SANNYASA ASRAMA PART 5/5

 Sannyasa Asrama Part 5/5

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This article has 5 parts:
SANNYASA ASRAMA PART 1/5
SANNYASA ASRAMA PART 2/5
SANNYASA ASRAMA PART 3/5
SANNYASA ASRAMA PART 4/5
SANNYASA ASRAMA PART 5/5
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Antya 6.314

This verse (Bhag. 7.15.40) was spoken by Narada to Yudhisthira Maharaja regarding a householder’s liberation from material bondage. ON THE SPIRITUAL PLATFORM, ONE DOES NOT UNNECESSARILY CARE FOR THE BODY. SRILA NAROTTAMA DASA THAKURA HAS SAID, DEHA-SMRTI NAHI YARA, SAMSARA BANDHANA KAHAN TARA. ONE WHO IS SPIRITUALLY SITUATED DOES NOT THINK THAT HE IS THE BODY. THEREFORE HE CAN TRANSCENDENTALLY EXECUTE SEVERE PENANCES IN THE RENOUNCED ORDER OF LIFE. THE BEST EXAMPLE OF SUCH RENUNCIATION IS RAGHUNATHA DASA GOSVAMI.

 

MG 2                 Getting Out the Material Mire

THE TAKING OF THE RENOUNCED ORDER, HOWEVER, IS NOT ALWAYS NECESSARY. IF ONE CAN EXECUTE KRSNA CONSCIOUSNESS IN FAMILY LIFE, THAT IS ALSO RECOMMENDED. ALTHOUGH BHAKTIVINODA THAKURA WAS A FAMILY MAN AND MAGISTRATE, HE STILL EXECUTED DEVOTIONAL SERVICE MOST EXCELLENTLY. DHRUVA MAHARAJA AND PRAHLADA MAHARAJA WERE ALSO GRHASTHAS, HOUSEHOLDERS, BUT THEY TRAINED THEMSELVES IN SUCH A WAY THAT EVEN AS HOUSEHOLDERS THEY WERE NOT FACED WITH INTERRUPTIONS IN THEIR SERVICE. Therefore Prahlada Maharaja said, “I have learned the art of always remaining in Krsna consciousness.” What is that art? Tvad-virya-gayana-mahamrta-magna-cittah: simply glorifying the victorious activities and pastimes of the Lord.

 

660824BG.NY

JUST LIKE ARJUNA. ARJUNA WAS NOT A SANNYASI. HE, AFTER HEARING BHAGAVAD-GITA, HE DID NOT TAKE UP THE RENOUNCED ORDER OF LIFE AND DRESSED HIMSELF IN ORANGE-COLORED DRESS AND WENT AWAY FROM THE BATTLEFIELD, NO. HE REMAINED THE SAME MAN, THE SAME MILITARY MAN, BUT HE BECAME THE MOST PERFECT KRSNA CONSCIOUS MAN. SO SAME PRINCIPLE WAS THERE. THEREFORE HERE LORD KRSNA SAYS, SANNYASAH KARMA-YOGAS CA NIHSREYASA-KARAV UBHAU: “EITHER YOU TAKE SANNYASA OR YOU REMAIN IN YOUR POSITION, THAT DOESN’T MATTER. YOU CAN ATTAIN THE HIGHEST PERFECTION FROM ANY POSITION, PROVIDED YOU ARE KRSNA CONSCIOUS.” THAT’S ALL. Jneyah sa nitya-sannyasi yo na dvesti na kanksati. Hear how nicely Krsna says. Jneyah sa nitya-sannyasi. Just try to understand. That person is always a sannyasi–not by dress but by his actual activities. What? Na dvesti na kanksati. “He does not, I mean to say, hate anything, and he does not desire anything.” These two qualifications. He does not hate anything, and he does not desire anything.

 

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Jneyeh, “Just understand,” sa. Sa means he. Who? Nitya-sannyasi: “That person is always in renounced order, not by dress, but by action, always in renounced order…” Yo na dvesti na kanksati: “That person who does not hate, neither desires.” Nitya-sannyasi. THE RENOUNCED ORDER MEANS THAT I RENOUNCE MY MATERIAL PROPENSITIES. THAT IS CALLED RENUNCIATION. A living entity is living. He has got his different propensities. That is his natural position. If I say that “You don’t desire,” no, that is not possible. I cannot desire, I don’t desire… If I am desireless, then I am dead. What is my life? Desire… Somebody says that “You become desireless.” That is an impossible, sir. Desireless means don’t desire materially. That is desireless.

SO A PERSON WHO HAS RENOUNCED EVERYTHING FOR SERVICE OF THE LORD. SANNYASI. SANNYASI MEANS SAT-NYASI. SAT MEANS THE SUPREME ETERNAL, AND NYASI MEANS RENOUNCED. SO SANNYASI… HE IS A SANNYASI WHO HAS RENOUNCED EVERYTHING FOR THE SAKE OF THE LORD. HE’S CALLED SANNYASI. AND HE HAS NO HATRED FOR ANYTHING BECAUSE IN HIS VISION EVERYTHING IS MEANT FOR THE SERVICE OF THE LORD.

 

750706SB.CHI

Prabhupada: Eight thousand rupees for his personal expenditure. So he was utilizing that money by inviting sannyasis of Jagannatha Puri. There were many sannyasis. So Caitanya Mahaprabhu was also being invited. So after a few days, there was no invitation. So Caitanya Mahaprabhu inquired His secretary that “Why Raghunatha does not invite?” So he replied that “He refused to take his father’s contribution.” So Caitanya, “Oh, it is very nice.” It is not that “Money will come from home, and I shall become a renounced order of life.” No. He understood that “I have left my home. Why shall I take money from my father?” He refused.

SO IN THIS WAY RAGHUNATHA DASA GOSVAMI, ONE OF THE SIX GOSVAMIS, VERY IMPORTANT DEVOTEE, HE USED TO LIVE. HE USED TO EAT EVERY ALTERNATE DAY, NOT DAILY. ONE DAY STARVING, AND THE NEXT DAY, A LITTLE BUTTER. BUT HE WAS OBSERVING HIS REGULATIVE PRINCIPLES, TAKING THRICE DAILY BATH AND OFFERING DANDAVAT, WHAT IS CALLED? COUNTING, NUMERICAL. JUST LIKE WE COUNT TWENTY-FIVE ROUNDS MINIMUM, SO RAGHUNATHA DASA GOSVAMI WAS ALSO CHANTING BY COUNTING. SIMILARLY, HE WAS OFFERING DANDAVAT. YOU OFFER DANDAVAT, THE SAME WAY. THAT IS ALSO COUNTING. SANKHYA-PURVAKA-NAMA-GANA-NATIBHIH. SANKHYA-PURVAKA, KEEPING A STRENGTH, A NUMERICAL STRENGTH, JUST LIKE WE ARE ADVISED AT LEAST SIXTEEN ROUNDS. SO THESE THINGS WERE GOING ON. NOT THAT BECAUSE HE WAS TAKING LITTLE BUTTER ALTERNATE DAY, HE LOST HIS STRENGTH. NO. THE STRENGTH WAS ALL RIGHT. SO THE FASTING MEANS IF YOU DON’T FEEL WEAK, THEN YOU FAST. NOT THAT YOU IMITATE RAGHUNATHA DASA GOSVAMI. THAT IS NOT POSSIBLE IN THE BEGINNING. BUT IT IS POSSIBLE IF YOU PRACTICE, IF YOU PRACTICE. NIDRAHARA-VIHARAKADI-VIJITAU CATYANTA-DINAU CA YAU SANKHYA-PURVAKA-NAMA-GANA-NATIBHIH KALAVASANI-KRTAU. SO EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE. BUT THAT IS ADVANCED SPIRITUAL LIFE. IT IS NO USE IMITATING A HIGHER AUTHORITY, HARIDASA THAKURA. JUST LIKE HE WAS CHANTING NOT SIXTEEN ROUNDS, BUT 164 ROUNDS. SO THAT IS NOT POSSIBLE. GRADUALLY, SANAIH SANAIH, GRADUALLY, WE HAVE TO PRACTICE.

 

680612SB.MON

There is one verse in Bhagavatam. One devotee, he has taken sannyasa. Sannyasa means the renounced order of life. Just like as you see me by my dress, this is called sannyasa. SANNYASA MEANS… THIS IS SANSKRIT WORD, SAT-NYASA. THIS IS SANNYASA. SAT MEANS THE SUPREME, THE ABSOLUTE TRUTH. AND NYASA MEANS RENOUNCED. ONE WHO HAS RENOUNCED EVERYTHING FOR THE SERVICE OF THE SUPREME, HE IS CALLED A SANNYASA. SANNYASA DOES NOT MEAN A PARTICULAR TYPE OF DRESS OR PARTICULAR TYPE OF BEARD. SANNYASA MEANS YOU CAN BECOME A SANNYASI EVEN WITH YOUR, THIS COAT-PANT. IT DOESN’T MATTER, PROVIDED YOU HAVE DEDICATED YOUR LIFE FOR THE SERVICE OF GOD. THAT IS CALLED SANNYASA. IN THE BHAGAVAD-GITA IT IS CLEARLY SAID, ANASRITAH KARMA-PHALAM KARYAM KARMA KAROTI YAH, SA SANNYASI, SA SANNYASI SA YOGI CA NA CANYA AKRIYA. The meaning of this verse is that anasritah karma-phalam. Everyone is working in this material world for some salary or for some remuneration, BUT IF ONE WORKS NOT FOR SALARY OR FOR REMUNERATION BUT AS A MATTER OF DUTY… Anasritah karma-phalam karyam. Karyam means “It must be done.” Karma karoti yah: “In such a way, if somebody acts, then sa sannyasi, he is sannyasi.”

 

760622SB.NV

So people do not know this, how this science is working, but this is the fact. Prakrteh kriyamanani gunaih karmani sarvasah. Tatha dehantara-praptih. So we have to read all these things carefully. Tatha dehantara-praptih, there is dehantara, another body. So we must be very careful what kind of body I’m going to get. Now, this life I have got very nice, beautiful body and everything is all right, but if we act irresponsibly, the nature will give me a suitable body. Otherwise, why there are so many varieties of life, 8,400,000? So we should be very, very careful not to waste the duration of life even by a second. WE SHALL EAT LESS, THEN WE SHALL SLEEP ALSO LESS. NIDRAHARA-VIHARAKADI: THEN OUR SEX APPETITE ALSO WILL BE LESS. Unnecessarily eating, unnecessarily sleeping is not required at all. That is the practice by the Gosvamis. NIDRAHARA-VIHARAKADI-VIJITAU. THEY CONQUERED OVER EATING, SLEEPING. MATING, THERE WAS NO QUESTION: THEY WERE SANNYASIS, RENOUNCED ORDER OF LIFE. AND DEFENSE ALSO, THERE WAS NO QUESTION BECAUSE THEY DEPENDED ON KRSNA, THE MOST POWERFUL DEFENDER. SO THERE WAS NO QUESTION OF DEFENSE. SIMPLY TWO THINGS, EATING AND SLEEPING. AND THAT THEY ALSO CONQUERED. NIDRAHARA-VIHARAKADI-VIJITAU CATYANTA-DINAU CA YAU. SO SPIRITUAL LIFE MEANS YOU HAVE TO CONTROL. THAT IS CALLED GOSVAMI.

 

661121CC.NY

Then, after getting him washed in the Ganges and cleansed by a barber, Candrasekhara offered him a new pair of clothing and… Sei vastra sanatana na kaila angikara. And Sanatana Gosvami did not accept that new clothing. Suniya prabhura mane ananda apara. And when Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu heard it that Sanatana Gosvami, after renouncement, he’s not going to accept any new clothing… SO FOR A REALLY RENOUNCED PERSON IS THAT WHATEVER CLOTHING IS THROWN IN THE STREET, HE’LL COLLECT AND HE’LL WEAR IT. HE WOULD NOT PURCHASE ANY NEW CLOTHING. That is the order of strictly one who follows… Cirani. Sanatana… Svarupa… Sukadeva Gosvami, in the Bhagavata, he says that “Whether old clothings and torn clothings cannot be had on the street? Whether trees are not giving fruit? Whether the rivers are dried up? Whether the caves of the mountains, they are closed? Then why the renounced order of persons go to the visayi?” Visayi means those, those who are materialistic. Sometimes renounced order of life, sannyasi, they go to the householders… Of course, that is their duty. But still… So Sukadeva Gosvami, a great personality in the renounced order of life, he would live naked. He would not go even to the human society. SO THOSE WHO ARE FOLLOWING STRICTLY, THEY DON’T MAKE THEMSELVES DEPENDENT ON THE HOUSEHOLDERS OR ON THE WORLDLY PEOPLE. SO SANATANA GOSVAMI DID NOT ACCEPT THAT NEW CLOTHING, AND WHEN IT WAS HEARD BY LORD CAITANYA, HE WAS VERY GLAD.

