What Is God’s Work?

What Is God’s Work?

Once a proud but benevolent king sent for his prime minister and said, “All of us have some definite work or assignment to perform. A king rules, a soldier fights, a trader trades, a teacher teaches and a preacher preaches, though as individuals they do other things also. Then what is the primary function of the Creator? Can you answer my question?”
The minister was puzzled. No one knew, and no book ever explained what God’s work was. After some thought, he said, “I, too, have often wondered about this like you. But my duty here is to advise and assist you on worldly affairs. This involves spiritual matters and the right person to answer you is our bishop.”
When the king repeated his question to the bishop, the bishop asked for a week’s time to reply. At the end of the week, the bishop was sitting under a tree on the outskirts of the town, thinking whether to face the king’s wrath the next morning, or to run away from the kingdom.
A shepherd boy who was passing by enquired about the cause for his worry. The bishop brushed him aside, saying he was deeply worried about a spiritual matter. The boy was quite insistent, and so the bishop related his trouble, without any hope of solution or solace from the boy.
“My dear master,” said the boy, “is that all that worries you so much? Please go in peace to the king. Tell him that the shepherd boy knows the answer.”
The surprised bishop begged the boy to give him the answer, but the boy preferred to meet the king in person. So the bishop went home, and the next morning he was at the court when the king eagerly asked for a reply.
“My dear king!” said the bishop, “i need not have taken so much time or trouble to give you a reply. However, i would request you to call for my shepherd boy who will give you a satisfactory answer.”
The surprised king immediately sent for the boy, who promptly presented himself before the king. His appearance was repulsive to everyone, but the court awaited his words with interest.
“You, shepherd boy,” said the king, “do you know the answer to my question which even learned scholars are not aware of ?”
The boy paused for a while and said, “My dear sir, before i answer your query, may i request that proper protocol is observed. You are a student, as far as this question is concerned, since you want to learn. I am a master as i am to give you the knowledge. Normally the master occupies a higher seat than the student.” After some hesitation the king slowly came down from his throne and let the boy sit on it. So eager was he to know the answer!
But the boy, after ascending the throne, was calmly enjoying the new-found dignity and did not speak for a while. Impatient, the king shouted at the boy, “You fellow! Where is my answer? What is God’s work?” The boy calmly replied, “Here’s the answer, to push down the haughty and to push up the humble – that is God’s work!”
This is one of the 1,50,000 stories found in the ancient puranas, which have relevance even in modern times

How will others know what the Name really is?

He who is interested in the name of the Lord, he alone knows the greatness of the Lord's name. How will others know what the Name really is? What will each person understand? When one does "bhajan" (worship, remembrance, adoration), becomes immersed in it, repeats the divine Name, then one is more deeply inclined towards the Divine Name. Thos extra-ordinary points that come in saint's and great soul's speech, will automatically become part of one's experience. Saints have written about their different experiences at different times and places.

There was a lady, who said such amazing things about naam japa, which is not heard of even in saint's talks. She said that by repeating the Lord's names, the body feels cool, and in the entire body a cool fountain of water flows, and some form of sweetness and bliss is felt. I have read in saint's stories, but such descriptions have not been provided as this lady has experienced. There are such transcendental magical things that saints and great souls have written. To what extent are these written? That which one experiences is difficult to describe in words. They themselves only know.

So such jaanayi mana aru kaanaa |
Nahin rasanaa pahin jaayi bakhaanaa ||

That cannot be told in words. You simply engage your self in this. Brothers, sisters, it is my sincere prayer to all that become engaged in "nama japa". You will be greatly benefited and the world will also be benefited. All will be influenced by that and what to speak of you yourself? Your life will become blessed! There is great glories of the divine name of the Lord. Goswamiji Maharaj further elaborates -


Varsha ritu raghupati bhagavati tualsi saali sudaas |

Raam naam bar baran jug saavan bhaadav maas || (Maanas, Balakand 19)

First name of "Ram" was elaborated on, then the Mahamantra was described. Now there is description of the two alphabets. "Ra" and "Ma". Those who are loving devotees of the Lord, they are like the best rice fields, and the love and devotion in the rain season is the Lord Shri Raghunathji Maharaj. There is ample of rain in the rainy season. The grain fields become drenched and soaked. In Rajasthan if there is water in the fields then the grass dries up, but in the rice paddies there is water logging all the time. Even the fish are swimming around in the waters. Such "saalike" rice is delicious. The superior the quality of rice, that much more water it needs. They need water all the time. "Ra" and "Ma" these two are superior sounds. Similarly the rainy season of the month of "Shraavan" (july-august) and "bhaadrapad" (third-fourth lunar months). For a great devotee, rain in the form of the Name of the Lord "Ram" continues to pour continuously.

