Topic: Siddhanta

Vaishnavas might be householders or renunciants, but in vaiṣhṇava-seva, it is not merely the devotee’s ashrama that commands respect. Rather, gradation among Vaiṣhṇavas is gauged according to their advancement in bhakti.

For the holy name to take effect, in the Garuḍa Purāṇa, ten offences to the holy name are listed that must be avoided. One should simply avoid them. It is not difficult. One or two take a little more practice than the others. The last one is the biggest hangup. The first one is the worst of all, but it is very easy to avoid that. So these are the ten offences to be avoided while chanting of the holy name.

In this article we shall learn more about the ontology of the virāṭ-rūpa as a non-eternal material form superimposed on the spiritual form of the Lord, the subjective nature of the vision of virāṭ, and the special type of divine eyes (divya cakṣu) required to view it, the nature of worship of the virāṭ-rūpa, who worships it, and how it is different than the worship of the śrī-mūrti that represents the eternal forms of the Supreme Lord.

Through Mahāprabhu one can understand everything — what we are, who we are, where we come from, and what is the purpose of our existence? All fulfillment of the soul can be achieved at the Lotus feet of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. This is the bold proclamation of His devotees.

Initiation is a noble prospect that you are put in connection with. But so much will have to come from our side, the disciple, in order to progress.

Śrīla Prabhupāda has written that, “Satisfaction of the self realized spiritual master is the secret of success in spiritual life.” In essence, this refers to service that is known to be what the spiritual master desires, wherever and whenever it is performed.

The good preceptor although he appears to belong to this world is not really of this world. No one who belongs to this world can deliver us from worldliness. The good preceptor is a denizen of the spiritual world who has been enabled by the will of God to appear in this world in order to enable us to realise the spiritual existence.

Progress means to leave the former position, and go forward. But only the one who is hopeful of a bright future, should leave the former position and advance. Those of doubtful mentality, suspicious mentality, it is better for them to stick to the former position, which is their already consolidated foundation, and to take a stand there.

The Vaiṣṇava is ready to honour all great men without distinction of caste, because they are filled with the energy of God. See how universal is the religion of Bhāgavata. It is not intended for a certain class of the Hindus alone but it is a gift to man at large in whatever country he is born and whatever society is bred.

Not to minimise the rāsa-līla of Kṛṣṇa, but one should not jump over all that Kṛṣṇa has said, and all that Kṛṣṇa has done, and arrive at the most esoteric part of Kṛṣṇa's līla. If one does this, then one will face problems and even possible destruction.

We are very far from the Infinite, yet the simple process of chanting His Holy Name, which is non-different from the Lord Himself, allows us to touch His essence, to experience a closeness with Him and His wonderful pastimes.

Don't feel satisfied, try to feel an increased necessity. Within this hankering comes the feeling of fulfillment also. Just fulfillment, as it stands alone, is not in our favor. It will not bring us and keep us in touch with the devotees in this life. It will not enable us to substantially remain in touch with our guru after he departs from this world.