 

661121CC.NY

Then this is a hint by Lord Caitanya that a sannyasi who has renounced everything, if he lives very gorgeously, with good dress, and good house, and apartment… No…. far as possible… WHATEVER IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSITY, HE SHOULD ACCEPT, NOT MORE. YES. THAT IS RENOUNCED ORDER OF LIFE, NOT THAT IN THE NAME OF RENOUNCED ORDER OF LIFE HE SHOULD LIVE AT THE EXPENSE OF THE HOUSEHOLDERS, VERY GORGEOUSLY. NO..

 

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Prabhupada: ONE HAS TO ACCEPT THE RENOUNCED ORDER FROM ANOTHER PERSON WHO IS IN RENOUNCED ORDER. So I never thought that I shall accept this renounced order of life. In my family life, when I was in the midst of my wife and children, sometimes I was dreaming my spiritual master, that he’s calling me, and I was following him. When my dream was over, I was thinking. I was little horrified. “Oh, Guru Maharaja wants me to become sannyasi. How can I accept sannyasa?” At that time, I was feeling not very satisfaction that I have to give up my family and have to become a mendicant. At that time, it was a horrible feeling. Sometimes I was thinking, “No, I cannot take sannyasa.” But again I saw the same dream. So in this way I was fortunate. My Guru Maharaja (Prabhupada begins to cry, choked voice) pulled me out from this material life. I have not lost anything. He was so kind upon me. I have gained. I left three children, I have got now three hundred children. So I am not loser. This is material conception. We think that we shall be loser by accepting Krsna. Nobody is loser. I say from my practical experience. I was thinking that “How can I accept this renounced order of life? I cannot accept so much trouble.” So… But I retired from my family life. I was sitting alone in Vrndavana, writing books. So this, my Godbrother, he insisted me, “Bhaktivedanta prabhu…” This title was given in my family life. It was offered to me by the Vaisnava society. So he insisted me. Not he insisted me. PRACTICALLY MY SPIRITUAL MASTER INSISTED ME THROUGH HIM, THAT “YOU ACCEPT.” BECAUSE WITHOUT ACCEPTING THE RENOUNCED ORDER OF LIFE, NOBODY CAN BECOME A PREACHER. So he wanted me to become a preacher. So he forced me through this Godbrother, “You accept.” So unwillingly I accepted. And then I remembered that he wanted me to go to the Western country. So I am feeling now very much obliged to my, this Godbrother, that he carried out the wish of my spiritual master and enforced me to accept this sannyasa order.

 

690916LE.LON

Prabhupada: They are working so hard, just like animals, simply for sense gratification. That is the beginning of His speech. But the human form of life is meant for saving time for spiritual cultivation. We should be satisfied with the bare necessities of life, and the time should be saved to cultivate self-realization. That is the basic principle of Vedic civilization. THEREFORE IN VEDIC CIVILIZATION A CERTAIN PERIOD IS DEVOTED FOR ACCEPTING RENOUNCED ORDER OF LIFE, SANNYASA. COMPULSORY. THIS SANNYASA ORDER, AS WE HAVE ACCEPTED, IT IS COMPULSORY REGULATIVE PRINCIPLE OF VEDIC WAY OF LIFE. The first twenty-five years brahmacari, strict life of celibacy, student life, without any sex indulgence completely, up to twenty-five years. Then grhastha. That is not for also all. If somebody is unable to remain a brahmacari all through, then the spiritual master gives him permission to marry a suitable girl and become a householder. This is called grhastha life. Then, up to fifty years, he can indulge in householder life. Householder life, according to Vedic civilization, is a sort of license for sense gratification. BUT NOT FOR ALL THE TIME. THE INJUNCTION IS PANCASORDHVAM VANAM VRAJET. JUST AFTER YOUR FIFTIETH YEAR YOU MUST GIVE UP, RETIRE FROM HOUSEHOLDER. THAT IS CALLED VANAPRASTHA. Vanaprastha means you can take your wife with you and travel all over the world in places of holy pilgrimage just to give up your attachment for family life. IN THIS WAY, WHEN ONE IS COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM FAMILY AFFECTION, THEN HE SENDS BACK HIS WIFE TO THE ELDERLY CHILDREN TO TAKE CARE OF HER AND HE TAKES SANNYASA, RENOUNCED ORDER OF LIFE. This renounced order of life means dedicate completely for the service of the Lord.

anasritah karma-phalam

karyam karma karoti yah

sa sannyasi ca yogi ca

na niragnir na cakriyah

Lord Krsna said that one who acts for the sake of duty, NOT FOR ENJOYING THE FRUIT

 

69-10-24 letter:Kapiladev

Regarding Nityananda Prabhu breaking the sannyasi rod of Lord Caitanya, the explanation is that this was to show that Lord Caitanya was Krishna, so He had no necessity of taking sannyasa. In the higher sense the Vaisnavas are meant for being members of the family of Krishna to serve as friend, to serve as parent or to serve as lover. So for such elevated devotees sannyasa is superfluous. But still, Lord Caitanya took sannyasa just to prove it factually that so far as the material conditions are concerned, they must be given up. Without knowing this fact some so-called Vaisnavas have turned to be sahajiya. This means one who takes everything as very easy. All the acaryas, beginning from Lord Buddha, Sankaracarya, Ramanuja, etc., all of them renounced this world. So renunciation is required, but when one makes further progress after renunciation towards spiritual life and enters into the Pastimes of Krishna, then things become perfect. The summary is that sannyasa is renunciation, which is imperative for all. NITYANANDA’S BREAKING THE SANNYASI ROD OF CAITANYA MAHAPRABHU WAS WITH THE PURPOSE TO SHOW THAT LORD CAITANYA IS TRANSCENDENTAL TO ALL MATERIAL CONDITIONS.

 

72-12-17. Letter: Danavir

Actual sannyasa means that he has given everything to Krishna, so practically you are already sannyasa. But if you have got wife, and if she is very desirous to raise children, she will not be very happy if you go away. THAT IS NOT OUR BUSINESS, TO CREATE HAVOC, NO. IF WIFE IS VERY STRONG, SHE WILL APPRECIATE IF YOU TAKE SANNYASA, BUT IF THERE IS QUESTION AT ALL, THAT SHOULD BE AVOIDED. JUST LIKE I NEVER LIKED MY WIFE, BUT I KNEW IT WAS MY DUTY TO STICK UNTIL MY SONS WERE GROWN-UP, THEN I LEFT. But if you give your wife one child, then she will be happy and she will have some life-long occupation, that you must consider. But at least you can wait until I come there next time, then we shall see further

 

73-01-04. Letter: Madhukara

So I have introduced this marriage system in your Western countries because there is custom of freely intermingling male and female. Therefore marriage required just to engage the boys and girls in devotional service, never mind distinction of living status. But our marriage system is little different than in your country, we do not sanction the policy of quick divorce. We are supposed to take husband or wife as eternal companion or assistant in Krsna consciousness service, and there is promise never to separate. Of course if there is any instance of very advanced disciples, married couple, and they have agreed that the husband shall now take sannyasa or renounced order of life, being mutually very happy by that arrangement, then there is ground for such separation. BUT EVEN IN THOSE CASES THERE IS NO QUESTION OF SEPARATION, THE HUSBAND, EVEN HE IS SANNYASA, HE MUST BE CERTAIN HIS WIFE WILL BE TAKEN CARE OF NICELY AND PROTECTED IN HIS ABSENCE. Now so many cases are there of unhappiness by the wife who has bee abandoned by her husband against her wishes. So how can I sanction such thing? I want to avoid setting any bad example for future generations, therefore I am so much cautiously considering your request. But if it becomes so easy for me to get married and then leave my wife, under excuse of married life being an impediment to my own spiritual progress, that will not be very good at all. THAT IS MISUNDERSTANDING OF WHAT IS ADVANCEMENT IN SPIRITUAL LIFE. OCCUPATIONAL DUTY MUST BE THERE, EITHER THIS ONE OR THAT ONE, BUT ONCE I AM ENGAGED IN SOMETHING OCCUPATIONAL DUTY, THEN I SHOULD NOT CHANGE THAT OR GIVE IT UP, THAT IS THE WORST MISTAKE. DEVOTIONAL SERVICE IS NOT BOUND UP BY SUCH DESIGNATIONS. THEREFORE ONCE I HAVE CHOSEN, IT IS BETTER TO STICK IN THAT WAY AND DEVELOP MY DEVOTIONAL ATTITUDE INTO FULL-BLOWN LOVE OF GODHEAD. THAT IS ARJUNA’S UNDERSTANDING.

 

 

74-01-09. Letter: Revatinandana

I know you are a very good cook and I can understand that you have found the books useful for distribution. I have no objection to your printing it with the name “Revatinandana Swami’s Cookbook”, BUT THE ROYALTY SHOULD GO TO THE BHAKTIVEDANTA BOOK TRUST. JUST AS I AM PUBLISHING BHAGAVAD-GITA AS IT IS WITH MACMILLAN CO. BUT THE ROYALTY IS GOING TO THE BBT. I THINK THIS METHOD IS APPROPRIATE. IF YOU YOURSELF TAKE THE ROYALTY IT WILL BE PERSONAL INTEREST IN MONEY AND TRADE, AND THIS WILL DEVIATE YOUR PRINCIPLE OF SANNYASA. SANNYASI MEANS HE IS IN RENOUNCED ORDER AND LIVES BY BEGGING ALMS FOR THE BARE NECESSITIES OF LIFE. IT IS NOT GOOD TO MAKE TRADE TO GET MONEY FOR PERSONAL EXPENDITURE. If the royalty is given to the BBT, we will keep a SEPARATE account from this royalty and necessary expenditures for your preaching may be supplied from the BBT.

 

74-04-30. Letter: Govinda

To you my advice is, because you are very intelligent and educated girl, you forget your relationship with Gaurasundara. Now you become mixed up in Krsna business and live like a chaste Hindu widow woman. There are many ideal young Hindu widows who do not dress nicely at all, do not comb the hair, and who take bath three times daily in the Ganges, wear white sari and are engaged 24 hours a day in chanting Hare Krsna Mantra. The vivid example is Visnupriya devi, Lord Caitanya’s wife. When Lord Caitanya left home accepting the renounced order of life, sannyasa, at that time Visnupriya was on the summit of youth, 16 years old, BUT WHEN HER HUSBAND BECAME SANNYASI SHE ALSO BECAME GREATER THAN SANNYASA. She was chanting her rounds on the beads and after one round she was collecting one grain of rice. In this way all day and night, as many rounds as she could finish, that many grains she would cook and eat. Just she how much austerity she underwent! Visnupriya is the incarnation of the Goddess of Fortune but to teach us how much austerity and penance she underwent, I THINK YOU SHOULD FOLLOW THE FOOTSTEPS OF SRIMATI VISNUPRIYA. YOU HAVE GOOD WRITING CAPACITY, AND GOOD ARTISTIC ABILITY. NOW DEVOTE YOUR LIFE TO CHANTING HARE KRSNA AND IF POSSIBLE WRITE ARTICLES ON KRSNA CONSCIOUSNESS, AS MANY AS POSSIBLE WITH YOUR OWN PAINTINGS AND SEND IT FOR PUBLICATION TO BTG. FORGET THIS NONSENSE GAURASUNDARA. THESE ARE ALL MATERIAL RELATIONSHIPS AND HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH SPIRITUAL ADVANCEMENT.

 

74-07-16. Letter: Alfred Ford

So far as your questions are concerned, in India a sannyasi or a person in the renounced order of life is always honored. Even in this fallen down condition of India a sannyasi is honored everywhere, and he has no problem for his living condition. SO YOU ARE CORRECT THAT A PERSON IN THE RENOUNCED ORDER OF LIFE IS HONORED. UNFORTUNATELY SOME UNSCRUPULOUS MEN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS RENOUNCED ORDER DRESS AND BEING FILLED UP WITH ALL MATERIAL DESIRES THEY COMMIT SO MANY WRONGFUL THINGS, AND THE PEOPLE IN GENERAL TAKE NOTE OF IT AND GRADUALLY THE HONOR FOR THE SANNYASI IS DWINDLING. Exactly like a person having received some counterfeit money is always afraid of being cheated, but this does not mean there is no good money. So unscrupulous men on account of this age of Kali yuga are taking advantage of sannyasi dress and are exploiting the people. So there is very awkward, and even a genuine sannyasi is sometimes in trouble. IN THE SASTRAS THEREFORE IT IS STATED THAT UNLESS ONE IS PERFECTLY DETACHED FROM MATERIAL THINGS HE SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO ACCEPT SANNYASA ORDER.