From "Manas mein Naam Vandana"

What is most important in Your Life?

Hare Krishna ! Pranams to Bhagavan Sri Krishna and Bhaktas,

" What is most important in Your Life? ".This was a question raised in a seminar . Except one Person, everyone answered , "My Family" . That person mentioned, "My faith in Sri Krishna" .

Yes. Bhakti or faith to Sri Krishna , is the most important thing in a Krishna-bhakta's life . He/She too loves own family but Bhakti is more important than it . Worldly benefits such as a loving family are only Bhagavan's gift to His Bhakta. While the materialists consider Family as the greatest asset, to a Bhakta His/Her Ishta-deva Sri Krishna is the most precious Asset .

On His part, Bhagavan Sri Krishna is most compassionate to His Bhakta ; and describes self as *Bhakta-dasa*. See for instance, pure Krishna-bhaktas like Prahlada , Ambareesa and Dhruva , Hanuman, Arjuna, etc. None in this universe could beat any of them . In spite of reaching such a supreme position, they ever remained loyal to Bhagavan and never deviated from Krishna's principles. Such an ultimate focus, commitment and loyalty can not be seen in any other religious path including Hinduism .

Bhagavan Sri Krishna declares in Bhagavad Gita ( 9.22-26) :

•  "However, for those who are always absorbed in thoughts of Me ( Krishna), and who worship Me with one-pointed devotion by every means, I Myself attend to their needs (i.e., achieve what they lack and preserve what they have) .
•  Those who worship `other devatas' ( Siva, etc) with faith, actually worship Me alone, but in a way that is unauthorized.
•  I . Krishna is the only master and enjoyer of all Yajnas, but the worshipers of `other Devatas' do not recognize Me in this true nature. Therefore, they fall from Me and repeatedly wander in the cycle of birth and death.
•  Those who worship `other Devatas' go to the planets of the Devatas, those who worship the Ancestors go to the planet of the Ancestors, those who worship the spirits and ghosts go to the planet of the spirits and ghosts. but, those who worship Me will definitely come to Me alone.
•  Whosoever offers to Me with bhakti , a leaf, a flower, a fruit or even water; I will delightfully accept that offering in PERSON ."

Please chant Hare Krishna Mahamantra :

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

and be happy !!!

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya!!!!

What are the senses and how are these originated?

 When a child is born, the first sense that comes out from within is weeping "Maaaa", the next sense is sucking, the next sense is watching its own hands and feet. Next is listening to others speaking, then to learn how to express by sound. Next comes the tendency of identifying its own people and surrounding environment and then the tendency of getting up. Gradually the space occupied by it gets enlarged.
In the process its intectual gets developed and it identifies itself as one of the surrounding environment. From here its ego originates.
In the actual sense, we are simple agglomeration of machinaries ( so to say our senses) like the steering, the clutch, the gear, the accelerator, the fuel tank and injecting devices. It has been very correctly said by the poet : "You do your work, peple think I am doing.. You are the driver and I am the carriage..you are the room and I am the occupant". Really speaking what we are, is nothing but the space awarded to us by virtue of our previous achievements "praravdha".
Hence, in short it comes to the conclusion that, He is the "Driver" the result of actions are depending on the quality of the machinaries occupying the space which is being driven by Him.

Objects in the outside world form impressions on our mind thus affecting us; what should we do in such situations?

Question: Objects in the outside world form impressions on our mind thus affecting us; what should we do in such situations?

Answer:

Do not value, do not give so much importance to the impressions. When we seem to like something, when it appears pleasing or likable to us, then there is desire to acquire it. Even on forming such an impression the inner sentiments must be such that this thing is not mine. Instead of giving importance to the impressions made by the object, value the truth. By considering the impressions as significant, you lose sight of the real fact. From today onwards have a firm resolve that I will no longer accept the impressions, rather I will only accept the truth. Impressions are formed sometimes, not all the time; but when you consider these to be permanent then that is a mistake. In truth, you are not the body. The body that you had in childhood, it is not there anymore, but you are the same. Therefore please have mercy, and kindly do not give any importance to the impressions. One should only be influenced and affected by the Truth. If an impression of the untruth is formed, then it should not be given any importance. The truth is that we are not the body and the body is not ours.

