity, but unalloyed activity of the soul.

Educated non-devotee is dangerous but a devotee is neither foolish nor passionate.

A devotee is always qualified by the good qualities of the God.

In the depth of Krishna Consciousness in which all material desires are destroyed, the heart plunges in pure goodness (Sudda-Tattva).

Key pointsKey pointsIt is difficult to advance under the grip of

passion and ignorance.

Srila Prabhupada UvacaSrila Prabhupada UvacaBecause everything is within the heart. We become greedy,

we become lusty on account of distortion of the heart disease, kama. Tada hrdi lobha-kamau apahinoti(?). That is a heart disease. This kama and lobha is a heart disease. Actually, you don't require this, but it is a kind of disease. "More and more and more and more and more." Never satisfied. So we have to cure this disease. And this process, simple process, Caitanya Mahaprabhu has given: ceto-darpana-marjanam [Cc. Antya 20.12]. To cure the heart disease of lusty desires and greediness is chanting Hare Krsna maha-mantra. Param vijayate sri-krsna-sankirtanam. These are the shastric injunction, and spoken by personalities like Lord Caitanya and other acaryas.

Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.2.19 September 27, 1974, Calcutta

Key pointsKey pointsA vaishnava is already a Brahman. Brahma-

bhutah prasannatma [Bg. 18.54].

Prasidati (Fully Satisfied)

Prasannatma (Happy)

Mode of Goodness

(Sattva Guna)

Devotional Service.

Srila Prabhupada UvacaSrila Prabhupada UvacaBut to understand Krsna it will require Krsna's mercy. Without

Krsna's mercy... So how you get Krsna's mercy?tesam satata-yuktanambhajatam priti-purvakamdadami buddhi-yogam tamyena mam upayanti te  [Bg. 10.10]

One can understand Krsna by being constantly engaged in His service. Tesam satata-yuktanam. Not that weekly once go to the church. No. Twenty-four hours, satata-yuktanam, engaged in Krsna's service. That is Krsna consciousness movement. We are teaching people how to become twenty-four hours engaged in Krsna's service. This is our business. We don't allow karma, jnana, yoga. No. Simply. And that is krsna-bhakti. Jnana-karmady-anavrtam [Madhya 19.167]. There is no question of jnana and karma. That is not pure bhakti. Pure bhakti means anyabhilasita-sunyam jnana-karmady-anavrtam, anukulyena krsnanusilanam [BRS 1.1.11], simply to serve Krsna favorably, as Krsna becomes pleased. This is bhakti. This is pure devotion.

Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.2.19 September 27, 1974, Calcutta

The next 2 stages spiritual developmentThe next 2 stages spiritual development9) Ruci – Taste. A heart no pierced by sense objects

develops a distaste (Aruchya) for sense objects.

"Attaining steadiness, devotees perform their devotional activities and take association with more care. By this, the anarthas are further reduced and steadiness turns to joy in the Lord's service. This is called ruci (taste). This is the sixth step. With ruci for Krsna well established, everything else material becomes tasteless.

10)Atha Asakti – Firm Attachment. Attachment is only for Krishna, services for Krishna

and instructions of the spiritual master. When a service is done with attachment then we are very careful in doing it. Material attachment leads to one’s downfall.

Summary – 1.2.19Summary – 1.2.19

When (tada) the effects of passion and ignorance (rajas-tamo-bhavah)—lust,greed, and so on (Kama-lobhadayas ca ye)– no longer affect us (Ceta eta etir anaviddham), we will become situated in goodness (Sthitam sattve) and feel fully happy (Prasidati)

What does a progressive soul experience after asakti?

[SB 1.2.20 ] [SB 1.2.20 ] evam prasanna-manasoevam prasanna-manaso

bhagavad-bhakti-yogatahbhagavad-bhakti-yogatahbhagavat-tattva-vijnanambhagavat-tattva-vijnanam

mukta-sangasya jayatemukta-sangasya jayateThus established in the mode of

unalloyed goodness, the man whose mind has been enlivened by contact with devotional service to the Lord gains positive scientific knowledge of the Personality of Godhead in the stage of liberation from all material association.

Key pointsKey points

Scientific knowledge of Krishna is only known through devotional service (Bhakti yoga)

When a qualified Brahamna factually becomes a vaishnava, in the enlivened stage of liberation he can know what is actually the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Brahmana v/s VaishnavaBrahmana v/s VaishnavaA Brahmana is one who is firmly situated in the mode of

goodness, above the influence of the modes of passion and ignorance. The character traits of a brahmana are described in the Bhagavad-Gita (18.42): peacefulness, austerity, simplicity, sense control, cleanliness, honesty, religiousness - these are the qualities of a brahmana. Literally, brahmana means one who knows or has realized Brahman. But a brahmana is also under the influence of modes of nature, since goodness is also one of the material modes

A Vaishnava on the other hand, is imbued with devotion to the Supreme Lord, which is situated beyond the dutiful platform of religiousness. And by virtue of his devotion to the Personality of Godhead, a pure vaishnava actually transcends the modes of material nature; by direct service to the Supreme Lord he is situated beyond the four social orders. An unalloyed Vaishnava has all the qualifications of a brahmana, yet such a Vaishnava is more than a brahmana.