 

75-01-12. Letter: Kirtiraja

Any householder devotee who is working full-time (with his wife) as a sankirtana book distributer, of temple managerial duties, artist, cook, etc. shall be provided food, shelter, and other bare minimum necessities by the temple itself. They should not cook their own meals separate from the temple meals. If they have children, then some minimal allowance may be given according to the number of children. If they want anything extra or over and above what the temple president sees as absolute necessity, then they should work outside–the temple cannot pay for anything beyond the bare necessities. AND DEFINITELY, THE BBT CANNOT PAY ANY SALARY TO ANYBODY. OUR PHILOSOPHY IS “SIMPLE LIVING AND HIGH THINKING”–NOT SENSE GRATIFICATION. THE TEMPLE PRESIDENTS AND LEADERS (ELDER STUDENTS) MUST SHOW THIS BY EXAMPLE. TEMPLE OR ASRAMA MEANS FOR RENUNCIATION AND RENOUNCED PERSONS. IF ONE IS ENGAGED IN SELF-REALIZATION PROCESS, THEN HIS MATERIAL NECESSITIES BECOME ALMOST NIL. PERSONS WHO DO NOT LIKE THIS CAN WORK OUTSIDE.

 

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Prabhupada: Similarly, a renounced life, sannyasa, if he is following the regulative principles, that is sannyasa asrama. NOT THAT IMITATING SOMEBODY, I PUT ON A SAFFRON DRESS AND I BECOME A SANNYASI AND BY BEGGING I LIVE. THIS HAS KILLED THE WHOLE HINDU SOCIETY OR THE SANATANA-DHARMA SOCIETY. Unqualified persons, they do not know the regulative principles but for solution of economic problem they dress themselves. This is Kali-yuga. They will pass on simply by the dress without any knowledge.

 

70-03-07. Letter: Trivikrama

But at the mature age say after 50 years old age, everyone should separate from wife. Married life does not mean that one should continue to live with wife throughout the whole life; at a certain stage, say between 20-25 years, one may accept a wife, live with her to the maximum age of 50 years, and then there should be no more sex relationship–stringently. AND AT THE MATURE OLD AGE, SAY 65-70 YEARS, EVERYONE MUST ACCEPT THE RENOUNCED ORDER OF SANNYAS; IF NOT IN DRESS, THEN IN ACTION POSITIVELY.

 

69-11-23 Letter: Madhusudana

I am very glad that Kancanbala is performing the regulative principles and worshipping and helping you to become an ideal Vaisnava householder. REGARDING SANNYASA, YES, ACCORDING TO VEDIC PRINCIPLES, AS A MARRIED MAN, YOU MUST GIVE YOUR WIFE AT LEAST ONE BOY CHILD. AND WHEN HE IS GROWN UP, AFTER YOU ARE 50 YEARS OF AGE, YOU CAN TAKE SANNYASA. THE GROWN UP BOY MAY TAKE CARE OF YOUR OLD WIFE. THAT IS THE VEDIC SYSTEM.

 

71-08-15 Letter: Indira

One should become sannyasa by action, NOT BY DRESS.

 

73-02-10. Letter: Satsvarupa

Regarding your writing, you must know that it is the DUTY OF SANNYASA TO WRITE ALWAYS TO SAVE THE CRIPPLE MINDED MAN AND WOMEN.

 

SB 4.4.24

It is said that when a man desires to quit his body he dresses in SAFFRON GARMENTS.

 

73-06-28 Letter: Jadurani

THERE IS NOT MUCH DIFFERENCE IN THE ROBES OF MAYAVADIS AND VAISNAVAS, BUT THEY GENERALLY USE A DEEPER COLOR AND WE USE LIGHTER SAFFRON. Lord Caitanya did not necessarily wear the mayavadi robes. He carried ekadanda, but that is covered by the cloth, they have one rod, we have four rods. But they look the same. Yes, Lord Caitanya carries a water pot.

 

74-03-07. Letter: Muralidhara

6. THE MAYAVADI SANNYASIS GENERALLY WEAR THEIR DHOTIS UP OVER THEIR KNEES, and because Lord Caitanya took sannyasa from a Mayavadi sannyasi He is shown like that. So He is seen like this as a sannyasi.

 

Note: this ASSISTING A SANNYASI holds true if one is actually **renounced** from sense enjoyment and preaching for Krishna. Simply danda and saffron cloth has no respect. Srila Prabhupada says respect has to be commanded NOT demanded. Bg 16.4 states (demoniac) THEY DESIRE TO BE WORSHIPED BY OTHERS, AND DEMAND RESPECTABILITY, ALTHOUGH THEY DO NOT COMMAND RESPECT. They do everything whimsically, according to their own desire, AND THEY DO NOT RECOGNIZE ANY AUTHORITY. This is DENYING Srila Prabhupada’s unique position of Jagad diksa guru. Jagad guru means siksa AND diksa BOTH. So those who are against Srila Prabhupada as our Jagad guru are NOT sannyasis ACTUALLY— THEREFORE THEY CANNOT BE ASSISTED! THEY ARE JEALOUS OF SRILA PRABHUPADA’S UNIQUE POSITION AS JAGAD GURU.

Madhya 1.218

THERE ARE MANY JEALOUS PEOPLE IN THE DRESS OF VAISNAVAS IN THIS KRSNA CONSCIOUSNESS MOVEMENT, AND THEY SHOULD BE COMPLETELY NEGLECTED. THERE IS NO NEED TO SERVE A JEALOUS PERSON WHO IS IN THE DRESS OF A VAISNAVA. When Narottama dasa Thakura says chadiya vaisnava seva nistara payeche keba, he is indicating an ACTUAL VAISNAVA, not an envious or jealous person in the dress of a Vaisnava.

Madhya 7.27

A brahmacari is supposed to ASSIST A SANNYASI; therefore a BRAHMACARI SHOULD NOT TRY TO INSTRUCT A SANNYASI. That is the etiquette. Consequently Damodara should not have advised Caitanya Mahaprabhu of His duty.

 

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Yasomatinandana: That is the special quality of Kali-yuga, that sudra class people will take up the preaching of Vedas.

Prabhupada: Yes. AND EVEN FOLLOWERS OF SANKARACARYA… SANKARACARYA DOES NOT GIVE ANYONE ANY RECOGNITION UNLESS HE’S A SANNYASI. THAT IS THE STRICT PRINCIPLE OF SANKARA SAMPRADAYA. They are grhamedhis and they are thinking they are advanced in spiritual consciousness. SANKARACARYA DOES NOT GIVE ANYONE ANY POSITION UNLESS HE IS IN THE RENOUNCED ORDER OF LIFE.

 

SB Introduction             ” Creation”

While He was contemplating accepting the sannyasa order, it so happened that Kesava Bharati, a sannyasi of the Mayavadi school and resident of Katwa (in Bengal), visited Navadvipa and was invited to dine with the Lord. When Kesava Bharati came to His house, the Lord asked him to award Him the sannyasa order of life. THIS WAS A MATTER OF FORMALITY. THE SANNYASA ORDER IS TO BE ACCEPTED FROM ANOTHER SANNYASI. ALTHOUGH THE LORD WAS INDEPENDENT IN ALL RESPECTS, STILL, TO KEEP UP THE FORMALITIES OF THE SASTRAS, HE ACCEPTED THE SANNYASA ORDER FROM KESAVA BHARATI, ALTHOUGH KESAVA BHARATI WAS NOT IN THE VAISNAVA-SAMPRADAYA (SCHOOL).

 

681127BG.LA                 Lectures

Madhudvisa: Prabhupada, I think this is… Did Lord Caitanya take sannyasa from a Mayavadi sannyasi?

Prabhupada: YES. THAT IS A FORMALITY. THAT IS NOT VERY IMPORTANT. BECAUSE MAYAVADI SANNYASIS, THEY ARE ALSO VEDIC SANNYASIS. THEY ARE NOT OUTSIDERS. BUT THEIR INTERPRETATION OF VEDA IS DIFFERENT. BUT THEY FOLLOW THE VEDIC RULES. SO THIS ACCEPTANCE OF SANNYASA IS FOLLOWING A PRINCIPLE OF THE VEDIC RULES. SO THE MAYAVADI SANNYASI MAY DIFFER IN HIS INTERPRETATION, BUT HE’S FOLLOWING THE VEDIC RULES. SO THIS ACCEPTANCE OF SANNYASA IS FOLLOWING THE VEDIC RULES. SO YOU CAN ACCEPT SANNYASA EVEN FROM MAYAVADI. IT DOESN’T MATTER. BUT YOU HAVE TO TRANSCEND THE LIMITS OF VEDIC RULES. THAT IS KRSNA CONSCIOUSNESS. That also Caitanya Mahaprabhu… Although He took sannyasa, He did not assume the sannyasa title. His sannyasa guru was Kesava Bharati. Naturally, He would have accepted the Bharati title. Sri Krsna Bharati, or something like that. But He remained Sri Krsna Caitanya. Caitanya is the name of the brahmacari under the Bharati sannyasi. One brahmacari… The brahmacaris, they are assistant or personal servitors of a sannyasi. That is the system. So Caitanya Mahaprabhu was… In the beginning, He was accepted… That is the Mayavadi system. One is accepted first of all as brahmacari. So that, His name was Caitanya. But even after His acceptance of sannyasa, He did not assume the title Bharati. That means actually He did not take sannyasa. That was simply formality. Because Mayavadi sannyasi thinks that he is God; so how He can assume that title? He was preaching, He was going to preach that we are servant of God; therefore He did not assume that title. And besides that, when Caitanya Mahaprabhu was going to Lord…, see Jagannatha Puri, His rod was taken away by Nityananda and it was broken and thrown away. So He, apparently He became very angry that “You have broken My rod, sannyasa rod. So I am not going with You.” He separated. These statements are there in the Caitanya-caritamrta. So in one sense, Caitanya Mahaprabhu did not require to accept any sannyasa guru, BUT HE ACCEPTED THE FORMALITY THAT IF ONE TAKES SANNYASA, ONE HAS TO TAKE SANNYASA FROM ANOTHER SANNYASI. THAT IS THE SYSTEM. JUST LIKE IF YOU WANT TO GET YOURSELF MARRIED, YOU HAVE TO CALL FOR A PRIEST. THAT DOES NOT MEAN THAT YOU HAVE TO AGREE WITH THE PRIEST’S PERSONAL OPINION. DO YOU FOLLOW? YES. HE MAY EXECUTE THE RULES AND REGULATION OF MARRIAGE CEREMONY, BUT THAT DOES NOT MEAN THAT ONE HAS TO AGREE WITH THE PRIEST’S OPINION, PERSONAL OPINION. THIS IS THE ANSWER. But when you accept a spiritual master, that is not allowed. Unless you cent percent agree with the spiritual master’s opinion or philosophy, there is no need of accepting a spiritual master. There is no need. Yes.

 

761101SB.VRN

So for that there are so many practices, regulative principles, mentioned here. The first thing is hamse gurau mayi bhaktyanuvrtya. This is religion. Adau gurvasrayam. If you do not get a QUALIFIED GURU, then EVERYTHING IS BOGUS. If you, by good fortune, if you get the association of a guru, QUALIFIED HAMSA, PARAMAHAMSA… Paramahamsa guru means sannyasi’s last stage is paramahamsa. Kuticaka, bahudaka, parivrajakacarya, and paramahamsa, these are the different stages.

 

67-01-30 Letter: Brahmananda

One thing you may note also as a matter of etiquette. The Spiritual Master is addressed as His Divine Grace, a Godbrother is addressed as His Grace, and ANY SANNYASIN IS ADDRESSED AS HIS HOLINESS.

 

Note: here history (like Gaudiya math) repeats itself similarly in ISKCON. We see IDENTICAL trappings. It is only by keeping the acarya (Srila Prabhupada) at the center and carrying out his FINAL ORDER to the society of July 9 1977 namely to Institute Ritvik initiations we can succeed —otherwise FAILURE.The plain fact is Srila Prabhupada is our Jagad guru (inclusive of diksa and siksa). And he is addressed as His Divine Grace.

PHALGUNA KRISHNA PANCAMI

1. “That sannyasa which I have given you” is for preaching in devotion. The FAITHLESS SENSE ENJOYERS are UNABLE to understand this.

 

3. IF EVERYONE JUST INITIATES then there will only be a CONTRADICTORY RESULT. As long as it goes on THERE WILL BE ONLY FAILURE.

 

5. But simply a festival of flowers and fruits does not constitute worship. THE ONE WHO SERVES THE MESSAGE OF THE GURU REALLY WORSHIPS HIM.