On the path of liberation, on turning towards God, neither the gross, nor the subtle nor the causal body is of any aid. The body is of use to the family, to the society, to the world. It is of no use to us at all. Therefore engage this body, keep it busy in the service of the family, society and the world at large; this is an extremely important and an invaluable point. Accept this point, then you will be ever happy. It is nothing but a plain misconception that with this body we will benefit, that we will gain.

Neither the gross, nor the subtle, nor the causal body will be of any use to us. By understanding this point, one can benefit immensely. The gross body engages in actions (kriya). The subtle body, thinks and reflects (chintan). The causal body fixates on constancy, steadiness (sthirtaa) and samaadhi (deep meditation, a state of trance). Actions, thinking/reflecting , constancy-fixity, deep meditative trance all these are not for you. Do not place reliance on these. Fundamentally what is useful to you is non-entertainment of any thoughts. In the scriptures, `Samaadhi' (deep meditative trance) has been highly glorified, but that too will not be of any use to you. Neither actions, nor thinking/reflecting , nor constancy-fixity nor `samaadhi' will be of use to you. Similarly concentration, Pranayama (breath control), and awakening of Kundalini etc. are all of no use to you. These are all products of Nature (Prakriti), whereas you are a part (ansh) of Paramatman (God). They are not of the same class as you. You are separate from all these. Your oneness is with Paramatma (God). Whether you believe in monism (Advaita) or dualism (Dvaita), whether you follow the Yoga of Knowledge (Jnana) or devotion (Bhakti), minimally at least accept that which has no relationship with this body, is of no use to you (self).

If this world leaves an impression on you, then do not be concerned about it, simply do not accept it, then it will go away. By giving importance to the impressions of the world, you are depriving yourself of great benefits. Therefore if impressions are formed, let them be, but in your mind understand them to be unreal. Unreal objects can only leave unreal (false) impressions, how can they be real? When someone cheats you off your money, his talks appears true to you, you become enchanted by him and then only you get trapped in being cheated. Similarly letting worldly impressions fall you is absolutely letting yourself be cheated. It is stupidity.

One very important point is that the impressions are made on the body-senses- mind-intellect, not on you (self). Objects can affect other objects which are of a similar type; thus impression is never formed on the self, which is of a different class altogether. This body, this world is inert, whereas you the self, is sentient. How can inert affect the sentient? Inert can only impress upon the inert (body). This is the absolute truth. Understand this point right now then at this very minute all work will be complete! It is due to the eyes that impressions of sight are perceived. It is due to the ears that the impressions of sounds are heard. The significant point is that the objects of a similar type affect each other. Hence, whatever impressions occur, do not consider it real. The essence of the self is not affected by anything. It is entirely untouched, untainted - "Asango hyaayam purushah" (Brhad. Up. 4/3/15).

If mind-intellect is affected, let them be affected. Mind-intellect are not ours. These have the same constituents as the objects that make an impression on them.

What is Jyothish ? How it helps ?

Astrology is called Jyotish in Sanskrit, which means "science of light ."

Jyotish is, one of the six wings of the Vedanga. Jyotish is the instructional material of the Rigveda, and as accordingly a Vedanga, or part of the Vedas. Jyotish is `Eye of the Veda', for its proven capability to consider the phenomenal reality as divine wisdom.

Jyotish is the science of understanding the subtle influences that come to us from the universe. These influences are a reflection of the law of karma. Here, both fate and free will are at play. Fate means that our present circumstances are a result of our actions from previous lives. The external events of our lives are ruled by past karma, and over this we have little control. Free will means that our future is shaped by our actions in the present.

Jyotish can help us to understand how to optimize our potential so our lives develop according to our true destiny. It gives us an idea of the trends and periods of life — when to act and when not to act . It helps us understand our weaknesses — where we may need to put extra attention in order to attain fullness in our lives. It offers practical remedial measures that can help to alleviate areas of difficulty in the chart.