The next 4 stages spiritual developmentThe next 4 stages spiritual development11) Ratih – Fondness.

12) Prema – Devotional love. The quickest way to achieve prema is to stay in the

company of those who know its value. The association of first-class pure Vaisnavas has the power to evoke prema in an aspirant's heart

Sadhana-bhakti performed in Krsna's holy dhama is especially conducive to the awakening of prema.

Prema is not achievable by other methods, such as karma and jnana. Devotees should therefore disregard those methods and simply busy themselves with the devotional service of hearing, chanting, remembering, and so on.

Sri Brhat-Bhagavatamrta, Narada Muni explains to Gopa Kumar how to achieve Goloka Vrndavan, the original spiritual planet in the spiritual sky. Narada's teaching is that to achieve this most exalted goal two primary qualities are required: matured stages of prema (love) and dainya (utter humility). One without the other is not even possible; they go together. Genuine humility enhances ones eagerness to be situated in one's relationship with Krishna, and vice versa.

The next 4 stages spiritual developmentThe next 4 stages spiritual development13) Atha Darsanam – Vision, audience. It means to

get vision of the Lord and an audience with the Lord. This can only come after Prema. premanjana-cchurita-bhakti-vilocanena

santah sadaiva hrdayesu vilokayanti

We cannot see Krishna without our mundane eyes. We need our eyes tinged with love to see Krishna, seek Krishna.

14) Harer Madhuryanubhava – Direct experience of Hari’s sweetness. Final Stage.

Summary 1.2.20Summary 1.2.20 By engaging in devotional service one

becomes enlivened (Prasanna-Manasah) and liberated from the association (mutka-sangasya) with lust and other vices. In this way pure, positive (Suddha-Sattva) knowlegde (vijnanyam) is manifest (jayate), whereby the Lord appears in and outside of the heart (without the process of meditation)

[SB 1.2.21 ] [SB 1.2.21 ] bhidyate hrdaya-granthisbhidyate hrdaya-granthis

chidyante sarva-samsayahchidyante sarva-samsayahksiyante casya karmaniksiyante casya karmani

drsta evatmanisvaredrsta evatmanisvareThus the knot in the heart is pierced, and all misgivings are cut to pieces. The chain of fruitive actions is terminated when one sees the self as master.

Key pointsKey pointskrsna surya-sama, maya andhakara,

yahan krsna tahan nahi mayara adhikara Perfect knowledge is called Parampara or

deductive knowledge coming down from the authority of a submissive aural receiver who is bona fide by service and surrender.

Challenge to the supreme and to know him at the same time is not possible. Mood of surrender is required.

Seeing the Lord increases our eagerness to serve him. That eagerness powerfully overrules our feeling of being disqualified for this service.

Key pointsKey pointsDue to enlightenment of transcendental

knowledge a devotee is able to distinguish between spirit and matter. Because of this the knot of spirit and matter (knot in the heart-hrdaya-granthih) untied by the Lord. This is the knot of Ahankara or false pride.

Once this knot is loosened all doubts are cleared and one sees his master and engages himself fully in transcendental loving service of the Lord.

When a soul sees the infallible Supreme personality of Godhead it is called liberation. Though the soul may reside in the world of birth and death he will see his original form directly. The soul’s misidentification with external material body is destroyed.

Srila Prabhpada UvacaSrila Prabhpada UvacaJust like there is a proverb. The vulture goes very high, three miles,

four miles high. It is very difficult for us to fly, single-handed. But the aim is, "Where is a dead body?" He's looking forward, "Where is a dead body?" The aim is, not very good. He's looking after some dead corpse to eat. That is his business. But he has gone very high, four miles high. Similarly, all these so-called rascal scientists, their aim is how to stuck-up in this knot of material existence, and they are trying to become so many things. You see? Hrdaya-granthi. Real attachment is here. Just like the hog; the real attachment is the stool. But he's getting very fat, "Oh, I am so happy." You see? So this is going on. Nature is very clever. Just to make you attached to stool, she gives you certain body, type of body, hog. You become very pleased: "Oh, I am so happy. I am living in heaven." Sometimes actually Indra, the king of heaven, he was cursed to become a hog, and he was, he became hog. He had so many kiddies, wife, and living in filthy place, eating stool. So Brahma came that for his absence, the management in the heavenly kingdom is not going nice. So he came: "Indra, now please come with me." "Where shall I go to, sir?" "Heaven." "What is that? I cannot go. I have got responsibility. I have got my wife, my children, and I am happy here. I do not know what is heaven.“

Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.2.21, August 24, 1972, Los Angeles

Srila Prabhpada UvacaSrila Prabhpada Uvacakrishna-bhakti-rasa-bhavita matih

kriyatam yadi kuto 'pi labhyatetatra laulyam api mulyam ekalamjanma-koti-sukritair na labhyate

So by Krsna consciousness movement, if people take to it seriously and become advanced... The same process, srnvatam sva-kathah krsnah [SB 1.2.17], simply hearing about Krsna, as we are doing. Then, gradually, we come to the platform of goodness, and the lower modes of material nature, namely ignorance and passion, cannot disturb us. We become situated in goodness. And then, gradually, this stage comes, evam prasanna-manaso bhagavad-bhakti yogatah [SB 1.2.20]. You become engladdened, you become joyful, by discharging devotional service. And the knots, you will be no more interested with this rascal life of material existence. Bhidyate hrdaya-granthih.

Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.2.21, August 24, 1972, Los Angeles

Crucial instructionCrucial instruction

Session SummarySession SummaryBy hearing Srimad Bhagavatam and serving

devotees, all inauspiciousness (abhadresu) is completely (pradyeshu) destroyed (nasta).

By pleasing a devotee Bhagavata, one can receive the benefit of the book Bhagavata

bhagavata-sevaya, not bhagavan-sevayaSva-kathah krsnah-Katha by Krishna should

only be heard and readBy devotional service all good qualities

automatically appear in a Bhakta and no separate endeavor is needed.

Devotional Service is not inactivity, but unalloyed activity of the soul.

To cure the heart disease of lusty desires and greediness is chanting Hare Krsna maha-mantra

Session SummarySession SummaryA vaishnava is already a Brahaman. Scientific knowledge of Krishna is only known

through devotional service (Bhakti yoga)Two primary qualities - matured stages of

prema (love) and dainya (utter humility). krsna surya-sama, maya andhakara,

yahan krsna tahan nahi mayara adhikaraLiberation is to identify one as the original

form directly.

Session Summary (14 Stages of Spiritual Session Summary (14 Stages of Spiritual Development)Development)

1. Satam Kripa – The mercy of devotees (Narada Muni – Dhruva and the hunter)

2. Mahat-Seva - Service to Devotees (Narada Muni to the sages)

3. Sraddha – Faith (Prahalada Maharaj)4. Gurupadaasrayah – Seeking shelter of the guru’s feet

(Bhakti Siddhanta Sarasvati Swami)5. Bhajanesu Sprha – Eagerness to worship Krishna

(Raghunandan)6. Bhaktih – Bhakti 7. Anarthapagamah – Disappearance of obstacles (our own

temple building)8. Tatha Nistha – Then Steadiness (Ambrish Maharaj)9. Ruci – Taste (Prahalada Maharaj)10. Atha Asakti – Then firm attachment (Arjuna)11. Ratih – Fondness12. Prema – Devotional Love13. Atha Darshanam – Then vision, audience (Dhruva

maharaj)14. Harer Madhuryanubhava – Direct experience of Hari’s

Sweetness. (Prahalada Maharaj, Gopis, Sabri)

Preliminary faith (sraddha) is nurtured through the association of saintly persons (sadhu-sanga) to the point at which one takes to the practices of devotion (bhajana kriya), and then with increased faith one tries to remove obstacles in the path of devotion (anartha-nvritti). When faith becomes very firm and fixed (nista), then one gets deeper taste (ruci) and ecstasy (bhava) in spiritual life and at last achieves the final stage of full blown prema.

Faith (Sraddha)

Sadhu Sanga (Assocaiion of Saintly persons)

Bhajan Kriya (Devotional

Practice)

Anartha Nivritti

(Removing of obstacles)

Nista (Firm and Fixed)

Ruci (Deeper taste)

Bhava (Esctasy)

Prema (Love)

SmileSmile

Don’t be this….Don’t be this….

ReferencesReferences Srimad Bhagavatam – His divine grace A.C.Bhaktivedanta

Swami Unveiling his Lotus Feet by H.G. Bhurijana Das Iskcon desire Tree

Definition of Pure BhaktiComics

www.RomapadaSwami.com Instructions of the week, Devotional serviceInstructions of the week, ObstaclesMeditation 82: Role of faith in devotional serviceInstructions of the week, Enthusiasm: Life of FaithMediation, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur, Meditation 195Inquiries of the absolute, Digest 31AMeditation 94

www.Prabhupadavani.org (all lecture dates recorded in the quotes)

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna

Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Chant and be happy.

Serve and associate with the devotees

Love and respect all (even your spouse)

You are encouraged to applause now.

I will not mind or feel offended.

Questions?Questions?All questions and inquiries will be answered in due course of time by complete faith in the next set of speakers. Patience is a virtue and you can start to practice it now