 

6. The SERVICE OF THE MESSAGE is the REAL MEANING of the Vedas. DON’T BE PROUD, BROTHERS, COME BACK TO THIS.

 

9. O shame! My dear brothers, aren’t you embarrassed? IN THE MANNER OF BUSINESSMEN YOU INCREASE YOUR DISCIPLES.

 

2. BUT JUST TAKE A LOOK AT THE TERRIBLE SITUATION THAT HAS ARISEN. EVERYONE HAS BECOME A SENSE ENJOYER AND HAS GIVEN UP PREACHING.

 

9. You have become renouncers, brothers, so renounce everything. BUT IF YOU ALSO RENOUNCE THE ORDER OF THE SPIRITUAL MASTER, THEN WHAT KIND OF RENUNCIATION IS THAT?

 

1. THE ONE WHO RENOUNCES THE GURU’S ORDER (GURU TYAGI) AND THE ONE WHO TRIES TO ENJOY THE ASSETS OF HIS SPIRITUAL MASTER (GURU-BHOGI) ARE TWO KINDS OF USELESS PERSONS. First become A SERVANT of your spiritual master (guru-sevi) and then you will understand things clearly.

 

3. GIVE UP YOUR WEALTH FOR PREACHING. SIT DOWN TOGETHER AND MAKE SOME SPECIAL JUDGEMENT.

 

6. THE HOUSEHOLDERS BEG FROM SANNYASIS, AND WHY NOT? THE SANNYASIS HAVE TENS OF MILLIONS OF RUPEES IN THE BANK.

 

The whole philosophy is simultaneous ONENESS and DIFFERENCE.

Srila Prabhupada refused giving sannyasa in 1977 January. WHY?  My understanding is Srila Prabhupada refused because they did NOT come up to the required level of QUALIFIED Brahmana EVEN as per Pancaratrika-vidhi.

 

They CAN accept Sannyasa IF QUALIFIED WITH SYMPTOMS OF BRAHMANA. But Srila Prabhupada saw that they were NOT QUALIFIED AS BRAHMANA. Brahmana is ACTUALLY on the Brahma-bhuta level – He REALIZES he is NOT the body. FOR SUCH A PERSON – SANNYASA is COMPULSORY. But others are ordinary NOT for THEM. Quotes below – Sannyasa is actually is PART and PARCEL of VEDIC culture COMPULSORY ONLY for QUALIFIED Brahmanas. NOT OTHERS. Kalau sudra sambhava in Kali-yuga all are sudras. But they are given chance to first to QUALIFY as Brahmana according to PANCARATIKI VIDHI. Then Brahma Bhuta level actual Brahmana (Kanistha Adhikari).

Pancaratriki vidhi is the system of making them Brahmana. This is why diksa is offered according to Pancaratiki vidhi introduced by Srila Prabhupada in ISKCON.  NOT Bhagavad vidhi. According to Bhagavad vidhi the standard is VERY STRICT they ARE QUALIFIED Brahmanas like in Satya yuga then diksa. In KALI YUGA it is PANCARATIKI VIDHI.

 

721027ND.VRN Lecture So we are trying to follow Sanatana Gosvami. By diksa-vidhanena, by imitating persons any, from anywhere. It does not matter. Because in this age, Kali-yuga, the diksa-vidhana is performed according, according to Pancaratrika-vidhi. Not Vaidika-vidhi. VAIDIKA-VIDHI IS VERY STRICT. UNLESS ONE IS BONA FIDE SON OF A DVIJA, THE INITIATION WAS NOT GIVEN. To the sudras, there was no initiation. A brahmana ksatriya, vaisya. So these are the Vedic process. SO IN THE KALI-YUGA, BECAUSE IT IS TO BE UNDERSTOOD THAT EVERYONE IS A SUDRA, THEREFORE VAIDIKA-VIDHANA CANNOT BE APPLIED. VAIDIKA-VIDHANA REQUIRES THAT ONE MUST BE BORN BY A BRAHMANA, KSATRIYA. THEN HE’S ELIGIBLE FOR BEING INITIATED. BUT IN THE KALI-YUGA, THAT IS NOT POSSIBLE. THEREFORE THE PANCARATRIKI-VIDHI IS ACCEPTED.

680724IN.MON Lecture

sruti-smrti-puranadi- pancaratriki vidhim vina aikantiki harer bhaktir utpatayaiva kalpate

This is the definition given by Srila Rupa Gosvami, that to become a devotee of the Lord, Krsna, one has to follow the principles of sruti and smrti, and pancaratriki-vidhi. Especially in this age, Kali-yuga, there is no Vedic vidhi. Because Vedic vidhi is lost. FORMERLY, INITIATION WAS OFFERED TO A PERSON WHO IS ACTUALLY BORN OF A BRAHMANA FATHER. Otherwise… Or the higher caste, the brahmanas, the ksatriyas, and the vaisyas, they were offered initiation, and the sudras were not offered. That was the Vedic system. But in this age the sastra says that kalau sudra sambhava. IN THIS AGE OF KALI PRACTICALLY THERE IS NO MORE ANY BRAHMANA, KSATRIYA, OR VAISYA. MAYBE BY NAME, BUT IN QUALIFICATION THEY ARE NOT EXISTING. EVERYONE IS SUPPOSED TO BE SUDRA. SO IN KALI-YUGA THE PANCARATRIKI-VIDHI IS ACCEPTED. The pancaratriki-vidhi is also Vedic vidhi, corollary, given by Narada Mahamuni. But it is accepted by the Vedic followers, pancaratriki-vidhi.

PANCARATRIKI-VIDHI MEANS IF ANY ONE HAS A LITTLE INCLINATION FOR SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT, HE SHOULD BE GIVEN CHANCE. This initiation means to give chance. The Bhagavata says that kirata-hunandhra-pulinda-pulkasa abhira-sumbha yavanah khasadayah. These are the list of the candalas or less than the sudras. So Bhagavata gives open road for everyone. Even one is kirata… Kirata means… Generally they are called aborigines, or the very black aborigines living in the jungles, they are called kirata.

 

770214r2.may                                         Conversations Hari-sauri: So the varnasrama system is like for the kanisthas, Kanistha-adhikari. Prabhupada: Kanistha? Hari-sauri: When one is only on the platform of neophyte. Prabhupada: Yes. Yes. Kanistha-adhikari, yes. Hari-sauri: Varnasrama system is beneficial. Prabhupada: KANISTHA-ADHIKARI MEANS HE MUST BE A BRAHMANA. THAT IS KANISTHA-ADHIKARI. THE SPIRITUAL LIFE, KANISTHA-ADHIKARI, MEANS HE MUST BE A QUALIFIED BRAHMANA. THAT IS KANISTHA. WHAT IS ESTEEMED AS VERY HIGH POSITION IN THE MATERIAL WORLD, BRAHMANA, THAT IS KANISTHA-ADHIKARI.

arcayam eva haraye                      pujam yah sraddhayehate                      na tad-bhaktesu canyesu                     sa bhaktah prakrtah smrtah

The brahmana means from the material stage gradually he is elevated to the spiritual stage. And below the brahmana there is no question of Vaisnava.

 

Note: So there is no contradiction between the statements Srila Prabhupada made in 1977 January and April 1977 as it REQUIRES one to be QUALIFIED brahmana otherwise NO SANNYASA.

Ok – 1977 JANUARY

(Conversation – January 7, 1977, Bombay, 770107rcbom)

“FIRST OF ALL THERE WILL BE NO SANNYASI ANYMORE. I have got very bad experience. AND AT LEAST, WE ARE NOT GOING TO CREATE NEW SANNYASIS. And those who have fallen down, let them marry, live like respectable gentlemen”

1977 ALSO BUT APRIL

770513ed.hri Prabhupada: According to Vedic civilization, the bodily identification is divided into eight: brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya, sudra, brahmacari, grhastha, vanaprastha, and sannyasa. Varnasrama-dharma. So human civilization begins, according to Vedic understanding, when there is varnasrama system. Otherwise it is not human civilization. Therefore in the Bhagavad-gita it is stated, catur-varnyam maya srstam. This system should be followed. Then, gradually, one has to come to the spiritual. Chaotic society cannot help us. There must be systematic social order: brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya, sudra, catur-varnyam, and brahmacari, grhastha, vanaprastha, and sannyasa. SANNYASA IS NOT VOLUNTARY, BUT IT IS COMPULSORY. AT THE LAST STAGE ONE MUST TAKE SANNYASA. AFTER FIFTIETH YEAR ONE MUST TAKE TO VANAPRASTHA, VANAM VRAJET. THIS IS SYSTEM. SO… SYSTEM OF PURIFICATION, HOW TO BECOME DESIGNATIONLESS. AND IF WE KEEP THE DESIGNATION, THEN, SASTRA SAYS, SA EVA GO-KHARAH: “ONE WHO KEEPS THE BODILY DESIGNATION, HE’S NO BETTER THAN THE COWS AND THE ASSES, ANIMAL.”

 

 

SB 4.12.48 P   Dhruva Maharaja Goes Back to Godhead    It is said that only in the association of devotees can one understand the importance of the character and pastimes of the Supreme Personality of Godhead or His devotees. In this verse it is especially recommended that Dhruva Maharaja’s character be discussed in a society of the twice-born, which refers to the qualified brahmanas, ksatriyas and vaisyas. One should especially seek the society of brahmanas who are elevated to the position of Vaisnavas. Thus discussion of Srimad-Bhagavatam, which describes the character and pastimes of devotees and the Lord, is very quickly effective. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness has been organized for this purpose. In every center of this Society–not only in the morning, evening or noon, but practically twenty-four hours a day–there is continuous devotional service going on. Anyone who comes in contact with the Society automatically becomes a devotee. We have actual experience that many karmis and others come to the Society and find a very pleasing and peaceful atmosphere in the temples of ISKCON. In this verse the word dvi janmanam means “of the twice-born.” Anyone can join the International Society for Krishna Consciousness and be initiated to become twice-born. As recommended by Sanatana Gosvami, by the process of initiation and authorized training, any man can become twice-born. The first birth is made possible by the parents, and the second birth is made possible by the spiritual father and Vedic knowledge. UNLESS ONE IS TWICE-BORN ONE CANNOT UNDERSTAND THE TRANSCENDENTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE LORD AND HIS DEVOTEES. STUDY OF THE VEDAS IS THEREFORE FORBIDDEN FOR SUDRAS. Simply by academic qualifications a sudra cannot understand the transcendental science. At the present moment, throughout the entire world the educational system is geared to produce sudras. A big technologist is no more than a big sudra. KALAU SUDRA-SAMBHAVAH: IN THE AGE OF KALI, EVERYONE IS A SUDRA. BECAUSE THE WHOLE POPULATION OF THE WORLD CONSISTS ONLY OF SUDRAS, THERE IS A DECLINE OF SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE, AND PEOPLE ARE UNHAPPY. THE KRSNA CONSCIOUSNESS MOVEMENT HAS BEEN STARTED ESPECIALLY TO CREATE QUALIFIED BRAHMANAS TO BROADCAST SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE ALL OVER THE WORLD, FOR THUS PEOPLE MAY BECOME VERY HAPPY.

710409SB.BOM                 Lectures Others, those who are paramahamsa… How… Krsna does not become visible, because He is visible only to the paramahamsa. Paramahamsa means the supreme position of a human being. That is called paramahamsa. There are… You know, according to Vedic system, there are brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya, sudra, and brahmacari, grhastha, vanaprastha, sannyasa. The eight stages. The sannyasi is to be supposed the first-class stage. So amongst the sannyasa stage also, there are four stages: kuticaka, bahudaka, parivrajakacarya, and paramahamsa. Not that all sannyasis on the equal status. The first status is kuticaka. Sannyasa means one has to give up the relationship with family. So in the beginning of stage, because he is newly entered in the sannyasa life, it is not possible for him to give up immediately his village or… Of course, when there was systematic sannyasa system, then that anyone had to take sannyasa at a certain stage. Nowadays there is… Sannyasa, accepting sannyasa life, is also forbidden because nobody can actually follow strictly the rules and regulations. And neither anybody has got any inclination to accept sannyasa. Therefore in this age sannyasa is sometimes forbidden. Kalau panca vivarjayet. BUT IF YOU ASK THAT “WHY YOU HAVE TAKEN SANNYASA?” OR “YOU HAVE GOT SOME SANNYASIS,” THIS SANNYASA IS NOT KARMA-SANNYASA. THIS SANNYASA IS DEVOTION, VAISNAVA SANNYASA. VAISNAVA SANNYASI MEANS ANYONE WHO GIVES UP EVERYTHING AND DEVOTES SIMPLY HIS TIME FOR PUSHING ON KRSNA CONSCIOUSNESS MOVEMENT, HE IS ALSO SANNYASA.