Jyotish holds that sadhana (spiritual practices) help neutralize the effects of karma. The main upayas (remedial measures) of Jyotish are also spiritual and consist of ritual, mantra and meditation. Propitiation of the planets through puja (ritual worship) and other prescribed measures is an integral part of Jyotish. Each planet has a deity, whose name can be chanted, and associated articles, which can be offered in worship or given in charity like feeding the needy .

what is the purpose of Jyotish and pujas when we are ardent Bhaktas of Sri Krishna, the God of Gods ?

When one is completely surrendered to Sri Krishna and pleases Bhagavan by daily chanting of *Nama-japa* , the planets stop acting and Bhagavan takes over completely. With the next breath, the blessed Bhaktas continue with that level of surrender. So, while we are on the way to cultivating that supreme surrender to Bhagavan Sri Krishna, knowledge of Jyotish can have a benefit to plan and develop our Bhakti-yoga .

What is the basic information required to prepare a Horoscope?

To cast a horoscope, the date, time and place of birth of the person are needed. For some people, their time of birth is not known or readily available (sometimes even the date of birth is unknown!). While there are Jyothish techniques for calculating the time of birth, this takes time. If the time of birth is approximately known, it can usually be narrowed down by checking the dates of a few important events in life. When the time of birth is not know within 24 hours, this process is very complex, and it may take a half-hour or possibly more to determine the time of birth. People in this situation are advised to schedule for a longer session, to allow time for rectification of the birth time, and should also bring with them a list of important dates in life, such as the following: 1) date of marriage; 2) birth of children; death of parents and/or grandparents; 3) dates of moving; dates of starting or ending a job; 4) dates of accident or major illness/surgery, etc; 5) dates of meeting a Satguru 6) dates of significance to the person.

What are the remedies recommended by the Jyotishee?

The main remedies offered by Jyotish for bringing balance into life involve the performance of pujas (sacred rituals designed to remove harmful forces or enhance positive forces), and performance of personal sadhanas like specific *Nama-japam* or temple worship .

Who is a genuine Jyotishee?

Jyotishee is one who learned Jyothish-shastra from a qualified Jyothish-Guru . And follows it up with the prescribed daily *sadhana* ( spiritual practice) . He need not be a Poojari but should be able to handle the prescribed mantras to predict the position of Nava-grahas and divine grace . While human beings have destiny in life due to karma, Jyotishee should be able to predict the ups and downs in life and prescribe effective remedial measure to dissuade bad karma.

Hare Krishna Mantra , the all-powerful Ultimate Remedy

Bhagavan Sri Krishna is the supreme controller or universe . Hare Krishna Mantra ( Shodakshari Mantra or Kalisandharana Mantra) is the means to invoke His divine grace which automatically eliminates all ill-effects.

Please chant :

Hare Rama Hare Rama

Rama Rama Hare Hare

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna

Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

and, be happy !!!

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya!! !

Oh Lord, what is the value of Vaishnava Satsang,

Once the great sage Narada was intrigued by a doubt. He was sure that Lord Vishnu would clear it for him. He proceeded to the Ocean of Milk and found his Lord reclining on the giant hooded serpent-bed Shankarshana, His beautiful consort, Lakshmi devi beside Him.

Sage Narada made his obeisance to Lord Vishnu and put his question to Him.
"Oh Lord, what is the value of Vaishnava Satsang, the Association of Vaishnava Devotees?"
Lord Vishnu smiled charmingly and said, "I will answer your question. But first you must do something for me. Look at that village on planet Earth. Can you see a small worm crawling on the ground over there?"
With his yogic vision, Sage Narada perceived it and nodded.
"Go over there and ask your question of that worm. I'm sure you'll get your answer."

Sage Narada was puzzled, but he nevertheless did as instructed. In response, the worm looked up at him, promptly rolled over and died.
Sage Narada was shocked. He hurried back to Lord Vishnu and told Him what had happened.
Lord Vishnu merely smiled and told him, "Oh, is that so? Never mind. Now do one more thing. Go over to that cow-shed you see over there, in that town. A calf was born there a while ago. Please ask the same question of that calf."
Sage Narada was still recovering from what had happened earlier.
"Oh no, my Lord! What if that calf dies as well? I cannot risk committing the unforgivable crime of `go-hatya'!"
Lord Vishnu however, was able to persuade him and sage Narada left on his new mission. Warily, he made his way into the cow-shed. It was in the middle of the night and he approached the calf unnoticed. He put the same question to the calf. In response, the calf looked at him with its large brown eyes. And then rolled over and died!
Sage Narada was horrified. Using all the yogic powers at his disposal, he fled the scene and arrived at the abode of Lord Vishnu, shaking with fear.
"Oh my Lord! What have I done! The worst sin expected of anyone; the killing of the animal most dear to you!"
Lord Vishnu pacified the trembling sage and assured him that no sin would accrue to him.
"And in the bargain, my Lord, I haven't even got the answer to my question?!" sage Narada complained.
Lord Vishnu smiled and told him that he would have to do just one last thing for him.
"You see that vast kingdom over there? The Queen has just given birth to her first child. All you have to do is ask that child your question and you will get your answer."
"No, my Lord! Please don't ask me to go there. I have no doubt that some harm will befall that child as well. I simply cannot take that chance."
But Lord Vishnu remained adamant. What could the sage do? Nervously, he set forth towards planet Earth.
Arriving on the balcony where the young prince was lying unattended, sage Narada cautiously approached him. The baby looked at him and gurgled with joy.
Hesitatingly, the great sage asked the child, "What is the value of Vaishnava Satsang?'
The child looked at sage Narada, and to his surprise, began to speak.

"O great Sage. Your question has already been answered. When you, the greatest of Vaishnavas, had first granted me your association, I was an insignificant worm. As a result of my contact with you, I left that body and was awarded the body of the most pious animal, the calf.
You graced me with your association once more, and I left that body to gain the birth of the prince and heir of this vast kingdom. And by your causeless mercy, you have granted me your exalted association yet again.
Now I have no doubt that this is my last birth on this Earth. Your association will help me attain that Supreme Destination; the abode of Lord Hari Himself!"

And this is the value of Vaishnava Association. We develop in all ways; spiritual as well as material.

What I want should happen – is `Kaam' or Kaamna (desire).

sri-bhagavan uvaca
kaama esa krodha esa, rajo-guna-samudbhav ah
mahaasano mahaa-paapma, viddhy enam iha vairinam

The Blessed Lord said: "Born of mode of passion (Rajas), this desire in other words this desire (kaamna) itself is the cause of sin. This desire (kaamna) itself is reason for the anger, insatiable, all devouring and most sinful. Know this to be the enemy here.

Comment

What I want should happen – is `Kaam' or Kaamna (desire). When any action, object or a person gives pleasure or one wishes to draw pleasure from them, it is `Kaam' (Desire). In this one desire 'Kaam' itself many faults, offenses and sins are hidden. As long as a person has desires 'Kaam' within, he can never be entirely free of faults and sins. Without the desire 'Kaamna' there is no other reason for committing sin. It means that neither God makes the person commit sin, nor are sins committed due to his past action 'karmas' (Karmic package from previous lives or Prarabhda), nor time is a factor, nor a situation, nor Kali-yuga (Iron age) causes one to sin. It is the man himself under the sway and impelled by desires 'kaamna' commits sins.

And what are the shackles of this prison life?

yada samharate cayam
kurmo 'nganiva sarvasah
indriyanindriyarthe bhyas
tasya prajna pratisthita
[Bg. 9.58]

And what are the shackles of this prison life? The shackles of prison life... Just like in ordinary prison, prisoner.... Of course, I do not know what is the case here of prison life, but I have seen. Sometimes in New Delhi I was invited to give some good lessons to the prisoners. So I have seen so many prisoners. They were shackled with iron chains, iron chains. So we are also chained up here, and what is that chain? That is our sense enjoyment. Yes. We are chained in this material world by sense enjoyment. That's all. So if we want to cut our prison life, then the first symptom will be to minimize this sense enjoyment or to regulate the sense enjoyment. Here the Lord says that yada samharate cayam kurmo 'nganiva sarvasah. The example is given just like the tortoise. The tortoise can close up, wind up his senses as he likes. That means he becomes the master of the senses. He does not like to be the servant of the senses. So this, I mean to say, verse, we have already discussed. So indriyanindriyarthe bhyas tasya prajna pratisthita. One who is practiced to control his senses... Senses are not to be stopped. They are to be used at proper time, but not at the dictation of the senses. When one comes to that standard of life, that he is not dictated by the senses but he uses senses when it is properly required... Senses are not to be stopped. That is not prescribed. That is not prescribed. Somebody says that sense control means to use, to stop the action of the senses. No. Senses, action of the senses, cannot be stopped. Simply it has to be purified. The action of the senses has to be purified. That is the whole process. Because as spiritual living entity, we have got our spiritual senses. Those senses are now covered by this matter. We are not senseless. Just like your coat. Your coat is cut according to your hands. Because the coat, you will see, the coat has also got a hand. And why coat has got a hand? Because the user of the coat, he has got a hand. The coat is cut according to the hand of the user of the body. Similarly, this material body has been described in the Bhagavad-gita as dress. So unless I have got body, wherefrom the dress comes? Dress has no meaning unless I have got body.