 

 

In this age of Kali, sannyasa is forbidden for ordinary men

SB 1.6.13 P  Conversation Between Narada and Vyasadeva    It is the duty of a mendicant (parivrajakacarya) to experience all varieties of God’s creation by traveling alone through all forests, hills, towns, villages, etc., to gain faith in God and strength of mind as well as to enlighten the inhabitants with the message of God. A sannyasi is duty-bound to take all these risks without fear, and the most typical sannyasi of the present age is Lord Caitanya, who traveled in the same manner through the central Indian jungles, enlightening even the tigers, bears, snakes, deer, elephants and many other jungle animals. IN THIS AGE OF KALI, SANNYASA IS FORBIDDEN FOR ORDINARY MEN. One who changes his dress to make propaganda is a different man from the original ideal sannyasi. One should, however, take the vow to stop social intercourse completely and devote life exclusively to the service of the Lord. The change of dress is only a formality. LORD CAITANYA DID NOT ACCEPT THE NAME OF A SANNYASI, AND IN THIS AGE OF KALI THE SO-CALLED SANNYASIS SHOULD NOT CHANGE THEIR FORMER NAMES, FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF LORD CAITANYA.

 

SB 5.7.5 P        The Activities of King Bharata    “IN THIS AGE OF KALI, FIVE ACTS ARE FORBIDDEN: THE OFFERING OF A HORSE IN SACRIFICE, THE OFFERING OF A COW IN SACRIFICE, THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE ORDER OF SANNYASA, the offering of oblations of flesh to the forefathers, and a man’s begetting children in his brother’s wife.”

 

 

TO ACCEPT SANNYASA MEANS TO COMMIT CIVIL SUICIDE. BUT SANNYASA IS COMPULSORY, AT LEAST FOR EVERY BRAHMANA, EVERY FIRST-CLASS HUMAN BEING.

P The Battle Between the Demigods and Vrtrasura    “We offer our respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of the Lord. upon whom one should always meditate. He left His householder life, leaving aside His eternal consort, whom even the denizens of heaven adore. He went into the forest to deliver the fallen souls, who are put into illusion by material energy.” TO ACCEPT SANNYASA MEANS TO COMMIT CIVIL SUICIDE. BUT SANNYASA IS COMPULSORY, AT LEAST FOR EVERY BRAHMANA, EVERY FIRST-CLASS HUMAN BEING. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu had a very young and beautiful wife and a very affectionate mother. Indeed, the affectionate dealings of His family members were so pleasing that even the demigods could not expect such happiness at home. Nevertheless, for the deliverance of all the fallen souls of the world, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu took sannyasa and left home when He was only twenty-four years old. He lived a very strict life as a sannyasi, refusing all bodily comforts. Similarly, His disciples the six Gosvamis were ministers who held exalted positions in society, but they also left everything to join the movement of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

 

 

770123LE.BHU                 Lectures Prabhupada: No. He will explain in Oriya. (break) …that is Vedic culture. As yesterday we were talking of varnasrama-dharma, four varnas and four asrama–brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya, sudra–so the Vedic culture means to execute the varnasrama-dharma. Now we are known as Hindus. The Hindu word is not to be found… (break) A little disturbance will mar the situation. So, Vedic culture means this varnasrama-dharma. The Muhammadans from the other side of river Sindhu, they have called us Hindu. Actually, this word “Hindu” you’ll not find any Vedic scripture. So to accept this position–brahmacari, grhastha, vanaprastha, and sannyasa–is compulsory. IT IS NOT THAT ONE HAS TO TAKE SANNYASA AS A FASHION. NO. ACTUALLY IT IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY FOR ANY PERSON AT THE LAST STAGE OF LIFE TO ACCEPT SANNYASA. This Ramananda Raya also retired from the government service. He met Caitanya Mahaprabhu, and Caitanya Mahaprabhu advised him that “Now you retire from your governorship and come to Jagannatha Puri, your home, and let us talk together about spiritual life.” So in this way he retired. So all the associates of Caitanya Mahaprabhu–sri-rupa sanatana bhatta-raghunatha sri-jiva gopala-bhatta dasa-raghunatha–Six Gosvamis, the direct disciples of Caitanya Mahaprabhu, they were all in renounced order of life. Then? Read. You read. You’ll hear

 

This is Madhyama Adhikari – Sannyasi

Adi 7.67          Lord Caitanya in Five Features    A VAISNAVA SANNYASI OR A VAISNAVA IN THE SECOND STAGE OF ADVANCEMENT IN SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE CAN UNDERSTAND FOUR PRINCIPLES–NAMELY, THE SUPREME PERSONALITY OF GODHEAD, THE DEVOTEES, THE INNOCENT AND THE JEALOUS–AND HE BEHAVES DIFFERENTLY WITH EACH. HE TRIES TO INCREASE HIS LOVE FOR GODHEAD, MAKE FRIENDSHIP WITH DEVOTEES AND PREACH KRSNA CONSCIOUSNESS AMONG THE INNOCENT, BUT HE AVOIDS THE JEALOUS WHO ARE ENVIOUS OF THE KRSNA CONSCIOUSNESS MOVEMENT. Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu Himself exemplified such behavior, and this is why Prakasananda Sarasvati inquired why He did not associate or even talk with them. Caitanya Mahaprabhu confirmed by example that a preacher of the Krsna consciousness movement generally should not waste his time talking with Mayavadi sannyasis, but when there are arguments on the basis of sastra, a Vaisnava must come forward to talk and defeat them in philosophy.

 

760211SB.MAY                   Lectures    In the madhyama-adhikari he can SEE four things. What is that? Four things means, first of all the Supreme Lord, ISVARA, THE CONTROLLER, HE CAN SEE. He can see means he understands, he appreciates, he can conceive, “Yes, the Supreme Lord is there”. THERE IS NO MORE THEORETICAL.

 

 

NoI 5                               ONE THEREFORE HAS TO RAISE HIMSELF FROM THE POSITION OF KANISTHA-ADHIKARI TO THE PLATFORM OF MADHYAMA-ADHIKARI. The madhyama-adhikari is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam (11.2.46) in this way:

isvare tad-adhinesu                        balisesu dvisatsu ca                       prema-maitri-krpopeksa                      yah karoti sa madhyamah

“The madhyama-adhikari is a devotee who worships the Supreme Personality of Godhead as the highest object of love, makes friends with the Lord’s devotees, is merciful to the ignorant and avoids those who are envious by nature.”

 

Bg 2.15                       yam hi na vyathayanty ete                          purusam purusarsabha                       sama-duhkha-sukham dhiram                         so ‘mrtatvaya kalpate    O best among men [Arjuna], the person who is not disturbed by happiness and distress and is steady in both is certainly eligible for liberation.                                PURPORT    Anyone who is steady in his determination for the advanced stage of spiritual realization and CAN EQUALLY TOLERATE THE ONSLAUGHTS OF DISTRESS AND HAPPINESS IS CERTAINLY A PERSON ELIGIBLE FOR LIBERATION. In the varnasrama institution, THE FOURTH STAGE OF LIFE, NAMELY THE RENOUNCED ORDER (SANNYASA), IS A PAINSTAKING SITUATION. BUT ONE WHO IS SERIOUS ABOUT MAKING HIS LIFE PERFECT SURELY ADOPTS THE SANNYASA ORDER OF LIFE IN SPITE OF ALL DIFFICULTIES. The difficulties usually arise from having to sever family relationships, to give up the connection of wife and children. But if anyone is able to tolerate such difficulties, surely his path to spiritual realization is complete.

 

740312mw.vrn     Prabhupada: Those who are sudras, they should not be allowed to take sannyasa. Only those who are QUALIFIED BRAHMANAS, they’ll be allowed to take sannyasa.

 

741021SB.MAY    Ata saba hari ara varnasrama-dharma, niskincana haya laya krsnaika sarana.(?) This is the… Varnasrama-dharma, that is material. VARNASRAMA IS PLANNED FOR MATERIAL LIFE IN A SYSTEMATIC WAY SO THAT, IN DUE COURSE OF TIME, ONE MAY GIVE UP THE FAMILY RELATIONSHIP AND TAKE SANNYASA AND COMPLETELY DEVOTE FOR KRSNA’S SERVICE. THIS IS THE PLAN OF VARNASRAMA-DHARMA. Varnasrama-dharma is not meant for planning something, and you remain in the family. No. The Varnasrama… Varna means brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya, sudra. Catur-varnyam maya srstam guna-karma-vibhagasah. Guna, not everyone is qualified in the same way. Therefore you… The acarya will pick up that “They are meant for becoming brahmanas. They are meant for ksatriyas.” Or for coming from ksatriya family, or the brahmana family… So first of all, these varnas, then asrama. THE BRAHMANA, ONE WHO IS QUALIFIED AS A BRAHMANA, HE HAS TO OBSERVE THE FOUR ASRAMAS, A BRAHMANA: THE BRAHMACARI-ASRAMA, THE GRHASTHA-ASRAMA, THE VANAPRASTHA-ASRAMA AND SANNYASA-ASRAMA. THE KSATRIYA, THEY’LL HAVE TO OBSERVE THREE ASRAMAS: BRAHMACARI, GRHASTHA AND VANAPRASTHA. AND THE VAISYAS, TWO ASRAMAS: BRAHMACARI AND GRHASTHA. AND SUDRA, ONLY ONE ASRAMA, ONLY GRHASTHA. A SUDRA IS NEVER OFFERED SANNYASA. A… ONLY THE BRAHMANA IS OFFERED.

SB 7.11.35 P      Herein it is clearly stated by Narada Muni that one should not be accepted as a brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya or sudra according to birth, for although this is going on now, it is not accepted by the sastras. As stated in Bhagavad-gita (4.13), catur-varnyam maya srstam guna-karma-vibhagasah. Thus the four divisions of society–brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya and sudra–are to be ascertained according to qualities and activities. If one was born in a brahmana family and has acquired the brahminical qualifications, he is to be accepted as a brahmana; otherwise, he should be considered a brahma-bandhu. Similarly, if a sudra acquires the qualities of a brahmana, although he was born in a sudra family, he is not a sudra; because he has developed the qualities of a brahmana, he should be accepted as a brahmana. The Krsna consciousness movement is meant to develop these brahminical qualities. Regardless of the community in which one was born, if one develops the qualities of a brahmana he should be accepted as a brahmana, and he then may be offered the order of sannyasa. UNLESS ONE IS QUALIFIED IN TERMS OF THE BRAHMINICAL SYMPTOMS, ONE CANNOT TAKE SANNYASA.

 

P TO ACCEPT SANNYASA MEANS TO COMMIT CIVIL SUICIDE. BUT SANNYASA IS COMPULSORY, AT LEAST FOR EVERY BRAHMANA, EVERY FIRST-CLASS HUMAN BEING.

 

70-03-07. Letter: Trivikrama    But at the mature age say after 50 years old age, everyone should separate from wife. Married life does not mean that one should continue to live with wife throughout the whole life; at a certain stage, say between 20-25 years, one may accept a wife, live with her to the maximum age of 50 years, and then there should be no more sex relationship–stringently. AND AT THE MATURE OLD AGE, SAY 65-70 YEARS, EVERYONE MUST ACCEPT THE RENOUNCED ORDER OF SANNYAS; IF NOT IN DRESS, THEN IN ACTION POSITIVELY

 

 

SB 7.11.35 P The Perfect Society: Four Social Classes    Herein it is clearly stated by Narada Muni that one should not be accepted as a brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya or sudra according to birth, for although this is going on now, it is not accepted by the sastras. As stated in Bhagavad-gita (4.13), catur-varnyam maya srstam guna-karma-vibhagasah. Thus the four divisions of society–brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya and sudra–are to be ascertained according to qualities and activities. If one was born in a brahmana family and has acquired the brahminical qualifications, he is to be accepted as a brahmana; otherwise, he should be considered a brahma-bandhu. Similarly, if a sudra acquires the qualities of a brahmana, although he was born in a sudra family, he is not a sudra; because he has developed the qualities of a brahmana, he should be accepted as a brahmana. The Krsna consciousness movement is meant to develop these brahminical qualities. REGARDLESS OF THE COMMUNITY IN WHICH ONE WAS BORN, IF ONE DEVELOPS THE QUALITIES OF A BRAHMANA HE SHOULD BE ACCEPTED AS A BRAHMANA, AND HE THEN MAY BE OFFERED THE ORDER OF SANNYASA. UNLESS ONE IS QUALIFIED IN TERMS OF THE BRAHMINICAL SYMPTOMS, ONE CANNOT TAKE SANNYASA.