So senses are there, and those senses are required to be used; otherwise there is no meaning of senses. But that is spiritual. So senses have to be engaged in the spiritual activities. That is spiritual life, spiritual life. The example, as I have already explained to you many times, just like Arjuna. He wanted to control his senses to refrain from fighting. When you fight, you require to engage your senses. He said that "I will not fight." That means he is controlling his senses from fighting. But after hearing Bhagavad-gita, he says, "Yes, I'll fight." Just see. Before hearing Bhagavad-gita, the position of Arjuna, that "I," "I will not fight," and after hearing Bhagavad-gita, the position of "I," "Yes, I will fight." Two contradictory. Before hearing Bhagavad-gita, the position of "I" was negative, and people may estimate this nonviolence attitude of Arjuna very nicely. But after Bhagavad-gita, after hearing Bhagavad-gita, he said, "Yes." Karisye vacanam tava: [Bg. 18.73] "Yes, I shall fight." Now, do you mean to tell that he degraded? First of all he was nonviolent. He was not willing to fight. Now he has degraded after hearing Bhagavad-gita? Is it..., is the conclusion? No. He has improved. He has improved. Why he has improved? Because he has understood how to use the senses. That's all. In the beginning he did not know how to use the senses. Therefore he decided, "I shall not fight. I shall not fight." That is his material calculation.

So our material calculation is all nonsense.. Our material calculation of our activities, they are all nonsense. They are all causes of our bondage. And when the same senses, they are engaged in the service of the Supreme, that is our freedom. Kamah krsna-karmarpane. Here the same thing is indirectly explained. Yada samharate cayam kurmo 'nganiva. One should know "When I shall properly use the senses." That is the sign of a person who is situated in pure consciousness. He knows properly, "How to use my senses." That is the difference by the instruction of Bhagavad-gita, we'll find, that in the beginning Arjuna did not know how to use his senses, and after hearing Bhagavad-gita, he learned it. He became a learned man, how to use his senses. And when he did not know how to use his senses, he said, "I shall not fight." And when he learned how to use senses, he said, "Yes, I'll fight." Now, what is the difference between "yes" and "no"? That means when our senses are engaged in the service of the supreme consciousness, then we are in pure consciousness situation. And when our senses are used to our whims, to our whims. Just like in the previous sloka it has been explained, prajahati yada kaman sarvan partha mano-gatan. We manufacture plans by our mental concoction. That should be given up. Yada prajahati kaman sarvan. All kinds of mental concoction, mental speculation, should be given up. That is the science. That is the beginning of our spiritual life, that "I shall not use my mind for my activities. I shall wait for the direction from the higher authority, supreme consciousness. Then I shall act."

Just like a soldier, he is simply awaiting the order of the commander. Then his activities are approved, "Oh, he is doing nicely. Yes." By the approval of the commander, he is killing as many persons, and by this killing art, he is being rewarded, "Oh, you are a good soldier." But that killing, if he does for his personal interest, even he kills one man, he is hanged -- by the same state. By the same state for which he is engaged in fighting, if he kills enemies, he is rewarded. He is awarded gold medal, recognition. And that very person, out of the war field, when he comes home, if he kills one man, then he is hanged. If he says that "The same killing I was doing in the war field, and same killing I have done. There I was killing hundreds and thousands of men. I was awarded gold medal. And here I have killed only one person. I am being hanged? What is this?" No. You have killed according to your own whims, and that is from the superior order. That is the difference. Similarly, if we do, if we act according to our mental speculation or mental whims, then we are bound up by the reaction. And if we practice ourself to be active under the direction of the Supreme, then we are free. This is the art. This is the whole art of spiritual life.