 

SB 7.11.35 P The Perfect Society: Four Social Classes    Herein it is clearly stated by Narada Muni that one should not be accepted as a brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya or sudra according to birth, for although this is going on now, it is not accepted by the sastras. As stated in Bhagavad-gita (4.13), catur-varnyam maya srstam guna-karma-vibhagasah. Thus the four divisions of society–brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya and sudra–are to be ascertained according to qualities and activities. If one was born in a brahmana family and has acquired the brahminical qualifications, he is to be accepted as a brahmana; otherwise, he should be considered a brahma-bandhu. SIMILARLY, IF A SUDRA ACQUIRES THE QUALITIES OF A BRAHMANA, ALTHOUGH HE WAS BORN IN A SUDRA FAMILY, HE IS NOT A SUDRA; BECAUSE HE HAS DEVELOPED THE QUALITIES OF A BRAHMANA, HE SHOULD BE ACCEPTED AS A BRAHMANA. THE KRSNA CONSCIOUSNESS MOVEMENT IS MEANT TO DEVELOP THESE BRAHMINICAL QUALITIES. Regardless of the community in which one was born, if one develops the qualities of a brahmana he should be accepted as a brahmana, and he then may be offered the order of sannyasa. Unless one is qualified in terms of the brahminical symptoms, one cannot take sannyasa.   According to Mayavadi sannyasis, only one who takes sannyasa in the disciplic succession from Sankaracarya is a Vedic sannyasi. Sometimes it is challenged that the sannyasis who are preaching in the Krsna consciousness movement are not genuine because they do not belong to brahmana families, for Mayavadis do not offer sannyasa to one who does not belong to a brahmana family by birth. UNFORTUNATELY, HOWEVER, THEY DO NOT KNOW THAT AT PRESENT EVERYONE IS BORN A SUDRA (KALAU SUDRA-SAMBHAVAH). IT IS TO BE UNDERSTOOD THAT THERE ARE NO BRAHMANAS IN THIS AGE BECAUSE THOSE WHO CLAIM TO BE BRAHMANAS SIMPLY ON THE BASIS OF BIRTHRIGHT DO NOT HAVE THE BRAHMINICAL QUALIFICATIONS. HOWEVER, EVEN IF ONE IS BORN IN A NON-BRAHMANA FAMILY, IF HE HAS THE BRAHMINICAL QUALIFICATIONS HE SHOULD BE ACCEPTED AS A BRAHMANA, AS CONFIRMED BY SRILA NARADA MUNI AND THE GREAT SAINT SRIDHARA SVAMI. This is also stated in Srimad-Bhagavatam. Both Narada and Sridhara Svami completely agree that one cannot be a brahmana by birthright but must possess the qualities of a brahmana. THUS IN OUR KRSNA CONSCIOUSNESS MOVEMENT WE NEVER OFFER THE SANNYASA ORDER TO A PERSON WHOM WE DO NOT FIND TO BE QUALIFIED IN TERMS OF THE PRESCRIBED BRAHMINICAL PRINCIPLES

 

Brahmana qualified is Brahma bhuta stage

SB 3.29.14 P Explanation of Devotional Service by Lord Kapila    The material qualities of goodness, passion and ignorance cannot affect the position of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; therefore He is called nirguna (free from all tinges of material qualities). Here the same fact is confirmed by Lord Kapila: one who is situated in pure devotional service is transcendentally situated, as is the Lord. Just as the Lord is unaffected by the influence of the material modes, so too are His pure devotees. One who is not affected by the three modes of material nature is called a liberated soul, or brahma-bhuta soul. BRAHMA-BHUTAH PRASANNATMA IS THE STAGE OF LIBERATION. AHAM BRAHMASMI: “I AM NOT THIS BODY.” THIS IS APPLICABLE ONLY TO THE PERSON WHO CONSTANTLY ENGAGES IN THE DEVOTIONAL SERVICE OF KRSNA AND IS THUS IN THE TRANSCENDENTAL STAGE; HE IS ABOVE THE INFLUENCE OF THE THREE MODES OF MATERIAL NATURE.

 

SB 10.7.13-15 P The Killing of the Demon Trnavarta    THE BLESSINGS OF BRAHMANAS WHO ARE NOT ENVIOUS, DISTURBED OR PUFFED UP WITH PRIDE AND FALSE PRESTIGE AND WHO ARE FULLY QUALIFIED WITH TRUTHFULNESS WILL BE USEFUL. Therefore a class of men must be trained as brahmanas from the very beginning. Brahmacari guru-kule vasan danto guror hitam (Bhag. 7.12.1). The word dantah is very important. Dantah refers to one who is not envious, disturbing or puffed up with false prestige. WITH THE KRSNA CONSCIOUSNESS MOVEMENT, WE ARE TRYING TO INTRODUCE SUCH BRAHMANAS IN SOCIETY. BRAHMANAS MUST ULTIMATELY BE VAISNAVAS, AND IF ONE IS A VAISNAVA, HE HAS ALREADY ACQUIRED THE QUALIFICATIONS OF A BRAHMANA. BRAHMA-BHUTAH PRASANNATMA (BG. 18.54). THE WORD BRAHMA-BHUTA REFERS TO BECOMING A BRAHMANA, OR UNDERSTANDING WHAT IS BRAHMAN (BRAHMA JANATITI BRAHMANAH). ONE WHO IS BRAHMA-BHUTA IS ALWAYS HAPPY (PRASANNATMA). NA SOCATI NA KANKSATI: HE IS NEVER DISTURBED ABOUT MATERIAL NECESSITIES. SAMAH SARVESU BHUTESU: HE IS READY TO BESTOW BLESSINGS UPON EVERYONE EQUALLY. MAD-BHAKTIM LABHATE PARAM: THEN HE BECOMES A VAISNAVA. IN THIS AGE, SRILA BHAKTISIDDHANTA SARASVATI THAKURA INTRODUCED THE SACRED THREAD CEREMONY FOR HIS VAISNAVA DISCIPLES, WITH THE IDEA THAT PEOPLE SHOULD UNDERSTAND THAT WHEN ONE BECOMES A VAISNAVA HE HAS ALREADY ACQUIRED THE QUALIFICATIONS OF A BRAHMANA. THEREFORE IN THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS, THOSE WHO ARE TWICE INITIATED SO AS TO BECOME BRAHMANAS MUST BEAR IN MIND THEIR GREAT RESPONSIBILITY TO BE TRUTHFUL, CONTROL THE MIND AND SENSES, BE TOLERANT, AND SO ON. THEN THEIR LIFE WILL BE SUCCESSFUL. IT WAS SUCH BRAHMANAS THAT NANDA MAHARAJA INVITED TO CHANT THE VEDIC HYMNS, NOT ORDINARY BRAHMANAS. Verse thirteen distinctly mentions himsa-mana. The word mana refers to false prestige or false pride. Those who were falsely proud, thinking that they were brahmanas because they were born in brahmana families, were never invited by Nanda Maharaja on such occasions.

 

761003SB.VRN                 Lectures ONE HAS TO BECOME BRAHMA-BHUTA. THAT IS BRAHMANA. The sign is na socati na kanksati. He does not care for anything material. He’s always satisfied. AHAM BRAHMASMI. THAT IS BRAHMANA. But, in spite of this quality, if he does not enter into the bhakti, then he’s not a Vaisnava.

 

SB 4.29.82 P Talks Between Narada and King Pracinabarhi    As soon as the living entity engages in the transcendental loving service of the Lord, he immediately attains freedom from all material conditions (sa gunan samatityaitan brahma-bhuyaya kalpate). IN THE MATERIAL STATE THE LIVING ENTITY IS ON THE JIVA-BHUTA PLATFORM, BUT WHEN HE RENDERS DEVOTIONAL SERVICE TO THE LORD, HE IS ELEVATED TO THE BRAHMA-BHUTA PLATFORM. ON THE BRAHMA-BHUTA PLATFORM THE LIVING ENTITY IS LIBERATED FROM MATERIAL BONDAGE, AND HE ENGAGES IN THE SERVICE OF THE LORD.

 

N98:TQE 6  Discussions on Western Philosophy and Science     books Srila Prabhupada: The spirit soul is now within this material body, but originally the spirit soul had no material body. The spiritual body of the spirit soul is eternally existing. The material body is simply a coating of the spiritual body. The material body is cut, like a suit, according to the spiritual body. The material elements–earth, water, air, fire, etc.–become like clay when mixed together, and they coat the spiritual body. It is because the spiritual body has a shape that the material body also takes a shape. In actuality, the material body has nothing to do with the spiritual body; it is but a kind of contamination causing the suffering of the spirit soul. As soon as the spirit soul is coated with this material contamination, he identifies himself with the coating and forgets his real spiritual body. That is called maya, ignorance or illusion. This ignorance continues as long as we are not fully Krsna conscious. When we become fully Krsna conscious, we understand that the material body is but the external coating and that we are different. When we attain this uncontaminated understanding, we arrive at what is called the brahma-bhuta platform. When the spirit soul, which is Brahman, is under the illusion of the material bodily conditioning, we are on the jiva-bhuta platform. BRAHMA-BHUTA IS ATTAINED WHEN WE NO LONGER IDENTIFY WITH THE MATERIAL BODY BUT WITH THE SPIRIT SOUL WITHIN. WHEN WE COME TO THIS PLATFORM, WE BECOME JOYFUL.

brahma-bhutah prasannatma na socati na kanksati          samah sarvesu bhutesu mad-bhaktim labhate param

“One who is thus transcendentally situated at once realizes the Supreme Brahman and becomes fully joyful. He never laments or desires to have anything. He is equally disposed toward every living entity. IN THAT STATE HE ATTAINS PURE DEVOTIONAL SERVICE UNTO ME” [BHAGAVAD-GITA 18.54]. In this position one sees all living entities as spirit souls; he does not see the outward covering. When he sees a dog, he sees a spirit soul covered by the body of a dog. This state is also described in the Bhagavad-gita.

vidya-vinaya-sampanne brahmane gavi hastini           suni caiva sva-pake ca panditah sama-darsinah

“The humble sages, by virtue of true knowledge, see with equal vision a learned and gentle brahmana, a cow, an elephant, a dog and a dog-eater [outcaste]” [Bhagavad-gita 5.18]. When one is in the body of an animal, he cannot understand his spiritual identity. This identity can best be realized in a human civilization in which the varnasrama system is practiced. This system divides life into four asramas (brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya, and sudra) and four varnas (brahmacari, grhastha, vanaprastha, and sannyasa). THE HIGHEST POSITION IS THAT OF A BRAHMANA-SANNYASI, A PLATFORM FROM WHICH ONE MAY BEST REALIZE HIS ORIGINAL CONSTITUTIONAL POSITION, ACT ACCORDINGLY, AND THUS ATTAIN DELIVERANCE, OR MUKTI. Mukti means understanding our constitutional position and acting accordingly.

 

770109dc.bom

“Prabhupada: No, no. Why not take this… Suppose he is attracted by some woman. Let him dress like a gentleman and keep with the woman as husband and wife and preach. What is the wrong there? Whatever is done, you close up that chapter. Now you become a householder. There is no harm. And live as a gentleman householder and preach. But don’t play duplicity in the dress of sannyasi to keep private relations. That is not good. That is duplicity. Better openly become a respectable householder and serve Krishna. Our service is main thing, either in this dress or that dress. So if you cannot keep yourself sincerely as a sannyasi, then get yourself married. But you cannot keep the girl as friend. That is also not good.

“Jagadisa: But for Brahmananda, he may remain sannyasi? Brahmananda?

“Prabhupada: That is his choice. But we say that ‘Don’t be hypocrite.’ THAT’S ALL. IF HE THINKS NOW HE’LL BE ABLE TO CONTINUE AS A SANNYASI, HE’LL NOT FALL DOWN, HE’LL BE CAREFUL, LET HIM CONTINUE. THAT WILL DEPEND ON HIS SINCERITY. But I say that if you cannot remain as a sannyasi, get yourself married, live like a gentleman and serve Krishna. Why should you give up

Krishna’s service? That is my point. As you want to live, any way, comfortably, do it. We never condemned grihasthas. IF SANNYASA IS NOT SUITABLE FOR YOU, YOU REMAIN AS A GRIHASTHA. WHAT IS THE WRONG THERE?”

 

Letter, Paris 8 Jun 1974 – 74-06-08

My dear Rupanuga,

“Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of June 3, 1974 and I have carefully examined the contents. “YES, I COULD OBSERVE THAT YOUR MIND WAS DISTURBED ON ACCOUNT OF MEETING YOUR WIFE PRIVATELY. THERE IS NO NEED OF HIDE AND SEEK. Better live as husband and wife as householders and in great enthusiasm execute the Krishna Consciousness movement. THERE ARE MANY GBC WHO ARE GRHASTHA. YOU CAN REMAIN FOR MANAGEMENT OF THE TEMPLES AND ALSO WORK IN THE SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES FOR INTRODUCING OUR BOOKS IN THE LIBRARIES. The recent reports of this work have been very favorable. Take up this line more seriously helped by your good wife and that will be nice.”

 

Letter to Damodar – Paris, 8 June 1974 – 74-06-08

 

You have asked about Rupanuga. SO I HAVE ASKED HIM TO NOT REMAIN SECLUDED BUT TO WORK VIGOROUSLY AS GRIHASTHA NOW THAT HE HAS RETURNED WITH HIS WIFE. There is nothing wrong in his preaching as you are and so many GBCs, as grihastha. SO ALTHOUGH IT IS OFFICIALLY A FALLDOWN FROM SANNYASA, THERE IS NO LOSS IF HE WILL BECOME MORE ENTHUSIASTIC BY THIS WAY. So please continue to cooperate with him and implement all our regular programs.”

 

661219BG.NY                 Lectures

Sannyasa does NOT MEAN THAT SIMPLY TAKING THIS ORANGE COLORED CLOTH. SANNYASA MEANS TO BECOME FREE FROM THE ACTIONS AND REACTIONS.

 

681023SB.MON                 Lectures

Prabhupada: Well, brahmacari means he has gone out of home. Brahmacari does not remain at home. He goes to the spiritual master’s home. So there is no question of giving wife’s charge to a brahmacari. He is not at home. Do you follow? Yes. The elderly children mean those who are married also, those who are in grhastha life, for him, not for the brahmacari or sannyasi. Just try to understand. A BRAHMACARI AND SANNYASI DOES NOT REMAIN AT HOME. THE BRAHMACARI GOES TO THE SPIRITUAL MASTER’S HOME AND THE SANNYASI, HE IS A TRAVELER FROM ONE COUNTRY TO ANOTHER, PREACHING. SO THEY ARE NOT AT HOME. So if they are not at home, who is taking charge? To give charge means the elderly son who is a married man, who is living at home, the charge is given of the mother to him.

 

 

750404CC.MAY                 Lectures

So if you want to learn that science, how to become immortal, then you have to undergo austerities. That austerities begins with brahmacarya. Tapasa brahmacaryena. Brahmacarya means controlling sex life. That is required. If you can control sex impulse… Because that is the medium of bondage. Here in this material world everyone is working hard to enjoy sex life. That is the main aim. Main aim is… And that you will find, in your country especially, very, very prominent. In Paris very, very old men, they are going to the club at night simply for the same purpose. So this has to be controlled. Controlled means mind and the senses. And the prominent sense is sex. That is called control. So if you want to become immortal, then you must practice this. Of course, in Western countries, it is very difficult. They say, “It is impossible.” Big, big men, they say, “It is impossible.” Yes, it is impossible. Therefore sastra has given concession that you require sex life, but enjoy it in married life, but no illicit sex. At least, stop this. If you want to be immortal, these things are to be followed: no illicit sex, no intoxication, no meat-eating, no gambling. Then you can think of immortality, gradually. That is called tapasya. Tapasa brahmacaryena. Every sastra, you’ll find. At least at the end of life one should be completely free from these bad habits. That is called sannyasa. Don’t cheat, accept sannyasa and indulge in these things. Don’t be cheater. That is very bad. Sannyasa means to take vow. In other station of life, there may be we fall down. BUT SANNYASA MEANS NO, NO FALLDOWN. Therefore we have now taken very seriously. UNLESS ONE IS FOUND COMPLETELY COMPETENT TO ACCEPT SANNYASA, THERE IS NO MORE USE OF AWARDING SANNYASA.

 

700220IN.LA                 Lectures

Prabhupada: That’s your. Hare Krsna Hare Krsna… Hare Krsna Hare Krsna. Now chant Hare Krsna. Dance. (break–prema-dhvani) So, this is now formal accepting of sannyasa, but real sannyasa purpose will be fulfilled when you’ll be able to induce the people of the world dancing like you. That is real sannyasa. THIS FORMAL DRESS IS NOT SANNYASA. Real sannyasa is when you can induce other people to become Krsna conscious and they dance in Krsna consciousness.

Devotees: Jaya!

Prabhupada: IF YOU CAN TURN ONE MAN TO BECOME KRSNA CONSCIOUS, THEN YOUR GOING BACK TO GODHEAD, BACK TO HOME, GUARANTEED. THAT IS REAL PURPOSE OF SANNYASA.

 

66-06-23.   Letter: Mangalaniloy Brahmacari

So far your dress is concerned, I think you will require several suits for visiting gentlemen here. AS A SANNYASI I CANNOT TAKE SUITS AND BOOTS BUT YOU ARE BRAHMACARI SO YOU CAN ACCEPT SUCH GENTLEMANLY DRESS.

 

67-10-29. Letter: Krsna Devi

Please accept my blessings. I was very glad to receive your letter dated Oct. 20. I can understand your anxiety about your husband & rest assured that I shall never advise your husband to leave you. Both of you are very good souls & constantly engaged in the service of the Lord. ONE WHO HAS GOT A HELPFUL WIFE AT HOME DOES NOT REQUIRE TO ACCEPT SANNYAS. If required, both you and your husband can preach Krishna Consciousness combinedly. We are concerned more for Krishna Consciousness & if that work is executed more nicely by cooperation of husband & wife, there is no necessity of thinking wife as impediment to Krishna Consciousness. While I am living you should act according to my instructions & there is no question of impediment. Hope you are well.

 

69-07-05.Sac             Letter: Sacisuta

Please accept my blessings. I thank you very much for your letter dated June 23, 1969, and I have carefully gone over the contents. I am so pleased to learn that you are feeling very nicely in Buffalo temple and you are working hard and sincerely to push on this sublime movement of Krishna Consciousness. REGARDING YOUR QUESTION ABOUT MARRIAGE, THE THING IS THAT AS I AM A SANNYASI, I AM NOT CONCERNED WITH FAMILY LIFE, BUT BECAUSE I WANT TO SEE MY DISCIPLES VERY HAPPY IN KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS, THEREFORE, THOSE WHO ARE FEELING SOME SEXUAL DISTURBANCE ARE REQUESTED BY ME TO GET THEMSELVES MARRIED. Another principle is that those who are brahmacaris, they should sacrifice all of their income and collection for the Krishna Consciousness Movement, whereas those who are married should work, earning money as much as possible, and at least 50% should be spent for the Krishna Consciousness Movement. So we have no objection for allowing you to get married, but it is up to you to consider if you will work hard and earn money both for Krishna and for your family. You cannot get married, and at the same time do not earn money. Of course, by preaching Sankirtana Movement, if you are satisfied with a small income, that is also nice. I think that your God-brother, Rupanuga is an ideal householder, and you should try to follow him.

 

71-07-27.   Letter: Satsvarupa

Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter dated 25th July, 1971 and have noted the contents carefully. The arrangement you have made in Boston for me was very nice. There is no need of nice apartment. A SANNYASI SHOULDN’T LIVE IN A VERY NICE PLACE BUT BECAUSE YOUR COUNTRY IS SO MUCH OPULENT, EVEN A POOR MAN IS OFFERED A NICE PLACE.

 

73-10-18.   Letter: Jagadisa:

It is nice that Subaladas Maharaja is travelling. AS SANNYASI, HE SHOULD TRAVEL. THE MORE A SANNYASI TRAVELS AND PREACHES, THE MORE HE BECOMES EXPERIENCED AND UNATTACHED.

 

74-01-09.   Letter: Revatinandana

I know you are a very good cook and I can understand that you have found the books useful for distribution. I have no objection to your printing it with the name “Revatinandana Swami’s Cookbook”, but the royalty should go to the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. Just as I am publishing Bhagavad-gita As It Is with Macmillan Co. but the royalty is going to the BBT. I think this method is appropriate. IF YOU YOURSELF TAKE THE ROYALTY IT WILL BE PERSONAL INTEREST IN MONEY AND TRADE, AND THIS WILL DEVIATE YOUR PRINCIPLE OF SANNYASA. SANNYASI MEANS HE IS IN RENOUNCED ORDER AND LIVES BY BEGGING ALMS FOR THE BARE NECESSITIES OF LIFE. It is not good to make trade to get money for personal expenditure. If the royalty is given to the BBT, we will keep a separate account from this royalty and necessary expenditures for your preaching may be supplied from the BBT.

 

74-06-05.       Letter: Ramesvara

You have written to recommend Tripurari for sannyasi. Tripurari is however already a brahmacari so in essence there is no difference between brahmacari. I have asked Tripurari to dedicate his life to distributing my books and he has turned out the most expert of all our sellers. It is certainly miraculous how he is distributing so many big books even to people who are not interested in Vedic literature. IF HE TAKES SANNYASA HE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CONSTANTLY ASSUME SO MANY DISGUISE IN PUBLIC AND EMPLOY SO MANY TRICKS FOR SELLING BOOKS TO PERSONS, AS IT IS NOT IN ACCORD WITH SOME OF THE ETIQUETTE FOR SANNYASA.

 

74-11-24.   Letter: Sukadeva:

Regarding free will and pre-destination, yes, materially everything is decided. Spiritually you can make advancement despite all material destiny. Materially you cannot change things as they are but spiritually it is possible. No, devotees are not allowed more than one wife. Devotees should have no wife if possible, but those who cannot maintain celibacy, they can marry one wife. At the present moment people are so unfortunate they cannot maintain even one wife. First of all at the present moment they are not married and remain mostly unmarried. So for such persons even one wife is a great burden. Under the circumstances how one can think of more than one wife? This is stupidity.

Regarding your fifth question, that I shall think over. REGARDING THE SANNYASI, THEREFORE I HAVE STOPPED SANNYASA. NO VAISNAVA SAYS THAT HE IS ADVANCED. PLEASE SEND ME THE NAME OF THE SANNYASI, AND I SHALL DO THE NEEDFUL. Regarding the cooking, a non-brahmana may assist but he cannot cook.

 

75-08-21.   Letter: Gurudasa:

Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter dated August 6, 1975 and have noted the contents. The purpose of sannyasa is that now one has no hindrances for preaching work. The purpose is to increase preaching. SO IF ONE TAKES SANNYASA AND DOES NOT INCREASE PREACHING, THEN THERE IS NO VALUE.

 

75-09-01. Letter: Jayananda:

Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter dated August 11, 1975 and have noted the contents. What you have done is good. Why should you remarry? Rather you should take sannyasa. Now you are getting very good training. Why has Jayatirtha suggested you to remarry?

In Delhi there is a certain kind of laddu which has such a taste, that anyone who has tasted it once, he laments, oh how I would like to taste again. And anyone who has never tasted, he also laments, oh I have never tasted. So one who has tasted, and one who has not tasted, both are lamenting. Wife is like that. You have already tasted, now you are lamenting. But my advice to you is not to try to taste again, otherwise your lamentation will increase. You have got no children, so you are free, so take sannyasa.

Sex life is nasty, but out of illusion we think it is nice. Now you are experienced, so don’t take sex life again. You should not take sannyasa out of sentiment nor artificially, but it is better to accept it anyway.

 

75-11-21.   Letter: Nalinikanta

Please accept my blessings. I am in due reciept of your letter of November 9, 1975 and also your telegram to Brahmananda Swami reading as follows: “ASK SRILA PRABHUPADA IF WE SHOULD BUY SMALL CHURCH IN PHOENIX TWO BLOCKS FROM UNIVERSITY WITH $15,000 to $20,000 LOAN FROM BBT. WIRE BACK IMMEDIATELY AS MAY BE SOLD SOON. NALINIKANTA.” So this matter I cannot say because I do not know what money is available. You have to consult this with Ramesvara. REGARDING TAKING SANNYASA, THIS MENTALITY THAT EITHER I WILL HAVE SEX LIFE OR I WILL TAKE SANNYASA, THIS IS NOT PROPER. SANNYASA MEANS THAT ONE IS FINISHED WITH MATERIAL LIFE. So you have gotten married and you are in family life. So you should remain there. So you thought that by getting married you would expand your service. So you should do that. Actually all my disciples are sannyasis because they have surrendered everything in the service of Krsna.

 

 

741021SB.MAY                 Lectures

Ata saba hari ara varnasrama-dharma, niskincana haya laya krsnaika sarana.(?) This is the… Varnasrama-dharma, that is material. Varnasrama is planned for material life in a systematic way so that, in due course of time, one may give up the family relationship and take sannyasa and completely devote for Krsna’s service. This is the plan of varnasrama-dharma. Varnasrama-dharma is not meant for planning something, and you remain in the family. No. The Varnasrama… Varna means brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya, sudra. Catur-varnyam maya srstam guna-karma-vibhagasah. Guna, not everyone is qualified in the same way. Therefore you… The acarya will pick up that “They are meant for becoming brahmanas. They are meant for ksatriyas.” Or for coming from ksatriya family, or the brahmana family… So first of all, these varnas, then asrama. The brahmana, one who is qualified as a brahmana, he has to observe the four asramas, a brahmana: the brahmacari-asrama, the grhastha-asrama, the vanaprastha-asrama and sannyasa-asrama. THE KSATRIYA, THEY’LL HAVE TO OBSERVE THREE ASRAMAS: BRAHMACARI, GRHASTHA AND VANAPRASTHA. AND THE VAISYAS, TWO ASRAMAS: BRAHMACARI AND GRHASTHA. AND SUDRA, ONLY ONE ASRAMA, ONLY GRHASTHA. A SUDRA IS NEVER OFFERED SANNYASA. A… ONLY THE BRAHMANA IS OFFERED.