So we have to practice. We have to practice it in our everything. Because for so long we are in this material body, we have got so many material demands. We cannot stop the activities of the body. That is not possible. By force, if I stop all the activities of my body, that is not possible. That is not possible. The bodily activities will go on, but the bodily activities will be so performed that I'll not be bound up by the reaction. And that is called devotional service. That is called

What's going wrong is that we approach God to fulfill our desires instead of His desires

There are many billions of people throughout the world who consider themselves religious. Generally each of them adheres to a particular religious tradition, which is in many ways similar and also in many ways different from other religious traditions. Often, they consider that their tradition is the only valid tradition, and that others who are not participants in their tradition are lost souls condemned to be denied access to the kingdom of God. In this way, they fail to see the true universal nature of religion. Unfortunately this exclusivist mentality leads to increasing chaos and conflict in a world that is already too much overburdened by chaos and conflict. Religion is supposed to be God's gift to man so that he can have a heaven on earth and qualify to return to God's kingdom upon leaving his current body. So what is going wrong? And what can be done to change it?

What's going wrong is that we approach God to fulfill our desires instead of His desires. In other words we approach Him with our contaminated consciousness of subtly considering ourselves to be the Supreme. We place ourselves over Him by asking Him to serve us instead of us serving Him. This is selfishness, not selflessness. And this is what is going wrong in the hearts of practically everyone who approaches God. To change this we must teach that selfless service to Supreme Person is the only way that one can experience genuine complete happiness. If the hand wants to get nourishment, it must give the food to the belly. God is like the belly and we are like the hand. So we must give everything to God. In this way, we will be the best servants of God and all living beings including ourselves.

So, the universal religion is pure selfless service to the Supreme Person, the source of all existence. The language of the universal religion takes different shapes according to the different traditions. But when one goes deep enough into any one tradition, he will arrive at exactly the same conclusion as anyone else who follows his own religious tradition deeply enough. Therefore instead of getting side tracked by the differences of the religious traditions, we should immediately try to capture the pure essence of religion, the universal religion of pure, unadulterated, selfless, loving service for the Supreme Person.

The difficulty is that we currently have a drastic shortage of enlightened teachers on this planet who are fully tuned into the original, pure essence of religion, the universal religion of pure selfless devotion to God. An enlightened teacher is someone who has gone deep enough into his own tradition to find the one universal root of all traditions. He is a teacher who has fully realized the one universal or absolute truth underlying all relative truths. If planet earth had a sufficient abundance of such enlightened teachers in each tradition, there could be instituted a global educational system which would easily bring to this tattered global society a truly profound golden era of peace, prosperity, and happiness for all.

This is the day that we are praying and crying for, Lord. May it come soon! May it come soon! May it come soon!


Explained By Sankarshan Das Adhikari

What is God's Work and How can we perform & accomplish it

Gist: A spiritual aspirant should be determined to do only God's work, not his own work. Therefore he should accept that his house, his work and he himself belong to God. With this feeling, he will be doing God's work, with God's power, to please God. This firm determination
will develop a strong bonding (a feeling of mine-ness) with God and in-turn spontaneous and constant rememberance of Him.

Constant Rememberance of God - How?

God in the Gita says to Arjuna -

"Tasmat sarveshu kaaleshu maamanusmara yudhya che." (Gita 8:7)

Therefore Arjuna, remember Me at all times and fight. Here fight stands for doing one's duty. We can remember God at all times but we can't fight at all times. Arjuna's duty was to fight, just like we have to perform our daily duties. Domestic duties can't be performed at all times. The spiritual aspirant have three options before them -

1. To do the work while remembering God,
2. To remember God while doing the work, and
3. To do the work considering it God's work.

In the first option, remembrance of God is primary, while the work is secondary.
In the second option the work is primary, while remembrance of God is secondary.
In the third option there is undivided devotion for God.

Generally people forget God while working. There are two reasons for it. The important reason is one's negligence. The second reason is lack of attachment (feeling of mine-ness) with God. If there is attachment for anyone, he is reminded spontaneously of that one.
People have attachment to their domestic affairs, not to God. They are therefore likely to forget God. As long as we accept and see the house, the work, and Self as our own, we are likely to forget God.
Therefore we should be determined that we have to do only God's work, not our own work. What is the use of work which makes one forget God?
Therefore a spiritual aspirant should accept that his house, his work and he himself belong to God. They are not his own. He should feel that he is doing God's work, with His power in order to please Him. this firm determination will develop a strong bonding (a feeling of mine-ness) with God and in-turn spontaneous and constant rememberance of Him.

Ram Ram