 

741021SB.MAY                 Lectures

   So in Sankara-sampradaya, strictly, unless one is born in brahmana family, he’s not offered sannyasa. He’s not given sannyasa. So far we are concerned, we also offer sannyasa to the brahmana, not to the sudras. But according to quality we create brahmana, not that we are offering sannyasa to the sudras, No. THE PRINCIPLE IS: SANNYASA CAN BE OFFERED ONLY TO THE BRAHMANAS.

 

770107rc.bom                                         Conversations

Prabhupada: It is very precarious condition. So we want to give them, all of them, “Come and live.” But when you come here, if you get husband we have no objection. But don’t canvass. That is not good. And that is making our sannyasis fall down. Of course, it is difficult, that young men, young women living, intermingling. But it is… Krsna consciousness movement is to reform everything. Even there there is such desire it should be checked. And that can be checked if one is strictly Krsna conscious. Otherwise not possible. So these things should be… Because the Kali-yuga, the more it advances, people will be suffering in so many ways. And the only solace is Krsna consciousness, only solution. If one becomes Krsna conscious, then he (she) doesn’t require husband. He (she) does not require. He… She knows that “Krsna is my protector. Why shall I artificially seek after father or…?” And what protection, for a few days either the father or the son or the husband may give? Real protection is Krsna. This is temporary, but because we have got this material body we require some. In this way… And this kind of hypocrisy–they have taken sannyasa and mixing with woman. This is not to be allowed. If you want woman you get yourself married, live respectfully. We have no objection. BUT THIS HYPOCRISY SHOULD BE STOPPED. THERE HAVE BEEN SO MANY FALLEN DOWN. FIRST OF ALL THERE WILL BE NO SANNYASI ANYMORE. I HAVE GOT VERY BAD EXPERIENCE. AND AT LEAST, WE ARE NOT GOING TO CREATE NEW SANNYASIS. AND THOSE WHO HAVE FALLEN DOWN, LET THEM MARRY, LIVE LIKE RESPECTABLE GENTLEMEN. I HAVE NO OBJECTION. After all, young man, fallen down–that’s all right. It is by nature’s way. But marry that girl. That I am insisting from the very beginning, that no friendly liaison. If you want, get one nice… They are, all of them qualified. Get one wife and live like a gentleman. Similarly woman. Live with one husband fastidiously, with children. What is the wrong there? We have so many grhastha devotees. You have got children. Pradyumna has got child. Gopala has… Live with husband, wife. There is no restriction for husband and wife. But what is this nonsense that you take sannyasa and make relation with…? This should be completely stopped. And in our, this campus, actually those who are eager to advance in Krsna consciousness, they should live, nobody else. We give free food, free apartment, cloth and everything. “Come here. Live. As far as possible we shall provide.” But this is specially meant for bhagavad-bhajana. Attend arati, early rise in the morning, attend the functions, take prasadam… In this way everything will be reorganized, not loose things. Then what is the use of…? We have got such a… And so far the tenants are concerned, if it is possible, give them money; let them go. One, two, some have gone, and others… This whole campus should be for devotees. We don’t want tenant. And it should be developed for that purpose, for developing Krsna consciousness. Either here or outside India or anywhere, this principle should be followed. And this hodgepodge association, society, is not the… Let it be very pure. Ekas candras tamo hanti na ca tara. That one moon is sufficient. There is no need of millions of stars. Hm? What do you think? One moon gives light. So, in this way, if we can make one person really Krsna conscious, then our mission is successful. What is the use of millions of stars twinkling?

 

770109dc.bom                                        Conversations

Prabhupada: No, no. Why not take this… Suppose he is attracted by some woman. Let him dress like a gentleman and keep with the woman as husband and wife and preach. What is the wrong there? Whatever is done, you close up that chapter. Now you become a householder. There is no harm. And live as a gentleman householder and preach. BUT DON’T PLAY DUPLICITY IN THE DRESS OF SANNYASI TO KEEP PRIVATE RELATIONS. THAT IS NOT GOOD. THAT IS DUPLICITY. BETTER OPENLY BECOME A RESPECTABLE HOUSEHOLDER AND SERVE KRSNA. OUR SERVICE IS MAIN THING, EITHER IN THIS DRESS OR THAT DRESS. SO IF YOU CANNOT KEEP YOURSELF SINCERELY AS A SANNYASI, THEN GET YOURSELF MARRIED. BUT YOU CANNOT KEEP THE GIRL AS FRIEND. THAT IS ALSO NOT GOOD.

 

 

SB 5.9.11 P   The Supreme Character of Jada Bharata

The platform of paramahamsa is described in Bhagavad-gita (2.15): sama-duhkha-sukham dhiram so ‘mrtatvaya kalpate. When one is callous to all duality, the happiness and distress of this material world, one is fit for amrtatva, eternal life.

 

770513ed.hri

Prabhupada: According to Vedic civilization, the bodily identification is divided into eight: brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya, sudra, brahmacari, grhastha, vanaprastha, and sannyasa. Varnasrama-dharma. So human civilization begins, according to Vedic understanding, when there is varnasrama system. Otherwise it is not human civilization. Therefore in the Bhagavad-gita it is stated, catur-varnyam maya srstam. This system should be followed. Then, gradually, one has to come to the spiritual. Chaotic society cannot help us. There must be systematic social order: brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya, sudra, catur-varnyam, and brahmacari, grhastha, vanaprastha, and sannyasa. SANNYASA IS NOT VOLUNTARY, BUT IT IS COMPULSORY. AT THE LAST STAGE ONE MUST TAKE SANNYASA. AFTER FIFTIETH YEAR ONE MUST TAKE TO VANAPRASTHA, VANAM VRAJET. THIS IS SYSTEM. SO… SYSTEM OF PURIFICATION, HOW TO BECOME DESIGNATIONLESS. AND IF WE KEEP THE DESIGNATION, THEN, SASTRA SAYS, SA EVA GO-KHARAH: “ONE WHO KEEPS THE BODILY DESIGNATION, HE’S NO BETTER THAN THE COWS AND THE ASSES, ANIMAL.”

 

P The Battle Between the Demigods and Vrtrasura

“We offer our respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of the Lord. upon whom one should always meditate. He left His householder life, leaving aside His eternal consort, whom even the denizens of heaven adore. He went into the forest to deliver the fallen souls, who are put into illusion by material energy.” TO ACCEPT SANNYASA MEANS TO COMMIT CIVIL SUICIDE. BUT SANNYASA IS COMPULSORY, AT LEAST FOR EVERY BRAHMANA, EVERY FIRST-CLASS HUMAN BEING. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu had a very young and beautiful wife and a very affectionate mother. Indeed, the affectionate dealings of His family members were so pleasing that even the demigods could not expect such happiness at home. Nevertheless, for the deliverance of all the fallen souls of the world, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu took sannyasa and left home when He was only twenty-four years old. HE LIVED A VERY STRICT LIFE AS A SANNYASI, REFUSING ALL BODILY COMFORTS. Similarly, His disciples the six Gosvamis were ministers who held exalted positions in society, but they also left everything to join the movement of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

 

SB 7.11.35 P

Herein it is clearly stated by Narada Muni that one should not be accepted as a brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya or sudra according to birth, for although this is going on now, it is not accepted by the sastras. As stated in Bhagavad-gita (4.13), catur-varnyam maya srstam guna-karma-vibhagasah. Thus the four divisions of society–brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya and sudra–are to be ascertained according to qualities and activities. If one was born in a brahmana family and has acquired the brahminical qualifications, he is to be accepted as a brahmana; otherwise, he should be considered a brahma-bandhu. Similarly, if a sudra acquires the qualities of a brahmana, although he was born in a sudra family, he is not a sudra; because he has developed the qualities of a brahmana, he should be accepted as a brahmana. The Krsna consciousness movement is meant to develop these brahminical qualities. Regardless of the community in which one was born, if one develops the qualities of a brahmana he should be accepted as a brahmana, and he then may be offered the order of sannyasa. UNLESS ONE IS QUALIFIED IN TERMS OF THE BRAHMINICAL SYMPTOMS, ONE CANNOT TAKE SANNYASA.

 

N98:TQE 6 Discussions on Western Philosophy and Science     books

 

brahma-bhutah prasannatma na socati na kanksati

samah sarvesu bhutesu mad-bhaktim labhate param

 

“One who is thus transcendentally situated at once realizes the Supreme Brahman and becomes fully joyful. He never laments or desires to have anything. He is equally disposed toward every living entity. In that state he attains pure devotional service unto Me” [Bhagavad-gita 18.54]. In this position one sees all living entities as spirit souls; he does not see the outward covering. When he sees a dog, he sees a spirit soul covered by the body of a dog. This state is also described in the Bhagavad-gita.

 

vidya-vinaya-sampanne brahmane gavi hastini

suni caiva sva-pake ca panditah sama-darsinah

 

“The humble sages, by virtue of true knowledge, see with equal vision a learned and gentle brahmana, a cow, an elephant, a dog and a dog-eater [outcaste]” [Bhagavad-gita 5.18]. When one is in the body of an animal, he cannot understand his spiritual identity. This identity can best be realized in a human civilization in which the varnasrama system is practiced. This system divides life into four asramas (brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya, and sudra) and four varnas (brahmacari, grhastha, vanaprastha, and sannyasa). THE HIGHEST POSITION IS THAT OF A BRAHMANA-SANNYASI, A PLATFORM FROM WHICH ONE MAY BEST REALIZE HIS ORIGINAL CONSTITUTIONAL POSITION, ACT ACCORDINGLY, AND THUS ATTAIN DELIVERANCE, OR MUKTI. MUKTI MEANS UNDERSTANDING OUR CONSTITUTIONAL POSITION AND ACTING ACCORDINGLY.

 

 

710409SB.BOM                 Lectures

Others, those who are paramahamsa… How… KRSNA DOES NOT BECOME VISIBLE, BECAUSE HE IS VISIBLE ONLY TO THE PARAMAHAMSA. PARAMAHAMSA MEANS THE SUPREME POSITION OF A HUMAN BEING. That is called paramahamsa. There are… You know, according to Vedic system, there are brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya, sudra, and brahmacari, grhastha, vanaprastha, sannyasa. The eight stages. The sannyasi is to be supposed the first-class stage. SO AMONGST THE SANNYASA STAGE ALSO, THERE ARE FOUR STAGES: KUTICAKA, BAHUDAKA, PARIVRAJAKACARYA, AND PARAMAHAMSA. NOT THAT ALL SANNYASIS ON THE EQUAL STATUS. The first status is kuticaka. Sannyasa means one has to give up the relationship with family. So in the beginning of stage, because he is newly entered in the sannyasa life, it is not possible for him to give up immediately his village or… Of course, when there was systematic sannyasa system, then that anyone had to take sannyasa at a certain stage. Nowadays there is… SANNYASA, ACCEPTING SANNYASA LIFE, IS ALSO FORBIDDEN BECAUSE NOBODY CAN ACTUALLY FOLLOW STRICTLY THE RULES AND REGULATIONS. AND NEITHER ANYBODY HAS GOT ANY INCLINATION TO ACCEPT SANNYASA. THEREFORE IN THIS AGE SANNYASA IS SOMETIMES FORBIDDEN. KALAU PANCA VIVARJAYET. BUT IF YOU ASK THAT “WHY YOU HAVE TAKEN SANNYASA?” OR “YOU HAVE GOT SOME SANNYASIS,” THIS SANNYASA IS NOT KARMA-SANNYASA. THIS SANNYASA IS DEVOTION, VAISNAVA SANNYASA. VAISNAVA SANNYASI MEANS ANYONE WHO GIVES UP EVERYTHING AND DEVOTES SIMPLY HIS TIME FOR PUSHING ON KRSNA CONSCIOUSNESS MOVEMENT, HE IS ALSO SANNYASA.

 

ALL GLORIES TO OUR BONAFIDE JAGAD GURU SRILA PRABHUPADA!

 

HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE

HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE

(by Mahesh Raja)

END OF ARTICLE

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This article has 5 parts:
SANNYASA ASRAMA PART 1/5
SANNYASA ASRAMA PART 2/5
SANNYASA ASRAMA PART 3/5
SANNYASA ASRAMA PART 4/5
SANNYASA ASRAMA PART 5/5
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